The Divided Body
Considering the high cost of disunity.

Introduction: What happens when people don't do the things that they should be doing? We think a
lot about what happens when people do the things they shouldn't, but I am not so sure we think enough
about what happens when people neglect responsibilities that need there active attention. In physics, there is
what is known as the second law of thermodynamics. In layman’s language, it basically teaches that as time
goes by, things will not get better, but rather they will get older, weaker, simpler, and, in general, will worsen.
Rust, decay, corruption are the natural order of things in Gods physical universe, and unless we give diligent,
concerted and continual attention to things that are of importance to us, they will soon become damaged,
weakened and malfunctioning. We can postpone and correct this by doing a little preventive maintenance
and exercising care with things we own. What if the same holds true for church's? Does the Bible anywhere teach that diligent attention is
needed over certain things? Does God command us anywhere in scripture that we should be doing maintenance on our spiritual walk? If so, what can we expect if we neglect them?
Let's think about some of those things and then one of them in particular that has been on my heart and mind for a very long time.

I Bible Maintenance Required 101 (Things Scripture commands us to “take heed to, or watch over carefully” )
Acts 20:28-30 Doctrinal purity
Mt. 6:1-2 Motives
James 1:1-2 Obedience to the Word of God
1Tim 4:13 The public reading of scripture
1 John 1:9 The confession of sins
1 Tim 3:2 ff The choosing of Elders/Pastors
Heb 5:12-13 Our spiritual growth

II Biblical Unity (What is it, and why does it matter)
1 Defined Jn 10:30 (cf. Jn. 17:11)
A) Attained by…… Col 3:11~ God Himself
B) Maintained by… 1 Cor 12:11-18 ~The Spirit’s presence in us.
C) Illustrated by………. Col 3:9 ~ God honoring, holy relationships
2) Kept. (Watched over)
A) Endeavoring (to make an earnest effort toward..) Eph 4:2-3
B) Edifying (to build up)
2 Pet 3:18 Gal 6:6 James 5:16 Rom. 12:1-2

III The Cost of Disunity (What happens if we let our guard down)
1) Testimony Damaged. Jn 13:35 cf. Mark 9: 30-34
2) Neglected Service - Acts 6:1-4
3) Cold heartedness Acts 20:28-30 Rev 2:4

IV Some Practical Disciplines
1) Build a Christ-like mind. Philip 2:4-7 & Rom 12:1-2
2) Gather faithfully Heb. 10: 24-25
3) Be ready to serve. Jn. 4:35

V Closing Thoughts