I Corinthians 1:10-4:21 (Part 4) The Problem of and Solution to Dissension

• The problem stated—v. 10

1) The appeal

2) The motivation

3) The details

• The carnality defined—vv. 11-12

1) In general—“contentions”

a) Bitter discussions is the idea

b) The source is the sin nature

2) In particular—(involved ego)—v. 12

a) Involved everyone

b) Centered in personalities—this is the idea with the names

c) Involved ego—the personal pronoun “I” is actually the Greek word “ego”—and it is emphatic in each case

d) It did not involve belief—the issue is not doctrinal differences

*The idea behind the names is not that these were the actual factions—they are figurative for the factions that were being developed

The solutions to dissension (disunity) –1:13-4:21

5 Solutions to the problem of disunity

1. Unity is achieved by considering the person and work of Christ—1:13-17

2. Unity is achieved by considering the true nature of the gospel—1:18-25

3. Unity is achieved by viewing the membership of the church—1:26-31

4. Unity is achieved by considering the true nature of wisdom—2:1-3:4

5. Unity is achieved by considering the nature of Christian service—3:5-4:21

Unity is achieved by considering the person and work of Christ—1:13-17

• There is only one Christ

• There is only one cross

• There is only one baptism:

1) Comments about those he baptized

2) Comments about his own mission

a) The proclamation of the message of the cross

b) The method is seen in v. 17