daily bible readings

As the delegation came to Paul in Ephesus they relayed to him the situation in Corinth. It was not good news.  They reported to Paul, “ 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.”

While having fiends and mentors is good and helpful, the situation in Corinth was far from helpful or good. The Christians were banding around certain leaders and using their group status to attack and criticise others. Certainly, Paul himself was subject to such criticism. In 2 Corinthians 10:10–11, Paul reveals some of what was said about him. “For some say, “His letters are weighty and forceful, but in person he is unimpressive and his speaking amounts to nothing.” 11 Such people should realize that what we are in our letters when we are absent, we will be in our actions when we are present.””

One can only imagine what kind of jaunts, jibes and jeers were directed towards each other in the congregation. Paul gives his rejoinder in no uncertain terms. “Is Christ divided? Was Paul crucified for you? Were you baptized into the name of Paul?” 1 Corinthians 1:13.

It’s inconceivable that Christ is divided. Christ did not have any divided allegiance. To suggest that Christ might have followed God at one point then another and then another is ludicrous. The rhetorical question makes its mark quickly and powerfully. 

The trinity, like Christ Himself, is totally unified. There exists no division in the godhead. What God the Father loves, the Son and the Spirit love. The same goes for all the possibilities. What the Father hates, the other two Persons of the Godhead also hate. The will of the Father is the will of the Son and the Spirit.  There is no division in the God head.

Paul’s follow up question - “Were you baptised into the name of Paul (1 Cor 1:13)  – backs up the point Paul is making . The Christians at Corinth, whether they follow Apollos, Paul, Peter or Jesus, were baptised into the name of Christ Jesus. They are unified because they are baptised into Christ who is not divided. As Paul says to the Ephesians in Ephesian 4:5 there is “one Lord, one faith, one baptism.”

A divided and fractured congregation is a living contradiction to Christ Jesus, the head of the church, to the Word of God and makes a mockery of the witness we have to the world. Being one in Christ mitigates against divisions and fractures.

There are many reasons for divisions in the churches today. Whether it’s the preaching, the staff, the plans made for the future or the financial situation of the church, churches seem to find many reasons for division and fracture. But, if congregations focused on finding the will of God, many of these divisions would dissipate. Let’s say, for example, a congregation, is deciding whether or not purchase carpet or vinyl for the sanctuary. Positive arguments are put forward for both sides. Each side has put forth arguments why the other option is not a good option.

This make believe situation can potentially cause division and factions in the church. As people leave the meeting, the car park shuffle begins and people talk negatively about the other side and the arguments produced. Some may even pick holes in the personality of the leaders of the other camp. Such a scenario can potentially cause the rupture of the church.

Is there a way forward? Is reconciliation possible? Is there a way forward that brings unity and wholeness to the congregation? Tomorrow we will seek to find a way forward.

PRAYER

Adoration

· Adore God the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit that they are perfectly united in all ways and in all decisions.

· Adore the Lord Almighty that the Trinity is perfect in love towards each other member of the Trinity.

Confession

 Take time to confess your sins to the Lord and to ask for forgiveness.

Thanks

· Thank God that we can work towards unity regardless of the decisions towards us.

· Thank God that we can put aside all our differences because we are on in Christ Jesus.

Supplication

· Consider your congregation and ask the Lord to bring unity and oneness in all necessary or relevant areas.

· Pray that there would be unity across all age groups and other groups in your congregation.

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

1. As you read 1 Corinthians 1:10-17, what are the key words?

2. What does each key word mean?

3. Summarise what Paul is saying in these verses.