The Church Grieves the Spirit
The Spirit of God cannot work in a divided church, and unity among believers is essential for spiritual growth.
D.L. Moody emphasizes the detrimental effects of division within the Church, asserting that such schisms and unsound doctrines grieve the Spirit of God. He observes that the Holy Spirit cannot work effectively in a divided congregation and calls for immediate efforts towards unity among believers. Moody suggests that if a minister cannot foster unity, it may be time for them to step aside, as a divided church cannot bear spiritual fruit. He urges the Church to prioritize reconciliation and harmony to allow the Spirit to move freely among them.
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I think that if we search, we will find something in the Church grieving the Spirit of God; it may be a mere schism in the church; it may be some unsound doctrine; it may be some division in the Church. There is one thing I have noticed as I have traveled in different countries; I never yet have known the spirit of God to work where the Lord's people were divided. There is one thing that we must have if we are to have the Holy Spirit of God to work in our midst, and that is unity. If a church is divided, the members should immediately seek unity. Let the believers come together and get the difficulty out of the way.
If the minister of a church can not unite the people, if those that were dissatisfied will not fall in, it would be better for that minister to retire.
I think there are a good many ministers in this country who are losing their time; they have lost, some of them, months and years; they have not seen any fruit, and they will not see any fruit, because they have a divided church. Such a church can not grow in divine things. The Spirit of God don't work were there is division, and what we want today is the spirit of unity amongst Gods Children, so that the Lord may work.
Sermon Outline
- The Need for Unity
- The Spirit of God does not work in divided churches
- The importance of unity in the Church
Key Quotes
“I never yet have known the spirit of God to work where the Lord's people were divided.” — D.L. Moody
“The Spirit of God don't work were there is division,” — D.L. Moody
Application Points
- Seek unity with fellow believers to create an environment for the Spirit of God to work.
- Recognize the importance of unity in the Church and make it a priority.
- A divided church cannot grow in divine things and may hinder the minister's effectiveness.