In what ways can we avoid division by understanding 1 Corinthians 3:21? Setting the Scene The believers in Corinth were splintering into parties—“I follow Paul,” “I follow Apollos,” “I follow Cephas.” Paul reminds them, “Therefore let no one boast in men. For all things are yours” (1 Corinthians 3:21). This single sentence contains the cure for factionalism. Key Truth from 1 Corinthians 3:21 • “Let no one boast in men”―Stop elevating human leaders above their God-given place. • “For all things are yours”―Because we belong to Christ (v. 23), every faithful servant, gift, and ministry is already ours to benefit us, not to divide us. Ways to Avoid Division 1. Shift Our Boast to Christ • 1 Corinthians 1:31: “Let him who boasts boast in the Lord.” • When Christ is our only boast, rivalry fades. 2. See All Teachers as God’s Gift, Not Personal Property • 1 Corinthians 3:5: “What then is Apollos? And what is Paul? Servants through whom you believed.” • Receive truth from each teacher without forming fan clubs. 3. Remember Our Shared Ownership in Christ • Romans 8:17: “If we are children, then heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ.” • Heirs don’t squabble over what already belongs to all of them. 4. Pursue Humility and Mutual Honor • Philippians 2:3: “In humility consider others more important than yourselves.” • Valuing others over self cuts the root of party spirit. 5. Keep the Unity of the Spirit • Ephesians 4:3–6: “There is one body and one Spirit… one Lord, one faith, one baptism.” • Unity is a command, not a suggestion; division dishonors Christ’s oneness. 6. Measure According to God’s Standard, Not Human Prestige • 1 Corinthians 4:1: “So then, men ought to regard us as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God.” • Titles, eloquence, or popularity are secondary to faithful stewardship. Supporting Scriptures • John 17:21-23—Jesus prays for believers to be one, “so that the world may know.” • Galatians 3:28—“You are all one in Christ Jesus.” • Romans 12:4-5—Many members, one body, “individually members of one another.” Putting It into Practice • Speak well of other churches and leaders who preach the true gospel. • Rotate resources: read, listen, and learn from a variety of biblically sound teachers. • In disagreements, start with common ground in Christ before addressing differences. • Celebrate others’ successes as wins for the whole body. • Pray for unity regularly, naming specific brothers and sisters. Conclusion Grasping Paul’s words—“Let no one boast in men… all things are yours”—liberates us from factional pride. When Christ is central and every gift is recognized as ours together, division loses its appeal, and the church reflects the harmony God has already secured in His Son. |
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