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Unity (4). When Separation is Necessary. NT Church 2017-18. Sadly, there have always been divisions. We live in times of bitter division
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Unity (4) When Separation is Necessary NT Church 2017-18
Sadly, there have always been divisions. • We live in times of bitter division • Far too many demand that things be done their way, that we accept things their way or that any way is fine – ALL while ignoring that they may be wrong or there IS one TRUE way
Some clarifications: • God wants unity!!!! John 17:20-21 • God hates division – Proverbs 6:19 • Whenever there is division, there is sin! Someone is sinning… • Whenever there is division, damage is done • We need to endeavor to keep the unity of the spirit – Ephesians 4:3
What is division? • The action of separating something into parts.2. Disagreement between two or more groups, typically producing tension or hostility. (Division, Google Dictionary, 2/9/18) • In the Bible, discord that typically results in separation (division) – see 1 Corinthians 1:10, 12:25 – schism Matthew 9:16 – tears • We are not addressing mere disagreement!
Divisions in the Bible • Enmity shows division – when we sin we are separated from God cf. Isaiah 59:2, Romans 6:23 • This is NOT what God wants Ezekiel 33:11 • He desires that all men be saved - 2 Peter 3:9, 1 Timothy 2:4 • He sent Jesus – 1 Timothy 1:15, Romans 5:6-11
Divisions in the Bible • Jesus produced division – as He lived and taught, many rejected. The more He taught, the greater the divide • He taught it would happen – Matthew 10:34-37 • Luke 6:22-23, blessed are you when men hate you, and exclude you… • John 7:40-43, there was division among the people because of Him • John 9:16, there was division among them
Divisions in the Bible • The apostles teaching – from the beginning many in Jerusalem rejected those who followed Jesus. • Steven stoned from preaching Jesus – Acts 7 • When Gentiles began to obey the gospel, the divide became greater with some • Acts 14:1-4, Judaizing teachers divided the city • Acts 17:1-5, in Thessalonica, Judaizing teachers set the city in an uproar • Acts 19:8-9, in Ephesus, Paul withdrew the disciples and taught in the school of Tyrannus
Divisions in the Bible • In these examples: • Someone rejected the truth and that resulted in division (the need for separation) • If the godly left or were cast out, it was because of ungodly attitudes and actions Cf. 3 John 9-11 • This separation occurred when the godly simply could not stay and still be pleasing to God
Divisions in the Bible • Other passages: • 1 Corinthians 11:19, there must be factions among you… NOTE: While Paul may be using some sarcasm here, the truth is what makes it effective • 1 John 2:18-19, they went out from us, but they were not of us
When separation is needed • This is an issue of fellowship! • Ephesians 5:11, 2 John 9-11, have no fellowship…but expose • Sadly there comes a time when it would be a sin NOT to separate!
When separation is needed • When one (or a group) begins practicing or teaching error – worship, doctrine, morality, etc. • When one (or a group) refuses to stand for truth – they ignore error and sinful conductRevelation 2:12-16 - Pergamos; Revelation 2:18-21 - Thyatira • When one (or a group) refuses to MARK those in error or sin – 1 Corinthians 5:1-2, 6-7 • There is a call to repent or…
When separation is needed • When someone refuses to accept or follow truth, we may have no choice but to separate for the sake of purity and preservation of truth • 1 Corinthians 10:16-21 – we cannot fellowship idols and demons • Separation from the world 2 Corinthians 6:14-18Hebrews 7:26 – Jesus is separate from sinners
When separation is needed • Heed this warning! Every kingdom divided against itself will not stand – Matthew 12:25 • Titus 3:10, reject a divisive man AFTER the first and second admonitions (what efforts are we making to prevent division or separation?)
IF we must divide (separate) • First, realize it is not a cause for rejoicing! Where there is division, souls are in danger!Romans 9:1-3, Paul grieved • Matthew 23:37-38, Jesus grieved at what awaited Jerusalem because of their rejection of truth • John 6:66-67- Jesus after rejected by some disciples • 1 Corinthians 5:1-2 – the should be mourning
IF we must divide (separate) • Let it be because of God and His word! Never let division be because of selfishness, nor personality clashes • I must examine myself to see if I am (part of) the cause • Am I maintaining a godly attitude – before, during and after separation
IF we must divide (separate) • Division should be the last resort! Only when all efforts to keep unity have failed should we separate.Our intention should be to AVOID division if at all possible • Seek reconciliation, when possible – but NEVER at the expense of truth!
May we resolve to avoid division as much as possible.BUT, let us value our standing with God MORE than our standing with men
A day of separation is coming (Matthew 25:31-46)Are you united with God?