Let there be no division among you

In this session, I Corinthians 1: 1-17, we focus on understanding Paul’s commendation and rebuking of the disunity of the church of God at Corinth.

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Summary Teaching: 1 Corinthians 1:1-17

Context

• Paul, with Sosthenes, writes to the Corinthian church, which he founded, to address issues stemming from their former sinful lifestyles and to guide them in living under God’s rule.
• The letter responds to reports from Chloe’s household about divisions and other disorders, aiming to align the church with God’s kingdom principles across all aspects of life.

Paul’s Message to the Corinthians (1 Corinthians 1:1-17)

• God’s Rule Over Life: The letter emphasizes that God’s kingdom, through His Word, should govern all domains—physical, educational, emotional, social, moral, and spiritual—transforming believers from their old ways.
• Egyptian Mentality: Like the Israelites freed from Egypt but pursued by a slave mentality, the Corinthians are hindered by their former life—sin, self, Satan, and worldly systems—threatening their spiritual survival.
• Old Enemies: The church faces sins such as division, sexual immorality, taking others to court, and eating food sacrificed to idols, reflecting a worldly mindset that Paul seeks to correct.
• Greek Philosophy’s Influence: Some Corinthians adopted a Greek belief that the physical body is inherently sinful and cannot be redeemed, leading to immoral behavior while claiming spiritual purity.
• Commendation: Paul commends the church for their rich spiritual gifts and their anticipation of Christ’s return, affirming their calling to serve God with these gifts.
• Condemnation of Disunity: Paul rebukes the church for divisions, as reported by Chloe’s household, where members aligned with different leaders (Paul, Apollos, Peter, or Christ), worshipping messengers instead of the message.
• Church’s Issues: The letter addresses disorders like disunity, sexual immorality, lawsuits among believers, and improper worship practices, responding to concerns raised by the Corinthians in a prior letter.
• Purpose: Paul aims to unify the church under God’s Word, urging them to reject their former worldly mentality and live as a transformed community, faithful to Christ until His return.

Application

• Reject worldly influences and divisions, let God’s Word guide all aspects of life, use spiritual gifts to serve Him, and maintain unity as you await Christ’s return.