The church faces threats from without and within.

When the church is alarmed by outside opponents, intimidation disarms God’s people. If the church will stand in the face of opposition, there is an opportunity to boldly proclaim the Gospel. The church can not turn and run away in fear.

There are also threats from within. If the church waters down the Word of God, liberal theology will take away boldness and effectiveness. Paul spent a lot of effort challenging the churches to remain pure in their doctrine because he understood this simple truth: purity of doctrine and living enables bold witnessing.

There is another threat from within—disunity. If the enemy can get the church to argue and take sides, he can disarm our witness. So, once again, Paul spent a lot of effort challenging the churches to remain united in their love for each other. Let’s look at some of those challenges:

Now I exhort you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you all agree and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be made complete in the same mind and in the same judgment. (1 Cor 1:10)

“…so we, who are many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another.

Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep. Be of the same mind toward one another; do not be haughty in mind, but associate with the lowly. Do not be wise in your own estimation. (Rom 12:5, 15)

Now may the God who gives perseverance and encouragement grant you to be of the same mind with one another according to Christ Jesus, so that with one accord you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. (Rom 15:5-6)

Therefore I, the prisoner of the Lord, implore you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling with which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, showing tolerance for one another in love, being diligent to preserve the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit, just as also you were called in one hope of your calling; one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all who is over all and through all and in all. (Eph 4:1-4)

So, as those who have been chosen of God, holy and beloved, put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience; bearing with one another, and forgiving each other, whoever has a complaint against anyone; just as the Lord forgave you, so also should you. Beyond all these things put on love, which is the perfect bond of unity. Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body; and be thankful. (Col 3:12-15)