Dividing Brothers Hinders Personal Revival
Alan Martin teaches that divisions and judgments among Christian brothers hinder personal revival and that believers must embrace love and unity as God has ordained.
This sermon emphasizes the importance of love and unity among believers, focusing on the power of God's love to transform hearts and relationships. It highlights the need to prioritize love over legalism, to pursue unity and forgiveness, and to walk in the simplicity of devotion to Christ. The key message is to be rooted and established in love, allowing the love of God to guide actions and interactions with others, leading to a revival fueled by the transformative power of love.
Sermon Outline
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I. The Problem of Divisions Among Brothers
- God does not accept unclean hearts and hands in worship
- Romans 14 warns against doubtful disputations and making differences
- The elder brother in the prodigal son parable exemplifies judgmental attitude
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II. The Danger of Rejecting and Hinderance in the Church
- Diotrephes in 3 John refuses to receive brothers and hinders them
- Evil words and slander cause damage and division
- Gossip and comparison foster disunity
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III. The Root Cause: Pride and Carnal Knowledge
- Knowledge without love puffs up and leads to pride
- Carnal mind is puffed up with knowledge not seen by the Spirit
- Paul warns against thinking beyond what is written and judging brothers
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IV. The Call to Love, Unity, and Humility
- We are all accountable before Christ and must not discriminate
- Love edifies while knowledge alone is dangerous
- Let the peace of Christ rule among brothers as one body
Key Quotes
“God will not hear us if we come in with unclean hands and impure hearts.” — Alan Martin
“Knowledge puffs up, but love edifies.” — Alan Martin
“If God has not put a difference between brothers of the same kind, He has not given you the assignment either.” — Alan Martin
Application Points
- Examine your heart for any judgment or division you may be causing among fellow believers and repent.
- Prioritize love over knowledge in your relationships within the church to build up rather than tear down.
- Let the peace of Christ guide your interactions to maintain unity in the body of Christ.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to 'put a difference' between brothers?
It means to judge or discriminate against fellow believers, creating divisions where God has made none.
Why is knowledge without love dangerous?
Because knowledge can lead to pride and division if not tempered by love, which edifies and unites.
Who was Diotrephes and why is he mentioned?
Diotrephes was a church member who refused to welcome other believers and hindered their ministry, illustrating harmful division.
How can believers avoid causing division?
By embracing humility, love, and acceptance, and by not judging or speaking evil against fellow Christians.
What role does the peace of Christ play in unity?
The peace of Christ should rule in believers’ hearts, guiding them to live in harmony as one body.