THE DANGER OF DIVISION

THE DANGER OF DIVISION

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: 1 Corinthians 1:10-13

Key Verse: "Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment." — 1 Corinthians 1:10 (KJV)

Supporting Texts: Psalm 133:1; John 17:20-23; Ephesians 4:1-6; Philippians 2:1-4; Romans 16:17-18; Proverbs 6:16-19

Description: Division weakens the Church, hinders spiritual growth, and dishonours Christ, while unity glorifies God and strengthens His people.

INTRODUCTION
The church in Corinth was blessed with spiritual gifts, knowledge, and divine grace, yet it was deeply troubled by divisions and party spirit. Some believers identified themselves with Paul, others with Apollos, Peter, or even Christ, creating unhealthy factions within the Body of Christ. Paul strongly rebuked this attitude because it threatened the unity and testimony of the Church.

Division has always been one of Satan's most effective strategies against God's people. When believers become divided through pride, jealousy, offence, selfish ambition, or personal preferences, the work of God suffers. Relationships are broken, spiritual growth is hindered, and the witness of the Church is weakened before the world.

God desires His Church to reflect the unity that exists between the Father and the Son. Every believer has the responsibility to reject division and actively promote peace, love, humility, and unity within the Body of Christ.

1. UNDERSTAND THE CAUSES OF DIVISION
Division rarely begins suddenly. It usually develops through sinful attitudes and unchecked behaviours that gradually damage relationships within the Church.

a) Pride And Self-Exaltation (Proverbs 13:10)
Pride causes believers to elevate themselves above others, leading to conflict, competition, and disunity.

b) Jealousy And Envy (James 3:16)
Where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, confusion and every evil practice soon follow, destroying harmony among believers.

c) Party Spirit And Favouritism (1 Corinthians 1:12)
When believers become loyal to personalities rather than Christ, unhealthy divisions arise within the Church.

d) Offence And Unforgiveness (Ephesians 4:31-32)
Unresolved offences and bitterness create barriers to fellowship and weaken the unity of God's people.

Biblical Example: The disagreement between Paul and Barnabas over John Mark led to their separation, demonstrating how personal differences can affect ministry if not properly managed (Acts 15:36-41).

2. UNDERSTAND THE CONSEQUENCES OF DIVISION
Division produces serious spiritual consequences that hinder both individual believers and the entire Church. God desires unity because it brings strength and effectiveness.

a) It Weakens The Church's Witness (John 13:34-35)
The world recognises Christ's disciples by their love for one another. Division damages that testimony.

b) It Hinders Spiritual Growth (1 Corinthians 3:1-3)
Division keeps believers spiritually immature and prevents them from growing into Christlikeness.

c) It Grieves The Holy Spirit (Ephesians 4:30-32)
Bitterness, anger, and strife hinder the work of the Holy Spirit within the Church.

d) It Gives Satan An Opportunity (Ephesians 4:27)
Division opens the door for the enemy to bring confusion, discouragement, and destruction among God's people.

Biblical Example: Korah's rebellion against Moses caused division among the Israelites and resulted in severe judgment from God (Numbers 16:1-35).

3. PURSUE BIBLICAL UNITY
Christian unity is built upon truth, humility, and love. Every believer is responsible for preserving the unity that God has established through Christ.

a) Keep Christ At The Centre (1 Corinthians 1:13)
The Church belongs to Christ alone. No human leader should replace Him as the focus of our loyalty.

b) Walk In Humility (Philippians 2:3-4)
Humility enables believers to value others above themselves and maintain harmonious relationships.

c) Forgive One Another (Colossians 3:13-14)
Forgiveness removes barriers to fellowship and strengthens the bond of Christian love.

d) Maintain The Unity Of The Spirit (Ephesians 4:3)
Believers should make every effort to preserve unity through peace, patience, and mutual understanding.

Biblical Example: The believers in the early Church were united in prayer, fellowship, and purpose, and God blessed them with remarkable growth and power (Acts 2:42-47).

4. BECOME A BUILDER OF UNITY
God calls every believer to be an instrument of peace and reconciliation within the Church. Unity does not happen automatically; it requires intentional effort.

a) Encourage Fellow Believers (Hebrews 10:24-25)
Words of encouragement strengthen relationships and inspire believers to remain faithful.

b) Pray For One Another (James 5:16)
Interceding for fellow believers strengthens unity and invites God's blessing upon the Church.

c) Resolve Conflicts Biblically (Matthew 18:15-17)
Disagreements should be addressed with love, honesty, and a desire for restoration.

d) Promote Peace In The Church (Romans 12:18)
Believers should actively pursue peace and avoid actions or words that create unnecessary conflict.

Biblical Example: Barnabas acted as a peacemaker by introducing Saul to the apostles and later encouraging John Mark, strengthening unity within the early Church (Acts 9:26-28; Acts 15:36-39).

CONCLUSION
Division is a dangerous enemy of the Church because it weakens fellowship, hinders spiritual growth, damages Christian witness, and gives the enemy an opportunity to sow confusion. God calls His people to reject pride, jealousy, and selfish ambition, choosing instead the path of humility, forgiveness, and love.

Let every believer become a builder of unity within the Body of Christ. As we keep Jesus at the centre, walk in humility, and serve one another in love, the Church will fulfil its divine mission, glorify God, and become a powerful testimony to the world.

PRAYER POINTS

1. Father, thank You for making me a member of the Body of Christ, and help me to preserve its unity, in Jesus name.

2. Lord, remove every spirit of pride, jealousy, and selfish ambition from my life, in Jesus name.

3. Father, let every root of division and strife be uprooted from Your Church, in Jesus name.

4. Lord, fill my heart with genuine love and compassion for fellow believers, in Jesus name.

5. Father, help me to forgive everyone who has offended me and to seek reconciliation, in Jesus name.

6. Lord, make me an instrument of peace and unity wherever You have placed me, in Jesus name.

7. Father, strengthen the fellowship of believers in every local assembly, in Jesus name.

8. Lord, frustrate every plan of the enemy to bring confusion and division into Your Church, in Jesus name.

9. Father, help me to keep Christ at the centre of my life and service, in Jesus name.

10. Lord, let Your Church continually grow in unity, love, and spiritual power for the glory of Your name, in Jesus name.

PROPHETIC DECLARATIONS

1. You shall walk in love, humility, and unity, and your life shall become a blessing to the Body of Christ.

2. Every spirit of division, offence, and bitterness assigned against your life shall be destroyed by the power of God.

3. The Lord shall make you a peacemaker, and through you many relationships shall be restored.

4. You shall never be used as an instrument of confusion, but as a vessel of unity and reconciliation.

5. The Holy Spirit shall fill your heart with wisdom to resolve conflicts in a godly manner.

6. Every attack of Satan against the unity of your family, church, and relationships shall fail in the name of Jesus.

7. You shall remain steadfast in the fellowship of believers, growing continually in grace and spiritual maturity.

8. The Lord shall strengthen His Church through your faithful service, prayers, and commitment.

9. You shall experience the blessings that accompany unity, and the favour of God shall rest abundantly upon your life.

10. You shall faithfully uphold the unity of the Body of Christ until the glorious return of our Lord Jesus Christ.