How can 1 Corinthians 1:14 guide us in avoiding divisions today? Seeing Paul’s gratitude in 1 Corinthians 1:14 “I thank God that I did not baptize any of you except Crispus and Gaius” (1 Corinthians 1:14). Paul literally thanks God for baptizing only two believers in Corinth. His statement comes in the middle of an appeal: “that there be no divisions among you” (v. 10). By minimizing his own role, he removes any excuse for believers to form parties around human leaders. Why a limited baptism record matters • Baptism can become a badge of allegiance when people exalt the minister instead of the Master. • Paul’s restraint highlights that salvation is rooted in Christ’s work, not a pastor’s résumé (cf. 1 Corinthians 1:17). • Gratitude to God, rather than pride in human achievement, is the first line of defense against disunity. Timeless lessons for avoiding divisions today 1. Keep Christ at the center • “Is Christ divided?” (1 Corinthians 1:13). Any allegiance that overshadows Jesus fractures the body. 2. Refuse personality cults • Apollos, Cephas, or Paul—all faithful servants, none worthy of worship (v. 12). 3. Celebrate God’s work through others without idolizing them • “Neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only God who makes things grow” (1 Corinthians 3:7). 4. Guard your gratitude • Thank God for every faithful leader, but thank Him even more that He alone saves (Isaiah 42:8). 5. Measure ministry by faithfulness, not fame • “Moreover, it is required of stewards that they be found faithful” (1 Corinthians 4:2). Practical steps for congregations • Speak of leaders as gifts, not heroes (Ephesians 4:11-12). • Promote cross-centered testimonies: highlight what Christ did, not who officiated. • Rotate visible responsibilities so no single personality dominates. • Resolve conflicts quickly by appealing to shared identity in Christ (Galatians 3:27-28). • Pray for other churches in your city; unity grows when rivalry shrinks. Supporting passages that echo Paul’s theme • Ephesians 4:3-6—“Make every effort to preserve the unity of the Spirit.” • Philippians 2:2-4—“Be of one mind… Do nothing out of selfish ambition.” • John 13:35—Love is the church’s identifying mark. • Acts 18:8—Crispus believed and was baptized, showing Paul did baptize when needed yet avoided becoming the focus. Living the verse this week • When you share your testimony, emphasize Jesus’ saving work, not the human instruments involved. • If a disagreement arises, ask: “Would I still care this much if Christ’s honor were my only concern?” • Write a note of thanks to someone who led you to Christ, giving God the ultimate credit for that person’s influence. By imitating Paul’s Christ-centered gratitude, we strip divisions of their fuel and let the glory return to the One who unites us. |
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