• Download Video
• Download Audio
• Print
• Email
• Save As PDF

"Endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace."

Text: Ephesians 4:3

THE THREAT OF SCHISM

In principle, the Church is “one”. In practice, the local church can be severely and abhorrently divided. In his letter to the Corinthian Church, Paul expressed both grief and anger that the Church was so threatened to be torn apart by factions. With great sadness he wrote,

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

Paul had learned that the Corinthian Church was in turmoil.

For it has been declared to me concerning you,
my brethren, by those of Chloe’s household,
that there are contentions among you.
1 CORINTHIANS 1:11

The factions in the Corinthian Church (Cf. 1 Corinthians 1:12) included the following:-

1. The party of Paul

2. The party of Apollos

3. The party of Cephas

4. The party of Christ

A SOLEMN WORD OF WARNING

Paul concluded his discussion of the danger of schism on this solemn note.

If anyone defiles the temple of God,
God will destroy him.
For the temple of God is holy,
which temple you are.
1 CORINTHIANS 3:17

OUR PART IN ENSURING UNITY IN THE CHURCH

God has done His part in making it possible for unity to exist in the Body of Christ. What is our role in ensuring that this unity in the Church be upheld? Paul used a powerful word to describe our part. That word is translated “endeavoring”. This word “endeavoring” (“spoudazontes”) suggests a number of actions, two of which may be highlighted:-

1. It suggests expending a great amount of energy.

2. It also suggests that great diligence must be maintained.