Topical Encyclopedia Divisions among people, particularly within the body of believers, are frequently depicted in the Bible as detrimental and contrary to the unity that God desires for His people. The Scriptures provide numerous illustrations of the evil of divisions, emphasizing the importance of unity and the destructive nature of discord.Old Testament Illustrations 1. Tower of Babel (Genesis 11:1-9): The account of the Tower of Babel serves as an early illustration of division. Humanity's unified rebellion against God led to the confusion of languages and the scattering of people across the earth. This division was a direct consequence of human pride and disobedience. Genesis 11:9 states, "That is why it is called Babel—for there the LORD confused the language of the whole world, and from there the LORD scattered them over the face of the whole earth." 2. Division of the Kingdom (1 Kings 12): The division of the united kingdom of Israel into the northern kingdom of Israel and the southern kingdom of Judah under Rehoboam and Jeroboam illustrates the destructive nature of division. This split was rooted in political and spiritual disobedience, leading to weakened nations and eventual exile. 1 Kings 12:19 notes, "So to this day Israel has been in rebellion against the house of David." New Testament Illustrations 1. The Corinthian Church (1 Corinthians 1:10-13): The Apostle Paul addresses the divisions within the Corinthian church, urging believers to be united in mind and thought. The church was divided over allegiance to different leaders, which Paul rebukes as carnal behavior. 1 Corinthians 1:10 exhorts, "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." 2. Judaizers and the Early Church (Galatians 2:11-14): The early church faced divisions over the issue of Gentile inclusion and adherence to Jewish law. Paul recounts his confrontation with Peter in Antioch, where Peter's actions threatened to divide Jewish and Gentile believers. Galatians 2:14 records Paul's challenge, "When I saw that they were not walking in line with the truth of the gospel, I said to Cephas in front of them all, 'If you, who are a Jew, live like a Gentile and not like a Jew, how can you compel the Gentiles to live like Jews?'" Theological Implications The evil of divisions is underscored by the call for unity within the body of Christ. Jesus Himself prayed for the unity of believers in John 17:21 , "that all of them may be one, as You, Father, are in Me, and I am in You. May they also be in Us, so that the world may believe that You sent Me." Divisions are often rooted in pride, selfish ambition, and a departure from the truth of the gospel, which calls for humility, love, and reconciliation. Practical Warnings The Bible warns against those who cause divisions, as seen in Romans 16:17 : "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." Such divisions can lead to weakened testimony, hindered spiritual growth, and a fractured community, all of which are contrary to the mission of the church. In summary, the evil of divisions is a recurring theme in Scripture, with both historical and theological dimensions. The call to unity is a central tenet of the Christian faith, reflecting the nature of God and the purpose of the church in the world. Torrey's Topical Textbook Matthew 12:25And Jesus knew their thoughts, and said to them, Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation; and every city or house divided against itself shall not stand: Torrey's Topical Textbook Library Introduction The Revelation of St. John the Divine Amos Called to Reach a Higher Standard The Rise of the Hierarchy Connected with the Spread of Heresies. On the Study of Zoology. The Essential Unity of the Kingdom. The Permanent Significance of the Old Testament Of Bearing the Cross --One Branch of Self-Denial. A Summary of the Christian Life. Of Self-Denial. Resources What is the cause of church splits? How can healing occur after a church split? | GotQuestions.orgWhich of the 30,000 Protestant denominations is the true church of God? | GotQuestions.org What is spiritual Israel? | GotQuestions.org Divisions: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Divisions are Contrary to The: Desire of Christ Divisions are Contrary to The: Purpose of Christ Divisions are Contrary to The: Spirit of the Church Divisions are Contrary to The: Unity of Christ Divisions are Proof of a Carnal Spirit Divisions: Avoid Those Who Cause Divisions: Condemned in the Church Divisions: Evil of, Illustrated Divisions: Forbidden in the Church Divisions: Unbecoming in the Church Related Terms Responsibilities (5 Occurrences) Sela-hammahlekoth (1 Occurrence) |
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