Dealing with Divisions in the Church

Studies in 1 Corinthians Series1 Corinthians 1:10-17

May 18, 2014Pastor Paul K. Kim

FOUR RIVAL GROUPS AT CORINTHIAN CHURCH

11 For it has been reported to me by Chloe's people that there is quarreling among you, my brothers. 12 What I mean is that each one of you

says, “I follow Paul,” or “I follow Apollos,” or “I follow Cephas,” or “I follow Christ.” (vs. 11-12)

• The Loyalists: “I follow Paul”

• The Stylists: “I follow Apollos”

• The Traditionalists: “I follow Cephas”

• The Elitists: “I follow Christ”

PAUL’S THREE RHETORICAL QUESTIONS AS HIS URGINGS AGAINST DIVISIONS

• Question #1: “Is Christ divided?” No! The body of Christ cannot be distributed as

fragmented parts among subgroups within his church.

The church is ONE BODY of Christ—i.e., you all are one!

• Question #2: “Was Paul crucified for you?” No! I was not and could not be crucified for you. I am, like all of you, a SINNER for whom Christ was

crucified!

• Question #3: “Were you baptized in the name of Paul?” No! You were baptized in the name of Jesus, the

Savior & Lord14 I thank God that I baptized none of you except

Crispus and Gaius, 15 so that no one may say that you were

baptized in my name. 16 (I did baptize also the household of Stephanas.

Beyondthat, I do not know whether I baptized anyone else.) (vs. 14-16)

PAUL’S THREE RHETORICAL QUESTIONS AS HIS URGINGS AGAINST DIVISIONS

• Question #1: “Is Christ divided?” No! The body of Christ cannot be distributed as

fragmented parts among subgroups within his church.

The church is ONE BODY of Christ—i.e., you all are one!

• Question #2: “Was Paul crucified for you?” No! I was not and could not be crucified for you. I am, like all of you, a SINNER for whom Christ was

crucified!

• Question #3: “Were you baptized in the name of Paul?” No! You were baptized in the name of Jesus, the

Savior & Lord. I am, like all other teachers, NOBODY who happened

to be used by God’s sovereign grace in Christ!

HOW SHOULD WE PURSUE UNITYIN DEALING WITH DIVISIONS IN THE

CHURCH?1) We are to seek a spirit of agreement as one

body of Christ.

10 I appeal to you, brothers, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree, and that there be no divisions among you... (v. 10a)

To agree here means literally, “to say the same things”—i.e., to come up with agreement at the end of differing opinions.

This requires us of a spirit, attitude of desiring agreement, setting aside our rights or pride to seek an unified way.

We ought to have a common approach in church matters—to seek together a spirit of agreement synergistically (= culture and attitude).

HOW SHOULD WE PURSUE UNITYIN DEALING WITH DIVISIONS IN THE

CHURCH?2) We are to cultivate like-mindedness and

unified direction as one body of Christ.

 . . . but that you be united in the same mind

and the same judgment. (v. 10b)

Same mind [lit., same thoughts] does not mean uniformity but “like-mindedness” (= similar values & desire).

Same judgment [lit., same opinions] does not mean no differing opinions but “unified direction” (= supporting communal decisions enthusiastically).

In so doing, we experience not a rigid politically unity but a emotionally congruent unity as a spiritual family.

HOW SHOULD WE PURSUE UNITYIN DEALING WITH DIVISIONS IN THE

CHURCH?3) We are to focus on Christ wholeheartedly not

on human leaders/wisdom as one body of Christ.

For Christ did not send me to baptize but to preach the gospel, and not with words of eloquent

wisdom, lest the cross of Christ be emptied of its power. (v. 17)

21 So let no one boast in men. For all things are yours, 22 whether Paul or Apollos or Cephas or the world or life

or death or the present or the future—all are yours, 23 and you are Christ's, and Christ is God's.

1 Corinthians 3:21-23

HOW SHOULD WE PURSUE UNITYIN DEALING WITH DIVISIONS IN THE

CHURCH?3) We are to focus on Christ wholeheartedly not

on human leaders/wisdom as one body of Christ.

For Christ did not send me to baptize but to preach the gospel, and not with words of eloquent

wisdom, lest the cross of Christ be emptied of its power. (v. 17)

On one hand, division comes from following one human leader only rather than seeking Christ-centeredness.

On the other hand, division also comes from a cynical attitude of rugged individualism and distrust in spiritual leaders.

To seek a balance, we ought to boast Christ alone in a Christ-centered community.

THREE PRACTICAL QUESTIONS FOR OUR EVERYDAY LIFE

1. In what ways are convinced more about the danger of divisions in the church? How will you be vigilant against it?

2. What would it mean for you to cultivate an agreeing spirit, like-mindedness, and unified direction for the unity of CrossWay as a local body of Christ?

3. What would it mean for you to focus on Christ wholeheartedly without an unhealthy follower-ship of spiritual leader/teachers?