What causes divisions in the church according to 1 Corinthians 11:18? Setting the Scene in Corinth “For, in the first place, I hear that when you come together as a church, there are divisions among you, and in part I believe it.” — 1 Corinthians 11:18 What Paul Observed • The gatherings were marked by “divisions” (Greek: schismata), visible rifts that fractured fellowship. • These schisms surfaced during the very act meant to display unity—the Lord’s Supper (vv. 20–22). • Paul had already warned the Corinthians about factions (1 Corinthians 1:10–13); now those same fault lines were disrupting worship. Underlying Roots of Division • Pride and Party Spirit – Elevating personal status or preferred leaders (1 Corinthians 3:3–4). • Socio-economic Clashes – The wealthy ate first, leaving nothing for the poor (1 Corinthians 11:21). • Self-Centeredness – “Each one proceeds with his own meal” (v. 21), ignoring the body of Christ. • Failure to Discern the Body – Treating the bread and cup as ordinary, not discerning Christ’s body nor the unity it creates (1 Corinthians 11:29). • Absence of Agapē Love – Love “does not seek its own” (1 Corinthians 13:5), yet they sought personal satisfaction over communal edification. • Influence of Worldly Wisdom – Secular values of honor and status infiltrated the church (cf. James 3:14–16). Related Scriptural Echoes • Acts 2:42–47—Early believers “had all things in common,” a stark contrast to Corinth’s cliques. • Philippians 2:3–4—“In humility consider others more important than yourselves.” • Galatians 5:19–21—“Factions” listed among the works of the flesh; “love” leads the fruit of the Spirit (v. 22). • Romans 12:5—“So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and individually members of one another.” Lessons for Today • Division sprouts wherever personal preference eclipses Christ’s preeminence. • The Lord’s Table calls believers to equality and mutual care; ignoring that summons invites judgment (1 Corinthians 11:30–32). • Guard unity by cultivating humility, generosity, and active love, remembering: “Is Christ divided?” (1 Corinthians 1:13). |
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