How can we ensure our focus remains on Christ, not personal disputes? The Heart of the Issue: Divisions Revealed “My brothers, some from Chloe’s household have informed me that there are quarrels among you.” – 1 Corinthians 1:11 • The Spirit, through Paul, pinpoints the problem: quarrels inside the church. • Personal loyalties (to teachers, traditions, personalities) were displacing loyalty to Christ Himself. How Personal Disputes Cloud Our View of Christ • Quarrels pull attention from the cross to egos (1 Corinthians 1:12-13). • They expose worldliness: “since there is jealousy and dissension among you, are you not worldly?” (1 Corinthians 3:3). • Strife contradicts the Lord’s desire: believers “perfected in unity” so the world may believe (John 17:23). The Call to Unity Rooted in Christ Alone • “Is Christ divided? Was Paul crucified for you?” (1 Corinthians 1:13). Only one Savior earned our allegiance. • “Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith” (Hebrews 12:2). A steady gaze on Him dissolves petty rivalries. • “Make my joy complete by being of one mind… Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 2:2, 5). Practical Ways to Keep the Spotlight on Jesus • Start every interaction remembering the cross: Christ died for the person in front of me. • Speak His name often—shift conversations from “who’s right” to “what exalts Christ.” • Pause and pray (even silently) before responding to tension. • Celebrate others’ growth and gifting rather than competing with them (Romans 12:10). • Forgive quickly; refuse to rehearse offenses (Ephesians 4:32). • Regularly share the Lord’s Supper together, the visible reminder that we are one body (1 Corinthians 10:16-17). Scriptural Guardrails for Peaceful Fellowship • Humility, gentleness, patience, love, diligence for unity – Ephesians 4:2-3. • Heavenly mindset instead of earthly squabbles – Colossians 3:1-2. • Peace ruling the heart, thankfulness displacing irritation – Colossians 3:15. • Wisdom from above: pure, peace-loving, gentle, full of mercy – James 3:17. • Gentle answers that turn away wrath – Proverbs 15:1. • Peacemaking that mirrors our Father’s character – Matthew 5:9. Living It Out Together When Christ stays at the center, disagreements shrink to their proper size and sometimes disappear altogether. By exalting the One who united us through His blood, practicing the attitudes His Word commands, and choosing peace in every conversation, we keep our collective eyes where they belong—fixed on Jesus and His unifying, saving work. |
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