7-False zeal for spiritual gifts. I am sure there were many in Corinth who were saying, "Oh, I love to hear Apollos! The bridesmaids have come down the aisle. Message transcript and recording 1978 by Ray Stedman Ministries, owner of sole copyright by assignment from the author. Webdivided. Thats not the way a jigsaw puzzle was meant to be put together. WebPaul rebukes the Corinthians because there are divisions and quarrels in the church. There are those who are emotionally attached to some great Christian leader who has helped them, and they will only listen to him. Its a lot harder! Paul then goes on to give us three very carefully stated clues in Verse13 as to what is wrong with this kind of thing. Bruises show on her arm! They are still acting just like the world. This is the challenge of the divisions in 1 Corinthians how does the modern church act just like the world? We have Jesus only groups even today. Sermon 5: Who is the Most Important? There are many other things that do cause serious problems stemming from the outside world. 1-False prophets (2 Corinthians 11:13). In Jesus' name, Amen. Her gown is ripped and covered with mud! Divisions never really ended with Pauls letters; they just appear to have evolved into having more sophisticated names. He chooses various channels through which to work. It is not merely that the Church is everywhere split up into sections, but that this has led to party strife and jealousy. That is the mind Paul is talking about. He finds that there is a great deal of parallels between the disciple-teacher relationship in the culture of Corinth and the problem of divisions in the church over the authority of teachers. We get so off track of what Christianity is all aboutMark 12:30-31 and begin focusing on worldly things like Rob Bell debated are actually being held to see if this Pastor is even Christian! A gasp bursts from the guests! It is popularized in the movie Mean Girls. It is possible, though, that the divisions among In verse 11, Paul gives the reason for his appeal for unity in the church at Corinth. Other divisions were to follow. (1Corinthians 1:17 RSV). The congregation then is to submit to the elders because it has confidence that their decisions were made under the Holy Spirits direction and power. Website 2023 by Ray Stedman Ministries. Webdivided. Like the orators wanted more money from the fees they charged, many pastors just want more people to look better and have a bigger budget. The word divisions comes from the Greek word schismata, from which we get our English word schism. I'm nobody, just like you!" They were dividing over this whole issue, and Paul says it is all wrong. For example, in the first section from 1:10 to 4:21, it's errors regarding division. Every Navigator had to have a Scofield Reference Bible; that was the only "Authorized Version." Yes, we have the core beliefs that most Christians will agree upon, but the rest is still very confusing to non-believers. There were, first of all, the loyalists who said, "We are of Paul. He says, in effect, "You don't cure divisions in a church by identification badges. Every piece of that jigsaw puzzle is different, isnt it? The church in Corinth was a group of people who were tearing themselves apart! (Peter, evidently, had been through Corinth and had preached there.) Because the Holy Spirit has but one will, and because a church must be in complete harmony with His will, the leaders must be in complete harmony with each other in that will. The Gentiles coming into this new Church do not seem to be able to see the differences between it and a Greco-Roman philosopher gathering disciples and educating them in a particular philosophy. Now, he describes the nature of unity this way, "that you be united in the same mind and the same judgment." It is not merely that the Church is everywhere split up into sections, but that this has led to party strife and jealousy. The words made complete mean to be perfectly joined together, like a jigsaw puzzle. If you limit yourself to one speaker or one teacher and feed only on him, you are getting a distorted view of Jesus Christ; you are chopping Christ up, dividing him and taking one little portion as one man reports it and ignoring the rest, thus your view of Christ is deficient and unable to satisfy you as it was intended to do. I understand the fact that people have different beliefs and would like to stick to those (it is good to sick to what you believe) but when you get so segregated that you cannot work together anymore, it becomes a serious problem. A. It would destroy the unity of the congregation and split them up and provide an inaccurate testimony to the Person of Christ before the watching world. Lewis.". His most recent book is The Book of Enoch for Beginners: A Guide to Expand Your Understanding of the Biblical World (Rockridge, 2022). Some considering Paul their authority, other Apollos, others Peter, and still others accepted only Jesus as their authority. While there can be problems with some (no recognised leadership, disorganised, isolated, cultishness, lack of cohesion etc) they can also produce some of the strongest disciples Ive seen for many years, and yet, they could easily claim to be that fourth division like the one at Corinth the I am of Christ division, where they have no name (no favoured preacher/teacher) but are still divided off. Not when one part of the congregation meets in one part of the building, and the other part of the congregation meets in another spot. Paul gives the church a stern warning about their actions and the proper way to participate. The individual leaders should only point them to Christ. Subject to permissions policy, all rights reserved. The minister is waiting, Bible in hand. There is not a single Christian teacher who ever lived who can help us be forgiven one single sin, not one. The Lords Supper was affected by the divisions between rich and poor and an overall general misunderstanding. Other divisions were to follow. The cross of Christ is what will heal the fragmentation of Christians wherever they are. The members started to develop division following different leaders. 16(Yes, I also baptized the household of Stephanas; beyond that, I don't remember if I baptized anyone else.) I dont remember Paul seeing any thing like these issues as other than trivial. In what ways have we failed to de-paganize? (Phil Long). 3- The presence of an immoral member. 2 Corinthians Because I am a little defensive it seems like they are almost my enemy. 5-Members going to pagan courts to settle disputes. In the year 1 054 the Church was divided into two parts: 1) The Greek Eastern Church 2) The Roman Western Church. 3- The presence of an immoral member. In these cases, there should be freedom to agree to disagree. 5-Members going to pagan courts to settle disputes. WebThe Christians at Corinth were dividing the church by pledging their loyalties to different celebrities. I think we have failed to de-paganize the art of preaching/teaching if pastors/leaders are looking for patronage, prestige, and numbers over relationships, service, and transformation. (Even non-denominationals do this, just without claiming a denominational title). He has Masters degrees in Biblical Exposition and Old Testament from Talbot School of Theology (BIOLA) and a PhD in New Testament from Andrews University. John 12:37-50, THE PARADOX OF LIFE FROM DEATH John 12:20-26, THE TRIUMPHAL ENTRY INTO JERUSALEM JOHN 12:9-19, SPIRITUAL LIGHT AND DARKNESS John 9:35-41. It is possible that these divisions represent competing house churches, some founded by Paul, some by Apollos. Paul continues in verse 10 by saying that, MANS WISDOM VERSUS GODS WISDOM I Corinthians 1:18-25, WHY DONT PEOPLE BELIEVE? Only the Lord Jesus Christ could pay the penalty for our sins because only He is the Son of God. When daylight again appeared, they looked for him with renewed energy but still without success. You may be reminded by his words in Verse10 of the similar passage in his letter to the Philippians where, in Chapter2, he says to that church, "So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any incentive of love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy, complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord, and of one mind," (Philippians 2:1-2 RSV). These were not schisms yet; they had not split off into other congregations, but there were four cliques, or factions within the congregation. Many of the other problems were flowing out of this division within the congregation. The individual leaders should only point them to Christ. The human condition is, unfortunately, one of comparison that seeks to place oneself or their beliefs over another. Beyond that, I do not know whether I baptized any one else). WebDivisions in the Church. Sometimes a church leader can have so much clout that he begins to have cult status. Paul gives the church a stern warning about their actions and the proper way to participate. People begin to think things about him that are not true, and expect things from him that he is unable to deliver. Not when some people in the congregation wont look at, speak to, or even acknowledge the existence of certain other people in the congregation. That is why the apostle appeals to it. One of the celebrities was Paul himself some believers at Corinth actually claimed to be his followers. The elders should make their decisions with the same mind and the same judgment. We tend to fall out along doctrinal lines or because we are drawn to one charismatic pastor over another. There was extreme competition among the orators for honor and power. It is popularized in the movie Mean Girls. Many of us are familiar with this common phenomenon in human psychology of thinking that some symbolic thing that is of use to us is so important that we finally make it a badge of the group to which we belong. Lovelessness among Christians is not a light thing.. So we have the possibility for this very thing right here. In verse 11, Paul gives the reason for his appeal for unity in the church at Corinth. If someone comes on preaching the doctrines that were emphasized during the Reformation, he will get a great following of people who think that the Reformation was the whole sum and substance of all great Christian truth. As we do, I hope every one of us will understand more and more fully the character of this radical principle that God has turned loose among us, this revolutionary idea represented in the cross of Christ that wipes out all these distinctions among men. We came to life in Christ by Paul, and Paul is the one we're going to listen to above all others." For I resolved to know nothing while I was with you except Jesus Christ and him crucified. All that mattered to Paul was Jesus! One of the celebrities was Paul himself some believers at Corinth actually claimed to be his followers. 2 Corinthians The church at Corinth had divided loyalty to different leaders. This is what Paul uses as the basis for unity in this church -- not only the attitude of selflessness, which is the mind of Christ, but the responsibility to submit to his Lordship, the common responsibility that we have together. So, just a few texts and there are so many more. We become followers of out Pastors and churches rather than of Christ. 10 I appeal to you, brothers,[ a] 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. We have our theological view points, and even our philosophical ones (even though we could have less of that in our churches today in my opinion) but we also have our social dimensions as well. 1 Corinthians 1:10: 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.. We tend to fall out along doctrinal lines or because we are drawn to one charismatic pastor over another. This division in the church was over their own selfish ambitions evidenced in what they wanted. 10I appeal to you, brothers, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree with one another so that there may be no divisions among you and that you may be perfectly united in mind and thought. For a local church to be spiritually healthy and effective, and for there to be harmony in the local church, there must be doctrinal unity. We all know what a clique is. Obviously, here at Peninsula Bible Church we cannot do that. In verse 11, Paul gives the reason for his appeal for unity in the church at Corinth. Paul wants the Corinthian church to mend the broken relationships that have been caused by the divisions among its members. It is well known that division in the church of Corinth was over leadership. Going off of what Cody is saying, in todays church everything needs to be just right. I told them that I do not foresee and end to these divisions anytime soon (sadly). No man would ever have planned the cross. (1Corinthians 1:12 RSV), Now, there was the trouble at Corinth. In what ways have we failed to de-paganize? It seems like it would be better to ask in what ways have we been re-paganized. Will we do so by the strength which God alone can and will supply? A second issue that seems to keep the church divided (the whole church and individual churches) is the little things such as the structure of the service, the type of music played for worship, whether a pastor should always wear a tie, and what color should be used in the bathroom. God, therefore, has designed that there be many teachers, many preachers, many viewpoints, in a church. Although the modern church has improved in many ways compared to the ancient churches, there is still the issue of division that exists among differing churches as was in the ancient churches. Since November 2021, Reading Acts is edited by Sarah Westphal. And I say that because some people focus on PREACHER instead of THE SAVIOR. But when it comes to the clear teachings of Gods Word, there cannot be two conflicting views that are both right. That is the problem, and it is still going on today. We must allow him the privilege of doing that. In Matthew 12:25 the Lord Jesus says, Any kingdom divided against itself is laid waste; and any city or house divided against itself shall not stand.. This Western Church soon became known as the Roman Catholic Church. Others bragged that they were followers of Peter (1 Corinthians 1:12). WebAnd you know, that gives me some idea of how important this is to God, because from 1:10 to the ninth verse of the sixteenth Chapter, he just talks about the errors in the church. Just as there was competiveness for honor and prestige among the orators of the first century, it also seems like there is competition between the pastors and churches of today. It is possible that these divisions represent competing house churches, some founded by Paul, some by Apollos. WebThe members of the Corinthian church we disunited because they were pledging their allegiance to human leaders rather than God. These kinds of things happen when there are divisions in a church. (1Corinthians 1:13b-16 RSV). Verse 12 tells us the source of this problem. Some considering Paul their authority, other Apollos, others Peter, and still others accepted only Jesus as their authority. Now, in Verse13 you understand why. So they were splitting and arguing and quarreling over the relative merit and authority of these various teachers. Paul did not want to present the Gospel as an orator, competing for students as they did. Some considering Paul their authority, other Apollos, others Peter, and still others accepted only Jesus as their authority. God wants the local church congregation and the local community to see the beauty of a church that is unified and fitted together in love. Now, in one verse he introduces to us the cure for these divisions (Verse17): For Christ did not send me to baptize but to preach the gospel, and not with eloquent wisdom [literally, "wisdom of words"], lest the cross of Christ be emptied of its power. This Western Church soon became known as the Roman Catholic Church. Offshoots had disturbed the church. They embraced the values of their Roman society, which divided over ethnicity (e.g., Jews vs. Gentiles) and social rank (wise vs. foolish, powerful He didnt focus on himself being superior to all the rest of the church leaders. Paul rejects this disunity, telling the church members to focus on Christ. All are mere teachers; there is only one Lord. 6-Members defiling the Lords Supper. I agree with Greg, I see a lot of times where Pastors begin to care more about the number of the congregation rather on the connectedness of it. These are not the only causes of divisions in churches today. The members started to develop division following different leaders. WebAccording to Paul, the communitys problems were the consequence of the Corinthians mistaken belief that they had already been exalted. That is what Paul speaks about. If I was not raised in a Christian home, I think that I would have the same concerns. I hang on every word you say. Some considered Paul their leader, others Apollos, still others Peter. Now, the Apostle Paul is very concerned about this matter of incipient division in the church at Corinth, and he begins dealing with it in this powerful appeal for unity in Verse10: I appeal to you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree and that there be no dissensions among you, but that you be united in the same mind and the same judgment. There are the Calvinists and the Arminians and the Dispensationalists -- these are some of the things that are held up as the "summum bonum," the highest good, in theology. He called to ask whether I thought that would be right or wrong to do. Take the various mega-churches for example, whose charismatic pastors live in mansions. I do not identify my self as being a follower of anybody but Jesus (although there are certain theologians that I do hold in higher regard than others). In her book, The Key to a Loving Heart, Karen Mains includes a parable about the church entitled The Brawling Bride. The Protestant Reformation had its beginnings in 1517 (see Chapter 1 0). (Philippians 2:6-8 RSV). He started this church. It wasnt even about secondary doctrine (the second coming, the nature of baptism). Furthermore, would the apostle not also be concerned with other divisions within the individual church body? Paul gives the church a stern warning about their actions and the proper way to participate. Now, he is not saying that it is wrong to baptize; he himself did it, and acknowledges that he did. The first thing Paul says is that it tends to chop up Christ and parcel him out as though his person and his work came in various packages, thus you lose perspective of the whole of Christian theology. I was taking my break and a person I work with asked where I went to college. The better the orator, the higher the fee, and the more disciples he will attract. The Lord Jesus is praying to the Father, and this is part of His prayer for us: I do not pray for these alone, but also for those who will believe in Me through their word; that they all may be one; even as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You, that they also may be one in Us; that the world may believe that You sent Me. They are his family in Christ. Orators have to be so careful not to let teaching become a pride thing rather than a gift they share to better the other. 13Is Christ divided? For instance, in the Greco-Roman culture the practice of teacher-disciple relationships was often common and so many Christian converts in Corinth would associate themselves with a particular teacher and be under their discipleship. Now, here the apostle makes very clear that the tendency among groupies is to distort the meaning of symbols. If so, what results are we shooting for? I used to attend a Navigator group which met in Honolulu on Sunday afternoons. They take an innocent teaching medium, in this case baptism, and make it into an identification badge. I thank God that only a few of you can say that about me."
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