The Little Foxes
Notes
Transcript
SCRIPTURE
SCRIPTURE
15 Catch us the foxes, The little foxes that spoil the vines, For our vines have tender grapes.
BIG IDEA
BIG IDEA
Churches or rarely decline because of one major crisis; they are weakened by small, unchecked issues that slowly undermine unity, trust, and mission.
INTRODUCTION - WHEN THINGS ARE BLOOMING
INTRODUCTION - WHEN THINGS ARE BLOOMING
This vineyard is alive and fruitful.
The warning comes not during crisis, but during blessing.
Healthy churches are often the most vulnerable because they assume momentum will carry them forward.
Application
Many church splits don’t happen during decline—but during growth, when systems, communication, and relationships are stretched and foxes slip in unnoticed.
MESSAGE
MESSAGE
THE VINEYARD: GOD’S CHURCH
The Vineyard Belongs to God
God is the owner (Isaiah 5:1–7)
Leaders and members are stewards, not owners
The Vineyard Is Meant to Be Fruitful
Spiritual growth
Disciples made
Unity preserved
Mission advanced
Application
Church health is not measured only by attendance, but by spiritual vitality and relational integrity.
THE THREAT: LITTLE FOXES IN THE CHURCH
Foxes Are Small but Destructive
They don’t attack the pulpit first—they attack:
Trust
Relationships
Attitudes
Unity
Common “Little Foxes” in Churches Today
1. Gossip Disguised as Concern
“I’m just sharing this so you can pray”
Undermines leadership and trust
28 A perverse man sows strife, And a whisperer separates the best of friends.
2. Preference Over Mission
Music style
Schedule changes
Ministry methods
When personal preference becomes primary, the mission becomes secondary.
3. Unresolved Conflict
Offenses that go unaddressed
Passive-aggressive behavior
Silent division
Unresolved anger gives the enemy a foothold.
26 “Be angry, and do not sin”: do not let the sun go down on your wrath, 27 nor give place to the devil.
4. Spiritual Complacency
Attendance without engagement
Serving without devotion
Programs without prayer
Application
Termites don’t make noise—but they hollow out the foundation. A church can look strong on the outside and still be structurally weak on the inside.
THE DAMAGE: “THEY RUIN THE VINEYARD”
Foxes Affect More Than Individuals
One bitter spirit spreads
One divisive voice multiplies
One unchecked attitude shapes culture
9 A little leaven leavens the whole lump.
The Fruit Is Lost Before It’s Harvested
New believers discouraged
Volunteers burned out
Community witness weakened
Application
Many churches don’t lose people because of theology—but because of atmosphere.
THE CALL: “CATCH THE FOXES FOR US”
This Is a Shared Responsibility
Not just pastors
Not just elders
The whole body
Church health is everyone’s assignment.
Catching Requires Courage and Love
Confronting sin biblically (Matthew 18)
Speaking truth with grace
Refusing to ignore harmful patterns
Application
Unity is not the absence of disagreement—it is the presence of biblical love and accountability.
HOW A CHURCH CATCHES THE FOXES
1. Guard the Culture
Celebrate humility
Discourage divisiveness
Reward faithfulness, not drama
2. Prioritize Prayer
Prayer meetings are maintenance for the vineyard
No prayer = no protection
4 but we will give ourselves continually to prayer and to the ministry of the word.”
3. Practice Biblical Communication
Go directly to people, not around them
Assume the best, not the worst
4. Protect Unity Intentionally
Regular teaching on unity
Clear vision and mission
Transparent leadership
God commands blessing where unity dwells.
1 Behold, how good and how pleasant it is For brethren to dwell together in unity!
EXAMINATION: IDENTIFYING OUR FOXES
What attitudes are we tolerating?
What conversations are unhealthy?
Where have we become casual with holiness?
What has distracted us from our mission?
Application
You don’t fix the vineyard by pretending the foxes aren’t there. Health begins with honesty.
CONCLUSION - PROTECT WHAT GOD IS GROWING
CONCLUSION - PROTECT WHAT GOD IS GROWING
God has planted this church
God has caused it to bloom
God calls us to protect it together
CALL TO ACTION
CALL TO ACTION
Commit to guarding unity
Refuse gossip and division
Pray for the church consistently
Address issues biblically and lovingly
CLOSING SCRIPTURE
CLOSING SCRIPTURE
3 endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.
