How can Paul's rhetorical questions in 1 Corinthians 1:13 guide church leadership? Paul's three probing questions “Is Christ divided? Was Paul crucified for you? Were you baptized into the name of Paul?” (1 Corinthians 1:13) Guarding against division: Christ is not divided - Unity is rooted in Christ’s indivisible nature (John 17:21; Ephesians 4:4–6). - Leaders resist party spirit by: - Repeating that every believer is part of “one body” (1 Corinthians 12:12). - Redirecting praise away from personalities to the Lord who gives the growth (1 Corinthians 3:5–7). - Practical step: structure ministry teams so no single name or brand overshadows Christ. Keeping the cross at the center: Only Jesus was crucified - “Was Paul crucified for you?” reminds leaders to spotlight the atonement, not their achievements (Galatians 6:14). - Teaching, counseling, and budgeting revolve around the finished work of the cross, protecting the church from drifting into moralism or celebrity culture. - Decision filter: If an initiative does not magnify Christ’s sacrifice, reconsider it. Protecting the sacraments: Baptized into Christ alone - “Were you baptized into the name of Paul?” safeguards baptism’s meaning (Acts 2:38; Romans 6:3–4). - Leaders ensure baptism classes stress allegiance to Jesus, not to a denomination or pastor. - Signing certificates or using social media: highlight Jesus’ name first, minimizing personal branding. Practical checkpoints for leaders today - Conduct an annual “division audit”: identify cliques or teacher-centric loyalties. - Preach a steady diet of Christ-exalting passages (e.g., Colossians 1:15-20). - Share the pulpit and leadership roles to model team ministry (Philippians 1:1). - Celebrate other gospel-preaching churches in prayer and announcements (Philippians 1:18). - Evaluate church media: is the cross prominent, or are personalities front-and-center? Key takeaways to implement this week - Mention Christ’s name more than your own in every public setting. - Thank volunteers by linking their service to the body of Christ rather than to a leader. - Review baptism materials to ensure they exalt Jesus alone. - Meet with leadership to pray over John 17:11, asking God to keep the fellowship “one, even as We are.” |
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