THE SIN, SIGNS, AND
SEVERITY OF STRIFE
SCRIPTURE
Proverbs 6:16–19, Romans 16:17, Titus 3:10–11
LIFE APPLICATION
God hates division in His church, exposes its fleshly source, confronts its destructive signs, and calls every believer to protect unity through humility, truth, and obedient love.
Proverbs 6:16–19
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THE SIN GOD DESPISES
“These six things doth the LORD hate: yea, seven are an abomination unto him… he that soweth discord among brethren.”
Solomon says discord is sown.
- Repeating the same grievance to multiple people is sowing discord
- Sharing “concerns” without seeking resolution is sowing discord
- Recruiting agreement instead of seeking peace is sowing discord
Am I planting seeds of unity—or weeds of division?
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THE SOURCE THAT DEFINES IT
Galatians 5:19-21
When strife shows up:
- Don’t spiritualize it
- Don’t normalize it
- Diagnose it
- Ask: What fleshly desire is driving this reaction? Control? Recognition? Vindication?
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THE SIGNS THAT DISCLOSE IT
Proverbs 20:3
Proverbs 26:21,
A divisive person:
- Criticizes constantly but contributes rarely.
- Whispers privately instead of speaking biblically.
- Gathers followers rather than seeks faithfulness.
- Magnifies problems instead of pursuing peace.
Application:
- Evaluate speech by its fruit, not its tone: Does this conversation bring clarity or confusion?
- Does it move us toward reconciliation or resentment? Does it honor leadership or undermine it?
- Peaceable wisdom always points toward solutions—not sides.
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Bob Principle:
If Bob has a problem with everybody, then Bob is the problem.
THE SEPARATION GOD DIRECTS
Romans 16:17
Application:
- Not everyone should have the same access
- Not every voice deserves the same platform
- Not every influence should be tolerated indefinitely
Boundaries are not unloving—they are biblical.
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THE STEPS GRACE DEMANDS
Titus 3:10–11
Correction is part of care. Paul outlines a process:
- Confront lovingly
- Confirm seriously
- Correct firmly
Grace does not mean endless patience without repentance.
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THE STANDARD GOD DESIRES
Ephesians 4:1–3; 1 Corinthians 1:10
Application: Unity requires:
- Humility when offended
- Restraint when irritated
- Forgiveness when wounded
Unity is not agreement on everything—it is alignment around Christ.
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Final Application:
- Speak words that heal, not harm
- Address conflict biblically, not emotionally
- Protect unity intentionally, not accidentally
“Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.”
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Disclaimer: All portions of this sermon by Pastor Shane are delivered under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit. Stories and illustrations drawn from outside sources are cited in the illustration references section, while many illustrations are also shared from Pastor Shane’s own personal experiences.