Challenges Confronting The Church

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                  "CHALLENGES CONFRONTING THE CHURCH"

                              Factionalism

INTRODUCTION

1. In previous lessons, we examined the challenges of...
   a. Denominationalism
   b. Sectarianism

2. Both of these challenges have often by exacerbated by factionalism...
   a. Leading to the rise of new denominations (38,000 and rising!)
   b. Contributing to many sectarian views of the church

[What is factionalism?  How is it often manifested?  How can it be
avoided?  Let’s begin with...]

I. THE DEFINITION OF FACTION AND FACTIONALISM

   A. FACTION...
      1. A group of persons forming a cohesive, usually contentious
         minority within a larger group
      2. Conflict within an organization or nation; internal dissension
      -- American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language

   B. FACTIONALISM...
      1. The splitting of a group into factions - Wiktionary
      2. Factional: self-interested; partisan - Dictionary.com

   C. IN THE GREEK NEW TESTAMENT...
      1. The word translated "factions" is hairesis - cf. 1Co 11:19
         a. A division of people into different and opposing sets
            - ‘division, separate group.’ ‘for it is necessary that
            divisions exist among you’ or ‘the existence of divisions
            among you is inevitable’ 1Co 11:19 - Louw-Nida
         b. This Greek word is also translated as "heresies" - 2Pe 2:1
         c. Which is included among the works of the flesh - Ga 5:20
         d. Together with "dissensions" (dichostasia) - those who cause
            divisions - cf. Ro 16:17
      2. A derivative is hairetikon - cf. Tit 3:10
         a. Pertaining to causing divisions - ‘divisive, one who causes
            divisions.’ - Louw-Nida
         b. A divisive (factious) man is to be warned and then rejected
            if he does not repent!

[I would define factionalism as the tendency to split into factions,
prompted by a contentious, partisan spirit or disposition.  Let’s now
consider some...]

II. MANIFESTATIONS OF FACTIONALISM

   A. WITHIN CHURCHES...
      1. The problem at Corinth - 1Co 1:10-12
         a. Symptomatic of spiritual immaturity and carnality - 1Co
            3:1-4
         b. Manifested also in their observance of the Lord’s Supper
            - 1Co 11:17-20
      2. The problem today often exists due to:
         a. Generational, racial, cultural, or doctrinal issues
         b. The development of cliques, and then the formation of
            factions

   B. AMONG CHURCHES...
      1. The issue of circumcision in the early church - Ac 15:1-2
         a. Led by a faction from the church at Jerusalem
         b. Creating problems with churches in Syria and Galatia - Ga
            2:11-13; 6:12
      2. Intra-church factions today often occur
         a. Where congregations often align themselves into a faction
         b. Usually the first step into sectarianism and
            denominationalism

   C. INFLUENCES OF FACTIONALISM...
      1. Undue allegiance - cf. 1Co 1:12
         a. To notable persons like a preacher, writer, editor
         b. To an institution such as a college, missionary or
            benevolent society
         c. To brotherhood magazines, lectureships, websites
      2. Compounded by the same spirit found at Corinth - cf. 1Co 3:1-4
         a. Spiritual immaturity - 1Co 3:1
         b. Carnality - 1Co 3:2-4

[Factionalism needs to be taken seriously.  Here are some thoughts
for...]

III. AVOIDING FACTIONALISM

   A. REMEMBER THE IMPORTANCE OF UNITY...
      1. Jesus prayed for unity, He died to create unity - Jn 17:20-21;
         Ep 2:14-17
      2. Paul condemned division, it is a work of the flesh - 1Co
         1:10-13; Ga 5:20

   B. DEVELOP SPIRITUAL MATURITY...
      1. Remember, division is often the result of carnality - 1Co 3:1-4
      2. We need the mind of Christ:  lowliness of mind and concern for
         others - Php 2:1-5
      3. We need to learn gentleness, longsuffering, forbearance, love,
         diligence - Ep 4:1-3

   C. CONTEND WITHOUT CONTENTIOUSNESS...
      1. Contending for the faith is essential - Jude 3; Php 1:27
      2. But we can contend without contentiousness, disagree without
         being disagreeable
      3. By displaying the gentleness and meekness of Christ, which
         together with truth are "weapons mighty in God" - 2Co 10:1-6

   D. AVOID A PARTISAN SPIRIT ...
      1. That is, being quick to align oneself with a party, faction,
         group
      2. Instead, strive to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of
         peace - Ep 4:3-6
      3. Working toward unity if at all possible
      4. Being a part of the solution, not the problem

CONCLUSION

1. Factionalism is a terrible, destructive, work of the flesh - Ga 5:20;
   Tit 3:10
   a. Like denominationalism, it hinders unity
   b. Like sectarianism, it fosters division

2. Unity among brethren is a beautiful thing - Ps 133:1; Jn 17:21
   a. It is good and pleasant
   b. It helps the world to believe in Jesus

   Finally, all of you be of one mind, having compassion for one
   another; love as brothers, be tenderhearted, be courteous;

   not returning evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but on the
   contrary blessing, knowing that you were called to this, that you
   may inherit a blessing.

   For "He who would love life And see good days, Let him refrain
   his tongue from evil, And his lips from speaking deceit. Let him
   turn away from evil and do good; Let him seek peace and pursue it.

   For the eyes of the LORD are on the righteous, And His ears are
   open to their prayers; But the face of the LORD is against those
   who do evil."
                                                       - 1Pe 3:8-12
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