Effective ministry and spiritual development in the body of Christ depend on unity and focus. Yet, within the church and among ministers, there are tendencies towards division, criticism, and unnecessary conflicts. One of the most destructive behaviors is when preachers spend time preaching against fellow ministers rather than focusing on the core message of Jesus Christ.
Preaching against another preacher is not only unprofitable but also a manifestation of carnality, living according to the flesh rather than the Spirit. The Bible consistently emphasizes that our primary calling is to preach Jesus Christ and Him crucified, not to engage in petty fights or personal attacks. Such divisions weaken the church, distract believers from Christ, and hinder the advancement of God’s kingdom.
This message explores why preaching against fellow ministers is carnality, underscores the biblical mandate to preach Jesus alone, and calls ministers to maintain unity, humility, and focus on Christ.
Preaching Against Fellow Ministers Is Carnality:
1. Carnality Contradicts the Spirit-Led Life
Carnality refers to living according to the flesh, driven by pride, envy, rivalry, and personal ambition instead of the Holy Spirit. When ministers criticize or attack each other publicly, they demonstrate carnality.
1 Corinthians 3:3 — “You are still worldly. For since there is jealousy and quarreling among you, are you not worldly? Are you not acting like mere humans?”
This verse clearly indicates that divisions and fights among believers are signs of carnality, not maturity in Christ.
2. Divisions Hinder the Gospel
Preaching against fellow ministers causes division, which the Apostle Paul condemns as a sign of carnality and fleshly behavior.
1 Corinthians 1:10-13 “I appeal to you, brothers and sisters, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree with one another in what you say and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly united in mind and thought… Is Christ divided?”
Paul emphasizes that division in the church is incompatible with the Spirit of Christ. When preachers fight or criticize each other, they betray the very Spirit they claim to serve.
The Call to Preach Jesus Christ
3. Our Primary Mandate Is to Preach Christ
The essence of Christian ministry is to proclaim Jesus Christ, His life, death, resurrection, and Lordship. Our focus should be on exalting Christ, not tearing down others.
Biblical Reference:
1 Corinthians 2:2 “For I resolved to know nothing while I was with you except Jesus Christ and him crucified.”
Galatians 6:14 — “May I never boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world.”
Preaching Jesus is the foundation of all effective ministry. When ministers divert their focus to criticizing each other, they lose sight of the central message and purpose.
4. Jesus Is the Only Head and Focus
Paul reminds believers that Christ is the head of the church, and our message must be centered on Him.
Biblical Reference:
Colossians 1:28 “He is the one we proclaim, admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone fully mature in Christ.”
1 Corinthians 1:23 “But we preach Christ crucified.”
The church and ministers are called to lift up Jesus, not personal agendas or rivalries.
The Dangers of Preaching Against Fellow Ministers
Engaging in personal attacks or criticism reveals spiritual immaturity and carnality, which hinder spiritual growth.
Ephesians 4:1-3 — “I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.”
Preachers must model humility and unity, not divisiveness.
Criticizing or fighting fellow ministers damages the unity of the church and confuses believers.
John 17:21 — “That all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you.”
Unity among ministers is essential for the witness of the church; division weakens the Gospel.
When ministers focus on tearing each other down, the Gospel’s power is diminished. The world and believers alike are distracted from Christ.
2 Corinthians 4:4 — “The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel that displays the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.”
Division among ministers can obscure the true light of Christ.
Preach Jesus!
The primary purpose of preaching is to reveal Jesus Christ to the world, to save, sanctify, and transform lives.
Biblical Reference:
Luke 24:27 “And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he explained to them what was said in all the Scriptures concerning himself.”
John 3:16 “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”
Christ is the focal point of the Scriptures and our preaching.
The power to transform lives comes from Christ, not from personal rivalry or human wisdom.
Philippians 3:8-9 “What is more, I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord… and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ.”
Preaching Christ empowers believers and reveals God’s power.
The Problem with Fighting Among Ministers
Fighting or criticizing fellow ministers demonstrates a carnal attitude and a lack of spiritual maturity.
1 Corinthians 13:4 “Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.”
Galatians 5:22-23 “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.”
Ministers are called to walk in love, not strife.
Fighting distracts believers from the message of salvation and Christ’s lordship.
Matthew 28:19-20 — “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.”
Our focus should be on fulfilling Christ’s Great Commission, not personal rivalries.
Our Call to Preach Jesus, Not Personal Agendas
Ministers must be committed to preaching Christ and Him crucified, not personal or denominational agendas.
2 Timothy 4:2 — “Preach the Word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction.”
Preaching Christ requires purity of motive and focus.
The church’s witness depends on unity and love among ministers and believers.
Ephesians 4:3 “Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.”
John 13:34-35 “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”
Unity and love are the hallmarks of Christ’s followers.
The Danger of Personal Attacks and Divisiveness
Jesus Himself refused to fight or criticize His opponents but instead preached love, truth, and salvation.
Matthew 12:19 “He will not quarrel or cry out; no one will hear his voice in the streets.”
1 Peter 2:21-23 “To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps.”
Ministers must follow Christ’s example, not fleshly rivalries.
Divisiveness among ministers leads to spiritual decline, weakened churches, and loss of influence. We are not building the kingdom by fighting one another.
Yours In His Service
C. C. RAYMOND
