YOUTH STS LESSON 101

CHRIST TEACHES AGAINST SECTARIANISM

MEMORY VERSE: Jesus said unto him, Forbid him not: for he That is not against us is For us”
(Luke 9:50).

TEXT: Luke 9:46-56

Sectarianism, according to the Dictionary, refers to “a Narrow-minded adherence to a particular

sect, party or Denomination”. This may be explained by the word, “division”. From the passage,
the disciples of Christ manifested “divisional” spirit when they attempted to stop some group Casting
out devil in the name of Christ, because, they did not Belong to their camp. By whatever name it is
called, it is Against the Lord’s command, teachings and examples. Sectarianism is occasioned by any
or a combination of the Three factors of sin described in l John 2:16 (lust of the flesh, Lust of the eye
and the pride of life) which are not of the Father. It manifests in various ways in the church through
tribalism, Favoritism, division, segregation, strife and quest for Position at all costs. These must be
checked among Christian Youths. The Church, if it must fulfil the heavenly vision of Preaching the
gospel to every creature, must avoid Sectarianism and work in unity of purpose.

Question 1: What is sectarianism and how does it Manifest among Christian youths today?

1. CAUSES OF DIVISION IN THE BODY OF CHRIST

Luke 9:46-48; Matthew 23:8-12; 18:1-6; Philippians 2:3-11

“Then there arose a reasoning among them, which of Them should be greatest” (Luke 9:46).
The struggle for position has been noted to be one major cause of division among God’s people. Such
ugly trend has gradually crept into the church of God and found among Christian youths. Some seek
to be the “greatest”, and often times, too, compare themselves with themselves which negates
scriptural command that says “…but they measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing
themselves among themselves, are not wise” (2 Corinthians 10:12). This often also lead to sects
rising up in the Church of God, hence, resulting in what would look like the world’s political system
which often leads to rivalry, discord, strife, rancour, hatred which are all of lusts and contrary to the
will of God. “And Jesus, perceiving the thought of their heart, took A child, and set him by
him” (Luke 9:47). Today, some church leaders allow pride and position-seeking to gain Access to
their hearts. In Christ’s rebuke, He pointed them to Humility, admonishing that the greatest should
be the Servant in the fold. Christ’s setting of the little child amidst His disciples declares thus: that
though we may instruct Children, they have great lessons to teach us in humility, Forgiveness,
tenderheartedness, sincerity and godliness.

Question 2: What are the causes of Sectarianism Amongst Christian youths today?

It is important to remind the present day Christian youths That pride precedes shame and contention
“When pride Cometh, then cometh shame: but with the lowly is Wisdom’’ (Proverbs 11:2). Some
of the causes of Sectarianism, today, among Christian youths are pride, Selfishness, envy, hatred,
jealousy among others. God Honours His word and will do as He has said, if we fail to repent of all
forms of sin, severe punishment will follow (proverbs 11:21), “And said unto them, Whosoever shall
receive this child in my name receiveth me: and whosoever shall receive me receiveth him
that sent me: for he that is least among you all, the same shall be great” (Luke 9:48). Here.
Jesus is calling on Christian youths to be humble like Moses, David, Samuel, Paul, John the Baptist,
and other God's servants who were accepted of the Lord. Christ, our perfect example was submissive
to the Father, humbled Himself eventually was exalted. “But made himself of no reputation, and
took upon him the form of a servant...Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him...”
(Philippians 2:7,9).
2. CURE FOR DIVISION IN THE BODY OF CHRIST
Luke 9:49,50; Mark 9:38-40; 3:24,25; 1 Corinthians 1:10-13

“And John answered and said, Master, we saw one casting out devils in thy name; and we
forbad him, because he followeth not with us” (Luke 9:49). Unity is one great tool for growth in
God’s Kingdom. A united Church is a Church. This is why the devil tries by all means set division
among Gods people. He uses all means and methods in trying to achieve this. In the Corinthian
Church, it was murmuring, complaining and opposition to leadership. Satan is the spirit behind
sectarianism. Christ is looking forward to redeeming to Himself, a Church without spot or wrinkle.
To meet this, the Church must fight tirelessly to maintain love, unity, forgiveness and prayerfulness.
“By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another” (John
13:35). “And Jesus said unto him, Forbid him not: for he that is not against us is for us” (Luke
9:50). The Church as the Body of Christ is not limited to a singular Christian denomination. Christ's
admonition to John and the other disciples is cogent evidence to this. It points to the fact that Christ
has other people who have not defiled themselves whom we may not recognize. However, they must
have a common identity of holiness and righteousness (Romans 1:4; Acts 18:10). The Body of Christ
is one, but a house divided against itself shall not stand (Mark 3:24,25). Though we should be
cautious of whom we accept, as Christian youths, we are to identify, Word Image 1/1 support, and
pray for all saints who stand on the true gospel of Jesus Christ and the entire word of God. Building
the kingdom of God is a spiritual work. It is destroying the kingdom of Satan, by casting him out
(Mark 6:7) and setting men free from his operations. It also entails preaching the complete truth of
the scriptures and praying to deliver men from sin. The church must exposed and made to experience
the working power of the Holy Spirit, who will guide and keep us on the path of love, unity,
righteousness and holiness.

3. CONQUERING SECTARIAN SPIRIT THROUGH CHRIST

Luke 9:51-56; Hebrews 12:14; Psalm 34: 14

First, Christ expects us to be at peace with all men including our adversaries. Such peace must be
anchored in holiness. “Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall
see the Lord” (Hebrews12:14). Though Christians are to seek peace, they must not compromise.
Second, condemning men for sin before the advent of God's judgment would mean overthrowing the
very purpose of Christ on earth. Third, we are not to form sects with leaders we tend to admire or
who we have benefited from in some way. Like Jesus and Paul the apostle, we are to rebuke and
correct those who may try to form sects in our midst. Finally, Jesus' rebuke of John and James
teaches us that we can eliminate sectarianism and promote oneness in the Body of Christ by treating
every member with be due respect and rebuke where necessary. This should be done irrespective of
friendship, social or family leanings. There is no partiality in Christ. Thus, leaders and members in
the Lord's vineyard are not to show favouritism in handling any matter.

Question 3: How can Christian youths overcome the spirit of sectarianism in the Church?

We must reject and resist the spirit of division in the church of God. This can be done by ensuring
that the spirit of sectarianism is rejected in whatever form it may come. To overcome it, there must
be love for one another; self must be dealt with; we must allow the Spirit of God to direct us; and
surrender our will totally to that of Christ. Christ hates sectarianism: we too must follow the example
of Christ. Instead of fighting fellow Christian youths, we are to go out, and preach the gospel to all,
and making disciples of all nations in other to present to Christ a church that is spotless and ready
for His imminent return.