To: Hebraic-Foundations@yahoogroups.com
From: "Pastor Buddy Martin" <Bro.Buddy@ChristianChallenge.org>
Date sent: Mon, 24 Jun 2002 18:25:09 -0500
Subject: [HF] Bible Study HF069 - Factions, Schisms, and the Peacemaker
Hebraics,
Coming from my years of experience as a pastor, I've desired to provide
a Bible study that can benefit pastors, but would also be a blessing to
all believers. I'm singling out the pastor because the pastoral calling
has to deal with the subject I'll be sharing on, but on a different
level
than most other believers. (This is an example of studies we offer
in
our Shepherd's Heart Training Program.)
You guessed it. We are going to talk about what the Bible calls a
'party.' But not a party in the sense of 'Its party time.' Rather we
are going to talk about party in the sense of 'schisms' among
believers.
Are you ready? I hope so. Because in this study we are going to find
out why a 'schism' can sometimes be a blessing in disguise.
I pray this study will be a blessing to those of you who have ever
experienced some form of strife in your life. And especially if you've
seen in it in a church setting, and especially if you've ever been
drawn
into a 'party' spirit. May the Lord give you a wise and discerning
heart
in this area. And may you become one of God's peacemakers.
This is Bible Study HF069 - Factions, Schisms, and the Peacemaker.
Paul said something that may seem rather strange to us, but it speaks
directly to the wisdom of God. Paul said, "For there must also be
factions among you, so that those who are approved may become
evident among you." [1Co11:19] Paul's statement was made in the
midst of disorder among the Corinthian believers. But why would Paul
say that 'factions' are necessary?
The apostle began this portion of his rebuke to the Corinthians, by
saying,
"For, in the first place, when you come together as a church, I hear
that divisions exist among you; and in part I believe it." It is at
this point
that he calls attention to a purpose that a faction can serve.
First let's get familiar with the term faction. 'Factions' is the Greek
word
'hairesis.' This is where we get our English word heresy. A 'haireses'
is
a schism, that is, a separatist group, or a party spirit. It speaks of
those
who hold to a position that is contrary to accepted truth.
Actually the Bible word for heretic basically refers to an opinionated
person. From this we get the primary concept of a 'party' spirit. Once
again a heresy is an opinion or teaching that is contrary to accepted
truth. It isn't simply a disagreement. A faction or schism in the
Biblical
sense is a major cause of disarray or confusion among believers. It
spreads and can result in much harm.
What Paul is saying, however, is that 'factions' [heresies; schisms; or
holding views of one party] can actually become a tool of the Lord to
serve as a cleansing agent among God's people. The purpose would
be temporary, of course.
Here's the picture. Something is wrong. Things in the church don't
seem to be right. Conditions are beginning to sour, discouragement is
setting in, and no one knows what the cause is. And most of the all,
the work of God is suffering. But more likely than not there is a party
spirit at work behind the scenes.
Paul says it is the factions that are causing the discouragement. But,
again, the end result is that these factions will actually serve a
useful
purpose before it is over with. How can this be? Well, you know the
rote. Paul said in another place, "And we know that God causes all
things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who
are called according to His purpose." (Rom8:28) God will use the
party
spirit to His own purpose.
But what possible purpose can a schism serve in the church? How can
they be useful if they cause strife and division? Certainly the strife
and
division is hurting everyone, but Paul says that the 'party' spirit, or
faction,
will force 'those who are approved' to manifest themselves. And it
is
these special people that God wants the Church to recognize. Paul is
simply sharing from the wisdom of God.
How do the 'approved' manifest themselves? Have you ever heard
the
voice of peace? Sure you have. In the midst of confusion, that voice
begins to speak, and in the speaking, peace begins to flow. The
voice
you are hearing is coming from a person who is 'approved' by God.
The
word 'approved', or dokinos, refers to a person who is accepted
by,
and is pleasing to God. And the Lord always causes His 'approved' to
manifest in times of disarray.
I'm not going to hammer on those who cause strife. But I will share
with you that I have often counseled young ministers and students,
through the years, that when they find themselves in a period of
strife,
and they don't know what to do, my counsel is always the same; If
anyone is going to show a bad spirit, don't let it be you. More
often
than not, I've had a pastor call me to share how the Lord brought
victory our of turmoil, just because they refused to show a bad spirit.
Jesus used a different term for these special folk. He said,
"Blessed
are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God." (Matt5:9)
The Greek word for 'peacemaker' is only found here in the new
covenant writings. But it was a well known term, and well used by
the rabbis to explain the work of pacification. The Greek word
'eirenopoios', or 'peacemaker', speaks of a pacification that is
an
outworking of love. Don't you love it when a person can speak with
the anointing of love, and suddenly things begin to settle down.
The peacemaker is able to direct love and peace to those
experiencing confusion and disarray. And God's love is a powerful
force. Satan has no defense against it. The reason God says the
'peacemakers' will be called His children is because they are most
like Him.
God's peacemakers bring healing love into a troubled situation. In our
ministry, and, of course, in every ministry, you will find these
special
people. They are 'the approved' of God. They are well disciplined in
the walk of love. Usually they are people who have been through the
battles, and have learned the spiritual disciplines of the walk of
love.
They have been found worthy. They are pleasing to God.
That tidbit of wisdom was not manufactured by me. It comes from the
throne. God spoke through the prophet of old, saying to his people,
"'No weapon that is formed against you will prosper; and every tongue
that accuses you in judgment you will condemn. This is the heritage of
the servants of the Lord, and their vindication is from Me,' declares
the
LORD." (Isaiah 54:17 - The servant of the Lord isn't necessarily a
minister. All God's children are called to be servants of the gospel
and
of God's grace.)
But God said something else through the prophet that goes hand-in-
hand with what Paul is sharing on schisms. The Lord said, "Behold, I
Myself have created the smith who blows the fire of coals and brings
out a weapon for its work; and I have created the destroyer to ruin."
(Verse 16)
This is a difficult verse to grasp, but its meaning is that Satan
serves a
real purpose in the refining processes of God's people. While Satan
goes
about to create unrest and confusion, that is, as 'the destroyer,' the
Lord
waits for the proper moment. And at the proper moment we find the
'servant of the Lord.' When this servant speaks, it is as though Christ
were
speaking into the situation.
But the problem is real and it can cause damage. A factious person
has chosen an inflexible position. He is unyielding because of his
stance. And because the factious person is so inflexible, he tends to
unsettle the minds of the less discerning. This is why Paul said in one
place to reject a factious man after a first and second warning. (Titus
3:10)
The apostle had just said, "But avoid foolish controversies and
genealogies and strife and disputes about the Law, for they are
unprofitable and worthless." (Verse 9) Paul was not putting down the
Law. He was referring to the factious man who used arguments
about the Law to disturb the faith of others. A factious man is usually
inflexible and legalistic. He is only acquainted with the letter of the
Law,
but not the Spirit of the new covenant.
Probably at this point you are assuming that the factious person has
no relationship with the Lord. But that's not necessarily the case. It
is
possible to become a factious person without intention. It can
happen
to any of God's children.
A former brother in our ministry related to me how that as a deacon in
another church, he had got caught up in a group who wanted to move
the pastor out. (Back in 70s) The end result was that the pastor was
'run off' by the board, but this brother never got over having been
caught up in that spirit. He carries the hurt to this day. This is what
a
party spirit does. A factious person is acting from the flesh and not
from
the Spirit. Paul said, "Nothing good dwells in me, that is, in my
flesh."
(Rom7:18) We need to take that statement to heart.
When people began to react rather than to repose, the door is opened
for the flesh to work. And, of course, in all of this you can expect that
an
emissary from Satan is feeding the minds with unsavory thoughts. As
these
thoughts built, the mind becomes a battle field. Next thing you know,
folk
are taking positions that are inflexible. The outcome is that brothers
and
sisters become enemies.
Perhaps this is why Paul said we are to hate the flesh. He said,
"The
deeds of the flesh are evident ... enmities, strife, jealousy, outbursts
of
anger, disputes, dissensions, factions, etc." (Gal5:13-24.)
Can a party spirit actually be demonic? Most certainly. Now listen to
James: "Who among you is wise and understanding? Let him show by
his good behavior his deeds in the gentleness of wisdom. But if you
have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your heart, do not be
arrogant and so lie against the truth." (James 3:13,14)
Then James goes on to describe the spirit that is behind the factious
man. He says, "This wisdom is not that which comes down from
above, but is earthly, natural, demonic. For where jealousy and selfish
ambition exist, there is disorder and every evil thing." (Verse
15,16)
James is careful to point out that this arrogant attitude that causes
disorder has nothing to do with the wisdom that comes from above. He
says that this so-called wisdom is earthly, natural and demonic.
Is there an answer to all this. Yes, Paul also said, "Walk by the
Spirit,
and you will not carry out the desire of the flesh." He also said,
"Do not
turn your freedom into an opportunity for the flesh, but through love
serve
one another." (Gal5:13-16) The answer is the love walk.
The apostle said something that Christians must always take to heart.
Paul said, "For the whole Law is fulfilled in one word, in the
statement,
'You shall love your neighbor as yourself.'" (Gal5:14) Learn the
love
walk, and the Laws of God will never be a problem.
Are factions necessary? Yes, but they are not to be expected as an
everyday occurrence. In fact they should be rare, and they are rare in a
ministry that is based on Biblical discipleship. But they can happen to
anyone. And when they do happen, just be sure that the Lord will bring
something good out of it.
Think about it. Have you ever been caught up in a party spirit? The
study is open. I would like to hear some wisdom from the membership.
The Lord bless you,
Buddy
Lawrence E. (Buddy) Martin, HF Host
email: Bro.Buddy@ChristianChallenge.org
Web: http://www.ChristianChallenge.org
"See to it that no one comes short of the grace
of God; that no root of bitterness springing up
causes trouble, and by it many be defiled." (Heb12:15)