What steps can we take to prevent division as warned in Luke 11:17? Setting the Scene from Luke 11:17 “Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation, and a house divided against a house falls.” (Luke 11:17) Why Division Matters • Division shatters witness (John 17:21) • Division quenches the Spirit’s work (Ephesians 4:30) • Division hands ground to the enemy (James 3:14-16) Step 1: Anchor Everything in Christ’s Lordship • Keep the gospel central (1 Corinthians 15:3-4) • Submit personal preferences to His authority (Colossians 1:18) • Remember we are “one body in Christ” (Romans 12:5) Step 2: Guard the Unity of the Spirit Ephesians 4:3—“Make every effort to preserve the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.” Practical moves: • Speak truth lovingly, never harshly (Ephesians 4:15) • Refuse gossip and slander; walk away when it starts (Proverbs 17:9) • Quickly clarify misunderstandings; don’t let them fester (Matthew 5:23-24) Step 3: Cultivate Christlike Character Colossians 3:12-14 lays the groundwork: • Compassion—listen well, hurt with the hurting • Kindness—choose gracious words (Proverbs 16:24) • Humility—count others more significant (Philippians 2:3) • Patience—allow people room to grow • Above all, “put on love,” the adhesive that keeps the house from falling Step 4: Embrace Biblical Conflict Resolution • Go privately first (Matthew 18:15) • If unresolved, widen the circle wisely (Matthew 18:16-17) • Pursue reconciliation, not victory (Romans 12:18) • Forgive as the Lord forgave you (Ephesians 4:32) Step 5: Prioritize Corporate Prayer and Worship Acts 2:42—unity blossomed around shared devotion. • Pray together for wisdom and mutual love • Sing truth that exalts Christ, not personalities • Celebrate answered prayer; gratitude bonds hearts Step 6: Uphold Sound Doctrine • “Watch your life and doctrine closely” (1 Timothy 4:16) • Test every teaching by Scripture (Acts 17:11) • Correct error gently, yet firmly (2 Timothy 2:24-26) Step 7: Serve One Another in Love Galatians 5:13—“serve one another in love.” • Identify needs and meet them (Acts 4:34-35) • Share resources and time generously • Rejoice when others are honored (Romans 12:10) Step 8: Keep an Eternal Perspective • Remember the judgment seat of Christ (2 Corinthians 5:10) • Anticipate the marriage supper of the Lamb where every tribe gathers (Revelation 7:9-10) • Let future glory outweigh present irritations (Romans 8:18) Step 9: Reject Works of the Flesh Galatians 5:19-21 lists division-producing sins; crucify them daily (Galatians 5:24). • Envy, jealousy, factions—confess and forsake • Instead, walk in the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23) Step 10: Celebrate Unity Regularly • Share testimonies of God’s work across ages and backgrounds • Hold joint gatherings or service projects • Mark milestones together—baptisms, mission reports, answered prayers Closing Charge “Therefore encourage one another and build each other up.” (1 Thessalonians 5:11) Staying vigilant against division is not optional; it is obedience to Christ’s clear warning. By these steps—a Christ-centered focus, Spirit-empowered love, and Scripture-shaped practice—we maintain a house that stands, bearing witness to the unifying power of the gospel. |
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