Bible Study Lessons:Ephesians 4:31-32
Introduction: A. What recurring dream do you have that leaves you thanking God when you wake up and find that it is not real? Every has had one of those dreams? I remember, as a little boy, having a recurring dream that would awaken me screaming and crying. Mom would take me into the bathroom and wash my face. Then she would have me say my prayers all over againto make sure that I was awake before letting me go back to bed. I could never quite remember what the dream was after I woke up. It finally went away when, after one of these screaming in the night episodes, I went back to bed and tried to dream it again. I guess that it went away because I faced my fear. B. Now, as a pastor, I have another too often occurring nightmare: people in the church getting offended, mad at each other, leaving over petty differences, etc. I preach much on the subject of love and forgiveness division within the church. In Genesis, Satan divided Eve from Adam in his deception concerning the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil. Sin did the rest as it separated Adam and Eve from the Lord who walked in the Garden with them. Satan has pulled out all of the “stops” in his unending efforts to destroy the effectiveness of the local church. The pastor’s nightmare is division! We must not be ignorant of Satan’s devices and one of his best is division. C. There are many Baptist churches that are without a pastor with some of them having actually “run the pastor off.” Many churches have been hurt or rendered ineffective because of division or good people leaving the church. 1. Sometimes, wicked people get into the church and divide it. 2. More often, saved people get their priorities wrong and strive, one with another. a) Through Carnality b) Through Biblical Ignorance c) Through Willful Immaturity d) Through Satanic Influence D. I have preached and will continue to preach against division within the local church body. It is imperative that we remain united and strong as the work of the Lord is of the utmost importance. This type of preaching is not a new thing nor can it be a sporadic one. It must be preached often with a no-nonsense approach. Look in Acts 20:28-31 with me. Acts 20:28-31 Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood. 29 For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock. 30 Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them. 31 Therefore watch, and remember, that by the space of three years I ceased not to warn every one night and day with tears. E. The most important unit on the face of the earth (other than the family) is the local church. Satan hates the local Church! F. Division causes much damage to the local church: 1. Division Destroys The Fellowship Of The Church. (People sit on the pews of the church with malice and unforgiveness in their hearts. They are Achans!) 2. Division Destroys The Commission Of The Church. (Missions has been damaged because of gaining a family and then loosing a family through spiritual nonsense!) 3. Division Destroys The Testimony Of The Church. (Church fights and splits have been detrimental to the prosperity of the church, both physically and financially.) 4. Division Destroys The Posterity Of The Church. (Children both see and hear the ungodliness of the parents. It affects their spirituality and, eventually, they are lost.) 5. Division Destroys The Worship Of The Church. (God and His Holy Spirit are grieved with this division and worship is neither holy nor acceptable.) 6. Division Destroys The Evangelism Of The Church. (Instead of keeping our eyes upon the harvest and doing all that we can to win souls, our time is spent in bitterness and souls are lost.) 7. Division Hinders The Prayers Of The Saints. (Malice and unforgiveness are sins and when we regard iniquity in our hearts, our prayers go unheard.) G. Division damages the individual believer. Let’s look at what division will do to you personally. 1. Satanic Division Will Divide You From The Lord’s Pulpit - God’s Message - Satan will tell you that the preaching is opinionated! A man left the church years ago because he was tired of “independent Baptist mentality!” His problem was that he was not right with the Lord and still isn’t. a) You Will Not Heed To God’s Message - Hebrews 5:11-12 Of whom we have many things to say, and hard to be uttered, seeing ye are dull of hearing. 12 For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again which be the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat. Zechariah 7:11-12 But they refused to hearken, and pulled away the shoulder, and stopped their ears, that they should not hear.12 Yea, they made their hearts as an adamant stone, lest they should hear the law, and the words which the LORD of hosts hath sent in his spirit by the former prophets: therefore came a great wrath from the LORD of hosts. b) You Will Not Hear God’s Man - Ezekiel 33:30-33 Also, thou son of man, the children of thy people still are talking against thee by the walls and in the doors of the houses, and speak one to another, every one to his brother, saying, Come, I pray you, and hear what is the word that cometh forth from the LORD. 31 And they come unto thee as the people cometh, and they sit before thee as my people, and they hear thy words, but they will not do them: for with their mouth they shew much love, but their heart goeth after their covetousness. 32 And, lo, thou art unto them as a very lovely song of one that hath a pleasant voice, and can play well on an instrument: for they hear thy words, but they do them not. 33 And when this cometh to pass, (lo, it will come,)then shall they know that a prophet hath been among them. 2. Satanic Division Will Divide You From The Lord’s Place – God’s House - Satan will tell you that you can worship the Lord at home or wherever you are! God has both ordained and ordered worship in His house on a regular basis. a) It Will Rob Your Joy - Psalms 122:1 I was glad when they said unto me, Let us go into the house of the LORD. Psalms 84:10 For a day in thy courts is better than a thousand. I had rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God, than to dwell in the tents of wickedness. b) It Will Bring You Judgment - Hebrews 10:25-27 Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching. 26 For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins, 27 But a certain fearful looking for of judgment and fiery indignation, which shall devour the adversaries. (You will disobey this direct command and blame others for your disobedience! Satan does not want you at church. He wants you isolated!) 3. Satanic Division Will Divide You From The Lord’s Pastor – Your Friend - Satan will tell you that people are following a man and not the Lord! The Lord has commanded that you follow His man. a) You Will Forsake God’s Man - 1 Corinthians 4:16-21 Wherefore I beseech you, be ye followers of me. 17 For this cause have I sent unto you Timotheus, who is my beloved son, and faithful in the Lord, who shall bring you into remembrance of my ways which be in Christ, as I teach every where in every church. 18 Now some are puffed up, as though I would not come to you. 19 But I will come to you shortly, if the Lord will, and will know, not the speech of them which are puffed up, but the power. 20 For the kingdom of God is not in word, but in power. 21 What will ye? shall I come unto you with a rod, or in love, and in the spirit of meekness? b) You Will Withstand God’s Man - 2 Timothy 4:14-15 Alexander the coppersmith did me much evil: the Lord reward him according to his works: 15 Of whom be thou ware also; for he hath greatly withstood our words. c) You Will Speak Evil Of God’s Man - 3 John 9-10 I wrote unto the church: but Diotrephes, who loveth to have the preeminence among them, receiveth us not. 10 Wherefore, if I come, I will remember his deeds which he doeth, prating against us with malicious words: and not content therewith, neither doth he himself receive the brethren, and forbiddeth them that would, and casteth them out of the church. 4. Satanic Division Will Divide You From The Lord’s People – Your Brethren - Satan has efficiently divided one believer from the other. The Bible teaches us to love one another. John 13:35 By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another. a) Divided Because Of Opinions - Acts 15:37-39 And Barnabas determined to take with them John, whose surname was Mark. 38 But Paul thought not good to take him with them, who departed from them from Pamphylia, and went not with them to the work. 39 And the contention was so sharp between them, that they departed asunder one from the other: and so Barnabas took Mark, and sailed unto Cyprus. b) Divided Because Of Offenses - Matthew 5:23-24 Therefore if thou bring thy gift to the altar, and there rememberest that thy brother hath ought against thee; 24 Leave there thy gift before the altar, and go thy way; first be reconciled to thy brother, and then come and offer thy gift. Matthew 18:15-17 Moreover if thy brother shall trespass against thee, go and tell him his fault between thee and him alone: if he shall hear thee, thou hast gained thy brother. 16 But if he will not hear thee, then take with thee one or two more, that in the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established. 17 And if he shall neglect to hear them, tell it unto the church: but if he neglect to hear the church, let him be unto thee as an heathen man and a publican. 5. Satanic Division Will Divide You From The Lord’s Purpose – God’s Harvest - Satanic division has efficiently divided one church from the other. Satanic division has efficiently confused the purpose of the church. The definition for confusion is to be ashamed, to be disconcerted, or to delay. Where Satan cannot stop the Lord or take the eternal life of the saint, he simply tries to divide and delay. I believe in the autonomy of the local church, but Satan has turned one against another and divided our fellowship. Tanker trucks use baffles to confuse the forward motion of the liquid that they carry in order to more easily control the trucks and help with braking. Satan has baffled the churches to confuse their forward motion and bring them to a grinding halt! a) Division Brings Reproach To The Name Of Christ - 1 Corinthians 1:10 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. b) Division Brings Devastation To The Local Church - Matthew 12:25-26 And Jesus knew their thoughts, and said unto them, Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation; and every city or house divided against itself shall not stand: And if Satan cast out Satan, he is divided against himself; how shall then his kingdom stand? c) Division Brings Confusion To The Cause Of Christ - 2 Corinthians 13:11 Finally, brethren, farewell. Be perfect, be of good comfort, be of one mind, live in peace; and the God of love and peace shall be with you. d) Division Brings About A Shortage Of Workers In The Harvest - John 21:3 Simon Peter saith unto them, I go a fishing. They say unto him, We also go with thee. They went forth, and entered into a ship immediately; and that night they caught nothing. HOW DIVISION COMES 1. Division Comes Through Carnality. James 3:16 For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work. 1 Corinthians 14:33 For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints. (God is never the author of confusion! God is the author of peace! The moment that you become divided in any of these areas that I spoke to you about, you are out of God’s will! Learn to keep your eye on God’s purpose: souls!) 2. Division Comes Through Biblical Ignorance. Ephesians 4:2-7 With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love; Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling; One Lord, one faith, one baptism, One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all. But unto every one of us is given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ. (We are all on the same side and have a common enemy! Endeavouring = Making an effort or striving.) 1 John 1:2-4 (For the life was manifested, and we have seen it, and bear witness, and shew unto you that eternal life, which was with the Father, and was manifested unto us;) 3 That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us: and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ. 4 And these things write we unto you, that your joy may be full. 3. Division Comes Through False Brethren. 3 John 9-11 I wrote unto the church: but Diotrephes, who loveth to have the preeminence among them, receiveth us not. Wherefore, if I come, I will remember his deeds which he doeth, prating against us with malicious words: and not content therewith, neither doth he himself receive the brethren, and forbiddeth them that would, and casteth them out of the church. Beloved, follow not that which is evil, but that which is good. He that doeth good is of God: but he that doeth evil hath not seen God. (Follow that which is good! Stay away from complainers, criticizers, and carnal professors!) 4. Division Comes Through Satanic Influence. 2 Corinthians 2:10-11 To whom ye forgive any thing, I forgive also: for if I forgave any thing, to whom I forgave it, for your sakes forgave I it in the person of Christ; Lest Satan should get an advantage of us: for we are not ignorant of his devices. (Learn to recognize that division is satanic and do not give Satan a toehold in your life.) 5. Division Comes Through Unforgiveness. 2 Corinthians 2:10-11 To whom ye forgive any thing, I forgive also: for if I forgave any thing, to whom I forgave it, for your sakes forgave I it in the person of Christ; 11 Lest Satan should get an advantage of us: for we are not ignorant of his devices. Ephesians 4:31-32 Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice: And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you. (No matter what someone does to you, says about you, your biblical responsibility is forgiveness and oneness! If you are mad, hurt, or divided, it is your problem! Get it right!) How To Stop Division! A. Always Give Others The Benefit Of The Doubt - 1 Corinthians 13:5 Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil; B. Learn To Forgive And To Forget - Ephesians 4:31-32 Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice: And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you. C. Keep Your Eye Focused Upon The Purpose - Philippians 1:27 Only let your conversation be as it becometh the gospel of Christ: that whether I come and see you, or else be absent, I may hear of your affairs, that ye stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel; Philippians 3:16 Nevertheless, whereto we have already attained, let us walk by the same rule, let us mind the same thing. D. Esteem Others Better Than Self - Philippians 2:3 Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. Philippians 2:1-4 If there be therefore any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any bowels and mercies, Fulfil ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others. E. Learn To Keep Your Mouth Shut When There Is A Problem - Proverbs 6:16-19 These six things doth the LORD hate: yea, seven are an abomination unto him: A proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, An heart that deviseth wicked imaginations, feet that be swift in running to mischief, A false witness that speaketh lies, and he that soweth discord among brethren. Ephesians 4:31-32
Introduction: A. The Pastor’s Nightmare! What recurring dream do you have that leaves you thanking God when you wake up and find that it is not real? Every has had one of those dreams? I remember, as a little boy, having a recurring dream that would awaken me screaming and crying. Mom would take me into the bathroom and wash my face. Then she would have me say my prayers all over again to make sure that I was awake before letting me go back to bed. I could never quite remember what the dream was after I woke up. It finally went away when, after one of these screaming in the night episodes, I went back to bed and tried to dream it again. I guess that it went away because I faced my fear. B. Now, as a pastor, I have another too often occurring nightmare: people in the church getting offended, mad at each other, leaving over petty differences, etc. I preach much on the subject of love and forgiveness division within the church. In Genesis, Satan divided Eve from Adam in his deception concerning the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil. Sin did the rest as it separated Adam and Eve from the Lord who walked in the Garden with them. Satan has pulled out all of the “stops” in his unending efforts to destroy the effectiveness of the local church. The pastor’s nightmare is division! We must not be ignorant of Satan’s devices and one of his best is division. C. There are many Baptist churches that are without a pastor with some of them having actually “run the pastor off.” Many churches have been hurt or rendered ineffective because of division or good people leaving the church. 1. Sometimes, wicked people get into the church and divide it. 2. More often, saved people get their priorities wrong and strive, one with another. a) Through Carnality b) Through Biblical Ignorance c) Through Willful Immaturity d) Through Satanic Influence D. I have preached and will continue to preach against division within the local church body. It is imperative that we remain united and strong as the work of the Lord is of the utmost importance. This type of preaching is not a new thing nor can it be a sporadic one. It must be preached often with a no-nonsense approach. Look in Acts 20:28-31 with me. Acts 20:28-31 Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood. 29 For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock. 30 Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them. 31 Therefore watch, and remember, that by the space of three years I ceased not to warn every one night and day with tears. E. The most important unit on the face of the earth (other than the family) is the local church. Satan hates the local Church! F. Division causes much damage to the local church: 1. Division Destroys The Fellowship Of The Church. (People sit on the pews of the church with malice and unforgiveness in their hearts. They are Achans!) 2. Division Destroys The Commission Of The Church. (Missions has been damaged because of gaining a family and then loosing a family through spiritual nonsense!) 3. Division Destroys The Testimony Of The Church. (Church fights and splits have been detrimental to the prosperity of the church, both physically and financially.) 4. Division Destroys The Posterity Of The Church. (Children both see and hear the ungodliness of the parents. It affects their spirituality and, eventually, they are lost.) 5. Division Destroys The Worship Of The Church. (God and His Holy Spirit are grieved with this division and worship is neither holy nor acceptable.) 6. Division Destroys The Evangelism Of The Church. (Instead of keeping our eyes upon the harvest and doing all that we can to win souls, our time is spent in bitterness and souls are lost.) 7. Division Hinders The Prayers Of The Saints. (Malice and unforgiveness are sins and when we regard iniquity in our hearts, our prayers go unheard.) G. Division damages the individual believer. Let’s look at what division will do to you personally. 1. Satanic Division Will Divide You From The Lord’s Pulpit - God’s Message - Satan will tell you that the preaching is opinionated! A man left the church years ago because he was tired of “independent Baptist mentality!” His problem was that he was not right with the Lord and still isn’t. a) You Will Not Heed To God’s Message - Hebrews 5:11-12 Of whom we have many things to say, and hard to be uttered, seeing ye are dull of hearing. 12 For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again which be the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat. Zechariah 7:11-12 But they refused to hearken, and pulled away the shoulder, and stopped their ears, that they should not hear.12 Yea, they made their hearts as an adamant stone, lest they should hear the law, and the words which the LORD of hosts hath sent in his spirit by the former prophets: therefore came a great wrath from the LORD of hosts. b) You Will Not Hear God’s Man - Ezekiel 33:30-33 Also, thou son of man, the children of thy people still are talking against thee by the walls and in the doors of the houses, and speak one to another, every one to his brother, saying, Come, I pray you, and hear what is the word that cometh forth from the LORD. 31 And they come unto thee as the people cometh, and they sit before thee as my people, and they hear thy words, but they will not do them: for with their mouth they shew much love, but their heart goeth after their covetousness. 32 And, lo, thou art unto them as a very lovely song of one that hath a pleasant voice, and can play well on an instrument: for they hear thy words, but they do them not. 33 And when this come to pass, (lo, it will come,)then shall they know that a prophet hath been among them. 2. Satanic Division Will Divide You From The Lord’s Place – God’s House - Satan will tell you that you can worship the Lord at home or wherever you are! God has both ordained and ordered worship in His house on a regular basis. a) It Will Rob Your Joy - Psalms 122:1 I was glad when they said unto me, Let us go into the house of the LORD. Psalms 84:10 For a day in thy courts is better than a thousand. I had rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God, than to dwell in the tents of wickedness. b) It Will Bring You Judgment - Hebrews 10:25-27 Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching. 26 For if we sin willfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins, 27 But a certain fearful looking for of judgment and fiery indignation, which shall devour the adversaries. (You will disobey this direct command and blame others for your disobedience! Satan does not want you at church. He wants you isolated!) 3. Satanic Division Will Divide You From The Lord’s Pastor – Your Friend - Satan will tell you that people are following a man and not the Lord! The Lord has commanded that you follow His man. a) You Will Forsake God’s Man - 1 Corinthians 4:16-21 Wherefore I beseech you, be ye followers of me. 17 For this cause have I sent unto you Timotheus, who is my beloved son, and faithful in the Lord, who shall bring you into remembrance of my ways which be in Christ, as I teach every where in every church. 18 Now some are puffed up, as though I would not come to you. 19 But I will come to you shortly, if the Lord will, and will know, not the speech of them which are puffed up, but the power. 20 For the kingdom of God is not in word, but in power. 21 What will ye? shall I come unto you with a rod, or in love, and in the spirit of meekness? b) You Will Withstand God’s Man - 2 Timothy 4:14-15 Alexander the coppersmith did me much evil: the Lord reward him according to his works: 15 Of whom be thou ware also; for he hath greatly withstood our words. c) You Will Speak Evil Of God’s Man - 3 John 9-10 I wrote unto the church: but Diotrephes, who loveth to have the preeminence among them, receiveth us not. 10 Wherefore, if I come, I will remember his deeds which he doeth, prating against us with malicious words: and not content therewith, neither doth he himself receive the brethren, and forbiddeth them that would, and casteth them out of the church. 4. Satanic Division Will Divide You From The Lord’s People – Your Brethren - Satan has efficiently divided one believer from the other. The Bible teaches us to love one another. John 13:35 By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another. a) Divided Because Of Opinions - Acts 15:37-39 And Barnabas determined to take with them John, whose surname was Mark. 38 But Paul thought not good to take him with them, who departed from them from Pamphylia, and went not with them to the work. 39 And the contention was so sharp between them, that they departed asunder one from the other: and so Barnabas took Mark, and sailed unto Cyprus. b) Divided Because Of Offenses - Matthew 5:23-24 Therefore if thou bring thy gift to the altar, and there rememberest that thy brother hath ought against thee; 24 Leave there thy gift before the altar, and go thy way; first be reconciled to thy brother, and then come and offer thy gift. Matthew 18:15-17 Moreover if thy brother shall trespass against thee, go and tell him his fault between thee and him alone: if he shall hear thee, thou hast gained thy brother. 16 But if he will not hear thee, then take with thee one or two more, that in the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established. 17 And if he shall neglect to hear them, tell it unto the church: but if he neglect to hear the church, let him be unto thee as an heathen man and a publican. 5. Satanic Division Will Divide You From The Lord’s Purpose – God’s Harvest - Satanic division has efficiently divided one church from the other. Satanic division has efficiently confused the purpose of the church. The definition for confusion is to be ashamed, to be disconcerted, or to delay. Where Satan cannot stop the Lord or take the eternal life of the saint, he simply tries to divide and delay. I believe in the autonomy of the local church, but Satan has turned one against another and divided our fellowship. Tanker trucks use baffles to confuse the forward motion of the liquid that they carry in order to more easily control the trucks and help with braking. Satan has baffled the churches to confuse their forward motion and bring them to a grinding halt! a) Division Brings Reproach To The Name Of Christ - 1 Corinthians 1:10 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. b) Division Brings Devastation To The Local Church - Matthew 12:25-26 And Jesus knew their thoughts, and said unto them, Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation; and every city or house divided against itself shall not stand: And if Satan cast out Satan, he is divided against himself; how shall then his kingdom stand? c) Division Brings Confusion To The Cause Of Christ - 2 Corinthians 13:11 Finally, brethren, farewell. Be perfect, be of good comfort, be of one mind, live in peace; and the God of love and peace shall be with you. d) Division Brings About A Shortage Of Workers In The Harvest - John 21:3 Simon Peter saith unto them, I go a fishing. They say unto him, We also go with thee. They went forth, and entered into a ship immediately; and that night they caught nothing. ______________________________________________________________ Part 2 start here 3/25/15 HOW DIVISION COMES 1. Division Comes Through Carnality. James 3:16 For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work. 1 Corinthians 14:33 For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints. (God is never the author of confusion! God is the author of peace! The moment that you become divided in any of these areas that I spoke to you about, you are out of God’s will! Learn to keep your eye on God’s purpose: souls!) 2. Division Comes Through Biblical Ignorance. Ephesians 4:2-7 With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love; Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling; One Lord, one faith, one baptism, One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all. But unto every one of us is given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ. (We are all on the same side and have a common enemy! Endeavouring = Making an effort or striving.) 1 John 1:2-4 (For the life was manifested, and we have seen it, and bear witness, and shew unto you that eternal life, which was with the Father, and was manifested unto us;) 3 That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us: and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ. 4 And these things write we unto you, that your joy may be full. 3. Division Comes Through False Brethren. 3 John 9-11 I wrote unto the church: but Diotrephes, who loveth to have the preeminence among them, receiveth us not. Wherefore, if I come, I will remember his deeds which he doeth, prating against us with malicious words: and not content therewith, neither doth he himself receive the brethren, and forbiddeth them that would, and casteth them out of the church. Beloved, follow not that which is evil, but that which is good. He that doeth good is of God: but he that doeth evil hath not seen God. (Follow that which is good! Stay away from complainers, criticizers, and carnal professors!) 4. Division Comes Through Satanic Influence. 2 Corinthians 2:10-11 To whom ye forgive any thing, I forgive also: for if I forgave any thing, to whom I forgave it, for your sakes forgave I it in the person of Christ; Lest Satan should get an advantage of us: for we are not ignorant of his devices. (Learn to recognize that division is satanic and do not give Satan a toehold in your life.) 5. Division Comes Through Unforgiveness. 2 Corinthians 2:10-11 To whom ye forgive any thing, I forgive also: for if I forgave any thing, to whom I forgave it, for your sakes forgave I it in the person of Christ; 11 Lest Satan should get an advantage of us: for we are not ignorant of his devices. Ephesians 4:31-32 Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice: And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you. (No matter what someone does to you, says about you, your biblical responsibility is forgiveness and oneness! If you are mad, hurt, or divided, it is your problem! Get it right!) How To Stop Division 1. Division Comes Through Carnality. James 3:16 For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work. 1 Corinthians 14:33 For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints. (God is never the author of confusion! God is the author of peace! The moment that you become divided in any of these areas that I spoke to you about, you are out of God’s will! Learn to keep your eye on God’s purpose: souls!) A. Always Give Others The Benefit Of The Doubt - 1 Corinthians 13:5 Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil; B. Learn To Forgive And To Forget - Ephesians 4:31-32 Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice: And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you. C. Keep Your Eye Focused Upon The Purpose - Philippians 1:27 Only let your conversation be as it becometh the gospel of Christ: that whether I come and see you, or else be absent, I may hear of your affairs, that ye stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel; Philippians 3:16 Nevertheless, whereto we have already attained, let us walk by the same rule, let us mind the same thing. D. Esteem Others Better Than Self - Philippians 2:3 Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. Philippians 2:1-4 If there be therefore any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any bowels and mercies, Fulfil ye my joy, that ye be like minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others. E. Learn To Keep Your Mouth Shut When There Is A Problem - Proverbs 6:16-19 These six things doth the LORD hate: yea, seven are an abomination unto him: A proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, An heart that deviseth wicked imaginations, feet that be swift in running to mischief, A false witness that speaketh lies, and he that soweth discord among brethren. |
God Help For Your Troubles: Bible Solutions for Problems, Suffering, and HardshipEveryone has troubles. We face problems, affliction, suffering, and hardship. We need strength, endurance, and patience. Why do people suffer? Are all trials the result of sin committed by the one who suffers? Why does God allow trials, worries, anxieties, and difficulties? Should we blame God and turn from Him? Can troubles and suffering actually make us better people? Is it possible to faithfully endure our difficulties? What solutions does the Bible offer to help us endure and overcome our problems, afflictions, and hardships?
Introduction: "Man who is born of woman is of few days and full of trouble" (Job 14:1). We can especially appreciate these words when we think of the suffering endured by the one who spoke them. Different people deal with different problems and afflictions, and it seems that some suffer more hardships than others do. But we all know by personal experience and from the experiences of those we know, that Job's statement is true. Troubles concern us, not just because hardship itself is a burden, but also because affliction can lead to spiritual temptations. We may be tempted to feel that our trials justify committing sin. We may become so discouraged that we blame God for our troubles, lose faith in Him, or begin to doubt His goodness and mercy. As Job's wife said, "Curse God and die" (Job 2:9). The purpose of this study is to offer Bible answers to questions people often ask about suffering. Why do people suffer? Can good come from suffering? Is it possible to endure affliction with patience and faithfulness? How can God give us strength to endure our hardships and overcome our temptations? What does the Bible say? ______________________________________________________________ Question #1: Why Do People Suffer?The Bible Teaching There are several reasons, not just one reason, why people suffer. ______________________________________________________________ Sometimes people suffer as a result of their sins. King Saul lived a miserable life and eventually was slain because he had rebelled against God (1 Chron. 10:13,14). Judas killed himself because he had betrayed Jesus (Matthew 27:3-5). Likewise today, alcoholics may develop disease, thieves may be imprisoned, etc. Some people think this is the only reason people ever suffer, but we will see that it is not. Sometimes innocent people suffer as a result of other people's sins. This may result from cruelty or accident, as when innocent bystanders are killed by a drunken driver, or when a thief violently attacks his victims. In other cases wicked people may harm righteous people because they resent them. This kind of religious persecution is described in many verses. 1 Peter 2:19-23 - Jesus is an example of one who committed no sin at all, yet He was persecuted and killed by wicked men. So we may follow His example and suffer, not for our faults, but when we do good. John 15:18-20 - The treatment Jesus received should warn us of the treatment we can expect. The world hated Him and persecuted Him, and it will do the same to His servants. 2 Corinthians 11:23-26 - Paul's life shows that Jesus' followers truly often are persecuted. 2 Timothy 3:10-12 - All who live godly in Christ shall suffer persecution. (See also 1 Peter 4:12-16; Heb. 11:35-38; 1 Thess. 3:2-4; Acts 14:22; John 16:33; Gen. 50:20) All people suffer as a result of Adam and Eve's sin. God originally placed Adam and Eve in a state of bliss with no problems of any kind. But He warned them of the consequences of sin. When they sinned anyway, He decreed they would endure pain, suffering, hardship, and eventual death (Gen. 3:16-19). All people since that time have endured these same problems. In particular, because of Adam, all people die (1 Cor. 15:22; Heb. 9:27). Much of the suffering people endure, therefore, cannot be attributed to any particular sin committed by anyone now living. It is just the common lot of mankind because sin is in the world. This does not mean, as some teach, that people today are born guilty of Adam's sin or will be eternally punished for it (Ezek. 18:20; 2 Cor. 5:10). But we do suffer in this life because of it. Some suffering is simply a temptation from Satan. Job 1:1-2:10 expressly states that Job's suffering was a temptation from Satan. He hoped that, because he was suffering, Job would turn away from God. Many other passages teach that Satan is responsible for the suffering of other people. (See 2 Cor. 12:7-10; Luke 13:16; Acts 10:38). Lessons We Should Learn Suffering is not limited to those who are wicked. Some people think that only wicked people suffer, but God is on the side of the righteous and will remove all their troubles. It follows that, if a person is suffering, he must have committed some sin he should repent of. This was the theory of Job's friends (Job 4:7-9); disproving this idea is a main theme of that book. This same false doctrine is taught by many "faith healers" who teach people that God must remove all their problems if they are right with Him. But we have learned that even righteous people suffer. This is important for the following reasons: *We should not conclude that we have been guilty of sin every time we have a problem. Maybe we are suffering because of sin, so we should examine our lives. But maybe we are suffering for other reasons, perhaps because we are righteous. * We should surely never reject a Bible teaching just because it may lead to suffering. If all suffering was the result of our own sin, and if a course of action led to suffering, then we would conclude it was a sinful act. But we have learned that godly people often suffer for doing right. * We should not become Christians thinking it will automatically solve all our problems. If this is our motive, we may fall away when the hardships come. But the main lesson to learn is the next point: God should not be blamed for the existence of suffering. If we believe that all suffering results from a person's own sin, and if we see good people suffering, we may be tempted to blame God or to think He is not keeping His promises. But we have learned that all people suffer, whether or not they are righteous. The command to endure suffering is just another part of a Christian's life, like the command to study the Bible, pray, worship, etc. Faithful Christians of all ages have suffered; we are not the only ones. We should expect suffering to come, so our faith will not be shaken when it does. The ultimate and primary blame for suffering rests on Satan who tempts people to sin and thereby brought sin into the world. The secondary blame rests upon people, ourselves included, who have given in to temptation and committed sin that led to suffering. Yes, God did create suffering as a punishment for sin, but only after He had given people a life without problems and had warned them of the consequences of sin. When they chose to sin, He should no more be blamed for punishing them than a parent should be blamed when he must punish a rebellious child. (Cf. James 1:13,15.) Remember, if you blame God and reject Him because you are suffering, then you are doing exactly what Satan wants you to do. He has defeated you! The only way to defeat Satan and really overcome hardship is to maintain your faithfulness to God in spite of it. Question #2: Can Suffering Have Good Results?"It is good for me that I have been afflicted" (Psa. 119:71). Usually when we suffer we can only see the problems involved. Surely if we commit sin as a result, then the suffering is harmful. But if we remain faithful, there are favorable results that can occur. Consider a few. ______________________________________________________________ Suffering Gives Us Opportunity to Prove Our Commitment to God.1 Peter 1:6,7 - As gold is purified by passing through fire, so the genuineness of our faith is proved by trials. If suffering was limited to sinners and Christians never suffered, all people would want to be Christians, not because they really loved God, but just to avoid earthly problems. The fact that Christians suffer too means that suffering "separates the men from the boys" - it shows who is willing to remain faithful even when it is hard to do so. (Acts 5:40-42; 1 Cor. 11:19; 1 Peter 4:12) Suffering Causes Spiritual Growth.James 1:2-4 - Count it joy when we face trials (hardly the natural reaction), because this leads to patience and completeness in God's service. Whoever developed patience when his patience was never tried? Romans 5:3-5 - Rejoice in tribulations because they work steadfastness, approvedness, and hope. Even in the physical realm, which bones and muscles are the strongest? The ones that face the most hardship. If you lay a block of ice and a block of clay in the sun, one is melted and the other is hardened. The same circumstance produces opposite results. The story is told of two sons of an alcoholic. One son became a drunkard, the other became a teetotaler. Both explained their conduct the same way: "What can you expect with a father like mine?" The same problem produced opposite results. Trials defeat some people but strengthen others. It depends on how we deal with them. Suffering Keeps Us Humble and Dependent on God.2 Corinthians 1:8-10 - Affliction taught Paul not to trust in himself, but in God. God has repeatedly allowed countries to face wars, famines, and hardships when they became independent and failed to trust Him. Often this shows people their need for God. 2 Corinthians 12:7-10 - Paul's "thorn in the flesh" was a messenger from Satan, yet God allowed it to remain because it kept Paul from becoming too proud over the many revelations he had received. From weaknesses, God can produce great strength. Genesis 50:20 - Joseph explained that his brothers had mistreated him, but God used that as a means to save the family from famine. Satan puts trials in our lives to harm us. Yet one of the greatest demonstrations of God's power is His ability to take those problems and use them to accomplish good. The greatest example of this is the death of Christ. Satan intended it as a defeat for God and all mankind, yet it ended up as the salvation of all mankind. (1 Peter 2:21-24) Think for a moment of the really important things in life. How many of them are accomplished without hardship? Birth of a baby? Working to care for our families? Our eternal salvation? Suffering is an inherent part of everything good! So Satan sends trials to harm us, but God can make them come out in the end for our good (Romans 8:28). But this works only if we remain faithful. ______________________________________________________________ Question #3: What Assurance Is There That We Can Endure?When facing hardship we may think, "I just can't hold out." We may convince ourselves that, to expect someone to continue under our circumstances without sinning, would be expecting the impossible. So we may justify ourselves for disobeying God. But consider the Bible teaching that we can endure. ______________________________________________________________ Bible Promises1 Corinthians 10:13 - God will not allow you to face a temptation that is beyond your ability to endure. Every temptation will be accompanied by a way of escape so you can endure it. This means we can endure every trial without sinning. If you think you "can't do" what God said to do, or if you ever justify disobeying God, you have believed the Devil's lie. What we need to do is to quit looking for excuses and look instead for the way of escape! Psalm 34:19 - "Many are the afflictions of the righteous; but the Lord delivers him out of them all." God may not remove all the afflictions, but He makes sure we are able to endure them faithfully - all of them. Romans 8:35-39 - No temptation or trial can separate us from God. In them all, we are "more than conquerors." If we endured the temptation without sinning, we would just be "conquerors." But we are more than conquerors because the problem can actually make us better people. (See also 1 Pet. 5:8,9; James 4:7; Eph. 6:10-18; Prov. 24:10.) Bible Examples Not only does the Bible promise that we can endure faithfully, it gives us examples of many people who DID so. If they did, we can too. James 5:10,11 - Job and Old Testament prophets are our examples of suffering. Have we suffered as much as Job? Surely not. Yet he remained faithful and so can we. 2 Timothy 1:8 - Paul suffered great hardship for the Lord, and we should share in those sufferings. If he endured without falling away, we can too. He is the example we should imitate (1 Corinthians 11:1). Hebrews 12:1-4 - Jesus (and faithful Old Testament characters) are witnesses to what we can do under trying circumstances. Our temptations are no worse than theirs. All these examples show that God will keep His promises to help His people endure faithfully. (1 Pet. 2:19-23) Question #4: What Blessings Will God Provide to Help Us Endure?"God is our refuge and strength. A very present help in trouble" (Psalm 46:1). God has promised to help us endure, but we must make use of the help He provides. Let us summarize a few of the ways God helps. The Bible Romans 15:4 - "...through patience and comfort of the scriptures we might have hope." We have already learned several ways the scriptures comfort and strengthen us when we are suffering: * They help us understand that we will have to suffer, but good can result from our suffering. * They give us assurance that we can endure like others have. * They give evidence of God's wisdom, power, and faithfulness to his promises. This strengthens our faith that God can and will help us endure. But the Bible gives us none of this help unless we regularly study it. Prayer and Worship James 5:13 - "Is anyone among you suffering? Let him pray." Philippians 4:6,7 - "Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known unto God." Job 1:20 - When Job suffered, he went to God in worship. Far too often when we suffer, we do the opposite. We neglect to worship, because we don't feel like it. (1 Peter 5:7; Matt. 7:7ff) These passages do not promise that God will remove our problem, but they do promise He will provide the strength we need to be faithful despite the problem. Jesus and Paul both prayed about problems, and God answered their prayers, but the problem was not removed. Instead, God gave them strength to endure (Matt. 26:36-46; 2 Cor. 12:7-10). Other Christians2 Corinthians 1:3,4 - Not only can God comfort us, so can other Christians. And we should strive to comfort others. Galatians 6:2 - "Bear one another's burdens." We should never allow another Christian to suffer alone through serious problems, if there is any way we can help. One of the best places to get encouragement in time of trouble is the public worship assemblies (Hebrews 10:24,25). Again, however, we must come to the assemblies and talk to other Christians to gain the help we need. (See also 1 Cor. 12:26; 1 Thess. 5:11,14.) Hope of Eternal Life, Romans 8:16-18 - We are heirs of God if we suffer with Jesus. The sufferings of this life are unworthy to even be compared with the future glory awaiting us. James 1:12 - The man who endures is blessed, because the result will be a crown of life. Matthew 5:10-12 - Rejoice and be glad (don't gripe and complain) when you are persecuted, because you are suffering as God's people always have. And great is your reward in heaven. (2 Cor. 4:16,17; 2 Tim. 1:11,12; 2:12; 1 Peter 1:3-7; 4:13) Conclusion: Faithful Christians will suffer. Yet the Christian's life is still the best, because only faithful Christians have the assurance that we can endure, that God will help us, that the result will be for our good, and that in the end we will have eternal life. "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me" - Philippians 4:13. (See also Psalm 23.) Part 2 start here 3/25/15
HOW DIVISION COMES 1. Division Comes Through Carnality. James 3:16 For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work. 1 Corinthians 14:33 For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints. (God is never the author of confusion! God is the author of peace! The moment that you become divided in any of these areas that I spoke to you about, you are out of God’s will! Learn to keep your eye on God’s purpose: souls!) 2. Division Comes Through Biblical Ignorance. Ephesians 4:2-7 With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love; Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling; One Lord, one faith, one baptism, One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all. But unto every one of us is given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ. (We are all on the same side and have a common enemy! Endeavouring = Making an effort or striving.) 1 John 1:2-4 (For the life was manifested, and we have seen it, and bear witness, and shew unto you that eternal life, which was with the Father, and was manifested unto us;) 3 That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us: and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ. 4 And these things write we unto you, that your joy may be full. 3. Division Comes Through False Brethren. 3 John 9-11 I wrote unto the church: but Diotrephes, who loveth to have the preeminence among them, receiveth us not. Wherefore, if I come, I will remember his deeds which he doeth, prating against us with malicious words: and not content therewith, neither doth he himself receive the brethren, and forbiddeth them that would, and casteth them out of the church. Beloved, follow not that which is evil, but that which is good. He that doeth good is of God: but he that doeth evil hath not seen God. (Follow that which is good! Stay away from complainers, criticizers, and carnal professors!) 4. Division Comes Through Satanic Influence. 2 Corinthians 2:10-11 To whom ye forgive any thing, I forgive also: for if I forgave any thing, to whom I forgave it, for your sakes forgave I it in the person of Christ; Lest Satan should get an advantage of us: for we are not ignorant of his devices. (Learn to recognize that division is satanic and do not give Satan a toehold in your life.) 5. Division Comes Through Unforgiveness. 2 Corinthians 2:10-11 To whom ye forgive any thing, I forgive also: for if I forgave any thing, to whom I forgave it, for your sakes forgave I it in the person of Christ; 11 Lest Satan should get an advantage of us: for we are not ignorant of his devices. Ephesians 4:31-32 Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice: And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you. (No matter what someone does to you, says about you, your biblical responsibility is forgiveness and oneness! If you are mad, hurt, or divided, it is your problem! Get it right!) How To Stop Division!
A. Always Give Others The Benefit Of The Doubt - 1 Corinthians 13:5 Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil; B. Learn To Forgive And To Forget - Ephesians 4:31-32 Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice: And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you. C. Keep Your Eye Focused Upon The Purpose - Philippians 1:27 Only let your conversation be as it becometh the gospel of Christ: that whether I come and see you, or else be absent, I may hear of your affairs, that ye stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel; Philippians 3:16 Nevertheless, whereto we have already attained, let us walk by the same rule, let us mind the same thing. D. Esteem Others Better Than Self - Philippians 2:3 Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. Philippians 2:1-4 If there be therefore any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any bowels and mercies, Fulfil ye my joy, that ye be like minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others. E. Learn To Keep Your Mouth Shut When There Is A Problem - Proverbs 6:16-19 These six things doth the LORD hate: yea, seven are an abomination unto him: A proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, An heart that deviseth wicked imaginations, feet that be swift in running to mischief, A false witness that speaketh lies, and he that soweth discord among brethren. ______________________________________________________________ Ephesians 4:31-32
Introduction: A. The Pastor’s Nightmare! What recurring dream do you have that leaves you thanking God when you wake up and find that it is not real? Every has had one of those dreams? I remember, as a little boy, having a recurring dream that would awaken me screaming and crying. Mom would take me into the bathroom and wash my face. Then she would have me say my prayers all over again to make sure that I was awake before letting me go back to bed. I could never quite remember what the dream was after I woke up. It finally went away when, after one of these screaming in the night episodes, I went back to bed and tried to dream it again. I guess that it went away because I faced my fear. B. Now, as a pastor, I have another too often occurring nightmare: people in the church getting offended, mad at each other, leaving over petty differences, etc. I preach much on the subject of love and forgiveness division within the church. In Genesis, Satan divided Eve from Adam in his deception concerning the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil. Sin did the rest as it separated Adam and Eve from the Lord who walked in the Garden with them. Satan has pulled out all of the “stops” in his unending efforts to destroy the effectiveness of the local church. The pastor’s nightmare is division! We must not be ignorant of Satan’s devices and one of his best is division. C. There are many Baptist churches that are without a pastor with some of them having actually “run the pastor off.” Many churches have been hurt or rendered ineffective because of division or good people leaving the church. 1. Sometimes, wicked people get into the church and divide it. 2. More often, saved people get their priorities wrong and strive, one with another. a) Through Carnality b) Through Biblical Ignorance c) Through Willful Immaturity d) Through Satanic Influence D. I have preached and will continue to preach against division within the local church body. It is imperative that we remain united and strong as the work of the Lord is of the utmost importance. This type of preaching is not a new thing nor can it be a sporadic one. It must be preached often with a no-nonsense approach. Look in Acts 20:28-31 with me. Acts 20:28-31 Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood. 29 For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock. 30 Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them. 31 Therefore watch, and remember, that by the space of three years I ceased not to warn every one night and day with tears. E. The most important unit on the face of the earth (other than the family) is the local church. Satan hates the local Church! F. Division causes much damage to the local church: 1. Division Destroys The Fellowship Of The Church. (People sit on the pews of the church with malice and unforgiveness in their hearts. They are Achans!) 2. Division Destroys The Commission Of The Church. (Missions has been damaged because of gaining a family and then loosing a family through spiritual nonsense!) 3. Division Destroys The Testimony Of The Church. (Church fights and splits have been detrimental to the prosperity of the church, both physically and financially.) 4. Division Destroys The Posterity Of The Church. (Children both see and hear the ungodliness of the parents. It affects their spirituality and, eventually, they are lost.) 5. Division Destroys The Worship Of The Church. (God and His Holy Spirit are grieved with this division and worship is neither holy nor acceptable.) 6. Division Destroys The Evangelism Of The Church. (Instead of keeping our eyes upon the harvest and doing all that we can to win souls, our time is spent in bitterness and souls are lost.) 7. Division Hinders The Prayers Of The Saints. (Malice and unforgiveness are sins and when we regard iniquity in our hearts, our prayers go unheard.) G. Division damages the individual believer. Let’s look at what division will do to you personally. 1. Satanic Division Will Divide You From The Lord’s Pulpit - God’s Message - Satan will tell you that the preaching is opinionated! A man left the church years ago because he was tired of “independent Baptist mentality!” His problem was that he was not right with the Lord and still isn’t. a) You Will Not Heed To God’s Message - Hebrews 5:11-12 Of whom we have many things to say, and hard to be uttered, seeing ye are dull of hearing. 12 For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again which be the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat. Zechariah 7:11-12 But they refused to hearken, and pulled away the shoulder, and stopped their ears, that they should not hear.12 Yea, they made their hearts as an adamant stone, lest they should hear the law, and the words which the LORD of hosts hath sent in his spirit by the former prophets: therefore came a great wrath from the LORD of hosts. b) You Will Not Hear God’s Man - Ezekiel 33:30-33 Also, thou son of man, the children of thy people still are talking against thee by the walls and in the doors of the houses, and speak one to another, every one to his brother, saying, Come, I pray you, and hear what is the word that cometh forth from the LORD. 31 And they come unto thee as the people cometh, and they sit before thee as my people, and they hear thy words, but they will not do them: for with their mouth they shew much love, but their heart goeth after their covetousness. 32 And, lo, thou art unto them as a very lovely song of one that hath a pleasant voice, and can play well on an instrument: for they hear thy words, but they do them not. 33 And when this come to pass, (lo, it will come,)then shall they know that a prophet hath been among them. 2. Satanic Division Will Divide You From The Lord’s Place – God’s House - Satan will tell you that you can worship the Lord at home or wherever you are! God has both ordained and ordered worship in His house on a regular basis. a) It Will Rob Your Joy - Psalms 122:1 I was glad when they said unto me, Let us go into the house of the LORD. Psalms 84:10 For a day in thy courts is better than a thousand. I had rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God, than to dwell in the tents of wickedness. b) It Will Bring You Judgment - Hebrews 10:25-27 Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching. 26 For if we sin willfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins, 27 But a certain fearful looking for of judgment and fiery indignation, which shall devour the adversaries. (You will disobey this direct command and blame others for your disobedience! Satan does not want you at church. He wants you isolated!) 3. Satanic Division Will Divide You From The Lord’s Pastor – Your Friend - Satan will tell you that people are following a man and not the Lord! The Lord has commanded that you follow His man. a) You Will Forsake God’s Man - 1 Corinthians 4:16-21 Wherefore I beseech you, be ye followers of me. 17 For this cause have I sent unto you Timotheus, who is my beloved son, and faithful in the Lord, who shall bring you into remembrance of my ways which be in Christ, as I teach every where in every church. 18 Now some are puffed up, as though I would not come to you. 19 But I will come to you shortly, if the Lord will, and will know, not the speech of them which are puffed up, but the power. 20 For the kingdom of God is not in word, but in power. 21 What will ye? shall I come unto you with a rod, or in love, and in the spirit of meekness? b) You Will Withstand God’s Man - 2 Timothy 4:14-15 Alexander the coppersmith did me much evil: the Lord reward him according to his works: 15 Of whom be thou ware also; for he hath greatly withstood our words. c) You Will Speak Evil Of God’s Man - 3 John 9-10 I wrote unto the church: but Diotrephes, who loveth to have the preeminence among them, receiveth us not. 10 Wherefore, if I come, I will remember his deeds which he doeth, prating against us with malicious words: and not content therewith, neither doth he himself receive the brethren, and forbiddeth them that would, and casteth them out of the church. 4. Satanic Division Will Divide You From The Lord’s People – Your Brethren - Satan has efficiently divided one believer from the other. The Bible teaches us to love one another. John 13:35 By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another. a) Divided Because Of Opinions - Acts 15:37-39 And Barnabas determined to take with them John, whose surname was Mark. 38 But Paul thought not good to take him with them, who departed from them from Pamphylia, and went not with them to the work. 39 And the contention was so sharp between them, that they departed asunder one from the other: and so Barnabas took Mark, and sailed unto Cyprus. b) Divided Because Of Offenses - Matthew 5:23-24 Therefore if thou bring thy gift to the altar, and there rememberest that thy brother hath ought against thee; 24 Leave there thy gift before the altar, and go thy way; first be reconciled to thy brother, and then come and offer thy gift. Matthew 18:15-17 Moreover if thy brother shall trespass against thee, go and tell him his fault between thee and him alone: if he shall hear thee, thou hast gained thy brother. 16 But if he will not hear thee, then take with thee one or two more, that in the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established. 17 And if he shall neglect to hear them, tell it unto the church: but if he neglect to hear the church, let him be unto thee as an heathen man and a publican. 5. Satanic Division Will Divide You From The Lord’s Purpose – God’s Harvest - Satanic division has efficiently divided one church from the other. Satanic division has efficiently confused the purpose of the church. The definition for confusion is to be ashamed, to be disconcerted, or to delay. Where Satan cannot stop the Lord or take the eternal life of the saint, he simply tries to divide and delay. I believe in the autonomy of the local church, but Satan has turned one against another and divided our fellowship. Tanker trucks use baffles to confuse the forward motion of the liquid that they carry in order to more easily control the trucks and help with braking. Satan has baffled the churches to confuse their forward motion and bring them to a grinding halt! a) Division Brings Reproach To The Name Of Christ - 1 Corinthians 1:10 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. b) Division Brings Devastation To The Local Church - Matthew 12:25-26 And Jesus knew their thoughts, and said unto them, Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation; and every city or house divided against itself shall not stand: And if Satan cast out Satan, he is divided against himself; how shall then his kingdom stand? c) Division Brings Confusion To The Cause Of Christ - 2 Corinthians 13:11 Finally, brethren, farewell. Be perfect, be of good comfort, be of one mind, live in peace; and the God of love and peace shall be with you. d) Division Brings About A Shortage Of Workers In The Harvest - John 21:3 Simon Peter saith unto them, I go a fishing. They say unto him, We also go with thee. They went forth, and entered into a ship immediately; and that night they caught nothing. |