Church of Christ Sermons
Bobby Stafford	Christ Causes Division Sermon from Matthew 10:34-39		Jesus Christ

The Gospel Causes Division

Introduction:

  Our American society wants nothing to do with a religion that divides members of that society.  For a large segment, peace and harmony is to be had at all costs.  How does Jesus fit into this picture? 

Text:  Matthew 10:34-39

  The gospel of Jesus Christ does not unite; but it divides. 

Body:

  I. The Gospel Divides the Saved from the Lost 

• The background to this passage is the sending out of His twelve disciples.  Jesus warns them that, because of the message that they bring; some will be arrested and some will even be killed.  Some of their own family would betray them.
• Jesus then makes the statement in verse 34 that He did not come to bring peace to everyone, both saved and lost.  Peace only comes to those in Christ.  (Romans 5:1)
• Many misunderstand the words of the angel in Luke 2:14.  Here is the ESV translation:  “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom He is pleased.”  See:  I John 3:22 “And whatever we ask we receive from Him, because we keep His commandments and do those things that are pleasing in His sight.” NKJV Keeping His commandments is connected with pleasing God.
• Read Hebrews 5:8-9.  “though He was a Son, yet He learned obedience by the things which He suffered.  And having been perfected, He became the author of eternal salvation to all who obey Him,” NKJV  Jesus is the source of salvation only to those who obey Him.  Jesus and His gospel message divide all of humanity into two and only two groups:  the saved and the lost.

 II. The Gospel Divides Families (Verses 35-37) 

• Jesus said that a Christian son will be against his non-Christian father, a saved mother-in-law will be against her lost daughter-in-law.
• Our relationship with Christ must be greater than all other relationships.  (Mark 10:28-31)  When we are baptized into Christ, we are born into a new family, the family of God.  (Mark 3:31-35)
• The gospel can and will divide families.

III. The Gospel Divides the Worthy from the Unworthy (Verses 38-39) 

• The gospel calls people to deny their own wants and die to things of the world.  (Galatians 2:19-20)  Whatever we do, we are not to do for selfish reasons, but for Christ. 
• This dying is pictured again as a crucifixion.  (Galatians 6:14)  The world should not influence us or have power over us.
• Only those willing to die to self are counted worthy.  (Find life.)  Those who live for the things of this world are on the path to the sufferings of hell.  (Mark 8:35-37)

Invitation:

  Jesus is calling us through His gospel to follow Him.  Will you answer? 

Bobby Stafford