A CALL TO UNITY (3)

INTRODUCTION

SCRIPTURE

(NIV)

10 I appeal to you, brothers and sisters, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree with one another in what you say and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly united in mind and thought.

11 My brothers and sisters, some from Chloe’s household have informed me that there are quarrels among you.

12 What I mean is this: One of you says, “I follow Paul”; another, “I follow Apollos”; another, “I follow Cephas”; still another, “I follow Christ.”

13 Is Christ divided? Was Paul crucified for you? Were you baptized in the name of Paul?

14 I thank God that I did not baptize any of you except Crispus and Gaius,

15 so no one can say that you were baptized in my name.

16 (Yes, I also baptized the household of Stephanas; beyond that, I don’t remember if I baptized anyone else.)

17 For Christ did not send me to baptize, but to preach the gospel—not with wisdom and eloquence, lest the cross of Christ be emptied of its power.

A CALL FOR UNITY

Of the sins listed in Proverbs, sowing discord is one God hates most

The very title brethren is an argument for unity

The word for division is schisma. means to tear, fracture

division is done through fighting, by gossiping, criticism, hatred or bitterness.

The words “ perfectly joined” (katartizo) means to be united or made complete

THREE MAJOR PROBLEMS

CONTROVERSIES

CLIQUES

CONCEIT

Division were caused by the members not the leaders

It

It’s detestable to God for brethren to dwell together in discord.

The arguments among the Corinthians over which group was superior was caused by pride.

Pride is the only disease known to man that makes everyone sick except the one who has it.

Christians should not allow any room for pride

FINAL THOUGHT

TURNING YOUR EYES UPON JESUS

WHERE IS YOUR FOCUS TODAY?

2. Have I fixed my eyes on myself?

3. Have I fixed my eyes on others?