As we continue our study through 1 Corinthians, tonight we are going to see Paul addressing the destructive issue of division with in the church at Corinth. This division in the church was taking form of Christians boasting in men; some were boasting in Apollos, some in Paul, and some in Cephas or Peter. In verses 10-17, Paul exhorts his hearers to be "perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment" and then reminds them that his mission is to "preach the gospel, not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of no effect."
It is so important for us to understand that division with in the body of Christ is a destructive force that can turn people away, lead people astray, ruin the witness of the church and ultimately hinder the progress of the gospel. Today there are many Christians, like the ones in Corinth, who boast in a specific person. "I am of Chuck," "I am of Greg Laurie" or "I am of Garid" are attitudes that must not be found in the church. We must remember that it is Jesus who died for our sins, resurrected from the dead, and ascended on high to the right hand of God. He receives the glory and by His Spirit, we have been baptized into one body, the body of Christ. As we continue our study tonight, may we examine ourselves. Are we boasting in man? Are we causing division because of it? Do we desire unity with our brothers and sisters in Christ? My prayer is that the Lord will minister to you tonight through His word and that we will continue to grow in our walk with Him!
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