A Simple and Profound Appeal: Agree, Don't Divide

Introduction

Exposition

Verse One (Don’t read verse)

1 Corinthians 1:10 ESV

10 I appeal to you, brothers, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be united in the same mind and the same judgment.

Verse 10 begins with the words “I appeal to you (beseech, beg)”

These are words that in Paul’s writing function to do a couple things

Emphasize importance

Begin an argument (not negative)

Notice he makes the appeal “in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ”.

This further emphasizes the importance of the request

So now we have the appeal

Of this appeal, most commentators refer to it as the the theme statement for the entire letter.

Roy E. Ciampa and Brian S. Rosner, The First Letter to the Corinthians, The Pillar New Testament Commentary (Grand Rapids, MI; Cambridge, U.K.: William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company, 2010), 73.

Here it is: “All of you agree, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be united in the same mind and judjment.” …in other words, he is saying...

I. Church! Be united (10)

Does this mean we have to be in perfect agreement on all things?

No, but it means that we need to be clear and recognize areas where we can disagree but be clear on essentials

Be of the same mind and judjment

Theological triage

First Tier: Gospel, virgin birth, ressurection

Second Tier: Ordinances, polity

Third Tier: Millenial views, Freedoms in the Gospel, understanding difficult texts

Exposition 2 (11-12)

Verse 11 (Don’t read)

1 Corinthians 1:11 ESV

11 For it has been reported to me by Chloe’s people that there is quarreling among you, my brothers.

Verse 11 (Don’t read)

So why does Paul write this to them?

He had a repot from Chloe’s people

Chloe - not sure, maybe a widow

Her people are probably her family, workers, or servants

The report was that there was quarreling or fighting amount them

The Greek word for “report in verse 11 emphasizes that this was reliable.

The bigger part of this issue is not simply that they are fighting but why they are fighting

look at verse 12

1 Corinthians 1:12 ESV

12 What I mean is that each one of you says, “I follow Paul,” or “I follow Apollos,” or “I follow Cephas,” or “I follow Christ.”

Verse 12 (Don’t Read)

The church was dividing over leaders and their perceived wisdom or lack thereof

Paul - Founding pastor

Apollos - Current Pastor

Peter - Traveling Apostle

Christ

II. Avoid the temptation to place your hope on human leaders (11-12)

Apply

Very applicable today

examples

current, MHC, personal

Large church/small church

Exposition 3 (13-17)

Verses 13-17

Paul next moves on to emphasize the ridiculousness of what they are doing.

He asks the rhetorical question “Is Christ divided”

Is there more than one church?

Yes and no

back to triage

“Was Paul Crucified for you or were you baptized in the name of Paul?

Paul is showing that it is all about Jesus and His work

After making a note about being glad that he didn’t baptize anyone, he moves on to make a point about what his mission was.

1 Corinthians 1:17 ESV

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

Explain...

So earlier, he was glad he didn’t baptize many at all because he wouldn’t want that to be a reason for people following him.

III. Remember, you are given your identity in Christ and nothing else.

This is the positive the the previous negative

Apply...