Things That Divide (Part 10) Correcting Division
In the previous nine issues we’ve lightly addressed the issue of things that bring about division within the body of Christ noting that first and foremost it is the lack of understanding, and the lack of acceptance that the Bible is the only and exclusive source for authority in the church. When one cannot accept Bible Authority then division is inevitable. But now in this last issue I’d like to bring to our remembrance simple, yet powerful scriptures that will guide our hearts and minds to what God wants for the church, and that is unity. Our talking points are from 1 Corinthians chapter 1 verses 1 through 31.
What was it that happened there in Corinth, what caused Paul to address the church? Someone from the household of Chloe had told the Apostle Paul that a few were promoting themselves and causing divisions among the brethren. After Paul heard this, he was moved to deal with it, which he did by writing to them. Division of any sort was obviously a deep and serious issues with Paul. Remember how, by inspiration what he told the churches of Galatia, “…if anyone preaches any other gospel to you than what you have received, let him be accursed” (Gal. 1:9). When you read this account, you can’t help but see how profoundly concerned the Apostle was about their contentions. You’ll see that Paul condemned them for their “carnality,” summing up the chapter with “He who glories, let him glory in the Lord” (v.31).
Paul addressed two main points; 1. They were being carnal by glorying in men and 2. by putting the wisdom of men above the wisdom of God. Remember Paul wrote, “whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus” (Col. 3:17), and that is just what he did. Paul invokes the name of Christ. “Now I plead with you, brethren, by 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 perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment” (1 Cor. 1:10).
By using the name of Christ, the apostle called into play all the authority of Heaven which would certainly have cause and effect in the heart of any saint who had respect or reverence for the Lord. Only those whose hearts were completely hardened can ignore the authority of Christ. Please refer back to the 2nd article in this series to refresh your minds concerning how to establish Bible authority through direct command, approved example and necessary inference, for as without that foundational understanding of authority, nothing that Paul says will make a dent in our spiritual walk (Rom. 8:1).
Now to the point of this article, Paul gives us three spiritually correct methods to spiritually correct spiritual problems of disunity.
First, he said, “speak the same thing”: What is that same thing? The same thing = “no other gospel” (Gal. 1:8). It is an incredible thing that anyone can believe to have unity yet are unwilling to speak the same thing. Without exception speaking a different “thing” brings about division, just as without exception when men “speak the same thing” unity will prevail. What Paul’s order is that these brethren, “we all” hold fast to the gospel of Christ in love or, “speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him who is the head—Christ—” (Eph. 4:15). This is the first step in correcting division; without it there can never be unity. Divisive doctrines, differing opinions and ideas will always bring discord. But when all men confine their “speaking” to the truth of God, unity will exist within the body. Paul instructs the church saying, “Now I urge you, brethren, note those who cause divisions and offenses, contrary to the doctrine which you learned, and avoid them.” (Rom. 18:17, read also, Matt. 7:15; Gal. 1:6-12; 2 Thess. 3:6, 14; 1 Tim. 1:3-11, 6:3-5; Tit. 3:10; 2 John 1:10), God wants His people to have unity, that’s why He gave us His inspired word (2 Tim. 3:16-17). Remember that whatever restores unity will perpetuate unity to succeeding generations.
Second Paul said, “that there be no divisions among you”: Some today teach Paul’s admonition is that “there be no division” means we must have “peace at any price.” Jesus said, “Do not think that I came to bring peace on earth. I did not come to bring peace but a sword” (Matt. 10:34). Yes Christ is The Prince of Peace (Isa. 9:6), but Jesus knew “His words” would affect the hearts of men in two ways. The truth preached will enter the “good and noble heart” (Luke 8:15) and would most certainly create faith, yet it also will produce hostility in the heart that is hardened by this world (Luke 8:11-14). What then will occur? One man believes, one man rejects, the two then inevitably are set against each other. Even within one’s own family. As the Lord Himself said, “For I have come to ‘set[a] a man against his father, a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law’; 36 and ‘a man’s enemies will be those of his own household” (Matt. 10:35-36). It must be our first and primary concern that we as individuals have peace with God which generates unity among those who are likewise seeking Him. Thus, peace within the family, peace with the world must always be secondary to that of God. Deadly is the goal of putting peace with men above peace with God, for this is nothing more than forsaking God’s way. Therefore, peace at any price actually means I prefer men and their fellowship above God and His thus, I am set against God and have separated myself from Him by my disrespect for the authority of His word which, is the only basis upon which peace can exist. Remember that it is the “peace of God, which surpasses all understanding” (Phil 4:7) and if we seek it by any other means, it is false and deceitful and will by no means have the power to, “guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus” (Phil. 4:7). I could have the peace of this world easy enough, cares, riches, and pleasures, by sacrificing God’s word, but know this assuredly, that peace will not be mine after I die. The kind of peace the Christian seek is eternal. Yes, God’s word brings the division, then let the division come, for whenever and wherever the faithful stand upon the word of truth, they will be at peace with all others who so stand. Brethren we must treasure and hold in high esteem our loyalty to God’s every word in faithfulness, accuracy, devotion and allegiance to Him. Put God first before everything, and don’t be like the rulers who feared being put out of worldly relationships because, “they loved the praise of men more than the praise of God.” (John 12:43).
Finally, Paul said be of, “the same mind and in the same judgment”: Frankly division cannot exist where Christians are of one mind. When men seek harmony at the cost of truth or by suppressing righteousness they do not have the mind of Christ. This is in the community, in business, or anywhere else where people deal with people. The only way for there to be no division is when there is one central command. The CEO, the boss, the mayor the school principal, etc, are the heads of their respective organizations. Unity in the church comes by having Christ as the only Head, mind. Because through the “gospel” we have the “mind of Christ”. “Only let your conduct be worthy of the gospel of Christ…that you stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel” (Phil 1:27). Any breach or division is evidence that somebody has departed from the authority of the scriptures.
As always, in Love
Dave Scarpino
“5 Now may the God of patience and comfort grant you to be like-minded toward one another, according to Christ Jesus, 6 that you may with one mind and one mouth glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.” (Romans 15:5-6)