What practical steps can prevent divisions like those in 1 Corinthians 1:12? Setting the Scene 1 Corinthians 1:12: “What I mean is this: Individuals among you are saying, ‘I follow Paul,’ ‘I follow Apollos,’ ‘I follow Cephas,’ or ‘I follow Christ.’” The Root of Division • Exalting personalities over Christ • Finding identity in camps, styles, or preferences • Letting pride replace humble gratitude for the gospel God’s Remedy in the Text • 1 Corinthians 1:13—Christ is not divided; only He was crucified for us • 1 Corinthians 3:5-7—Leaders are “servants through whom you believed”; only God makes growth happen Practical Steps for Today • Center every gathering on Christ’s finished work, not on gifted people • Speak of pastors and teachers as stewards, never as celebrities • Test every opinion by Scripture; submit to its clear teaching even when it cuts across personal taste • Practice humble listening: “in humility consider others more important than yourselves” (Philippians 2:3) • Cultivate personal holiness; sin tolerated in the heart soon erupts in the fellowship • Deal with conflict quickly and biblically—private conversation first, gracious correction if needed (Matthew 18:15-17) • Pray regularly for unity and love to abound (Philippians 1:9) • Celebrate diverse gifts: encourage, thank, and honor believers who serve differently (Romans 12:10) • Refuse gossip and faction-building; turn conversations toward edification (Ephesians 4:29) • Hold fast to sound doctrine and lovingly warn against teachings that corrupt it (Romans 16:17; Titus 3:9-10) Supporting Passages • Ephesians 4:2-6—“with all humility and gentleness… eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit” • Colossians 3:12-14—“put on love, which is the bond of perfect unity” • John 13:35—our love is the public proof of discipleship • Philippians 2:1-5—one mind, one love, the attitude of Christ Closing Encouragement When Christ alone is exalted, preferences shrink, egos fade, and a watching world sees a genuine, gospel-shaped family instead of rival fan clubs. |
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