Midweek 5.24.23
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1 Corinthians 1:10-17
1 Corinthians 1:10-17
10 Now 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.
Now I PLEAD!
It’s very important
Paul’s first address for concern and correction
That you be in unity together
11 For it has been declared to me concerning you, my brethren, by those of Chloe’s household, that there are contentions among you. 12 Now 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.”
How were they being divided?
Sectarianism is Sin: excessive attachment to a particular sect or party
They were getting caught up in the Messenger instead of the Messiah:
I am of Paul:
Most likely the gentiles
Paul preaches freedom at the end of the law (refer back to Romans)
It was most likely that this group was turning liberty into a license to go back to their old ways of doing things
They had forgotten that they were saved not to be free TO sin, but to be free NOT TO sin
People revert back to what He saved them from
I can handle it, WHAT FOR?
I am of Apollos:
Apollos was a Jew from Alexandria, an eloquent man and well versed in scripture
Alexandria was the epicenter of intellectual activity
There scholars made a science of allegorizing scriptures to find the most obscure meanings to the simplest passages
They would break down scriptures and words into numbers and assign meanings
They were people who were intellectualizing Christianity
They were turning Christianity into a philosophy rather than a relationship
Turing relationship into religion
I am of Cephas:
Cephas is a Jewish form of Peter’s name
Most likely these were Jews who were teaching that Christians must still observe the Jewish Law
They were legalist who exalted law, and in doing so belittled grace
I am of Christ(seems like a good party to be in)
Most likely their fault was not in saying that they belonged to Christ, but in acting as if Christ belonged to them
They became and intolerant, self-righteous group.
1. That you speak the same thing
We should be speaking the same things, the word of God
Opinions vs Truth
This could go either way: That’s not what my Bibles says
The Word of God should be on your lips at all times
Are you and your spouse speaking the same things?
2. NO Divisions:
Two visions is di-vision
What does Division Brings:
Division typically turns believer against believer
it destroys from within, we no longer become a threat to the kingdom of darkness if we are in fighting
Look at America
Every stance they bring is polarizing
Forcing you to take sides
Division distracts from the work of the Great Commission
Distracts you from purpose
If the enemy can steal your purpose, You’re fights become your purpose
Chaos becomes your purpose
Division taints our witness
20 “I do not pray for these alone, but also for those who will believe in Me through their word; 21 that they all may be one, as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You; that they also may be one in Us, that the world may believe that You sent Me. 22 And the glory which You gave Me I have given them, that they may be one just as We are one: 23 I in them, and You in Me; that they may be made perfect in one, and that the world may know that You have sent Me, and have loved them as You have loved Me.
That the world may know who has sent you
Division is often tied to clinging to our idols
too often it’s connected to wanting to be right instead of the truth being told
Be comfortable with the truth winning even when you don’t
Division gives the enemy a foothold
12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.
What does Unity do for us:
Tower of Babel
Genesis 11
Things which they imagined
1 When the Day of Pentecost had fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. 2 And suddenly there came a sound from heaven, as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting. 3 Then there appeared to them divided tongues, as of fire, and one sat upon each of them. 4 And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.
40 And with many other words he testified and exhorted them, saying, “Be saved from this perverse generation.” 41 Then those who gladly received his word were baptized; and that day about three thousand souls were added to them.
There’s a bigger picture attached to our unity
Theres a bigger picture attached to you marriage when you’re unified
Sarah and I coming into agreement
4 There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called in one hope of your calling; 5 one Lord, one faith, one baptism; 6 one God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.
Your calling is to be exalt the body of Christ
14 I thank God that I baptized none of you except Crispus and Gaius, 15 lest anyone should say that I had baptized in my own name. 16 Yes, I also baptized the household of Stephanas. Besides, I do not know whether I baptized any other. 17 For Christ did not send me to baptize, but to preach the gospel, not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of no effect.
We don’t draw people to us, we lead people to Christ
17 And these signs will follow those who believe: In My name they will cast out demons; they will speak with new tongues; 18 they will take up serpents; and if they drink anything deadly, it will by no means hurt them; they will lay hands on the sick, and they will recover.”
19 So then, after the Lord had spoken to them, He was received up into heaven, and sat down at the right hand of God.
