“PLEASE, NO DIVISION IN THE CHURCH" ROMANS 12:3-8

INTRODUCTION: MOST CHURCHES CANNOT EVER CARRY ON THE MINISTRY OF THE CHURCH DUE TO SO MANY DIVISIONS IN THE CHURCH. THERE ARE SO MANY BROKEN RELATIONSHIPS BETWEEN PEOPLE THAT God CANNOT EVEN BE PRESENT IN THE FELLOWSHIP.

I. DIVISION COMES IN THE CHURCH WHEN WE ARE NOT HUMBLE BEFORE GOD AND OUR FELLOWMAN. (3)

Exp: We should not think too much (or more highly) of ourselves-We’re all sinners. We should measure or judge ourselves by the character of Christ within us.(Gal.5

Ill: We should watch that the world's standard of success does not creep into the church.
App: Always leave enough room for you to be wrong. We all mistakes!
We should be gracious for the gifts of God, not prideful.

II. DIVISION COMES IN THE CHURCH WHEN WE DO NOT ACCEPT OUR DIFFERENT FUNCTIONS IN THE BODY OF CHRIST.(4)

Exp: Many members, and not the same function.
Thank God we are not alike.
Ill: The eyes, arms, legs, feet, fingers...different functions, even though they are part of the same body.
App: Accept each other! What you are contributes to the body of Christ. There are no important members in a body of Christ-Each one is vital to the others performance.

III. DIVISION COMES IN THE CHURCH WHEN WE DO NOT REALIZE THAT WE ARE DEPENDANT UPON EACH OTHER.(5)

Exp: We are joined to Christ-individually members of one another.(like it or not)
We need each other to exist in this world for Christ.
Ill: What is a church? A church is a fellowship of people who follow Christ.
App: FELLOWSHIP WILL NOT TAKE PLACE IN THIS CHURCH UNTIL WE SEE THREE THINGS:
1. Every member is important.
2. God has given us all different gifts to contribute to the body.
3. No one should play down another's importance-Worry about yourself!--NO MAN IS INDESPENSABLE-YOU CAN BE REPLACED!

IV. DIVISION COMES IN THE CHURCH WHEN WE DO NOT ALLOW THE GIFTS OF THE SPIRIT TO FUNCTION IN THE BODY OF CHRIST.(6-8)

Exp: Different gifts, same grace, and let them exercise.
Different gifts: Prophecy, service, teaching, exhortation, giving,
administration, mercy.

Some Expound the Word!
Some Expand the Work!
These gifts must function in a smooth and natural way (No Virus)
App: Accept each other in the body of Christ.

CONCLUSION: DIVISION DOES NOT EXIST IN A CHURCH THAT IS HUMBLE BEFORE GOD, CONCERNED ABOUT ITS FELLOWSHIP, AND ACCEPTS EVERYONE"S DIFFERENT CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE KINGDOM OF GOD.

REMEMBER! PLEASE, NO DIVISION IN THE CHURCH!