How can we address "quarrels among you" in our church community today? Setting the Scene: Corinth and Us “ ‘My brothers, some from Chloe’s household have informed me that there are quarrels among you.’ ” (1 Corinthians 1:11) What Paul spotted in Corinth—a church exploding with gifts yet splintered by strife—often repeats itself today. The call is timeless: end the quarrels and protect Christ-centered unity. What Sparks Church Quarrels? • Personality cults (1 Corinthians 1:12) • Pride over spiritual gifts or roles (1 Corinthians 12:21) • Unresolved offenses (Matthew 5:23-24) • Worldly mind-sets creeping in (1 Corinthians 3:3) • Doctrinal confusion (2 Timothy 2:14) God’s Diagnosis James 4:1 diagnoses the heart problem: “What causes conflicts and quarrels among you? Don’t they come from the passions at war within you?” Self-seeking desires, not external circumstances, fuel the fire. God’s Prescription: Seven Practical Steps 1. Refocus on Christ Alone • “Is Christ divided?” (1 Corinthians 1:13) • Keep preaching “Jesus Christ and Him crucified” (1 Corinthians 2:2). • Measure every preference against the cross: if it doesn’t serve His glory, lay it down. 2. Cultivate Gospel Humility • Philippians 2:3-4: “Do nothing out of selfish ambition… in humility consider others more important than yourselves.” • Regularly confess pride; celebrate others’ victories as your own. 3. Walk by the Spirit, Not the Flesh • Galatians 5:19-21 lists strife as a work of the flesh; vs. 22-23 shows the Spirit’s fruit—love, peace, patience, kindness. • Pray daily for fresh filling (Ephesians 5:18). 4. Honor Every Member’s Role • 1 Corinthians 12:18: “But in fact, God has arranged the members of the body, every one of them, according to His design.” • Celebrate diversity of gifts; avoid comparisons. 5. Handle Offenses Biblically • Matthew 18:15-17 outlines a clear, private-to-public path for resolution. • Speak truth in love (Ephesians 4:15); refuse gossip (Proverbs 26:20). 6. Keep Short Accounts through Forgiveness • Colossians 3:13-14: “Forgive as the Lord forgave you… put on love, which is the bond of perfect unity.” • Remember your own pardon to fuel grace toward others. 7. Pursue Peace Proactively • Romans 12:18: “If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.” • Schedule unity-building moments—shared meals, prayer nights, service projects. Signals We’re Moving in the Right Direction • Gossip fades; honest conversations rise. • Meetings end in prayer, not post-meeting complaints. • Diversity becomes strength, not tension. • New believers remark, “See how they love one another” (John 13:35). Looking Ahead with Hope Obedience to Scripture transforms quarrels into testimonies of grace. By elevating Christ, walking in the Spirit, and practicing biblical reconciliation, any congregation can mirror the harmony God intends for His people. |
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