Warn a divisive person once, and then warn them a second time. After that, have nothing to do with them. You may be sure that such people are warped and sinful; they are self-condemned. - Titus 3:10-11
The work of the Church is to make disciples and to build one another up in Christ. It is not to divide over foolish arguments or political issues.
Paul even goes so far as to suggest that we should give up our rights in order to keep the peace:
"Why not rather be wronged? Why not rather be cheated?" (1 Cor 6:7)
In the Body of Christ the ideas of love and unity are crucial. Why? Because the Church is called to embody the loving, accepting Koinonia love and fellowship that finds its root in the Holy Spirit of God.
When it comes to divisive men and women who only want to argue about doctrine or who seek to have their way in the Church, Paul makes one thing clear: Have nothing to do with them.
"I urge you, brothers and sisters, to watch out for those who cause divisions and put obstacles in your way that are contrary to the teaching you have learned. Keep away from them. For such people are not serving our Lord Christ, but their own appetites. By smooth talk and flattery they deceive the minds of naive people. Everyone has heard about your obedience, so I rejoice because of you; but I want you to be wise about what is good, and innocent about what is evil.’" – Romans 16:17-19
This doesn't mean that we will never disagree on issues or on our understanding of scriptures. It's possible to disagree on these things and remain one Body and maintain loving fellowship. What Paul is warning us about is one who introduces ideas and arguments in order to bring division. The one's who upset the value of unity in the Church are to be avoided. Those who want to trap others, or who strategically plan their attack in order to have their way are to be ignored.
These people exist. They will seek to divide the Church over petty issues and doctrines. Their goal is not to bring peace, but to win the argument and to have the Church reflect their personal preferences.
None of us in the Church should ever desire division. We should not seek to have our own way. We should not take the wheel and steer the Church to where we want it to go.
The Lord Jesus is the Lord of His Church. He will have His way. Woe to those who put their hands to what belongs to God.
May the Lord Jesus always be allowed to lead His Church. He is the Head, not any one of us.
-kg
Denominations are in fact divisions, right?
ReplyDeleteYes, Denominations are in fact divisions. They are not God's idea, they are man's idea created due to our inability to base our fellowship on Christ.
ReplyDeleteInstead, we want to fellowship only with those who agree with us. We act as if what unites us is our doctrine and our denominationalism denies the truth that only Christ unites us.