“If a kingdom is divided against itself, that kingdom cannot stand. If a house is divided against itself, that house cannot stand.”
Mark 3:24-25
Introduction
Good morning, church. In Today's Sunday School lesson, I want to talk about division—a topic as old as humanity itself. From the very first recorded conflict between God and Satan or Cain and Abel to the divisions we see in our world today, the effects of discord are evident. Jesus’ words in Mark 3:24-25 resonate deeply: “If a kingdom is divided against itself, that kingdom cannot stand. If a house is divided against itself, that house cannot stand.” We have to understand that a house is a kingdom.
These words are not just a warning; they are a call for unity, a blueprint for how we must live as individuals, families, communities, and as the body of Christ.
Point 1: The Source of Division
Division often begins in the heart. James 4:1 asks, “What causes fights and quarrels among you? Don’t they come from your desires that battle within you?” Whether it is pride, jealousy, or fear, the seeds of division are sown when we prioritize self over others, and our will over God’s.
Consider the Pharisees in the context of Mark 3. Their inability to see Jesus for who He was—the Messiah—stemmed from their hardened hearts and misplaced priorities. Instead of rejoicing in His miracles, they sought to accuse and discredit Him. Division was a symptom of their deeper spiritual blindness.
How often do we let our own desires—our need to be right, our unwillingness to forgive—cause fractures in our relationships?
Point 2: The Consequences of Division
When a house is divided, it has become vulnerable to the enemy's attacks. Think about a family torn apart by arguments or a church split by unresolved conflict. Division weakens us, making us susceptible to external threats. The enemy—Satan—thrives on division. His goal is to steal, kill, and destroy, and he often starts by dividing us.
Proverbs 6:16-19 lists seven things the Lord detests, and among them is “a person who stirs up conflict in the community.” God’s desire is for unity, but division disrupts His purpose. We are called to keep the unity of the Spirit.
Point 3: The Call to Unity
Unity is not merely the absence of conflict; it is the presence of harmony rooted in love and truth. Jesus prayed in John 17:21, “That all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you.” This unity is not optional; it is essential.
In Ephesians 4:3, Paul urges us to “make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.” Unity requires effort, humility, and a willingness to listen and forgive. It requires us to place the mission of Christ above our personal preferences.
Let’s look at the early church in Acts 2. They were united in purpose, breaking bread together, praying together, and sharing everything they had. Their unity was so powerful that it drew people to Christ. “And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved” (Acts 2:47).
Application: Building a United House
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Examine Your Heart
Ask yourself: Am I contributing to unity or division? Am I harboring bitterness or pride? Pray for God to reveal areas where you need to seek reconciliation. -
Pursue Peace
Romans 12:18 says, “If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.” Take the first step toward healing broken relationships. Apologize if you need to. Forgive even if it’s hard. -
Focus on the Mission
Remember that we are part of something bigger than ourselves. Our mission is to glorify God and make disciples. Division distracts us from that mission. -
Pray for Unity
Make unity a regular part of your prayers—for your family, your church, and your community. Pray for wisdom and love to navigate disagreements in a way that honors God.
Conclusion
A house divided cannot stand, but a house united can thrive and be a beacon of hope to the world. Let us commit to being peacemakers, bridge builders, and agents of reconciliation. Let us strive to reflect the unity of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit in our lives.
As we close, I invite you to take a moment to pray for unity in your heart and in our community. Together, let us be a house that stands firm on the foundation of Christ.
Amen.