𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗗𝗘𝗡𝗢𝗠𝗜𝗡𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡𝗔𝗟 𝗦𝗣𝗜𝗥𝗜𝗧 𝘃𝘀 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗡𝗢𝗡-𝗗𝗘𝗡𝗢𝗠𝗜𝗡𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡𝗔𝗟 𝗦𝗣𝗜𝗥𝗜𝗧

THE DENOMINATIONAL SPIRIT vs THE NON-DENOMINATIONAL SPIRIT

Tradition or Truth? Name or New Creation?
Key Text: 2 Timothy 2:15 (KJV)
“Study to shew thyself approved unto God… rightly dividing the word of truth.”

INTRODUCTION

The Church today is crowded with names, labels, and movements—yet Scripture reveals one Body, one Head, and one Gospel for this present dispensation.

Dispensational truth exposes a spirit of division built on men and a spirit of unity built on Christ alone.
“Now I beseech you, brethren… that there be no divisions among you.” — 1 Corinthians 1:10

SOURCE — WHERE EACH SPIRIT BEGINS
1 Corinthians 3:3–4 | Ephesians 1:22–23

A. Sectarian Source — Denominations begin with men
B. Scriptural Source — The Body begins with Christ
C. Spiritual Source — Christ alone is Head
One traces to founders; the other to the Head.

SEPARATION — WHAT EACH SPIRIT PRODUCES
1 Corinthians 1:12–13 | Ephesians 4:3–4

A. Party Lines — “I am of Paul… Apollos”
B. People Labels — Names replace identity
C. Perfect Unity — One Body in Christ
Denominations divide believers; truth unites believers.

STANDARD — WHAT EACH SPIRIT FOLLOWS
Colossians 2:8 | 2 Timothy 3:16–17

A. Man-Made Doctrines — Creeds and catechisms
B. Mixed Authorities — Scripture plus tradition
C. God-Breathed Word — Scripture alone
Tradition adds; truth abides.

SUPREMACY — WHO IS THE AUTHORITY
Matthew 23:9 | Colossians 1:18

A. Elevated Pastors — Titles and hierarchy
B. Earthly Offices — Clergy dominance
C. Exalted Christ — Head of the Body
Men are servants; Christ is Sovereign.

SYSTEM — WHAT IS PRIORITIZED
Mark 7:7–9 | Romans 16:25–26

A. Rituals — Repeated ceremonies
B. Regulations — Works-based practices
C. Revelation — Mystery revealed to Paul
Religion repeats; grace reveals.

SIGHT — WHERE THE FOCUS LIES
Matthew 6:19 | Colossians 3:1–3

A. Earthly Blessings — Health, wealth, numbers
B. Visible Success — Buildings and budgets
C. Eternal Blessings — Spiritual riches in Christ
One looks down; the other looks up.

SALVATION — HOW THE GOSPEL IS HANDLED
Galatians 1:6–7 | 1 Corinthians 15:1–4

A. Mixed Message — Law plus grace
B. Modified Gospel — Works added
C. Pure Gospel — Finished work of Christ
Any addition corrupts; grace completes.

SPIRIT — WHOSE APPROVAL IS SOUGHT
Galatians 1:10 | 2 Corinthians 5:9

A. Worldly Approval — Popularity and acceptance
B. Religious Applause — Denominational loyalty
C. God’s Approval — Rightly dividing truth
Please men or please God—choose one.

SUPREME IDENTITY — WHO WE REALLY ARE
1 Corinthians 12:13 | Ephesians 2:15–16

A. Denominational Identity — Baptist, Methodist, etc.
B. Divided Identity — Many labels
C. New Creation Identity — One Body in Christ
We are not denominations—we are the Body.

CONCLUSION

Denominations organize religion.
Christ forms one Body.
“There is one body, and one Spirit… one Lord, one faith, one baptism.”
— Ephesians 4:4–5

CALL TO ACTION

Lay down denominational loyalty
Pick up rightly divided truth
Stand only on the Pauline Gospel
Follow Christ, not a camp
Believe Scripture, not systems
Walk as a member of the Body of Christ
“Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular.” — 1 Corinthians 12:27

FINAL THOUGHTS

Denominations begin with men
The Body begins with Christ
Tradition divides
Truth unites
Rituals repeat
Grace reveals
Men are servants
Christ is Head
We are ONE Body