Divisions within the church have been a concern since the early days of Christianity. The New Testament provides numerous exhortations to maintain unity and avoid divisions, emphasizing the importance of harmony among believers. The apostle Paul, in particular, addresses this issue in several of his epistles, urging the church to remain united in faith and purpose.

Biblical Exhortations Against Divisions

1. 1 Corinthians 1:10 · Paul appeals to the Corinthian church, saying, "I appeal to you, brothers, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree together, so that there may be no divisions among you and that you may be united in mind and conviction." Here, Paul emphasizes the necessity of agreement and unity, urging believers to avoid factions and discord.

2. Romans 16:17 · In his letter to the Romans, Paul warns, "Now I urge you, brothers, to watch out for those who create divisions and obstacles that are contrary to the teaching you have learned. Turn away from them." This passage highlights the need for vigilance against those who might disrupt the unity of the church through false teachings or divisive behavior.

3. Ephesians 4:3-6 · Paul encourages the Ephesians to "make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all." This passage underscores the theological basis for unity, rooted in the oneness of God and the shared faith of believers.

Theological Basis for Unity

The unity of the church is grounded in the nature of God and the work of Christ. Believers are called to reflect the unity of the Trinity, as Jesus prayed in John 17:21, "that all of them may be one, Father, just as You are in Me and I am in You. May they also be in Us, so that the world may believe that You sent Me." The unity of believers serves as a testimony to the world of the truth of the Gospel.

Practical Steps to Avoid Divisions

1. Promote Sound Doctrine · Ensuring that the teaching within the church aligns with biblical truth is crucial. As Paul instructs Timothy in 2 Timothy 4:2-3, "Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke, and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction. For the time will come when people will not tolerate sound doctrine."

2. Foster Love and Humility · Love and humility are essential virtues for maintaining unity. In Philippians 2:2-3, Paul writes, "then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and purpose. Do nothing out of selfish ambition or empty pride, but in humility consider others more important than yourselves."

3. Encourage Reconciliation · When conflicts arise, believers are encouraged to seek reconciliation. Matthew 18:15-17 provides a process for addressing grievances, emphasizing the goal of restoring relationships and maintaining unity.

Consequences of Division

Divisions within the church can lead to weakened witness, hindered spiritual growth, and a loss of focus on the mission of the church. James 3:16 warns, "For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every evil practice." Thus, divisions not only disrupt the internal harmony of the church but also impair its effectiveness in fulfilling the Great Commission.

In summary, the New Testament consistently calls for unity among believers, warning against divisions and providing guidance for maintaining harmony within the church. By adhering to sound doctrine, fostering love and humility, and seeking reconciliation, the church can reflect the unity of the Spirit and effectively carry out its mission in the world.Romans 16:17
Now I beseech you, brothers, mark them which cause divisions and offenses contrary to the doctrine which you have learned; and avoid them.
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1 Corinthians 1:10
Now I beseech you, brothers, 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.
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1 Corinthians 3:3
For you are yet carnal: for whereas there is among you envying, and strife, and divisions, are you not carnal, and walk as men?
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The Eclipse and Rediscovery of the Old Testament
... [Sidenote: Attitude of the later Church, and especially ... Protestant reformers the
two great divisions of the ... unconsciously, if not deliberately, shunned by the ...
/.../i the eclipse and rediscovery.htm

A Summary of the Christian Life. Of Self-Denial.
... The divisions of the chapter are,"I. The rule which permits us not ... Impiety and worldly
lusts to be shunned. ... us are for the common benefit of the Church.2. We ...
/.../calvin/the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 7 a summary of.htm

Human Characters Determined Only by Divine Decision.
... He gathered there a large and flourishing church; which appears to ... of his absence
to make divisions, and alienate ... of the mysteries of God; who "shunned not to ...
/.../sermons on various important subjects/sermon xv human characters determined.htm

The Pastoral Epistles
... where religious speculations and religious divisions were likely ... dark future is in
store for the Church. ... soldier, profane discussions to be shunned; the error ...
/.../pullan/the books of the new testament/chapter xvii the pastoral epistles.htm

Translator's Preface
... human life; while the other carefully shunned such scenes ... his allegorically likening
the three divisions of temptation ... world, and the fruitful earth the Church. ...
/.../augustine/the confessions and letters of st/translators preface.htm

Hosanna!
... preferment, hid himself from fame, and shunned the throne ... you see herein Christ
glorified in his church; and then ... Under these three divisions we may arrange our ...
//christianbookshelf.org/spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 37 1891/hosanna.htm

A Summary of the Christian Life. Of Self-Denial.
... The divisions of the chapter are,"I. The rule which permits ... is plain both what error
is to be shunned, and to ... it for the common good of the Church, and that ...
/.../sergieff/on the christian life/chapter ii a summary of.htm

The Copies of Things in the Heavens
... whispered in the inmost shrine, which shunned the light ... The two divisions of the
Tabernacle, thus separated by the ... It is an emblem of the Church as recipient ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture k/the copies of things in.htm

Differences in Judgment About Water Baptism, no Bar to Communion ...
... to the ways of the Lord.' That it may be prudently shunned, I referred ... That my argument
is good you grant, saying, 'The divisions of the church at Corinth ...
/.../the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/differences in judgment about water.htm

The Permanent Significance of the Old Testament
... thought, life, and theology of the early Church. ... Protestant reformers, the two great
divisions of the ... been unconsciously, if not deliberately, shunned by the ...
/.../chapter vi the permanent significance.htm

Questions about the Church (All) | GotQuestions.org

What was the first / original church? Is the original / first church the true church? | GotQuestions.org

Is there supposed to be only one church? | GotQuestions.org

Church: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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