Today we begin a new series which is the shadow-side of our Strengthening Church Relationships Series. If the former was about the positive things God tells us to do to galvanize our friendships, this series will be about the sticks of dynamite we can throw between us to blow it apart. This series is based on the many sin lists in (mostly) the New Testament and we hope it helps you forge healthier friendships within the church body. We start with “Developing Unity,” the first of The Flip-Side Series.
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MESSAGE STUDY NOTES
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WARM UP
What is the most unified group you’ve ever been part of? What do you think made them “gel?”
SCRIPTURES USED
Galatians 5:19-21; II Peter 2:1; Romans 13:13-14, 16:17-18; I Timothy 6:3-5; Titus 3:9-11
Sin Lists:
Proverbs 6:16-19; Matthew 15:19; Mark 7:21-23; Romans 1:29-32;
I Corinthians 5:10-11, 6:9-10; II Corinthians 12:20-21; Galatians 5:19-21; Ephesians 5:3-5; Colossians :5, 8-9; I Timothy 1:9-11; I Peter 2:1, 4:3; Revelation 21:8, 22:15
MESSAGE POINTS
Beware Division
Beware Quarreling
Beware Dissension
Questions to ask yourself:
1. Am I sure I’m right?
2. Is it worth it?
3. Is this the right setting?
GENERAL QUESTIONS
1. Quarrelling, the Greek word eris, means “strife, discord, having a contentious spirit, a readiness to argue.” How does this sin play out in churches you have been part of?
2. Under “Questions to ask yourself,” which one is the most likely that God wants to speak to you about to develop unity in the church? Why?
3. If churches are united by the presence of the Holy Spirit, how do you explain the splintering of the Church today? What do you believe is the solution? Why?
APPLICATION QUESTION
How do you think healthy relationships can have debate without quarreling in the church? Do you think they should? Why or why not?
MENTORING QUESTION
How would you coach someone to avoid the sins of division, quarreling, and dissension?
