What role does "contentious" behavior play in church unity according to this verse? Setting the Scene • Paul has just set forth guidelines for orderly worship and proper head coverings. • 1 Corinthians 11:16: “If anyone is inclined to dispute this, we have no other practice—nor do the churches of God.” • The issue he raises is not merely the custom; it is the heart that insists on arguing, stirring strife, and fracturing fellowship. A Closer Look at 1 Corinthians 11:16 • “Inclined to dispute” signals a willful, argumentative spirit. • “We have no other practice” underscores apostolic authority and consistency. • “Nor do the churches of God” appeals to the shared standard that safeguards unity across congregations. Contentiousness Defined • An insistence on personal preference that overrides love. • A refusal to submit to apostolic teaching. • A habit of disputing that stirs up division rather than building up the body. Why Contention Threatens Unity • It elevates self over the collective testimony of the church. • It distracts from worship, placing the spotlight on conflict instead of Christ. • It multiplies offenses: “For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every evil practice” (James 3:16). • It opposes the Spirit’s work: “with diligence to preserve the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace” (Ephesians 4:3). God’s Expectation of Harmonious Fellowship • Philippians 2:14–15: “Do everything without complaining or arguing, so that you may be blameless and pure.” • Titus 3:9–11: avoid divisive controversies; warn a factious person twice, then break fellowship if needed. • Proverbs 6:16–19 lists “one who sows discord among brothers” among the things the LORD hates. • Unity reflects the character of God and the credibility of the gospel (John 17:20-23). Practical Takeaways for Today • Guard your attitude: resist the urge to win every argument. • Submit to Scripture and historic church practice when personal preferences collide. • Pursue peace proactively—speak truth in love, overlook minor offenses, and prioritize fellowship. • Address genuine doctrinal error firmly, yet without a contentious spirit. • Celebrate shared convictions rather than magnifying differences. Summary Contentious behavior undermines church unity by replacing Christ-centered humility with self-centered debate. Paul’s directive in 1 Corinthians 11:16 shows that the churches of God stand together in one practice, and any spirit that insists on quarreling threatens that God-ordained harmony. |
    |