STRIFE AMONG BRETHREN

STRIFE AMONG BRETHREN

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: Judges 12

Judges 12:4–6 – “Then Jephthah gathered together all the men of Gilead, and fought with Ephraim: and the men of Gilead smote Ephraim, because they said, Ye Gileadites are fugitives of Ephraim among the Ephraimites, and among the Manassites. And the Gileadites took the passages of Jordan before the Ephraimites: and it was so, that when those Ephraimites which were escaped said, Let me go over; that the men of Gilead said unto him, Art thou an Ephraimite? If he said, Nay; Then said they unto him, Say now Shibboleth: and he said Sibboleth: for he could not frame to pronounce it right. Then they took him, and slew him at the passages of Jordan: and there fell at that time of the Ephraimites forty and two thousand.”

Supporting Texts: James 4:1-2, Galatians 5:15, Proverbs 17:14, 1 Corinthians 3:3, Psalm 133:1

Description: Strife among brethren causes more destruction than external enemies and weakens the testimony of God’s people.

INTRODUCTION:
The story of Judges 12 is both tragic and sobering. Instead of uniting against common enemies, Israel turned on itself. What should have been a brotherly relationship turned into a deadly quarrel that claimed 42,000 lives. This shows us the devastating consequences of internal strife.

The enemy outside is dangerous, but the enemy within is even more destructive. When the people of God fight one another, their strength is wasted, their unity is broken, and their testimony before the world is ruined. No wonder the Bible warns us to avoid divisions and strife.

As believers today, we must learn that strife, quarrels, and divisions within families, churches, and the body of Christ only serve Satan’s agenda. True strength lies in unity, love, and peace among brethren.

1. THE CAUSE OF STRIFE AMONG BRETHREN
Strife arises when selfishness and pride prevail.

a) Pride and envy – Ephraim was offended because they were not called earlier (Judges 12:1).

b) Misunderstanding and lack of communication – Many quarrels grow from poor dialogue (Proverbs 18:13).

c) Selfish ambition – Where envy and strife exist, there is confusion (James 3:16).

d) Unwillingness to forgive – Bitterness makes quarrels worse (Ephesians 4:31).

Biblical Example: Joseph’s brothers (Genesis 37:4-8) – Envy and hatred led them to sell him.

2. THE DANGER OF STRIFE AMONG BRETHREN
Strife opens the door to destruction.

a) Strife weakens God’s people – A divided house cannot stand (Mark 3:25).

b) Strife brings unnecessary loss – 42,000 brethren died in vain (Judges 12:6).

c) Strife wastes spiritual energy – Energy for fighting enemies is wasted on one another (1 Corinthians 3:3).

d) Strife destroys testimonies – The world sees weakness where there should be love (John 13:35).

Biblical Example: Paul and Barnabas (Acts 15:39) – Their sharp contention separated them in ministry.

3. THE VALUE OF UNITY AMONG BRETHREN
Unity is the antidote to strife.

a) Unity attracts God’s blessing – Where brethren dwell in unity, God commands blessing (Psalm 133:1-3).

b) Unity strengthens God’s people – Two are better than one (Ecclesiastes 4:9-10).

c) Unity glorifies Christ – Jesus prayed for His followers to be one (John 17:21).

d) Unity advances the kingdom – The early church grew in power and grace because they were united (Acts 2:46-47).

Biblical Example: Nehemiah’s builders (Nehemiah 4:6) – They built the wall because the people had a mind to work together.

4. HOW TO OVERCOME STRIFE AMONG BRETHREN
Practical steps must be taken to prevent strife.

a) Walk in love – Love covers a multitude of sins (1 Peter 4:8).

b) Pursue peace – Follow peace with all men (Hebrews 12:14).

c) Practise humility – In lowliness of mind esteem others better than yourself (Philippians 2:3).

d) Forgive quickly – Let go of offences before they become division (Colossians 3:13).

Biblical Example: Abraham and Lot (Genesis 13:8-9) – Abraham chose peace over strife by letting Lot choose first.

5. THE BLESSINGS OF PEACE AMONG BRETHREN
Peace unites, heals, and empowers.

a) Peace brings God’s presence – The God of peace is with those who pursue it (Romans 15:33).

b) Peace fosters growth – The church multiplied in times of peace (Acts 9:31).

c) Peace reflects maturity – Peacemakers are called children of God (Matthew 5:9).

d) Peace gives room for progress – Only in peace can destinies flourish.

Biblical Example: The early church in Antioch (Acts 11:26) – In peace and unity, they grew and were first called Christians.

CONCLUSION:
Strife among brethren is a deadly tool of the enemy. The Ephraimites and Gileadites should have been allies, but they destroyed each other instead. Sadly, many believers and churches fall into the same trap today. Internal strife destroys more than external enemies.

God calls us to walk in love, humility, and forgiveness. Where there is unity, the Spirit of God flows, blessings are commanded, and victory is guaranteed. Let us therefore pursue peace and unity at all costs.

PRAYER POINTS:
1. Lord, deliver me from the spirit of strife and contention.
2. Father, uproot every seed of pride and envy in my heart.
3. Lord, heal every wound caused by misunderstanding among brethren.
4. Father, let Your peace reign in my family and church.
5. Lord, make me an agent of unity and reconciliation.
6. Father, frustrate every plan of the enemy to sow discord among us.
7. Lord, help me to forgive easily and walk in love.
8. Father, bind us together with the cords of peace and unity.
9. Lord, restore every blessing we have lost due to strife.
10. Father, let Your Spirit of love prevail over every spirit of division.

GOD’S WORD FOR YOU TODAY:
1. You will not be a victim of strife in your family or church.
2. Every seed of division in your life is uprooted today.
3. God will give you wisdom to promote peace among brethren.
4. Your relationships will not be destroyed by quarrels.
5. You shall be a peacemaker wherever you go.
6. The enemy will not use strife to weaken your testimony.
7. God’s blessing will rest upon you as you pursue peace.
8. You will enjoy divine unity in your home and ministry.
9. The spirit of love will overshadow every spirit of contention in your life.
10. From today, peace shall be your portion in the name of Jesus!