How can we apply 1 Corinthians 3:4 to promote unity in our congregation? The Verse in Focus “For when one of you says, ‘I follow Paul,’ and another, ‘I follow Apollos,’ are you not mere men?” (1 Corinthians 3:4) Recognizing the Root Issue • The problem is not Paul or Apollos; it is the fleshly impulse to elevate human leaders above Christ. • Scripture, accurate and literal, identifies this as immaturity (1 Corinthians 3:1–3). • Any time we label ourselves by favorite teachers, ministries, or programs, we repeat Corinth’s error. Re-centering Our Identity on Christ • 1 Corinthians 1:10–13 calls us to be “perfectly united in mind and conviction” because Christ is not divided. • Ephesians 4:4-6 reminds us we share “one body… one Lord, one faith, one baptism.” • Galatians 3:28 declares we are “all one in Christ Jesus.” Practical implication: introduce ourselves first and foremost as followers of Jesus, not as members of a subgroup within the congregation. Practical Steps Toward Unity • Speak the same message: keep conversation anchored in the gospel, not in personalities. • Pray for every ministry equally: during gatherings, publicly thank God for each servant and area of service. • Rotate service teams: periodically mix small-group leaders, musicians, greeters, and teachers so relationships cross usual lines. • Share testimonies: invite believers from differing circles to tell how Christ changed them, spotlighting His work rather than human effort. • Celebrate wins together: whenever God answers prayer or someone is saved, the whole church rejoices. Guarding Our Speech • Ephesians 4:29—“Let no unwholesome word proceed from your mouths.” • James 3:9-10 warns that blessing God while criticizing His people is self-contradictory. Habit: refuse gossip about leaders or ministries; redirect talk toward prayer and encouragement. Valuing Every Gifted Servant • 1 Corinthians 12:4-7—“There are different gifts, but the same Spirit.” • Romans 12:4-5—many members, one body. Application: publicly acknowledge diverse gifts—preaching, administration, mercy, tech, hospitality—as equal contributions to the one mission. Celebrating One Foundation • 1 Corinthians 3:11—“For no one can lay a foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ.” Practice: in sermons, songs, and studies, keep Christ’s cross and resurrection central; avoid personality-driven branding. Putting It All Together This Week – During worship, read 1 Corinthians 3:4 aloud and confess any tendency to pick sides. – Organize mixed prayer triplets: each includes people from different age groups or ministries. – Assign two leaders who differ in style to co-teach a Bible class, modeling unity. – Host a fellowship meal with seating arranged by randomly drawn table numbers. – End the week by recounting unity moments and thanking Jesus for knitting hearts together. |
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