FIVE THINGS THAT SPOIL CHURCH (II)

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Text: Matth.16:18, Eph.4:14-15, Col.2:7-8

INTRODUCTION

Last week we started a series on the above mentioned subject with a view of bringing to our attention some of the methods in which the devil, if allowed, use to spoil, paralyze or make churches of no effect. Last week I pointed out five of them, viz:-

Disharmony
Indifference /Apathy/Insensitivity
Sin
Disloyalty
Lack of sound Doctrine

Today, we want to take a close look at two of them i.e

Lack of sound Doctrine and
indifference/Apathy/Insensitivity.

Lack of Sound Doctrine
What is Doctrine? A rule or principle that forms the basis of belief, theory or policy.

In our case, we are talking about the teachings of the bible – How God teaches us to relate to Him, live holy lives, inherit His promises and experience God to the fullest i.e the teachings of Christ – John.14:15&23
For you therefore to experience God to the fullest, sound (proper/balance) doctrine is of essence.

Please note:

It is to prevent knowing and fully experiencing God that the devil comes in to prevent sound doctrine. – Dan.11:32
This is done in a number of ways such as
Putting in place an erroneous thinking pattern or mindsets – IICor.4:4; 10:3-6.
Placing corrupting sources of influence
Korah, Dathan and Abiran – Num.16
Absalom – IISam.17-18:7
Hymeneaus and Philetus – 2Tim.2:16-18
False teaches

Paul to the Elders – Acts 20:28-31
Paul to Timothy – 2Tim.3:1-10

Giving people itching ears.

2Tim.4:2-4

Through this means the devil enters and spoil church bringing:
Deception –Ignorance of the truth is an open door to deception and ungodly philosophies Col.2:7-8,
As a result, Paul had to specifically address various issues such as
New creation realities – Rom.10:3, Eph.2:8-9
Christian Marriage –1Cor.7, Eph.5:24-33
Spiritual Gifts – 1Cor.12:1
The Dead in Christ – 1Thess.4:13
Spiritual Warfare – Rom.1:13, 1Cor.16:9,2Cor.2:11, 1Thess.2:18
Col.2:8 – Spoiling i.e rob the people of God of their rights in God and taking them into captivity in their minds resulting in limitations in the physical.

Indifference/Apathy /Insensitivity

Epileptic church attendance – Heb.10:25; John 20:19-24
No gladness at the coming just a routine so that they don’t disturb me with visitation – Psm.84:10; 122:1
Make excuses for non-commitment or involvement –Lu.14:16-20
Indifference to its programs e.g
Not working
Not involved in any aspect of church life
Bad attitude to other worshipper – Eph.4:32, Matth.6:15
No or poor financial support – Lu.12:34

CONCLUSION
The church is the body of Christ according to Eph.4:16.The body is held together and works effectively by that which every joint or part supplies. What are you supplying?

Dr. Udoh
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