Dissensions
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Dissensions refer to disagreements or conflicts that cause division among individuals or groups. In the context of the Bible, dissensions are often seen as works of the flesh and are discouraged among believers. The New Testament provides guidance on how to handle and avoid dissensions within the Christian community, emphasizing unity and peace as central to the faith.

Biblical References:

1. Galatians 5:19-21 · In his letter to the Galatians, the Apostle Paul lists dissensions among the "acts of the flesh." He warns that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. The passage reads: "The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God" .

2. Romans 16:17 · Paul advises the Roman church to be vigilant against those who cause divisions. He writes, "Now I urge you, brothers, to watch out for those who create divisions and obstacles that are contrary to the teaching you have learned. Turn away from them" . This instruction underscores the importance of maintaining doctrinal purity and unity within the church.

3. 1 Corinthians 1:10 · Addressing the Corinthian church, Paul appeals for unity, urging believers to avoid divisions. He states, "I appeal to you, brothers, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree together so that there may be no divisions among you and that you may be united in mind and conviction" . This call for unity highlights the importance of harmony in the body of Christ.

4. Titus 3:10-11 · Paul instructs Titus on how to deal with a divisive person, advising that such an individual should be warned twice and then avoided if they do not change. The passage reads, "Reject a divisive man after a first and second admonition, knowing that such a man is corrupt and sinful; he is self-condemned" . This directive emphasizes the need for discipline in maintaining church unity.

Theological Insights:

Dissensions are often rooted in pride, selfish ambition, and a lack of love, which are contrary to the teachings of Christ. The New Testament consistently calls believers to pursue peace and unity, reflecting the oneness of the body of Christ. The presence of dissensions can hinder the church's witness to the world and disrupt the fellowship among believers.

The early church faced numerous challenges related to dissensions, often arising from doctrinal disputes, cultural differences, and personal conflicts. The Apostles, particularly Paul, addressed these issues by emphasizing the transformative power of the Holy Spirit, which enables believers to live in harmony and love.

Practical Application:

Believers are encouraged to cultivate the fruit of the Spirit, which includes love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23). By doing so, they can overcome the tendencies that lead to dissensions. Church leaders are called to foster an environment of open communication, mutual respect, and sound teaching to prevent divisions.

In personal relationships, Christians are urged to practice forgiveness, seek reconciliation, and prioritize the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace (Ephesians 4:3). By adhering to these principles, the church can effectively demonstrate the love and unity that Christ prayed for in John 17:21, "that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you" .
Greek
1370. dichostasia -- standing apart, dissension
... Word Origin from dichostateo (to stand apart) Definition standing apart,
dissension NASB Word Usage dissensions (2). division, sedition. ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/1370.htm - 7k
Library

Further Dissensions among the Arians at Constantinople. The ...
... Book V. Chapter XXIII."Further Dissensions among the Arians at Constantinople. ... But
dissensions arose among the Arians [802] also on this account. ...
/.../chapter xxiii further dissensions among the.htm

On Reconciling Religious Dissensions among Christians
... ORATION V On Reconciling Religious Dissensions Among Christians. ON RECONCILING
RELIGIOUS DISSENSIONS AMONG CHRISTIANS Never since ...
/.../the works of james arminius vol 1/oration v on reconciling religious.htm

You Say that Some of them Cause Dissensions...
... Book VII. 36 You say that some of them cause dissensions? [4942] You say
that some of them cause dissensions, that there are others ...
/.../the seven books of arnobius against the heathen/36 you say that some.htm

That the Catholic Faith May be Confirmed Even by the Dissensions ...
... Book XVIII. Chapter 51."That the Catholic Faith May Be Confirmed Even
by the Dissensions of the Heretics. But the devil, seeing ...
/.../augustine/city of god/chapter 51 that the catholic faith.htm

The Doctrine of the Christians, is Opposed to Dissensions, and ...
... Chapter XXXII."The Doctrine of the Christians, is Opposed to Dissensions,
and Fitted for All. But with us there is no desire of ...
/.../tatian/tatians address to the greeks/chapter xxxii the doctrine of the.htm

Causes of the Deposition of Cyril, Bishop of Jerusalem. Mutual ...
... Book IV. Chapter XXV."Causes of the Deposition of Cyril, Bishop of Jerusalem.
Mutual Dissensions among the Bishops. Melitius is ...
/.../chapter xxv causes of the deposition.htm

Heresy, as Well as Schism and Dissension, Disapproved by St. Paul ...
... Moreover, when he blames dissensions and schisms, which undoubtedly are
evils, he immediately adds heresies likewise. Now, that ...
/.../tertullian/the prescription against heretics/chapter v heresy as well as.htm

But, Before I Make My Answer to Your Letter, I must Expostulate ...
... my conscience, that when the reverend bishop Chromatius begged me to keep silence,
my wish was to do so, and thus to make an end of our dissensions, and to ...
/.../2 but before i make.htm

A Message of Warning and Entreaty
... rent by divisions. The dissensions that had prevailed at the time of
Apollos's visit had greatly increased. False teachers were ...
/.../white/the acts of the apostles/lesson 29 a message of.htm

Whether a Religious Order Should be Established for the Purpose of ...
... which, without charity, "puffeth up," and consequently leads to dissent, according
to Prov.13:10, "Among the proud there are always dissensions": whereas, with ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether a religious order should 2.htm

Thesaurus
Dissensions (5 Occurrences)
...Dissensions (5 Occurrences). ... (WEY). Galatians 5:20 enmity, strife, jealousy, outbursts
of passion, intrigues, dissensions, factions, envyings; (WEY YLT NAS NIV). ...
/d/dissensions.htm - 7k

Dissension (18 Occurrences)
... (See NIV). Galatians 5:20 enmity, strife, jealousy, outbursts of passion, intrigues,
dissensions, factions, envyings; (Root in WEY YLT NAS RSV NIV). ...
/d/dissension.htm - 11k

Intrigues (4 Occurrences)
... Intrigues (4 Occurrences). Galatians 5:20 enmity, strife, jealousy, outbursts
of passion, intrigues, dissensions, factions, envyings; (WEY). ...
/i/intrigues.htm - 7k

Informed (39 Occurrences)
... (DBY). 1 Corinthians 1:11 For I have been distinctly informed, my brethren, about
you by Chloe's people, that there are dissensions among you. (WEY NAS NIV). ...
/i/informed.htm - 17k

Factions (5 Occurrences)
... NIV). Galatians 5:20 enmity, strife, jealousy, outbursts of passion, intrigues,
dissensions, factions, envyings; (WEY ASV NAS NIV). 1 ...
/f/factions.htm - 7k

Envyings (3 Occurrences)
... Envyings (3 Occurrences). Galatians 5:20 enmity, strife, jealousy, outbursts
of passion, intrigues, dissensions, factions, envyings; (WEY). ...
/e/envyings.htm - 7k

Enmity (23 Occurrences)
... (KJV WEY ASV DBY WBS YLT). Galatians 5:20 enmity, strife, jealousy, outbursts of
passion, intrigues, dissensions, factions, envyings; (WEY RSV). ...
/e/enmity.htm - 15k

Discord (7 Occurrences)
... (See RSV). Galatians 5:20 idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, strifes, emulations,
wraths, rivalries, dissensions, sects, (See NIV). Esther ...
/d/discord.htm - 8k

Domestic (5 Occurrences)
... 2. (a.) of or pertaining to a nation considered as a family or home, or to one's
own country; intestine; not foreign; as, foreign wars and domestic dissensions...
/d/domestic.htm - 8k

Dissimulation (3 Occurrences)

/d/dissimulation.htm - 7k

Resources
What does the Bible say about envy? | GotQuestions.org

What are the works of the flesh? | GotQuestions.org

What is the fruit of the Holy Spirit? | GotQuestions.org

Bible ConcordanceBible DictionaryBible EncyclopediaTopical BibleBible Thesuarus
Concordance
Dissensions (5 Occurrences)

Romans 16:17
Now I beg you, brothers, look out for those who are causing the divisions and occasions of stumbling, contrary to the doctrine which you learned, and turn away from them.
(See NAS RSV)

1 Corinthians 1:10
Now I beg you, brothers, through the name of our Lord, Jesus Christ, that you all speak the same thing and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfected together in the same mind and in the same judgment.
(See RSV)

1 Corinthians 1:11
For I have been distinctly informed, my brethren, about you by Chloe's people, that there are dissensions among you.
(WEY)

Galatians 5:20
enmity, strife, jealousy, outbursts of passion, intrigues, dissensions, factions, envyings;
(WEY YLT NAS NIV)

Titus 3:9
But hold yourself aloof from foolish controversies and pedigrees and discussions and wrangling about the Law, for they are useless and vain.
(See RSV)

Subtopics

Dissensions

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Dissension in Congregations
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