Unity in the Church: Resisting Division and Embracing Forgiveness

Devotional

Day 1: Unity in Purpose

Unity in the church is essential for fulfilling God's mission.

Paul’s message to the Corinthians in 1 Corinthians 1:10-13 emphasizes the importance of unity within the church. He urges the believers to be united in purpose and not let petty differences create divisions among them. This unity is crucial for the church to function effectively and fulfill its purpose. Divided allegiances and ego-driven conflicts can weaken our collective mission and distract us from what truly matters: Jesus Christ as Lord, repentance, and living a life that pleases Him.

In our own lives, we must strive to put aside our differences and focus on our shared mission. This means prioritizing our relationship with Christ and working together harmoniously to advance His kingdom. By doing so, we can create a strong, united church that reflects the love and grace of Jesus Christ. [45:26]

1 Corinthians 1:10-13 (ESV): "I appeal to you, brothers, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be united in the same mind and the same judgment. For it has been reported to me by Chloe's people that there is quarreling among you, my brothers. What I mean is that each one of you says, 'I follow Paul,' or 'I follow Apollos,' or 'I follow Cephas,' or 'I follow Christ.' Is Christ divided? Was Paul crucified for you? Or were you baptized in the name of Paul?"

Reflection: Think of a recent disagreement or conflict within your church community. How can you take steps to promote unity and focus on your shared mission in Christ?

Day 2: The Power of Forgiveness

Forgiveness liberates us from bitterness and opens the door to healing.

Forgiveness is not just a simple act but a powerful release that liberates us from bitterness and opens the door to healing. It requires us to let go of our need to be right and to hold onto grudges. By choosing to forgive, we not only offer a gift to others but also free ourselves from the chains of resentment. Forgiveness is a crucial aspect of our spiritual growth and well-being, as it allows us to move forward and experience the fullness of God's grace and love.

In our daily lives, we must practice forgiveness, even when it is difficult. This means letting go of past hurts and extending grace to those who have wronged us. By doing so, we can experience the healing and freedom that comes from living a life of forgiveness. [01:02:07]

Colossians 3:13 (ESV): "Bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive."

Reflection: Think of someone in your life you need to forgive. Can you ask God to help you begin to extend His love and forgiveness to them today?

Day 3: Dealing with Conflict

Addressing conflicts directly and honestly is essential for maintaining harmony.

Jesus provides a roadmap for dealing with conflict in Matthew 18:15-17. This involves direct, honest conversations aimed at restoring relationships. Avoiding these tough conversations can lead to unresolved issues and further division. We must be proactive in addressing conflicts to maintain harmony within the church. By following Jesus' guidance, we can create an environment where open communication and reconciliation are prioritized.

In our own lives, we should not shy away from addressing conflicts. Instead, we should approach them with humility and a desire for resolution. By doing so, we can foster a culture of honesty and unity within our church community. [01:04:04]

Matthew 18:15-17 (ESV): "If your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault, between you and him alone. If he listens to you, you have gained your brother. But if he does not listen, take one or two others along with you, that every charge may be established by the evidence of two or three witnesses. If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church. And if he refuses to listen even to the church, let him be to you as a Gentile and a tax collector."

Reflection: Think of a conflict you have been avoiding. How can you approach the person involved with humility and a desire for resolution?

Day 4: Resisting Division

Resisting the devil's attempts to divide us requires honesty and support.

Satan aims to divide us, but it's our responsibility to resist his temptations. By being honest about our struggles and supporting one another, we can make it difficult for the devil to cause division. Promoting unity and having humble, supportive hearts are crucial in maintaining a strong, united church. We must be vigilant in recognizing the enemy's tactics and actively work to counteract them by fostering a spirit of unity and love within our community.

In our daily lives, we should strive to be transparent about our struggles and seek support from our fellow believers. By doing so, we can create a strong network of support that makes it difficult for the devil to sow seeds of division. [58:43]

Ephesians 4:2-3 (ESV): "With all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace."

Reflection: Reflect on a recent struggle you have faced. How can you be more honest about your struggles and seek support from your church community?

Day 5: Commitment to Reconciliation

Reconciliation involves taking the initiative to mend broken relationships.

We must be committed to reconciliation, both within the church and in our personal lives. This involves taking the initiative to mend broken relationships and seeking forgiveness. By doing so, we create a culture of unity and support that reflects the love and grace of Jesus Christ. Reconciliation is not always easy, but it is essential for maintaining harmony and fostering a spirit of love within our community.

In our own lives, we should actively seek out opportunities to reconcile with those we have wronged or who have wronged us. By taking the first step towards reconciliation, we can create an environment where forgiveness and unity are prioritized. [01:14:52]

2 Corinthians 5:18-19 (ESV): "All this is from God, who through Christ reconciled us to himself and gave us the ministry of reconciliation; that is, in Christ God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and entrusting to us the message of reconciliation."

Reflection: Think of a broken relationship in your life. How can you take the first step towards reconciliation and seek forgiveness today?

Sermon Summary

### Summary

Good morning, everyone. Today, we delved into the importance of unity within the church and how the devil seeks to divide us. Drawing from personal experiences and scripture, we explored how divisions and allegiances can weaken our collective mission. Reflecting on my journey, I shared how mentorship and tough love helped me grow in ministry, emphasizing the need to get past our egos and work together harmoniously.

We examined 1 Corinthians 1:10-13, where Paul addresses the lack of unity in the Corinthian church. He urges them to be united in purpose and not let petty differences create divisions. This message is crucial for us today as well. We must focus on what truly matters: Jesus Christ as Lord, repentance, and living a life that pleases Him.

We also discussed the importance of forgiveness and reconciliation. Forgiveness is not just a simple act but a powerful release that liberates us from bitterness and opens the door to healing. Jesus provides a roadmap for dealing with conflict in Matthew 18:15-17, emphasizing the need for direct, honest conversations to restore relationships.

Finally, we acknowledged that Satan aims to divide us, but it's our responsibility to resist his temptations and strive for unity. By being honest about our struggles and supporting one another, we can make it difficult for the devil to cause division. Let's commit to being a church that promotes harmony, supports its leadership, and works together to fulfill God's mission.

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Key Takeaways

1. 17. This involves direct, honest conversations aimed at restoring relationships. Avoiding these tough conversations can lead to unresolved issues and further division. We must be proactive in addressing conflicts to maintain harmony within the church. [01:04:04]
4. Resisting Division: Satan aims to divide us, but it's our responsibility to resist his temptations. By being honest about our struggles and supporting one another, we can make it difficult for the devil to cause division. Promoting unity and having humble, supportive hearts are crucial in maintaining a strong, united church.

5. Commitment to Reconciliation: We must be committed to reconciliation, both within the church and in our personal lives. This involves taking the initiative to mend broken relationships and seeking forgiveness. By doing so, we create a culture of unity and support that reflects the love and grace of Jesus Christ.

### [64:04]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[34:47] - Introduction and Personal Story
[35:37] - Opportunities to Serve
[36:31] - Prayer and Transition
[37:01] - Early Ministry Experiences
[38:25] - Mentorship and Growth
[42:08] - Dealing with Criticism
[44:30] - The Devil's Division Tactics
[45:26] - Scripture Reading: 1 Corinthians 1:10-13
[47:03] - Divided Allegiances
[50:39] - Ego and Pride in the Church
[53:04] - Commitment to Church Mission
[55:58] - Importance of Harmony
[56:34] - Role of Church Leadership
[57:50] - Promoting Unity
[58:43] - Resisting Division
[62:07] - The Power of Forgiveness
[64:04] - Dealing with Conflict
[74:52] - Commitment to Reconciliation
[78:02] - Closing Prayer

Bible Study Guide

Observation Questions

What specific issue does Paul address in 1 Corinthians 1:10-13 regarding the church in Corinth?
According to Matthew 18:15-17, what steps should be taken to resolve conflicts within the church?
How does Ephesians 4:3 instruct believers to maintain unity within the church?

Interpretation Questions

Why does Paul emphasize the importance of unity in the church in 1 Corinthians 1:10-13? How does this relate to our mission as a church? [45:26]
In Matthew 18:15-17, why is it important to address conflicts directly and honestly? What might be the consequences of avoiding these conversations? [01:04:04]
How can the concept of "binding yourselves together with peace" from Ephesians 4:3 be practically applied in our church community? [58:43]

Application Questions

Reflect on a time when you experienced or witnessed division within a church. How was it handled, and what could have been done differently to promote unity? [45:26]
Forgiveness is described as a powerful release that liberates us from bitterness. Is there someone you need to forgive in your life? What steps can you take this week to begin that process? [01:02:07]
Jesus provides a roadmap for dealing with conflict in Matthew 18:15-17. Think of a current conflict in your life. How can you apply Jesus' instructions to seek resolution and restore the relationship? [01:04:04]
Satan aims to divide us, but we are called to resist his temptations. What are some practical ways you can support and promote unity within our church community? [58:43]
Commitment to reconciliation is crucial for maintaining harmony. Identify a relationship in your life that needs mending. What specific actions can you take to seek reconciliation this week? [01:14:52]
How can you contribute to creating a culture of unity and support in our church that reflects the love and grace of Jesus Christ? [01:16:31]
Think about the role of church leadership in promoting unity. How can you support and encourage our church leaders in their efforts to maintain harmony within the congregation? [56:34]

Sermon Clips

1. "And so, Hearing these difficult things from him Was a challenge And I had to get past myself And in fact Pastor D I know that you Maybe I don't know how it works in heaven If you're up there and listening right now I hope I'm doing you honor But he would often say Every Sunday from the pulpit Y'all need to get past yourselves It was this phrase that he used Over and over and over And so this morning We're going to talk about how the devil Divides the church We're going to talk about how the devil We're going to talk about how he divides Christians." [44:09] (32 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

2. "And you know what the problem with that is It's typically ego stroking It's typically ego stroking It's what we kind of do To protect ourselves From the outside I'm going to be so flamb I'm going to be so Obviously different I'm going to be so obviously different That everybody's going to know And they're going to like it Right Or it's pride It's pride So much of that is pride We're supposed to be humble Right Now I think it's important that we understand That humbleness The bible says the same power that raised Christ Jesus Is what lives in you if you're a believer." [51:12] (47 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

3. "And you know what A group of people will not agree on every single issue But they can work together in harmony If they agree on what matters And here's what matters Jesus Christ is Lord of all We need to repent of our sins And live a life that pleases him By following scripture We need to focus on Jesus And his purpose for our lives And we need to also look for Where we fit personally In God's mission God's grand plan for the world But also where we fit personally Into where the church needs us Church needs us." [53:31] (35 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

4. "And Paul was over it Because our goal is harmony Our goal is harmony Harmony is beautiful in families In relationships In the church Harmony doesn't require us And I know this is going to shock some of you Harmony does not require us to hold The same exact opinions About how everything should be done So I mentioned this before Before becoming a professor I have served in various churches I teach classes on pastoral leadership And church growth And all of those things Guess what I intentionally don't do here Tell Troy what to do It's not my place It's not my position." [52:09] (40 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

5. "And so, When we don't actually Take an active part And having tough conversations with people It's not about the act of forgiveness itself so much As it is Literally restoring what was broken That's what Jesus wants us to do If that first step Doesn't bring resolution The journey is not in there You have still not done What God is asking you to do To restore your relationship with that person And again Just saying There may be circumstances and people Where it's like I'm going to have a conversation with them I'm going to forgive them I'm going to talk to them about it But I am also not going to set myself up To be hurt by them again." [01:06:12] (48 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

6. "Satan is a liar And he wants to make us think That we're paupers That we're poor When we're children of the king If we've chosen to follow Jesus If you have chosen to follow Jesus this morning You are a child of the king A child of the king King's children don't act that way Okay And I'm not saying it's you I know I'm coming across like a grumpy parent A teacher today, right I'm not saying it's you I'm just giving us all a reminder, okay Satan wants to divide us Tear us apart Make us enemies of one another He wants to divide your families He wants to divide this church The big C church He wants to ruin your marriages Your relationships Your friendships." [01:08:09] (50 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

7. "And here's the thing Even though Satan wants all those things It's not Jesus who's going to let him have it It's you John 10.10 says The thief's purpose is to steal, kill, and destroy My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life I'm going to be a little bit controversial here It's not God's responsibility To keep you from acting on what you were tempted to do Okay It's not his responsibility He's there with open arms saying Come to me Come to me Run to me Run away from this temptation to be ticked at somebody else Run away from this anger in your heart Run to me Come to me And I'm going to help you walk through it." [01:11:23] (45 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

8. "And I want to help protect the culture of this church And so If there's somebody in the church this morning That you need to ask for forgiveness from Or talk to about something I'm not going to ask you to get up and do it right now Of course But I will challenge you before you leave today Drag them aside Don't drag them Pull them aside Maybe you are the most introverted in the room Send them a message on Facebook Text them Don't text them and like confess the problem Text them and say hey let's talk Okay Let's have a conversation Not over the phone unless you just got to But let's actually sit down somewhere and work this out Let's restore our relationship." [01:14:16] (45 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

9. "And maybe this morning There is someone in your life who's hurt you You're struggling with reconciliation in your marriages Your relationships with your family Your co-workers I don't know what God is doing to you What God has called you to do But I know this morning that God specifically said To challenge you all Before you drive out of this parking lot today To make an arrangement To reconcile Okay Probably won't be done right now Maybe it could be But probably won't be But there's somebody in your life There's somebody out here that needs to send that text Send that message Say hey I need to talk to you Can we talk sometime Before you leave today Before you get out of the parking lot When you get out to your cars and you're just chilling Do some self inventory Are there people I need to talk to Within the church Without the church And follow this model." [01:14:52] (61 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

10. "I believe that that is the only way we are going to have a church where the devil cannot have a foothold in. bring your problems because this is a hospital for the sick, but the devil will stay at the door. He will not come into this place if we are a place that's keeping these things in mind. only is this an important and relevant teaching, but I believe if us as a church and other churches around us practice this, that is what will bring revival to this city. truly believe that." [01:16:31] (32 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

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