What Disturbs Unity Among Brethren?
FILING
INFORMATION:
2000012
Subject:
unity/division/attitudes
Preached Originally: 02/20/00 – Rapid City, SD
Introduction:
A. Unfortunately, division a problem that confronted brethren for centuries.
1. division is something that the majority of us familiar with. If never been directly affected by one, probably know someone that has.
2.
Unfortunately,….some
around who seemingly like division/controversy among brethren.
a) seems that like to keep things “stirred up”. Not happy unless problems abound.
b)
Others: when legitimate problem arises….instead
of persevering through/working out – many simply part ways.
c)
Let us never be
content to do this here.
d)
Must work for
peace while not compromising the truth of God’s word.
e)
Devil’s most effective
tool: brethren biting/devouring
one another. Gal. 5:15
3.
Unfortunately,
division/controversy was something that went on during NT days.
4.
Brethren will
quarrel,….and have disagreements. That is greatly seen. Key: making sure that
through all things we work for peace w/o compromising the teaching of the
Scriptures.
I. NT Facts About Divisions/Quarrels
A. These were specific threats to unity.
5.
Acts 6:1 –
how to supply needs to widows.
6.
Acts 15:1-6
– controversy over circumcision
7.
Acts 20:29-30
– foretold by Paul to elders in Ephesus.
8.
Rom. 14:1-23
– binding opinions.
9.
Rom. 16:17-18
– there would be those who would cause division.
10.
1 Tim. 1:3-7; 2
Tim. 2:14-26; Tit. 3:10-11 – some went around creating unrest.
B. Note a congregation on record that had divided itself up against each other: Corinth.
1.
1:10-17; 3:3-4
– in disputable evidence of division here.
2.
Their division:
a)
Was carnal
– 1 Cor. 3:3-4
b)
Seriously
disturbed their work/worship w/in the congregation – 11:18-19.
3.
the # of
differences/disagreements b/t the brethren at Corinth were numerous. Too many to address here.
C.
Must understand
that gospel of Christ intended to bring together many different people
w/different backgrounds into one spiritual body based upon the word of
Jesus Christ!
1.
Eph. 4:4 –
Scriptures suggest a unified Spiritual relationship in our body.
2.
See also Eph.
2:14-16; 3:15; Acts 9:31
3.
Gal. 5:20 –
scriptures specifically condemns division, contention, & conflict as
contrary to the word of God.
D. Note also….words of Jesus on unity – Jhn. 17:20-21.
E.
Yet despite this,
we note that there has always been division. Remainder of today’s lesson: going to discuss what disturbs unity among God’s people?
1.
Take notes/follow
along.
2.
Let us not let
the devil use this as a tool to defeat us.
II. What Disturbs Unity Among Brethren?
A. Preacheritis.
1.
1:10-13 –
most scholars/commentators attribute problem at Corinth to nothing more that
“preacheritis.”
a) “preacheritis” = to claim more allegiance to a man over that of Christ – or more allegiance to one man over the another.”
b)
Many have been
swayed by strong preacher personalities & look to human leaders more than
Christ.
3.
Christians told
not to follow man above that which has been written. Consider the following Scriptures:
a)
1 Cor. 3:21-23
b)
1 Cor. 4:6; 11:1
4.
It said that the
Corinthian brethren were swayed to more powerful/influential speakers/men. Paul wasn’t a powerful speaker. This was part of their culture.
5.
But….this problem
still around today. Causes hard
feelings/division.
a) preacher leaves: supporters go w/him or wish they could.
b)
Leads to
contentions/distrust.
6.
1:13-17 –
Paul seeks to state that he strove not to create the party spirit going on in
Corinth.
B. Carnal mindedness among brethren.
1.
1 Cor. 3:1-3
– carnal brother = one who controlled by fleshly/sensual desires.
a) boiled down to selfishness & one not crucifying the old man of sin.
b)
3 Jhn. 9 –
Diotrephes a good example.
2.
Some love to have
preeminence. Have to have their
say so – even though they have not the right. Typically make someone else to be the problem so they can be
glorified.
3.
Gal. 6:6-7
– live this way – will get proper reward.
C. Bad Attitudes.
1.
Strife. Envy. Selfish Ambition. Desire for prestige/place/office. All are bad attitudes and must be curbed!
a) Resentment a problem at Corinth – and still a problem today!
1) 2 Cor. 10:9-10; 11:6; 12:16
2) Not only resented each other – but Paul as well.
b) jealousy problem as well – 1 Cor. 12:25 – over spiritual gifts.
c) 1 Cor. 5:6 – false pride in brethren. Would not face up to sin among them.
d) False pride also seen in one’s feeling righteous. I’m a better Christian than you are b/c…. ________
2. Bad attitudes will cause brethren today to not get along left unchecked,….possibly divide.
a) some refuse to admit error.
b) Some have idea that they ceased to sin the day they obeyed the gospel of Christ!
c) 1 Jhn. 1:8-10 – not so!
d) Heb. 4:15 – only Jesus was perfect.
3. person must line up w/the truth – but he must be careful to have proper attitude – if not….problems will result!
D. Simple Misunderstandings.
1. This may have been part of the problem at Corinth. When some more clearly understood how to do things,….problems corrected.
a) 2 Cor. 1:14
b) point: need to make things in teaching/preaching as clear as possible.
2. Misunderstandings have caused myriad of problems among brethren.
a) overheard something; something not stated clearly; problems arise.
b) THEN: refuse to go talk to bro/sis & talk to them. How many of our problems could be taken care of quietly/uneventfully if we simply went & talked to brethren?
3. 1 Cor. 11:20-34 – note how carefully Paul explained the LS to these brethren!
4. 1 Cor. 9:1-15 – note how carefully Paul explained that the preacher is worthy of his hire.
5. Teaching/Preaching? Make sure that you take time to fully/carefully explain the truth of the matter.
6. Got a question about what a bro/sis said? Be it in casual conversation/teaching….GO TO THEM. TALK TO THEM!
E. Human Imagination.
1. 2 Cor. 10:5 – must bring every thought into the captivity of Christ.
2. See group off to side in conversation – then we imagine what they talking about – then let our imagination take control.
3. causes hard feelings & paranoia. Results from brethren not knowing each other as well as they should.
4. Acting on the FACTS = the only sane thing to do.
F. False Teachers.
1. 2 Cor. 3:1; 11:10-15 – part of problems at Corinth.
2. Must heed the myriad of warnings that they around:
a) 2 Pet. 2:1-2; 3:16
b) Rev. 22:19 – there will be those who seek to add to/take away from God’s word.
3. Only those following the oracles of God can be followed!
a) Gal. 1:8-9; 1 Pet. 4:11; 1 Cor. 11:1
III. What is the personal responsibility of EVERY Christian in this?
A. 2 Tim. 2:15 – personal bible study!
1. must seek to know God’s will and not overlook ANY of His answers.
B. 1 Thess. 5:17 – Pray fervently for spiritual growth/unity.
C. 1 Pet. 1:22 – love God & brethren w/a fervent agape love.
D. Rom. 14:19 – Become more interested in edifying each other.
E. Mt. 28:18-20; Mk. 16:15-16 – Get busy fulfilling the great commission.
F. Eph. 2:10 – Go about doing good.
1. We have been created for good works!
G. Rom. 6:13 – look to ourselves that we might be more useful as:
1. an instrument of righteousness
2. NOT as a source of division!
Conclusion.
A. Are YOU living up to YOUR spiritual responsibility to make sure that you are not contributing to strife/division b/t brethren?
B. Needs to be our goal to work together for good - & not drift apart.
C. Need to strive to conform to 1 Cor. 1:10
D. Are you part of the group? Are you part of Christ’s body so that you can work together for unity? \
E. Do you need to obey the gospel of Christ?
F. I N V I T A T I O N