Divisions Disrupt Godly Unity

Background Scripture: 1 Corinthians 1; 3
Lesson Scripture: 1 Corinthians 1:10-11; 3:1-9

Introduction

Division is a very disagreeable problem; it never satisfies either party but rather encourages further confusion and conflict. God’s plan is for peace and rest in our hearts and our relationships. By the conclusion of this study, we hopefully will have a refreshed desire for unity and a willingness to change whatever is hindering it our own lives.

Key Verse

But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy (James 3:17).

Lesson Scripture

Studying the Lesson

The city of Corinth in the first century had an estimated population of 200,000 free people and 500,000 slaves. Philosophers heavily influenced the inhabitants. Many of the people worshipped Poseidon, and there was a large temple where the goddess Aphrodite was worshipped. This worship involved a lot of immorality. A community of Jews had also built a synagogue to worship the Lord under the old law, so it was not a favorable place for Christians.

When Apostle Paul arrived there, he was not sure about sharing the gospel, but the Lord revealed to him in a vision that he should stay and preach freely and boldly. He first preached in the synagogue, but the Jews soon turned against him. A pious gentile offered his house which was next door to the synagogue for worship, and the gospel preaching continued. Paul met Aquila and Priscilla, fellow tentmakers there, so they made their living and preached the gospel together. Many turned to Christ and were baptized. This comprised the beginning of the Corinthian church.

The Corinthian brothers and sisters were new in their Christian walk. We can comprehend that, because of the past influences of their lives and living in such a wicked city, learning to serve the Lord was no small challenge. They began placing their allegiance in men instead of realizing the gospel’s grace is a gift from the Lord. The underlying problem was that they were not denying their sinful flesh.

Attempting to open their minds to what was happening, Apostle Paul did not ignore the problem but kindly and clearly taught them what the root of their issue was: they were becoming carnal Christians. He wrote of the fruit their flesh was bearing and taught them gospel fellowship, that we all work together with God. The church is like a vineyard that grows and produces fruit for God’s honor and glory.

Practical Truths for Today

What are the causes of division among God’s children? Various things may contribute to disunity, so let us consider a few of them here.

Pride is at the base of all division. A humble spirit allows us to listen to each other and is necessary to really understand what another’s concerns and viewpoints are. We should not reach the conclusion that we are not in agreement with someone too hastily. Even the terms that others use to explain themselves need to be understood. A sincere desire to work together and encourage one another will not allow for contention.

Another issue that brings about disunity is when the flesh is not denied. Leaving off obedience to biblical doctrines usually indicates a lack of self-denial, and it is very painful when someone begins to take on ways that are not in agreement with the faith. The Bible teaches us how we are to help each other humbly and prayerfully. When a concern or reproof is shared with a brother and he is not willing to receive it, a lack of appreciation can soon develop. When guidance is not humbly considered, the biblical teaching of taking another with us is a safe approach. Proving a matter with more than just two keeps prejudices from having as much influence. If we are not open to each other, disunity will soon develop. Carrying out our baptismal vows of being willing to accept reproof will help us to remain together. If a brother or sister is unwilling to hear concerns, the matter will eventually need to be brought before the church. When the erring one believes in the authority of the church, he will realize that his salvation is lost if he rejects the counsel of the church. Greater and more serious divisions will develop if other brethren support the erring one against the church.

God has established an order for godly unity in the home. “Now I praise you, brethren, that ye remember me in all things, and keep the ordinances, as I delivered them to you” (1 Cor. 11:2). “Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church: and he is the saviour of the body. Therefore as the church is subject unto Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in every thing. Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it” (Eph. 5:22-25). “Nevertheless let every one of you in particular so love his wife even as himself; and the wife see that she reverence her husband” (v. 33). “Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right. Honour thy father and mother; (which is the first commandment with promise)” (6:1-2).

God’s order also leads the church. When a brother is called of God and the church into leadership and abides in God’s order, he is worthy to carry the responsibility of the church. Hebrews 13:7 and 17 teach the order of the laity to the ministry: “Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls” (v. 17). There is also an order for the ministry. First Peter 5:5 says, “Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility.” When God’s order of submission and responsibility is followed, unity will be the result.

God is greatly interested in unity. The Father, the Son, the Holy Spirit, and the Word always agree. When there are divisions among us, it is not possible to be in agreement with the Godhead. A carnal mind cannot be subject to God’s way, but when the carnal Christian goes to the cross and receives an anointing of the Holy Spirit, confusion comes to an end, and believers can then live in unity. One of the beauties of unity is the absence of self-promotion; all is for the glory of God.

In our church, we rub shoulders and work together as groups in different committees to accomplish what is necessary for fulfilling the Lord’s work. Youth learn to work and interact in activities by serving other people. There are variations in personalities and temperaments, and the golden rule is helpful to remember: “As ye would that men should do to you, do ye also to them likewise” (Luke 6:31). Being willing to sacrifice our desires and share our energy and abilities for the good of all will make things go smoothly. Some are more shy, and others are bolder, but if we can draw the best out of our fellow youth and hold back to help others share, our fellowship will improve. Humility helps us not to develop cliques, for they can be very divisive.

By working together, we learn there are different ways to bring about the same result. Sharing our own thoughts and listening carefully to others will make working together go smoothly. Sometimes it might seem the way that has been decided on will take more effort or be more cumbersome. We shouldn’t push our ideas, realizing that often the thoughts of others turn out better than our own. Life is a learning experience, and thinking about ways to make others happy creates a harmonious setting in which to live and work.

Questions

1. Will focusing on seeking God’s will together help prevent division?
2. Is going along with the majority always the right thing to do?
3. Is it possible to find unity without surrendering our will completely to God?

Source: COGICM Daily Bible Readings (Daily Bible Readings, PO Box 124, Glenn, CA 95943).