TITLE: The Tater Family

TEXT: 1 Corinthians 1:10-13 - ¹⁰Now I plead with you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment. ¹¹For it has been declared to me concerning you, my brethren, by those of Chloe’s household, that there are contentions among you. ¹²Now I say this, that each of you says, “I am of Paul,” or “I am of Apollos,” or “I am of Cephas,” or “I am of Christ.” ¹³Is Christ divided? Was Paul crucified for you? Or were you baptized in the name of Paul?

PROPOSITION: There some “taters” in the church who should be avoided.

QUESTION: Who?

KEY WORD: Members

SCRIPTURE READING: Same

Introduction:

1. Everyone is strange in some way.

2. For me – No potatoes – No iced tea.

3. I share with you today some members of the “tater” family.

4. Avoid them.

1. Agitator – text
   Cause divisions, stir up trouble, work under the surface
   Proverbs 6:19 – A false witness who speaks lies, And one who sows discord among brethren.
   1 Timothy 6:3 If anyone teaches otherwise and does not consent to wholesome words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which accords with godliness,
   Many church troubles – start here – under the surface, stir up the mud
   
    

2. Amputator
   Romans 16:17 Now I urge you, brethren, note those who cause divisions and offenses, contrary to the doctrine which you learned, and avoid them.
   1 Corinthians 3:3 for you are still carnal. For where there are envy, strife, and divisions among you, are you not carnal and behaving like mere men?
   
    

3. Spectator
   Many are on the sidelines – watching.
   Football = 22 men who need rest; Watched by 90,000 who need some exercise.
   Someone observed – Some make things happen, Some watch, Some don’t know
   100% Willing – 5% willing to work; 95% willing to let them.
   Many are not “fishers of men” but just keepers of the aquarium.
   Flea on the ear of the elephant – “WE shook that bridge.”

4. Commentator
   Not willing to work – but then criticize others – Sidewalk superintendents
   Matthew 18:15-17 Moreover if your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault between you and him alone. If he hears you, you have gained your brother.
   
    

5. Dictator
   3 John 9-10 – I wrote to the church, but Diotrephes, who loves to have the preeminence among them, does not receive us. ¹⁰Therefore, if I come, I will call to mind his deeds which he does, prating against us with malicious words. And not content with that, he himself does not receive the brethren, and forbids those who wish to, putting them out of the church.

6. 
   1 Peter 5:3 nor as being lords over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock;
   
    

7. Hesitator
   Agrippa – Acts 26:28 Then Agrippa said to Paul, “You almost persuade me to become a Christian.”
   Felix – Acts 24:25 Now as he reasoned about righteousness, self-control, and the judgment to come, Felix was afraid and answered, “Go away for now; when I have a convenient time I will call for you.”