BREAKING THE SPIRIT OF DIVISION
By Rev. Samuel Arimoro
Main Text: 1 Corinthians 1:10-13
Supporting Texts: Ephesians 4:3, John 17:20-23, Philippians 2:1-4, Romans 12:16, Colossians 3:14
INTRODUCTION:
Division is a powerful force that can destroy relationships, families, churches, and communities. It is a spirit that sows discord and confusion, robbing people of unity and peace. The early church at Corinth experienced this challenge firsthand, as believers were divided by loyalties to different leaders and factions. Paul’s urgent appeal in 1 Corinthians 1:10-13 calls the church to break free from this destructive spirit and pursue unity in Christ.
The spirit of division thrives on pride, selfish ambition, and misunderstandings. It thrives when believers focus on differences rather than their shared faith in Jesus Christ. Division weakens the church’s testimony and impedes the flow of God’s blessings. God desires His people to be united in purpose, love, and faith, reflecting the oneness of the Trinity and the unity that Jesus prayed for in John 17.
Breaking the spirit of division requires intentional effort, humility, and a commitment to biblical truth. It means putting aside personal preferences and embracing a mindset of peace, reconciliation, and collaboration. This message will guide you on how to recognise, resist, and break the spirit of division through God’s power and wisdom.
1. RECOGNISE THE SPIRIT OF DIVISION
a) Understand what causes division:
Division often arises from pride, jealousy, and self-interest (James 3:16). It manipulates relationships and creates factions.
b) Identify division when it surfaces:
Watch for signs such as gossip, quarrelling, exclusion, and factions based on personalities or opinions (1 Corinthians 3:3).
c) Know that division opposes God’s purpose:
God calls His people to be one body, united in love and purpose (John 17:21). Division fractures that unity.
d) Be alert to subtle forms of division:
Division can hide in small disagreements and unspoken attitudes that grow if not addressed.
Biblical Example: The church in Corinth was divided over allegiance to different leaders, which Paul rebuked (1 Corinthians 1:11-13).
2. COMMIT TO UNITY IN THE BODY OF CHRIST
a) Pursue peace and harmony actively:
Ephesians 4:3 commands us to “make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit.” Unity requires intentional action.
b) Value others above yourself:
Philippians 2:3-4 teaches humility and looking out for the interests of others as key to maintaining unity.
c) Focus on shared faith, not differences:
Remember that all believers are one in Christ, regardless of backgrounds or preferences (Galatians 3:28).
d) Pray earnestly for unity:
Jesus prayed for the unity of all believers, asking God to make us one as He is one with the Father (John 17:20-23).
Biblical Example: Paul encouraged the Philippians to be like-minded and united in spirit and purpose (Philippians 2:1-2).
3. SPEAK LIFE AND EDIFY OTHERS
a) Avoid gossip, slander, and criticism:
Words can either build up or tear down; choose to encourage and uplift (Proverbs 16:28).
b) Use your speech to promote peace and reconciliation:
Ephesians 4:29 instructs believers to speak words that benefit others and build up the church.
c) Encourage understanding and forgiveness:
Forgiveness breaks down walls and restores relationships (Colossians 3:13).
d) Promote open and honest communication:
Address conflicts directly and lovingly to prevent bitterness and division.
Biblical Example: Barnabas was known as the “son of encouragement,” building unity in the early church (Acts 4:36-37).
4. REJECT PRIDE AND EMBRACE HUMILITY
a) Pride fuels division:
Proverbs 16:18 warns that pride leads to destruction and strife.
b) Humility is the key to unity:
Philippians 2:3 calls us to “do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit.”
c) Submit to one another in love:
Ephesians 5:21 encourages believers to submit to one another out of reverence for Christ.
d) A humble heart is teachable and quick to forgive:
Such a heart promotes peace and unity in the body.
Biblical Example: Jesus humbled Himself, serving others and providing the ultimate example of humility (Philippians 2:5-8).
5. WALK IN THE LOVE OF CHRIST
a) Love covers a multitude of sins:
1 Peter 4:8 reminds us that love can overcome many offences and prevent division.
b) Genuine love seeks reconciliation:
It desires restoration and healing rather than judgment or exclusion.
c) Love keeps the unity of the Spirit:
Colossians 3:14 urges believers to put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony.
d) Show love through actions and attitude:
True love is practical, sacrificial, and patient.
Biblical Example: The early church demonstrated love by sharing everything and caring for one another (Acts 2:42-47).
CONCLUSION:
The spirit of division is a dangerous force that can cripple the work of God in our lives and in the church. It is not merely about disagreements but about the destructive attitudes and actions that separate us from one another and from God’s purpose. Breaking this spirit requires recognising it, rejecting pride, embracing humility, and committing ourselves to love and unity in the body of Christ.
As you apply these biblical principles, God will empower you to become a peacemaker and a unifier. Your life and your church will become a testimony of God’s grace and power. Remember, unity is not uniformity but harmony in diversity, rooted in the love and purpose of Christ. May the Spirit of God break every yoke of division in your life and usher in a season of peace and oneness.
PRAYER POINTS:
1. Lord, deliver me from every spirit of division and strife.
2. Father, help me to pursue unity with all my heart.
3. Teach me humility and the ability to submit to others.
4. Lord, help me to speak words that build up and encourage.
5. I pray for reconciliation in all my broken relationships.
6. Fill me with the love of Christ that covers offences.
7. Help me resist pride and selfish ambition.
8. Guide me to be a peacemaker in my family and church.
9. Restore unity in the body of Christ worldwide.
10. Empower me by Your Spirit to walk in love and peace.
