Unity in Christ - Perfectly Joined

1 Corinthians 1:1-17

Unity in Christ: Perfectly Joined

Bible Passage: 1 Corinthians 1:1–17

Big Idea: As believers we are called to embrace unity in Christ, setting aside divisions and focusing on our calling to live out the message of the cross together.

Opening Text:

Ephesians 4:1–3 (NKJV)

I, therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you to walk worthy of the calling with which you were called, with all lowliness and gentleness, with longsuffering, bearing with one another in love, endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.

When we think about an orchestra, where each musician plays a different instrument, yet together they create a beautiful symphony. If the violins decide to play louder than the trumpets, or the drums ignore the conductor, the music would just turn into noise. Just like this, Ephesians 4:3 encourages us to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace, harmonizing ourselves together for a greater purpose. The purpose and cause of Christ.

Introduction: Looking at 1 Corinthians 1:1-17

A Quick Summary: Of this passage, Paul addresses the Corinthian church, emphasizing the importance of unity among believers despite their differences. He reminds them of their calling through Jesus Christ and highlights the central focus of the cross in the message of Christianity.

1. Paul talk about being Called by Christ's Grace

1 Corinthians 1:1-3 1“Paul, called to be an apostle of Jesus Christ through the will of God, and Sosthenes our brother, 2 To the church of God which is at Corinth, to those who are sanctified (set apart as holy) in Christ Jesus, called to be saints, with all who in every place call on the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, both theirs and ours: 3 Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.”

Paul starts this letter with a reminder of the divine calling and sanctification of the Corinthian church. This sets the foundation for understanding their identity in Christ, which transcends human divisions. Focusing on God’s grace, and the unity it brings, will lead to a deeper appreciation of each believer's role, in the body of Christ.

So as believers of Jesus Christ we have ALL been:

Called by God

We are ALL being sanctified (set apart as holy) by His grace

We ALL Should be continually, calling on the Name of the Lord

2. Paul talks about Celebrating God's Gifts

1 Corinthians 1:4-9 4 “I thank my God always concerning you for the grace of God which was given to you by Christ Jesus, 5 that you were enriched in everything by Him in all utterance and all knowledge, 6 even as the testimony of Christ was confirmed in you, 7 so that you come short in no gift, eagerly waiting for the revelation of our Lord Jesus Christ, 8 who will also confirm (strengthen) you to the end, that you may be blameless (perfect) in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. 9 God is faithful, by whom you were called into the fellowship of His Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.”

In this section Paul gives thanks for the Corinthians' spiritual gifts and their enrichment in all speech and knowledge. Despite their issues, Paul sees and acknowledges God's work among them. This should inspire us to recognize and celebrate God’s work within our church community, bringing unity and gratitude, even in the midst our imperfections.

As believers in Jesus Christ we should be:

Thankful for the grace of God.

Daily enriched by the Word of God.

Desiring wisdom and knowledge from the Word of God.

Understanding that God has given to each of us the gifts we need to bring unity to the body.

That we should know without a doubt, Jesus is our strength.

Understanding with the body of Christ, as we have all been saved by grace.

Here is the Application: As Christians we need to understand the importance of unity within the body of Christ. Desiring unity, will address the common struggles with division and disagreement by encouraging us all to focus on our shared identity in Christ and to work towards reconciliation and harmony.

3. Paul Corrects Divisive Claims

1 Corinthians 1:10-13 10 “Now I plead with you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you all speak the same thing (live in harmony), and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly joined together in the same mind (thought) and in the same judgment (purpose). 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.” 13 Is Christ divided? Was Paul crucified for you? Or were you baptized in the name of Paul?”

Listen here to Paul’s appeal for unity and his concern about divisions in the church. By addressing the problem of claiming allegiance to different leaders and instead to focus on Christ as the only head of the church. It underscores that Christ’s indivisibility should reflect in our unity.

As Christ followers we should be:

All speaking of the same love and grace of Christ as our head.

Closing any and all gaps that could be divisions in us.

Perfectly joined in the same mind and purpose.

We should cover all spirits of contention in an abundance of LOVE.

We need to understand Christ is not divided and neither should we be.

Here is the Application: Bringing unity in the church is a reflection of the unity of Christ, we are called to be of one mind and one spirit. The Gospel makes up for our differences. And unity will create space for those differences and showcase the manifold grace of God working through us.

4. Paul says we should be Centered on Christ's Cross

1 Corinthians 1:14-17 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 (the good news), not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of no effect.” (the power is in the cross and not in me)

Here Paul emphasizes his relief at baptizing few in the Corinthian church, reinforcing the truth that the cross's power doesn’t lie in human leaders but in Christ's sacrifice. As believers our focus should be on the gospel message, not personal preferences or leaders, continually promoting unity and the true message of the cross.

As believers our desire should be to:

Remain humble.

Center our message around the cross.

Lead the lost to salvation and baptism.

Realize it’s not about our fancy words but about Jesus’ life, death and ressurection.

How is the Application: Jesus Christ serves as the ultimate example of unity and reconciliation. His sacrifice on the cross not only unifies believers with Him but also compels us to reconcile with one another. The call to unity is echoed throughout scripture as part of God's redemptive plan through the life of Jesus Christ.

Big Idea: Believers are called to embrace their unity in Christ, setting aside divisions and focusing on their calling to live out the message of the cross together.

1 Peter 4:10 “As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.”

Imagine a potluck dinner where everyone brings their favorite dish. One friend shows up with a spectacular lasagna, while another contributes a vibrant salad, and someone else brings a rich dessert. Each dish is distinct, yet together they create a feast. This reflects how, in 1 Peter 4:10, we are called to use our unique gifts to serve one another, forming a beautiful unity that nourishes the body of Christ.

Prayer:

Lord bring us together in unity to bring glory to Yourself.