Category: Discord

The love letter that Paul wrote to the Philippians had a single sour note, revealed in Philippians 4. We know nothing of the circumstances, but in the midst of the righteous efforts of this faithful congregation, there was some kind of strife between two women of the number.

Paul wrote, “I implore Euodia and I implore Syntyche to be of the same mind in the Lord” (4:2). Paul wrote with love and gentleness, but there was a problem of some type. It seems that if the problem were doctrinal, Paul would have arbitrated the issue by revealing God’s will on the matter. Most probably the strife that existed was something else. It may have been a matter of personality, perceived slight, or another inconsequential matter, though it may have seemed large to the ladies.

Regardless, it was something that could not rightly stand in the way of their unity. Paul had already encouraged the Philippians, “Therefore if there is any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and mercy, fulfill my joy by being like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind” (Philippians 2:1-2). He now called upon those mature Christians in Philippi to “help these women” (3) gain a unity that was not present. The next time you think your issue is important enough to strive against your brother, think twice!

In James 4, the writer discusses sin present in the lives of some Christians — specifically strife and worldliness. Notice verses 1-4:

“Where do wars and fights come from among you? Do they not come from your desires for pleasure that war in your members? You lust and do not have. You murder and covet and cannot obtain. You fight and war. Yet you do not have because you do not ask. You ask and do not receive, because you ask amiss, that you may spend it on your pleasures. Adulterers and adulteresses! Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? Whoever therefore wants to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God.”

Continue reading “The Problem of Pride” →

“Reject a divisive man after the first and second admonition, knowing that such a person is warped and sinning, being self-condemned” (Titus 3:10-11).

Paul’s description of the divisive man is a rather strong denunciation of the sin. In the NKJV, the word “warped” is used in translating the Greek ekstrepho. Other translations use the words words “perverted” and “subverted.”

Warped best reflects the etymology of the word. It literally means to twist or turn out. Thayer defines the word, “to change for the worse, pervert, corrupt.”

Picture a warped piece of wood. It is useless to the carpenter who desires a precise and square result for his project. Since it is twisted or turned from that which is straight, it can’t serve its intended purpose.

The purpose of the Christian is to reflect His God. “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven” (Matthew 5:16). The primary attributes of God include love (John 3:16) and unity (John 17:20-21). A divisive man has turned away from these fundamental characteristics, to something that is much worse, something corrupt.

Brethren, we need to examine ourselves, and be sure that we are not guilty of bringing strife to God’s people. There is nothing more antithetical to being a child of God!

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President Trump is a lightning rod for controversy. His pugnacious personality, outsider status and vulgarity is shocking to the sensibilities of both media and political opponents.

The criticisms of the President are well deserved on his part, as he is not a pleasant person. What is obvious to the unbiased, however, is that partisanship plays a large role in the criticism.

It is striking how often there is a willingness to overlook the failings of one’s own champion, while excoriating any perceived imperfection in the opponent’s man or woman.

Continue reading “Partisanship and Morality” →

James wrote, “Where do wars and fights come from among you? Do they not come from your desires for pleasure that war in your members?” (James 4:1). Commentators differ on what “wars” James refers to — big ones, or little ones. However, the motivation for is typically the same — Lust!

Selfish desire is at the root of most strife, whether disputes between nations, or petty squabbles among individuals. James wrote, “You lust and do not have. You murder and covet and cannot obtain. You fight and war” (4:2).

One nation covets the land or resources that are owned by another. One ruler wants riches he sees beyond the borders of his own land. Lust and covetousness is the root of war!

The same is true in religion. Wars have been fought because of sectarian jealousies. The continual war between Jews and Muslims is fueled in part by claims made on the old city of Jerusalem, and the Temple Mount. Each faction covets the same plot of land.

Strife was caused in Corinth because each faction wanted exalted status (1 Corinthians 1:10-15). Conflict existed between two women in Philippi, presumably for the similar reasons (Philippians 4:2). Paul’s remedy? “Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself” (Philippians 2:3).

Selfish desires bring war and conflict. Humility brings unity and expressions of love and peace.

The sin of evil suspicion, or evil surmising (KJV), as listed in 1 Timothy 6, is divisive, destructive, and to be refused by faithful Christians.

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Conflict both within and without the church is unable to thwart God in His purpose. It is futile to fight against God!

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Powerpoint Slides

Among the seven things the Lord hates, as recorded in Proverbs 6:16-19, is “…one who sows discord among brethren.” The word hate is a strong one, a word that many do not want to attribute to God. But, it is accurate. It is defined as we use the term today, and is also translated in the American Standard Version using the term “detest.”

It is important to consider what our text reveals — that God is extremely unhappy with anyone who sows discord. While God counsels patience with many who are guilty of sin, there is little forbearance shown for this class of sinner. The apostle Paul exhorted Titus, “But avoid foolish disputes, genealogies, contentions, and strivings about the law; for they are unprofitable and useless. Reject a divisive man after the first and second admonition, knowing that such a person is warped and sinning, being self-condemned” (Titus 3:9-11).

Strife is antithetical to Christian unity. It has no place among those who profess to follow the “Prince of Peace” (cf. Isaiah 9:6). Instead, may we emulate the example of Abraham. Because of his and his nephew Lot’s possessions, the land was not sufficient to support them both. As a result, there “was strife between the herdsmen of Abram’s livestock and the herdsmen of Lot’s livestock” (Genesis 13:7). This was untenable to Abraham. His plea to his nephew is touching, and a worthy example to us: “Please let there be no strife between you and me, and between my herdsmen and your herdsmen; for we are brethren” (8). Abraham’s willingness to accommodate and sacrifice is an attitude worthy of imitation, and will help secure for us God’s love and acceptance.

A couple of years ago I sought to admonish a brother in Christ for mistreating another brother. The man thought his brother was teaching error, and in his interaction with the man, acted in an inappropriate manner. When I pointed out the mistreatment, this brother was very cavalier in his treatment of his fellow Christian. Here is an exact quote from his pen:

“When the apostles dealt with error, they did not consider what the errorists felt about fairness. … I try to act in such a way to ensure fairness to truth, whether those who oppose me deem that as fair or not.”

Continue reading “Fomenting” →

Titus 3:9-11

In our text the apostle Paul counsels his charge to avoid divisiveness. He obviously makes a distinction between contending for the faith, and being contentious. While one difference may be attitude or demeanor in the midst of controversy, in this case Paul refers to the content which brings about the division.

“Foolish disputes, geneologies, contentions, and strivings about the law” are named as “unprofitable and useless” by the apostle. Whatever these things are, Titus was not to engage in any dispute about them. Some things we are not to fight about!

What things? Simply put, silly stuff of no consequence that serves no purpose other than to create fussing and fighting among Christians. When men seek to promote and elevate their opinions and speculations to the level of faith, they are guilty of causing strife.

Paul says such men are “self-condemned.” We are not to be patient with such individuals. What they do is obviously wrong, and after the “first and second admonition”, they are to be rejected from the fellowship of God’s people.

Pitfalls are traps set by Satan, that are not always immediately evident. Satan makes his enticements seem sometimes innocent, and always enticings. We must be on Guard, because:

• Strong Drink is a Pitfall
• Dancing is a Pitfall
• Evil Companionship is a Pitfall
• Fault Finding is a Pitfall

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Sermon Audio: Click Here .

The Lord’s church has many enemies, some without, and more damaging, others within. The lesson details 7 “instruments” opposing the church.

• Persecution
• The World
• Mammon
• Discord
• Division
• False Doctrine
• Lukewarmness

Sermon PowerPoint: Click Here .

Sermon Audio: Click Here .

In 1 Kings 18, we have the record of a conversation between the prophet Elijah and a steward of King Ahab named Obadiah.

Obadiah

The name Obadiah is a common one in the Old Testament. We know nothing of the man other than what is revealed in this text. From the text we can state with confidence his faithfulness to Jehovah, even though he was “in charge of his [Ahab’s] house” (vs. 3).

Verses 4 and 5 of 1 Kings 18 reveals that Obadiah “feared the Lord greatly”, and had personally secured the safety of 100 prophets by hiding them from the murderous actions of Jezebel.

Continue reading “Elijahs and Obadiahs” →

Congregations are to be made up of brethren who love one another. As such, those who foment strife and sow discord must be dealt with, and if necessary, marked and avoided.

Sermon Audio: Click Here .