The Sin Of Division

by Micky Galloway

Jesus prayed for unity among those who would believe the testimony of the apostles. “Neither for these only do I pray, but for them also that believe on me through their word; that they may all be one; even as thou, Father, (art) in me, and I in thee, that they also may be in us: that the world may believe that thou didst send me” (John 17:20-21). Paul condemned division. “Now I beseech you, brethren, through 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 perfected together in the same mind and in the same judgment. For it hath been signified unto me concerning you, my brethren, by them (that are of the household) of Chloe, that there are contentions among you” (I Corinthians 1:10-11). Truth unites! Both Jesus and Paul required that which is possible!

In the list of sins of the flesh in Galatians 5:19-21, we find “factions, divisions, parties.” These sins hold eternal consequences! “They who practice such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.”

What is the division condemned in this passage? The word dichostasia is translated “sedition,” in the King James Version or “dissension,” “divisions,” “party spirit,” and “factions” in other translations. Dichostasia is not used often in the Scriptures. It is used in Galatians 5:20 and again in Romans 16:17 in which Paul warns Christians to avoid those who create dissensions. The word is defined to “excite, unsettle, ‘to stir up to sedition,’ and is so translated in Acts 21:38” (Vine, volume 3, page 336). Thayer defines a closely related word “to cut into two parts, cleave asunder, dissever …” As horrible as that is, think how much more terrible it is for men to divide the body of Christ, the church for which He died.

Woe be to those who divide the Lord’s church by disseminating error. “Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them that are causing the divisions and occasions of stumbling, contrary to the doctrine which ye learned: and turn away from them. For they that are such serve not our Lord Christ, but their own belly; and by their smooth and fair speech they beguile the hearts of the innocent” (Romans 16:17-18). R.L. Whiteside comments, “‘Contrary to the doctrine which ye learned’ covers a wide field … The man who causes divisions in the Lord’s church by the introduction of things not taught is an enemy of Christ even though he may not think so (emphasis mine mg). His interest is in self, and not in Christ.” “A factious man after a first and second admonition refuse” (Titus 3:10; cf. II John 9-11). Paul said, “But though we, or an angel from heaven, should preach unto you any gospel other than that which we preached unto you, let him be anathema” (Galatians 1:8). Note: That included even the apostle Peter (cf. Galatians 2:11ff).

Unfortunately, personal differences cause division. The work of the church is gravely hindered by such difficulties between its members. If we apply the teaching of the Lord, these situations will not exist. Read and obey the teaching of the Lord in Matthew 5:23-24 and Matthew 18:15-17. Too often, personal differences are allowed to seethe until division results. This is sinful! These differences must be resolved!

Our own attitudes and motives must be examined. When it appears that everyone is out of step but poor Johnny, maybe it is time to look at poor Johnny. Too often our attitudes, motives, opinions, and desires are controlled by our own pride. Brethren, this is the wisdom of the world (cf. I John 2:15ff)! This will certainly lead us to become self-willed, contentious, unsettled, and factious! James declared, “But if ye have bitter jealousy and faction in your heart, glory not and lie not against the truth. This wisdom is not (a wisdom) that cometh down from above, but is earthly, sensual, devilish. For where jealousy and faction are, there is confusion and every vile deed” (James 3:14-16). On the other hand James said, “But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, easy to be entreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without variance, without hypocrisy. And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace for them that make peace” (James 3:17-18). God allows those with such worldly attitudes to believe they are the righteous ones (II Thessalonians 2:10-12). David said, “The sum of thy word is truth” (Psalms 119:160). Those who love the truth, must have ALL that God says on any subject. The peace and progress of God’s people, and even our eternal salvation, depends upon our desire and ability to avoid these evil works and seek the truth. In matters of opinion let us follow the Lord, “For he that herein serveth Christ is well-pleasing to God, and approved of men. So then let us follow after things which make for peace, and things whereby we may edify one another” (Romans 14:18-19).

Division is sometimes an unavoidable reality. Jesus came to divide. “Think not that I came to send peace on the earth: I came not to send peace, but a sword. For I came to set a man at variance against his father, and the daughter against her mother, and the daughter in law against her mother in law: and a man’s foes (shall be) they of his own household. He that loveth father or mother more than me is not worthy of me; and he that loveth son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me. And he that doth not take his cross and follow after me, is not worthy of me” (Matthew 10:34-38). Painfully, truth sometimes even divides families. The divisions in Corinth revealed that some were “babes” and “carnal minded” (I Corinthians 3:3). Others were manifested to be approved (I Corinthians 11:18-19).

Sometimes one has to stand alone rather than compromise the truth. Remember, the Lord died alone. However, a man will do well to examine himself (I Corinthians 13:5) when he finds that his views are separating him from the community of which he is a part. He may be right, but it is a grave responsibility to be the cause of division in any church or community. William Barclay appropriately quoted the words of Oliver Cromwell to the unyielding Scots, “I beseech you by the bowels of Christ, think it possible that you may be mistaken” (Flesh and Spirit, page 58).

Let us strive to fill our lives with the “fruit of the Spirit … love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, meekness, self-control; against such there is no law” (Galatians 5:22-23). However, in our attempt to avoid division, let us make sure that our efforts do not make us a friend of the world. “Whosoever therefore would be a friend of the world maketh himself an enemy of God” (James 4:4).