One Voice & One Vison

Identifying the Enemies of Unity

 

1 Corinthians 1:10-17 KJV

10 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. 11 For it hath been declared unto me of you, my brethren, by them which are of the house of Chloe, that there are contentions among you. 12 Now this I say, that every one of you saith, I am of Paul; and I of Apollos; and I of Cephas; and I of Christ. 13 Is Christ divided? was Paul crucified for you? or were ye baptized in the name of Paul? 14 I thank God that I baptized none of you, but Crispus and Gaius; 15 Lest any should say that I had baptized in mine own name. 16 And I baptized also the household of Stephanas: besides, I know not whether I baptized any other. 17 For Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel: not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of none effect.

 

1 Corinthians 16:12 NKJV

12 Now concerning our brother Apollos, I strongly urged him to come to you with the brethren, but he was quite unwilling to come at this time; however, he will come when he has a convenient time.

Definitions

Divisions –

NT:4978 schisma (skhis’-mah); from NT:4977; a split or gap (“schism”), literally or figuratively:

KJV – division, rent, schism.

 

Key Point

“A schisms in the body is where we get the phrase “Church Split!”

 

Definitions

Schisms –

1. division of a group into opposing factions
2. the formal separation of a church into two churches or the withdrawal of one group over doctrinal differences

Psalms 133 NKJV

Behold, how good and how pleasant it is For brethren to dwell together in unity! 2 It is like the precious oil upon the head, Running down on the beard, The beard of Aaron, Running down on the edge of his garments. 3 It is like the dew of Hermon, Descending upon the mountains of Zion; For there the Lord commanded the blessing

 

Key Point

“The Oil doesn’t flow until the brethren are in unity!”

Ephesians 4:3 NIV

3 Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.

 

Key Point

“We must be intentional about keeping unity in the church!”

Enemies of Unity

1. Saul’s Armor – 1 Sam 17:38-39
2. Old Seasons – Matt 11:1-6
3. Dissatisfaction – 1 Cor 12:20-25
4. Singing Virgins – 1 Sam 18:6-7

 

1 Samuel 17:38-39 NKJV

38 So Saul clothed David with his armor, and he put a bronze helmet on his head; he also clothed him with a coat of mail. 39 David fastened his sword to his armor and tried to walk, for he had not tested them. And David said to Saul, “I cannot walk with these, for I have not tested them.” So David took them off.

 

Matthew 11:1-6 KJV

And it came to pass, when Jesus had made an end of commanding his twelve disciples, he departed thence to teach and to preach in their cities. 2 Now when John had heard in the prison the works of Christ, he sent two of his disciples, 3 And said unto him, Art thou he that should come, or do we look for another? 4 Jesus answered and said unto them, Go and shew John again those things which ye do hear and see: 5 The blind receive their sight, and the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, and the deaf hear, the dead are raised up, and the poor have the gospel preached to them. 6 And blessed is he, who soever shall not be offended in me.

Key Point

“You have to want a move of God, even if it doesn’t include you!”

 

1 Corinthians 12:20-26 NKJV

20 But now indeed there are many members, yet one body. 21 And the eye cannot say to the hand, “I have no need of you”; nor again the head to the feet, “I have no need of you.” 22 No, much rather, those members of the body which seem to be weaker are necessary. 23 And those members of the body which we think to be less honorable, on these we bestow greater honor; and our unpresentable parts have greater modesty, 24 but our presentable parts have no need. But God composed the body, having given greater honor to that part which lacks it, 25 that there should be no schism in the body, but that the members should have the same care for one another.

Key Point

“When people are not satisfied with their portion, they don’t stay in position!”

 

Definitions

Schisms (root)

NT:4977 schizo (skhid’-zo); apparently a primary verb; to split or sever (literally or figuratively):

KJV – break, divide, open, rend, make a rent.

 

Key Point

“Dissatisfaction leads to Spiritual Schizophrenia!”

Key Point

“Just because you know how to do something doesn’t mean your authorized to do it!”

 

1 Samuel 18:6-7 KJV

6 And it came to pass as they came, when David was returned from the slaughter of the Philistine, that the women came out of all cities of Israel, singing and dancing, to meet king Saul, with tabrets, with joy, and with instruments of musick.7 And the women answered one another as they played, and said, Saul hath slain his thousands, and David his ten thousands

Key Point

“Everyone calls out Saul, but no one calls out the singers!”

 

Key Point

“Paul didn’t let the singers turn him against Apollos!”