Scripture Condemns Division
Pastor Tan Thai · Jun 10, 2019
This sermon calls believers to abandon division and live in unity within the church, grounded in their relationship with Christ. The Apostle Paul in Philippians 2:1-4 shows that true unity comes from humility and genuine concern for the interests of others.
The sermon opens by affirming that Scripture strongly condemns division among God's people. Proverbs 6:19 states that God hates those who sow discord among brothers. The Apostle Paul in 1 Corinthians 1 directly confronted the divisions at the church in Corinth, calling them to speak with one voice and posing three rhetorical questions to expose the foolishness of their divisions.
The central focus of the sermon is Philippians 2:1-4, where Paul gives the highest reason for living in unity: being 'in Christ.' Only by being in Christ can believers receive salvation, the fruit of the Spirit, comfort, love, fellowship, and compassion — all of which form the foundation for genuine unity. The four phrases in verse 2 — 'being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind' — all emphasize unity among believers.
The sermon also clarifies that 'being like-minded' does not mean agreeing on every issue, but rather having a willing attitude to cooperate, serve, and support one another in fulfilling God's purposes. The supreme example is Christ Himself, who fully submitted to the Father's will to complete the plan of redemption for humanity (Philippians 2:5-11).
Paul offers two practical keys to achieving unity: first, humility — regarding others as more important than oneself and doing nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit (verse 3); second, looking not only to one's own interests but also to the interests of others (verse 4). The sermon concludes with a heartfelt appeal and a prayer, reminding the congregation that God's name cannot be glorified when His people live in division and discord.