It is these worldly people, devoid of the Spirit, who are causing divisions. (Jude 19)
Do we have division in the body of Christ? Yes that is why there are so many denominations in the Christian church. Here is an article from Wikipedia that defines this division. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Christian_denominations) So what is that causes this division, this separation? We would say differences in theology. Our dogma is different. We have a different understanding of the Bible.
However this verse from Jude says it is people who are devoid of the Spirit who are causing division. Does that mean there are people devoid of the spirit in our gatherings of the body of Christ? Does that mean I could be one devoid of the Spirit if I am causing separation and division?
The unnerving answers to these questions are, yes there are people in the gathering of the body of Christ that are devoid of the Spirit, and yes at times we are the one that is devoid of the Spirit. This is the understanding of Martin Luther’s statement simul justus et peccator. We are simultaneous justified and sinner. We are both saint and sinner. We are filled and following Jesus and we are at the same time someone who is not filled and falling away from Jesus.
So is there division in the body, yes! Is there something we can do about it, yes! Follow Jesus and act like him, and look out for the needs of others and not our own needs.
Gracious savior fill me with your Spirit and help me to not look out for my own needs, but for the needs of the other. Help me to not be the one who causes division, but the one who helps us as your body to be united in you. Amen.
aSacredRebel 