Preventing Church Division

Preventing Church Division Bible passage: Matt.16:18, IITim.2:14-25 (NIV)

Introduction: Preventing Church Division

The church of Jesus Christ cannot be subdued or defeated by persecution or any form of external aggression. However, history has shown that internal weaknesses or subversion—such as what occurred during the dark ages (AD 250–AD 1400)—can weaken the church and render it ineffective.

If left unchecked, this could lead to the demise of a gathering or body of believers. To prevent such situations, many warnings were given in the writings of Apostles Paul and Peter.

As the saying goes, “Prevention is better than cure” and “To be forewarned is to be forearmed.”

In this study, I have identified five key factors that can lead to church division, which ultimately leads to weakening of the church. These are discussed under the following headings:

• Disharmony
• Indifference, Apathy, or Insensitivity
• Sin
• Disloyalty
• Lack of Sound Doctrine

Let us explore each of these in detail.

1. Disharmony

The Importance of Harmony in the Church

The Bible emphasizes the significance of harmony in Acts 9:31. The Greek word for “rest” here is EIRENE, which refers to:

• Harmonious relationships between people
• Friendliness and freedom from molestation
• Proper order

When harmony exists it mitigates division in the church, and produces the following benefits:

Edification:

• Spiritual growth
• Strengthened faith and a desire to know God more
• Opportunities for teaching and learning

Walking in the Fear of God:

• Loving God and His people more
• Humility

Comfort of the Holy Spirit:

• Being filled and controlled by the Spirit
• Receiving revelations from God

Multiplication:

• Love and oneness among members
• A desire to be more like Jesus
• A testimony that the world notices and takes seriously (Acts 4:13; 11:26)

How the Devil Attacks Harmony To Cause Church Division

To disrupt harmony, the devil often employs a “divide and rule” strategy. For example:

• In the Garden of Eden: The devil caused Eve to change roles with Adam.
• In the Church in the Wilderness:
• Gossip: Miriam and Aaron gossiped about Moses, resulting in a breach (Numbers 12).
• Strife: Contention and struggles among brethren (Proverbs 13:10; 17:19).
• Bitterness: Cruel and biting words (Acts 8:23; Hebrews 12:15).

2. Indifference, Apathy, and Insensitivity causes Church Division

These turn peoples’ Hearts Away from God

The devil uses indifference, apathy, or insensitivity to turn people away from God’s agenda. For instance, in Numbers 13–14, the ten spies brought back an evil report, which discouraged the people and turned their hearts against God and Moses.

When people become apathetic, they:

• Stop following God wholeheartedly
• Pursue their own agendas instead of God’s

3. Sin

The Consequences of Sin

Sin separates people from God, cutting off His presence and allowing the devil to take over. 

As seen in Numbers 14:10–45, sin leads to:

• A lack of prayers being offered
• A spiritual void that weakens the church

4. Disloyalty

The Dangers of Disloyalty

Disloyalty, bitterness, and strife can destroy the unity of the church. James 3:16 (KJV and NIV) warns that where there is envy and strife, there is confusion and every evil work.

Disloyalty can break the church. It causes hurt, spreads gossip, and breaks trust. It opens the door to fights, lies, and pain. What starts small can escalate if we are not careful. Staying loyal means sticking together, even when it is difficult.

Here are signs of disloyalty to watch out for:

• Talking behind someone’s back
• Leaving without saying why
• Not helping when the church is in need

Three ways disloyalty can harm a church:

1. It weakens trust
2. It confuses new members
3. It makes leaders feel alone

“A house divided against itself cannot stand.”
— Mark 3:25 (NIV)

How to stay loyal in love:

• Pray for your leaders
• Speak the truth kindly
• Help when help is needed
• Forgive quickly

Loyalty builds strong roots. It keeps the church safe, strong, and full of love. When we are loyal, we show the love of Jesus in real ways.

5. Lack of Sound Doctrine Leads to Church Division

The Role of Doctrine in Church Stability

When greed and unforgiveness take root, people reject sound doctrine, opening the door to calamity. Numbers 16:41–50 and 17:1–13 illustrate how a lack of sound teaching can lead to chaos and destruction.

Unity Through the Work of the Holy Spirit

Church division often starts when people focus on their own opinions more than the leadings of God through the Holy Spirit. However, the Spirit helps us stay united. He reminds us that we belong to one family – God’s family. When we listen to Him, we begin to love, forgive, and walk together in peace.

The Bible shows us how the Holy Spirit brings people together:

• He leads with love – The Holy Spirit helps us love one another, even when we don’t agree.
• He brings peace – His presence calms anger and replaces it with understanding.
• He gives us wisdom – He shows us what to say and how to act in tough situations.
• He teaches us to forgive – Forgiveness is key to healing hurt and keeping unity strong.

“Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.”
— Ephesians 4:3 (NIV)

Many believers don’t know that the symbols of the Holy Spirit in the Bible also show how He works to bring unity. For example:

• The dove is a sign of peace and calm.
• Fire shows how the Spirit cleans and changes hearts.
• Oil reminds us of healing and God’s blessing.
• Wind points to His power that moves things we can’t see.

So, by learning more about what the Holy Spirit symbolizes, we can understand better how He helps us stay close as one body. When we follow Him, division fades, and the church grows stronger.

How the Devil Sows Discord In The Church

To create disharmony among brethren and divide the church, the devil uses the following tactics:

• Gossip: Spreading rumors (Proverbs 20:19; Ezekiel 36:3; Romans 1:29).
• Strife: Contentions, struggles, or fights—whether verbal, emotional, or physical (Proverbs 13:10; 17:19).
• Bitterness: Cruel and biting words that harm relationships (Acts 8:23; Hebrews 12:15).
• Unforgiveness: A refusal to forgive others, leading to confirmed anger and a determination for revenge (Matthew 5:44–45; Luke 11:4; Colossians 3:8–14).

Conclusion: Preventing Church Division

Where do you stand, and what is your contribution to the church? Are you fostering harmony, love, and unity, or are you allowing discord, apathy, or sin to take root?

Lastly, the church of God is called to be an example of Unity and beacon of light in the world. Let us strive to preserve its unity and strength by addressing these challenges head-on to avoid any church division.