Topical Encyclopedia Strife, defined as bitter conflict or discord, is a recurring theme in the New Testament, particularly in the context of the early Christian church. The presence of strife within the church is addressed by several apostles, who provide guidance on how to overcome such divisions and maintain unity among believers.1. Strife in the Corinthian Church The Apostle Paul addresses the issue of strife in the Corinthian church in his first letter to them. The church in Corinth was plagued by divisions and contentions, as members aligned themselves with different leaders. Paul writes, "For it has been reported to me by Chloe’s household that there are quarrels among you, my brothers. What I mean is this: Each of you says, 'I follow Paul,' 'I follow Apollos,' 'I follow Cephas,' or 'I follow Christ'" (1 Corinthians 1:11-12). Paul emphasizes that such divisions are contrary to the unity that should characterize the body of Christ. 2. Strife and the Works of the Flesh In his letter to the Galatians, Paul lists strife as one of the "works of the flesh," which are in opposition to the fruit of the Spirit. He warns, "The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry and sorcery; hatred, discord, jealousy, and rage; rivalries, divisions, factions" (Galatians 5:19-20). Paul urges believers to live by the Spirit, which produces love, joy, peace, and other virtues that counteract strife. 3. Strife Addressed in the Epistle of James James, the brother of Jesus, also addresses the issue of strife within the church. He identifies selfish ambition and envy as root causes of discord, stating, "For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every evil practice" (James 3:16). James encourages believers to seek wisdom from above, which is "first of all pure, then peace-loving, gentle, accommodating, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial, and sincere" (James 3:17). 4. The Call for Unity and Peace Throughout the New Testament, the apostles call for unity and peace among believers as a testimony to the world. Paul exhorts the Ephesians to "make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace" (Ephesians 4:3). Similarly, Peter urges the church to "be like-minded and sympathetic, love as brothers, be tender-hearted and humble" (1 Peter 3:8). 5. The Role of Church Leaders Church leaders are tasked with addressing strife and promoting harmony within the congregation. Paul instructs Timothy, "And the Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful" (2 Timothy 2:24). Leaders are to model Christ-like behavior and guide the church in resolving conflicts in a manner that reflects the love and unity of Christ. Strife, while a challenge in the early church, serves as a reminder of the ongoing need for vigilance, humility, and reliance on the Holy Spirit to maintain the unity and peace that Christ desires for His body. Torrey's Topical Textbook 1 Corinthians 1:11For it has been declared to me of you, my brothers, by them which are of the house of Chloe, that there are contentions among you. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library Of Avoiding Heresies and Superstitions, and what is the Only True ... The Pastoral Epistles The Organization of the Apostolic Church. Of the Jurisdiction of the Church, and the Abuses of It, as ... The Progress of Prelacy. Women of the Frankish Church Of the Beginning and Rise of the Romish Papacy, Till it Attained a ... 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The Ecclesiastical History of sozomenus Resources What is the pride of life? | GotQuestions.orgWhy will the nations need healing in the New Jerusalem? | GotQuestions.org What is the New World Order? | GotQuestions.org Strife: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Strife: An Evidence of a Carnal Spirit Strife: Appeased by Slowness to Anger Strife: Between Abraham and Lot's Herdsmen Strife: Christ, an Example of Avoiding Strife: Christians at Antioch (In Syria), About Circumcision Strife: Danger of Joining In--Illustrated Strife: Difficulty of Stopping, a Reason for Avoiding It Strife: Disciples, Over Who Could be the Greatest Strife: Evidences a Love of Transgression Strife: Excited by a Contentious Disposition Strife: Excited by Curious Questions Strife: Excited by Drunkenness Strife: Excited by Frowardness Strife: Excited by Tale-Bearing Strife: General Scriptures Concerning Strife: Herdmen of Abram and of Lot Strife: Herdmen of Gerar and of Isaac Strife: Hypocrites Make Religion a Pretence For Strife: Isaac's and Those of Gerar Strife: Israel and Judah, About David Strife: It is Honorable to Cease From Strife: Jephthah and his Brothers Strife: Jephthah and the Ephraimites Strife: Jews, Concerning Jesus Strife: Leads to Confusion and Every Evil Work Strife: Leads to Mutual Destruction Strife: Ministers should Avoid Strife: Ministers should Avoid Questions That Lead To Strife: Ministers should not Preach Through Strife: Ministers should Reprove Strife: Ministers should Warn Against Strife: Paul and Barnabas, About Mark Strife: Pharisees and Sadducees Strife: Pharisees and Sadducees, Concerning the General Resurrection Strife: Promoters of, should be Expelled Strife: Saints Kept from Tongues of Strife: Saints should Avoid Questions That Lead To Strife: Saints should do all Things Without Strife: Saints should not Act From Strife: Saints should not Walk In Strife: Saints should Praise God for Protection From Strife: Saints should Seek God's Protection From Strife: Saints should Submit to Wrong Rather than Engage In Strife: Strength and Violence of--Illustrated Strife: Temporal Blessing Embittered By Strife: The Corinthian Christians Related Terms |
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