What other scriptures discuss division and unity in the church? Division That Exposes Hearts — 1 Corinthians 11:19 “And indeed, there must be differences among you to show which of you are approved.” • Differences (literally “factions”) uncover motives, doctrine, and character. • Scripture never celebrates strife, yet God uses it to sift the genuine from the counterfeit. Jesus’ Prayer for One Church • “I am not asking on behalf of them alone, but also on behalf of those who will believe in Me through their message, that all of them may be one…” • Unity is grounded in the oneness of Father and Son; it is missional—“so that the world may believe.” • “If a house is divided against itself, that house cannot stand.” • Division undermines gospel witness and spiritual stability. Snapshots of Unity in Acts Acts 2:46-47; 4:32 • “All the believers were together and had everything in common.” • “The multitude of believers was one in heart and soul…” • Early church life models shared resources, shared mission, shared affection. Paul’s Repeated Pleas for Harmony • “That there may be no divisions among you and that you may be united in mind and conviction.” • “Make every effort to preserve the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace…” • “Being like-minded, having the same love… in humility consider others more important than yourselves.” • “Bear with one another… Forgive as the Lord forgave you… love… is the bond of perfect unity.” • “Be of one mind, live in peace. And the God of love and peace will be with you.” The Gospel Foundation for Unity • Christ “has torn down the dividing wall of hostility… to create in Himself one new man.” • “The body is a unit… so that there should be no division in the body.” Warnings Against Divisive Spirits • “Watch out for those who create divisions… Turn away from them.” • “Reject a divisive man after a first and second admonition…” • Freedom misused becomes cannibalistic—“if you keep on biting and devouring one another, watch out.” Practices That Preserve Unity Today • Guard sound doctrine (1 Timothy 6:3-5). • Pursue humble, Spirit-empowered love (Galatians 5:22-23). • Confront sin privately, then corporately if needed (Matthew 18:15-17). • Celebrate diverse gifts while honoring one body (1 Corinthians 12:4-11). • Keep short accounts—confess, forgive, reconcile quickly (Ephesians 4:26-27). |
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