What steps can we take to address divisions within our congregation?

Seeing Division Through God’s Lens

“For there must also be factions among you, so that those who are approved may be made evident among you.” (1 Corinthians 11:19)

• The verse does not endorse division, yet it shows God’s sovereignty in using conflict to expose mature, Spirit-led believers.

• A divided moment becomes a proving ground: Who will respond in a Christlike way and who will not?

---

Recognizing the Call to Spiritual Maturity

• Paul reminds the Corinthians elsewhere, “I appeal to you… that there be no divisions among you” (1 Corinthians 1:10).

• Immaturity fuels quarrels (1 Corinthians 3:1-3); maturity produces peace (James 3:17-18).

• Each believer is responsible to move from self-centeredness to Christ-centeredness (Hebrews 5:14).

---

Five Practical Steps Toward Unity

1. Examine our own hearts first

– “Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith” (2 Corinthians 13:5).

– Invite the Spirit to reveal pride, bitterness, or party spirit (Psalm 139:23-24).

2. Re-anchor the church in sound doctrine

– “They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching” (Acts 2:42).

– Unity grows around truth, not mere sentiment (Ephesians 4:13-14; 2 Timothy 1:13).

3. Practice humble reconciliation

– “First be reconciled to your brother” (Matthew 5:23-24).

– Bear with, forgive, and put on love (Colossians 3:12-14).

– Approach disagreements face-to-face, not through gossip (Proverbs 16:28).

4. Elevate love above personal preferences

– “Let us pursue what leads to peace and to mutual edification” (Romans 14:19).

– Love “does not seek its own” (1 Corinthians 13:5).

– Distinguish core doctrines from disputable matters (Romans 14:1).

5. Strengthen shared worship and service

– Unified mission refocuses hearts (Philippians 1:27).

– Serve one another’s needs (Galatians 6:2); pray and sing together (Acts 4:24, 31-32).

---

When Division Persists: Biblical Accountability

• Confront privately, then with witnesses, then before the church (Matthew 18:15-17).

• “Reject a divisive person after a first and second admonition” (Titus 3:10).

• Discipline aims at restoration, not punishment (2 Corinthians 2:6-8).

---

Looking Ahead to a Unified Witness

• Jesus prayed “that they may all be one… so that the world may believe” (John 17:21).

• A reconciled congregation becomes living proof of the gospel’s power, making evident “those who are approved” (1 Corinthians 11:19) and drawing outsiders to Christ.