Why Divisions In The Church?

We began studying practical teachings for everyday life for Christians taught from the Apostle Paul to Corinth. Paul opened the letter to Corinth telling them he had heard of divisions among them. A correspondence had come to him with many concerns of these divisions and other behaviors for which they obviously requested Paul to address. For Christians today, many practical lessons of righteous behavior are found in the teachings of the Apostle Paul. With a diversity of people in each congregation, problems causing division have been Satan’s greatest device in his arsenal; which should not be.

What is the root problem which causes divisions? Let us see what the Apostle says.

Paul began the letter introducing the topic of division in the congregation, or assemblies, at Corinth. In chapter 1 he speaks of those having contentions with others. These contentions were caused over new believers trying to decide who they should follow. You notice it is a human of which they were choosing to follow. With only their new found faith, and the little knowledge of true righteous godly behavior, Satan still could control their thoughts. They wanted to follow the one who had baptized them, not Jesus Christ.

They were saying, “I am of Paul; and I of Apollos; and I of Cephas; and I of Christ.” (vs. 12) Paul asks them, “Is Christ divided? was Paul crucified for you? or were ye baptized in the name of Paul?” (vs. 13)

To whom do you follow? Is the answer causing contention among brethren because you are following a man or a few men you look up to? There are people who follow their minister instead of following God and Jesus Christ. Leaders follow common ideologies of other assemblies whether right or wrong. We learned a few weeks ago we are to be of the same mind and judgment. However, it is to be the same mind and judgment of God, not man. Satan causes division by his main arsenal; deceit. Satan has used deceit from the beginning of mankind upon the earth, beginning with Eve.

We need to be very careful not to follow man but God. We are commanded by Apostle Paul’s teachings unto Timothy, to rightly divide the Word of Truth. This requires us to study the scriptures to find truth consistent with all scripture. This is not for our human leader or preacher to do this for us. Why? Because, God said, those who believe a lie shall be damned and perish. The unrighteous that perish do so because they receive not the love of the truth, that they might be saved. They believe deceit from Satan. For this cause God sends them strong delusions, allowing them to believe lies. Believing untruths by following men will not save them. If they do not seek the counsel of God for answers, they are found by God to have pleasure in unrighteousness; sincerely perhaps unknown to themselves. Sadly, too many do not know they are in this state of delusion. They have not learned the consistencies of scripture to solidify their faith and conviction. They are using another’s conviction.

Now more from Apostle Paul from 1 Cor. 3:4-5. 4 For while one saith, I am of Paul; and another, I am of Apollos; are ye not carnal? 5 Who then is Paul, and who is Apollos, but ministers by whom ye believed, even as the Lord gave to every man?

We seem to have a conundrum; ministers by whom ye believed are men. However, what are these men doing and for whom are they doing it? Being ministers of God for the will of God, Paul says, 6 I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase. 7 So then neither is he that planteth any thing, neither he that watereth; but God that giveth the increase.

The planter and the one who waters are nothing. They are fellow servants of God; ministers by whom ye believed. Mere men! It is by the power of God through his angels and spirit world who opens the heart to receive truth. It is God that giveth the increase, Paul says. Through the carnal mind can God see the possibilities of righteousness. The influence of righteousness and God’s Spirit realm, including spirit beings doing the will of God, truth became understandable to the sinner. The door to salvation was opened. Now it is up to the new believer to diligently seek new spiritual truths by the aid of God, God’s spirit realm, and by fellow believers. This takes time; and, God knows that.

What did these ministers say which God had them speak to convict man? Paul said it was the preaching of the cross. 1 Cor. 1:18. Yes, ministers of the Word of Christ are to speak as the oracle of God. This means they better know beyond a shadow of a doubt the mind of God. This was what Paul began telling the congregation at Corinth. 1 Cor. 1:10. The original language written infers the mind and judgment of God is to be used to speak for the conviction of man from his sins. 1 Peter 4:11. 11 If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God; if any man minister, let him do it as of the ability which God giveth: that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be praise and dominion for ever and ever. Amen. It is all by the power of and desire of God.