Why Are We Divided (Matthew 12:25)

Good morning, everyone. Today, I want to talk about something that's close to my heart and crucial for the future of the church: unity. Picture this: a company with multiple departments, each working in isolation, not communicating or cooperating with each other. How successful do you think that company would be? Not very, right?

Henry Ford: "Coming together is a beginning; keeping together is progress; working together is success."

What about an army? Could you imagine an army where there is no communication from one company to another? It would be chaos. This is what leads to friendly fire and the killing of your own people.

The same goes for us as the body of Christ. We live in a world that’s increasingly divided. Opinions and cultural differences can easily become barriers. But what if I told you that our differences don't have to divide us? What if I told you that we can turn our diversity into our greatest strength?

Matthew 12:25 (ESV) — 25 Knowing their thoughts, he said to them, “Every kingdom divided against itself is laid waste, and no city or house divided against itself will stand.”

Today, we’re going to explore three powerful stories from the Bible. Stories of leadership, ambition, and rebuilding. Stories that show us the devastating effects of division and the incredible power of unity. Through the mistakes of Rehoboam, the rebellion of Absalom, and the determination of Nehemiah, we’ll see how God calls us to be united in His purpose.

This isn’t just about history. This is about us, right here, right now. It’s about how we can come together, despite our differences, to build a church that truly reflects the love and unity of Christ. So, let’s dive in and see what God has to say to us today about being one body, united in Him.

Let's get started.

I. The Division of the Kingdom

There are two majorly divisive events that I want us to think about in the Old Testament.

Scripture Reading: 1 Kings 12:1-24

The story of the division of the kingdom under Rehoboam's rule is a powerful illustration of how pride and poor leadership can lead to devastating division. Rehoboam, the son of Solomon, ascended to the throne at a critical time. The people of Israel, weary from the heavy burdens placed on them by Solomon, came to Rehoboam with a plea for relief. In 1 Kings 12:4, they said, "Your father made our yoke heavy. Now therefore lighten the hard service of your father and his heavy yoke on us, and we will serve you."

Rehoboam’s initial response was to seek counsel, which is a commendable first step. He consulted with the elders who had served his father Solomon. Their advice was clear and wise: “If you will be a servant to this people today and serve them, and speak good words to them when you answer them, then they will be your servants forever” (1 Kings 12:7). This advice emphasized humility, service, and compassion—key qualities of effective leadership.

However, Rehoboam also sought the advice of his peers, the young men who had grown up with him. Their counsel was starkly different. They advised him to respond with greater harshness, saying, “My little finger is thicker than my father's thighs. And now, whereas my father laid on you a heavy yoke, I will add to your yoke. My father disciplined you with whips, but I will discipline you with scorpions” (1 Kings 12:10-11). Tragically, Rehoboam chose to follow the advice of his peers, rejecting the wisdom of the elders.

This decision led to a catastrophic outcome. The people, feeling unheard and oppressed, rebelled. “When all Israel saw that the king did not listen to them, the people answered the king, ‘What portion do we have in David? We have no inheritance in the son of Jesse. To your tents, O Israel! Look now to your own house, David.’ So Israel went to their tents” (1 Kings 12:16). The kingdom was divided, with ten tribes forming the northern kingdom of Israel under Jeroboam, while Rehoboam ruled over the southern kingdom of Judah.

Rehoboam's mistakes are clear: he failed to listen to the needs of his people, he rejected wise counsel, and he responded with pride and harshness.

Application

These are mistakes we can easily make today, whether in our personal lives, our workplaces, or our churches. How often do we ignore the pleas of those around us, seeking to assert our authority instead of serving with humility? How often do we choose the advice that aligns with our own desires rather than what is truly wise and beneficial?

1 Corinthians 1:10–13 (ESV) — 10 I appeal to you, brothers, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be united in the same mind and the same judgment. 11 For it has been reported to me by Chloe’s people that there is quarreling among you, my brothers. 12 What I mean is that each one of you says, “I follow Paul,” or “I follow Apollos,” or “I follow Cephas,” or “I follow Christ.” 13 Is Christ divided? Was Paul crucified for you? Or were you baptized in the name of Paul?

In the New Testament, Paul addresses similar issues within the church at Corinth. In 1 Corinthians 1:10-13, he pleads with them to be united, to avoid divisions, and to be of the same mind and judgment. The early church faced many cultural and doctrinal differences, yet Paul emphasized unity in Christ above all else.

Historically, the Christian church has also faced divisions. The Reformation, while necessary for addressing critical issues within the church, led to the formation of many denominations. These differences in doctrine, leadership, and practice often resulted in further splits and schisms.

Today, we must strive for unity within the body of Christ. We need to engage in respectful dialogue, seeking to understand rather than to argue. We must remember the words of Paul in Ephesians 4:3-6, where he urges us to “maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.” This doesn't mean ignoring our differences but rather focusing on what unites us: our faith in Jesus Christ. The differences have the potential to destroy us, but they also could propel us higher than we could ever reach on our own.

As we reflect on Rehoboam's story, let's commit to being leaders and followers who listen, seek wise counsel, and act with humility and compassion. This week, I challenge you to reach out to someone from a different denomination. Engage in a meaningful conversation, seeking to understand their perspective and find common ground in your shared faith. Seek God’s glory in everything you do. Together, we can turn our differences into strengths and our unity into a powerful testimony of Christ’s love.

II. Absalom’s Rebellion

Of course, the division of the kingdom wasn’t only Solomon and Rehoboam’s fault. One other man came in and caused the divide to spread such that they would never be united again. That man was Jeroboam. Throughout the That brings us to our second event, the story of Absalom’s betrayal. This is a story that sheds light on the root cause of division.

Scripture Reading: 2 Samuel 15-18

The story of Absalom’s rebellion against his father, King David, provides a sobering example of how ambition and deceit can lead to division and destruction. Absalom, driven by his desire for power and recognition, began to undermine his father’s authority. He would rise early and stand by the city gate, intercepting those who came to seek justice from the king. In 2 Samuel 15:3-4, Absalom would say, “See, your claims are good and right, but there is no man designated by the king to hear you. Oh that I were judge in the land! Then every man with a dispute or cause might come to me, and I would give him justice.”

By positioning himself as a more accessible and just leader, Absalom slowly stole the hearts of the people. He manipulated their grievances for his own gain, exploiting their dissatisfaction to build his own support base. In 2 Samuel 15:6, it is said, “So Absalom stole the hearts of the men of Israel.” His actions were calculated and deceitful, leading to a conspiracy against David.

When the time was right, Absalom declared himself king in Hebron, sending secret messengers throughout Israel to rally support. This act of rebellion forced David to flee Jerusalem to avoid a violent confrontation. In 2 Samuel 15:13-14, we read, “And a messenger came to David, saying, ‘The hearts of the men of Israel have gone after Absalom.’ Then David said to all his servants who were with him at Jerusalem, ‘Arise, and let us flee, or else there will be no escape for us from Absalom. Go quickly, lest he overtake us quickly and bring down ruin on us and strike the city with the edge of the sword.’”

Absalom’s rebellion eventually led to a fierce battle, during which he met a tragic end. As he fled on his mule, his hair got caught in the branches of a large oak tree, leaving him hanging helplessly. Joab, one of David’s commanders, found and killed him, ending the rebellion. Absalom’s ambition and deceit had not only led to his downfall but also caused immense suffering and division within the kingdom.

This story mirrors the dangers of personal ambition and the destructive power of rebellion. Absalom’s actions remind us that pursuing power for selfish reasons often leads to division and ruin.

Application

In our own lives, we must guard against letting ambition drive us to undermine others or sow discord within our communities. Historically, the Christian church has experienced significant divisions that reflect similar patterns of ambition and rebellion. The early church, as established by the apostles, was united in its mission and doctrine. However, as time went on, men began to deviate from the established traditions. One significant deviation was the emergence of a hierarchical structure where one man took the lead elder role in the churches, eventually leading to the establishment of the papacy. This shift represented a rebellion against the plurality of elders that the apostles had instituted.

The religious climate we have today is the result of 500 years of protesting against the Catholic Church. The Protestant Reformation, while addressing critical issues within the established church, also highlighted the dangers of ambition. Leaders like Martin Luther and John Calvin sought to reform the church, but their efforts and the efforts of their followers led to further fragmentation. Many of these reformers, despite their initial noble intentions, elevated themselves and established their own doctrines, leading to the creation of numerous denominations.

One key lesson from this history is the danger of following ambitious individuals who prioritize their own agendas over uniting the church with Christ’s agenda. While the Reformation addressed necessary reforms, it also paved the way for further splits as various leaders established their own movements. This led to a rise in denominations, each with its own doctrines and practices.

What are denominations? Have you ever stopped to ask that question? It’s amazing to me how little time is spent on discussing the validity of being in or having a denomination. Denominations are simply a group of congregations who have developed a creed to follow. Perhaps they thought, “We will unify ourselves with one another under this creed.” On the surface, this seems like a good idea. It’s expedient. It’s a way for us to know who is like us and who is different. But what they really did was build walls and organizations that would compete against other organizations. Baptists vs. Methodists vs. Catholics vs. Church of Christs vs. church of Gods vs. Presbyterians, etc. All of this competition is not about glorifying God. It’s about glorifying men who make the right choice and join our group. Like Rehoboam, it has led to men and women refusing to listen to wise counsel. Like Absalom, men have sought to manipulate and rise in power.

Jesus emphasizes the importance of unity and humility. In John 17:20-23, He prays for all believers to be one, just as He and the Father are one. Jesus’ prayer underscores the significance of unity within the body of Christ, urging us to avoid the divisive behaviors that characterized Absalom’s rebellion.

As followers of Christ, we must be discerning about the leaders we follow and the movements we support. Ambition and rebellion can easily lead to division, undermining the unity that Jesus prayed for. We are called to foster unity within the body of Christ by prioritizing humility, service, a commitment to our shared faith, and a reliance on God (not men).

III. Nehemiah Rebuilding the Wall

Reflecting on Absalom’s story, let us commit to being leaders and followers who seek unity, humility, and service above all else. Let us reject the destructive power of ambition and rebellion, and instead, embrace the call to be one in Christ. This week, I challenge you to pray for a different denomination each day, asking God to bless them and bring us closer together. Together, we can turn our differences into strengths and our unity into a powerful testimony of Christ’s love. The final story for today is about a man who did just that.

Scripture Reading: Nehemiah 2:17-18; 4:6; 6:15-16

The story of Nehemiah and the rebuilding of the walls of Jerusalem is a powerful testament to the strength and unity that can be achieved when people work together with a common purpose under God's guidance. Nehemiah, a cupbearer to the Persian king, received troubling news about the desolation of Jerusalem. His heart was burdened for his city, and he sought permission from the king to return and oversee the rebuilding efforts. Upon his arrival, Nehemiah faced a daunting task: a city in ruins and a people demoralized.

In Nehemiah 2:17-18, he rallied the people, saying, “You see the trouble we are in, how Jerusalem lies in ruins with its gates burned. Come, let us build the wall of Jerusalem, that we may no longer suffer derision.” He then shared how God’s hand had been upon him and the king’s favorable words. Inspired by Nehemiah's vision and leadership, the people responded, “Let us rise up and build.” They strengthened their hands for the good work ahead.

This initial unity and commitment were crucial. Nehemiah’s leadership exemplifies the importance of identifying a common goal and inspiring collective action. Despite opposition from surrounding enemies who mocked and threatened them, the people persevered. Nehemiah 4:6 records their progress: “So we built the wall, and all the wall was joined together to half its height, for the people had a mind to work.”

Nehemiah also knew the importance of combining spiritual dependence on God with practical action. In Nehemiah 4:9, he writes, “And we prayed to our God and set a guard as a protection against them day and night.” This balance of prayer and practical measures ensured that the work continued despite the threats. Nehemiah’s story teaches us that true leadership involves both trusting in God and taking practical steps to address challenges.

The wall was completed in just fifty-two days, a remarkable achievement that even their enemies recognized as the work of God. Nehemiah 6:15-16 states, “So the wall was finished on the twenty-fifth day of the month Elul, in fifty-two days. And when all our enemies heard of it, all the nations around us were afraid and fell greatly in their own esteem, for they perceived that this work had been accomplished with the help of our God.”

Nehemiah’s story is a powerful reminder of what can be achieved when people are united in purpose and rely on God’s guidance. It shows that unity and hard work, coupled with faith and practical action, can overcome great challenges. This unity not only strengthened the people of Jerusalem but also served as a testimony to the surrounding nations of God's power and favor.

Application

In the New Testament, Paul echoes the call for unity in his letter to the Ephesians. In Ephesians 4:1-6, he urges believers to “walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.” Paul’s words remind us that unity in the body of Christ is not just desirable but essential. Despite cultural and doctrinal differences, early Christians were called to be one body, one Spirit, united under one Lord.

In practical terms, this means engaging in respectful dialogue with those from different denominations and seeking to understand their perspectives. It means praying for other denominations and working together on common goals, such as community service and evangelism. By focusing on what unites us rather than what divides us, we can reflect the unity that Jesus desired for His church.

To rebuild the church of Christ as God intended from the beginning, we need to come to grips with this truth: God desires unity among His people. If we are not actively pursuing unity, we are not full of the love of Christ and are failing in our mission. The church is called to be the pillar and support of the truth, and this truth includes the imperative to maintain unity with love toward those who love God and those who are lost.

1 John 2:9 (ESV) — 9 Whoever says he is in the light and hates his brother is still in darkness.

1 John 4:20 (ESV) — 20 If anyone says, “I love God,” and hates his brother, he is a liar; for he who does not love his brother whom he has seen cannot love God whom he has not seen.

Today, we must seek to rebuild unity within the body of Christ, much like Nehemiah rebuilt the walls of Jerusalem. This involves focusing on our shared mission and common beliefs rather than letting our differences divide us. We can start by promoting collaboration between different denominations on projects that serve our communities, such as feeding the homeless, rebuilding homes, or providing disaster relief. These shared efforts can foster a sense of unity and demonstrate the love of Christ to the world.

How?

Additionally, we should make efforts to understand and respect the traditions and practices of different denominations. We don’t have to adopt them, but we should respect them. Our attitudes toward those who are trying to serve God faithfully must be godly. We ought to see how our events, prayer meetings, and Bible studies can create opportunities for fellowship and mutual edification. By emphasizing our shared faith and working together on common goals, we can show that diversity in practice and tradition can be a strength rather than a source of division.

Reflecting on Nehemiah’s story, let us commit to being builders of unity in our own contexts. Let us rise up and build, strengthening our hands for the good work of promoting unity within the body of Christ. This week, I challenge you to engage in a collaborative project with another denomination. Whether it's a service project, a prayer meeting, or a joint worship service, let's demonstrate to the world what unity in Christ looks like. Together, we can achieve great things for the glory of God, turning our differences into strengths and our unity into a powerful testimony of Christ’s love.

Conclusion

As we come to the conclusion of our journey through the stories of Rehoboam, Absalom, and Nehemiah, we see a clear and compelling call to unity within the body of Christ. Each story teaches us crucial lessons about leadership, humility, and the power of collective action.

Rehoboam’s pride and refusal to listen led to the tragic division of the kingdom. Absalom’s deceit and ambition caused immense suffering and conflict. But Nehemiah’s vision and leadership brought together a demoralized people to rebuild what was broken, accomplishing an incredible feat through unity and faith in God.

Now, let’s bring this home. The church today stands at a crossroads. We can choose to remain divided, each faction clinging to its own traditions and doctrines, or we can rise up and build a united church as God intended. A church that stands as the pillar and support of the truth. A church that embodies the love of Christ and fulfills its mission to the world.

Paul’s words in Ephesians 4:1-6 ring louder than ever: “Walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.” This is not just a suggestion; it’s a mandate. If we are not pursuing unity, we are not fulfilling our mission.

Let’s make this practical. This week, I challenge you to take action. Reach out to someone from a different denomination. Engage in a meaningful conversation, seek to understand their perspective, and find common ground in your shared faith. Pray for a different denomination each day, asking God to bless them and bring us closer together.

But don’t stop there. Let’s collaborate. Let’s come together on projects that serve our communities—whether it’s feeding the homeless, rebuilding homes, or providing disaster relief. These shared efforts will foster a sense of unity and demonstrate the love of Christ to the world.

Consider organizing joint worship services, prayer meetings, and Bible studies. These are opportunities for fellowship and mutual edification. By emphasizing our shared faith and working together on common goals, we can show that diversity in practice and tradition is a strength, not a weakness.

Here’s the vision: Imagine a church where believers from all denominations come together, united in purpose and mission. A church that the world looks at and says, “This is what love looks like.” A church that is unstoppable, unshakeable, and unwavering in its commitment to Christ and His mission.

We are stronger together. We are more powerful together. We can achieve greater things together. Unity is not just a nice idea—it’s our calling, our mandate, and our greatest strength.

So, let’s rise up and build. Let’s turn our differences into strengths and our unity into a powerful testimony of Christ’s love. Together, we can change the world. Together, we can fulfill the mission God has given us. Together, we can be the church God intended from the beginning.

Let’s make it happen. Let’s commit to unity. Let’s be the church.