Over the past several weeks, we have examined what the Bible says about itself, vain worship, and “walking in the light.”
This week, we continue our series by asking and answering the question, “What does the Bible say about religious confusion and division?”
The Cause of Religious Confusion and Division
We want to begin with a basic proposition: Religious confusion and division exist not because Heaven caused it, but because men have perverted the truth and have not truly respected Bible authority!
Consider the following passages to note the reasons for religious confusion and division in our world today:
* “For where envy and self-seeking exist, confusion and every evil thing are there” (Jas. 3:16).
* “And in vain they worship Me, teaching as doctrines the commandments of men” (Matt. 15:9).
* “Now I urge you, brethren, note those who cause divisions and offenses, contrary to the doctrine which you learned, and avoid them” (Rom. 16:17).
* “That we should no longer be children, tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, in the cunning craftiness of deceitful plotting…” (Eph. 4:14).
* “For God is not the author of confusion but of peace, as in all the churches of the saints” (1 Cor. 14:33).
These passages emphasize that men have caused the confusion, not God! If we all went by the same standard without changing it, we would all be united! Unfortunately, that is not the case in the religious world today.
Jesus Prayed for Unity
Jesus prayed and died for unity. In the Lord’s Prayer (John 17), He prayed for Himself (vs. 1-5), the apostles (vs. 6-19), and then for “all who would believe” (vs. 20-26). His prayer was “that they all may be one.” In fact, the word “one” appears five times in vs. 20-23!
Dear friends, let me ask you a question: Can we honestly say that “Christianity” as a whole is united? There are thousands of man-made denominations in existence today, but the New Testament only produces one, true church (Matt. 16:18; Acts 2:47; Eph. 1:22-23; 4:4).
How do we make sense of it? Why are there so many churches? Why is there so much confusion and division? What does the Bible say?
Consider 1 Corinthians 1:10
We want to examine a passage in the New Testament that urges unity among God’s people:
“Now I plead with you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment” (1 Corinthians 1:10).
Sincerity
First, notice the sincerity.
Paul loved these brethren. He spent eighteen months with them and wrote at least three epistles to them (1st Corinthians, 2nd Corinthians, and “another epistle” (1 Cor. 5:9).
It was this sincere, genuine love that comes out in the words, “Now I plead with you brethren.”
Authority
Second, notice the authority.
Paul pleaded with them “by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.” The phrase, “by the name” means “by the authority.”
We read in Colossians 3:17, “And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.” This is strong language and helps us understand that this is a command to be united and fight against confusion and division!
Unity
Third, notice the unity: “that you all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment.”
Christians are to be united:
* In word: “speak the same thing” (ESV: “all of you agree”).
* In deed: “be no divisions among you” (Acts 2:42-44; 4:32).
* In mind: “be perfectly joined together in the same mind” (Rom. 15:1-6; 1 Pet. 3:8).
* In judgment: “and in the same judgment” (CSB: “conviction”).
The plea of the Restoration Movement: ”In all matters of faith, we will be united; in all matters of opinion, we will allow liberty; but in all things, we will show genuine love.”
How to Accomplish Unity?
How can we accomplish this?
* First, we must appreciate the authority of the Scriptures, for if we truly appreciate the authority of the Scriptures, we will attain unity in our worship and service to the Lord (John 4:24).
* Second, we must submit to the Standard (Phil. 3:16; 4:2).
* Third, leaders must lead (Acts 20:28; Tit. 1:9; Heb. 13:7, 17).
* Fourth, there must be a true dedication to sound doctrine (2 Tim. 4:1-5; Tit. 2:1).
* Fifth, we must fight against false teaching (Gal. 1:6-9; 2 Tim. 2:23; Phil. 2:2).
* Sixth, we must walk in wisdom (Jas. 3:13-18; Eph. 5:15-17).
* Seventh and finally, we must understand the importance of unity (Eph. 4:1-3; Phil. 1:27).
Next week, we will examine what the Bible says regarding “marriage, divorce, and remarriage.”
Drew Suttles is a minister for the Quitman church of Christ in Quitman, Georgia, and one of my best friends in this world. They live-stream all their Bible classes and sermons on their YouTube channel.
Drew also hosts the “Weathering the Storm” podcast on the Scattered Abroad Network. Drew talks about facing life’s challenges as a child of God. His podcast will be a blessing to your life.
