by Roby Ellis

[Scripture Reading: 1 Corinthians 1:9-13]

A. You can find the phrase on bumper stickers and billboard all across the United States: “United we stand; divided we fall.”

B. While we loath the thought of the division of this country, what about the church Jesus consecrated with His own blood?

I. Division never begins with God.

A. God hates division (Malachi 2:16; Proverbs 6:19).

B. God is the Author of peace, not of confusion (1 Corinthians 14:33; James 1:13-17).

C. God wants us to be one, just as He is (John 17:21-23; Ephesians 4:3-5; 1 Corinthians 1:13).

II. Division always begins with man.

A. Man was to blame for the division that took place at Babel (Genesis 11:4-5) and in Israel (1 Kings 12).

B. Man was at fault in the division of the Galatian churches (Galatians 1:6-7; 2:4; 3:1; 5:6-8).

C. Man was to blame for the division in the Corinthian church as well (1 Corinthians 11:18-19).

III. Division ends when we look to God.

A. God can give us peace in the church (1 Corinthians 14:33).

B. God can give us peace in our homes (Ephesians 5:22-33).

C. God can give us peace in this world (Ephesians 2:14-15).

A. If a handful of men in the 18th century could bring this nation together as they did, what can God do if we will just let Him?

B. Only God can rid us of division and give us lasting peace.