In what ways can division be a result of following Christ's teachings? Setting the Context “Do you think that I have come to bring peace on earth? No, I tell you, but division.” (Luke 12:51) Jesus—who is elsewhere called the “Prince of Peace” (Isaiah 9:6)—states plainly that His coming will also bring separation. Understanding why keeps us from surprise or discouragement when divisions surface. Why Following Christ Creates Division • Allegiance Clash – Jesus demands ultimate loyalty: “Whoever loves father or mother more than Me is not worthy of Me.” (Matthew 10:37) – When Christ is first, other relationships adjust; not everyone welcomes that shift. • Truth Exposes Darkness – “Everyone practicing evil hates the Light.” (John 3:20) – The gospel confronts sin lovingly yet firmly, creating friction where darkness resists exposure. • Exclusive Claims of Salvation – Jesus declares Himself “the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.” (John 14:6) – In a pluralistic culture, that exclusivity offends, dividing those who accept from those who reject. • New Values Upset Old Patterns – Believers refuse former sins: “They are surprised that you do not plunge with them into the same flood of debauchery, and they malign you.” (1 Peter 4:4) – Changed priorities unsettle friends, coworkers, and even families. • Spiritual Warfare Intensifies – “Our struggle is not against flesh and blood…” (Ephesians 6:12) – The enemy opposes Christ’s rule, stirring hostility against His people. Real-Life Arenas of Division 1. Family • Luke 12:52-53 pictures a household split three against two. • Testimonies abound of marriages, parent-child bonds, and sibling ties strained when one member follows Jesus. 2. Community & Culture • Paul’s preaching in Ephesus threatened idol-making profits, sparking a riot (Acts 19:23-41). • Today, biblical ethics on sexuality, sanctity of life, and stewardship confront societal norms, leading to ostracism or legal battles. 3. Religious Circles • Jesus divided synagogue audiences: “So there was division among the people because of Him.” (John 7:43) • Commitment to Scripture’s authority can isolate believers even within broader church traditions that drift from truth. 4. Personal Relationships • Friendships may cool when conversation, entertainment choices, or weekend plans shift under Christ’s lordship. • Some experience outright mockery: “All who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted.” (2 Timothy 3:12). God’s Purposes in Allowing Division • Clarifying Hearts – Division reveals who belongs to Christ (1 John 2:19). • Refining Faith – Trials “prove the genuineness” of faith (1 Peter 1:7). • Spreading the Gospel – Persecution scattered early believers, carrying the Word farther (Acts 8:1-4). • Highlighting True Peace – Genuine peace comes through reconciliation with God, not mere absence of conflict (Romans 5:1). Responding to Division With Grace • Love without compromise—speak truth in love (Ephesians 4:15). • Pray for opponents—Jesus did from the cross (Luke 23:34). • Endure patiently—“when reviled, we bless” (1 Corinthians 4:12). • Keep perspective—temporary suffering yields eternal reward (2 Corinthians 4:17). Looking Ahead While following Christ can fracture earthly relationships, He promises far greater fellowship now and forever: “everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters… for My name’s sake will receive a hundredfold and will inherit eternal life.” (Matthew 19:29) Hold fast to that assurance. The Prince of Peace will ultimately “make all things new,” uniting His redeemed in unbreakable harmony (Revelation 21:5). |
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