How can a Christian know the differences between separation from the world and the sinful act of causing division among brethren? In this study, we'll look at warnings and instruction from nearly every book of the New Testament.
Verses of Study
Part 1: Ungodly Teachers, Divisions, and Denominations
- Matthew 24:5, Luke 21:8 - (many come in His name falsely, be not deceived)
- Acts 20:29-31 - (warned that doctrinal perverters would arise from both inside and outside the Church)
- I Timothy 4:1-7 - (warned that some would depart from the faith)
- I Corinthians 1:10 - (commanded that there is to be no division of speech or belief)
- I Corinthians 3:1-11 - (divisions are said to be carnal)
- II Corinthians 11:4 - (warned that if men came preaching another gospel, some in the Church might go along with them)
- II Corinthians 11:15 - (Warned that deceitful workers and false apostles would appear, they are Satan's ministers.)
- Galatians 1:6-8 - (some stray after a perversion of the Gospel of Christ, let the perverters be accursed)
- II Timothy 3:1-8 - (perilous times in the Body of Christ)
- II Timothy 4:3-4 - (a time will come when men refuse to hear the word, they follow many teachers and believe fables
- II Peter 2:1-22 - (gives examples of false prophets compared to the workers of righteousness)
- Jude 1:4-19 - (gives examples of false teachers)
- Ephesians 4:14-16 - (some may be led astray by cunning men)
Part 2: Godly Separation of the Brethren from the World
- John 10:1-16 - (must enter in by Jesus, He is the door and there is no other)
- I Corinthians 5:9-13 - (we are warned not to keep company with fornicators)
- Romans 16:17-18 - (mark them causing division amongst the Church and avoid them)
- Philippians 3:17-19 - (there is a contrast between the saved and the enemies of the cross)
- I Timothy 6:3-5 - (withdraw yourself from false teachers)
- Titus 3:10 - (a heretic, rebuke twice then reject)
- Titus 1:9-16 - (unruly talkers & deceivers we are to rebuke)
- I John 2:26-27 - (you need no man to teach you)
- II Thessalonians 3:6 - (withdraw from every brother that walks disorderly)
Part 3: Study Questionnaire
- What was the meaning of the parable spoken by Jesus in John 10:1-5? What is Jesus referring to when he talks about the thief in verse 10?
- What are some groups of people that we are told to keep ourselves away from?
- In II Thessalonians 3:6 what is it that every Christian is commanded to do?
- What does I Corinthians 3:1-11 say causes divisions among the church?
- What are some examples of doctrinal perversion?
- In I Corinthians 5:13 were told not to even eat with certain types of people. What are the groups of people we're not permitted to eat with?
- In Titus 1:9 we are told to exhort and convince the gainsayers. What does this verse say to use to exhort and convince?
- In Titus 1 verse 11 it is said that their mouths must be stopped and in verse 13 we are told to rebuke them sharply. What are a couple of ways one could rebuke a person such as this with sound Christian doctrine, faith, love and authority?
- I John 2:27 tells us that we need not that any man teach us. How do we then learn from God? What are some examples from Scripture of how we should learn?
- What are some important points to take away from this study? What can this study teach us that will make us better servants of Christ?
- What in this study could make us better hearers of the Word or witnesses of Christ to the world?
- What does this study teach us about our authority under God?
- What does this study teach us to look for in others? What have we learned that can make us better examine the fruit of others?
Part 4: Notes
- Jesus refers to himself as the good shepherd. This a contrast to the idol shepherd of Zechariah 11:17. Idol shepherd is one of the names given to the antichrist.
- A carnal way of thinking is a big problem for any Christian. Romans 8:6-7 says “For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be.” This way of thinking can be directly connected to serving one's flesh. Galatians 5:19-21 tells us what are the the works of the flesh.”Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.”
- Most people overlook the amount of times we are commanded to rebuke, reprove, and exhort using the Scripture. Luke 17:3 says “Take heed to yourselves: If thy brother trespass against thee, rebuke him; and if he repent, forgive him.” I Timothy 5: 20 says, “Them that sin rebuke before all, that others also may fear.” II Timothy 4:2 says, “Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.” Also Titus 2:15 says, “These things speak, and exhort, and rebuke with all authority. Let no man despise thee.” These forms of correction have several uses among the Body of Christ. They help to keep people obeying Jesus' commandments. They make people take their salvation and relationship with God seriously, They keep the novice/unlearned/young Christians going in the straight gate and along the narrow way that leads to life. They prevent rampant hypocrisy from overtaking the assembly of the Body of Christ. Also they make sure every believer is setting the right example to the world and sinners. This is something everyone should take seriously. We are instructed to love our neighbor as ourselves. Sin leads to suffering, destruction, and death on both a spiritual and fleshly level. If you love your neighbor you will rebuke or reprove him.
* This study is made for sharing. Feel free to print or share this with any and all who may wish to read it, but please do not change the text. All verses and references are King James Version.
