No Divisions Among Us - 1 Corinthians 1:10

Devotional

Day 1: The Call to Speak and Live in Unity

The call to unity is a profound command for the body of Christ. It begins with the words we speak, for what comes from our mouths reveals the condition of our hearts. This unity is not about uniformity in all things, but a shared commitment to core truths and a common purpose. We are to be mended together like a strong net, so that nothing and no one falls through the gaps. Our collective effectiveness in reaching the world depends on this practical, lived-out harmony. [00:31]

Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment.
1 Corinthians 1:10 (KJV)

Reflection: What is one specific, edifying thing you can choose to say this week that would build up the unity of your local church body, rather than creating or perpetuating a division?

Day 2: The Right Division of Truth and the Unity of the Believer

God’s Word itself creates a division, a clear cut between truth and error. This is a necessary and righteous division. Our unity is not with those who deny the finished work of Christ or the authority of Scripture, but with those who stand on the right side of that divide. For those within the family of God, the command is to be perfectly joined together, mending any tears in our fellowship so we can effectively work together. Our unity is for a purpose: to be a strong net for the work of the gospel. [03:11]

For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.
Hebrews 4:12 (KJV)

Reflection: Considering the core truths of the faith—like salvation by grace through faith alone—is there an area where you have been tempted to compromise for the sake of a false peace, rather than standing on the right side of God’s dividing truth?

Day 3: Guarding Against Division Over God-Given Leadership

Division often arises when we exalt human leaders above their God-intended role. No pastor or teacher was crucified for us; our ultimate allegiance belongs to Christ alone. Leadership in the church is given for protection and service, not for personal glory. When we assign our loyalty to a person over the purpose of Christ, we create factions that rob God of the glory that belongs solely to Him. Our leaders are simply fellow laborers with us in God’s work. [11:23]

Who then is Paul, and who is Apollos, but ministers by whom ye believed, even as the Lord gave to every man? I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase. So then neither is he that planteth any thing, neither he that watereth; but God that giveth the increase.
1 Corinthians 3:5-7 (KJV)

Reflection: In your heart, have you placed a human leader or a particular ministry on a pedestal, inadvertently creating a sense of division or comparison within the body of Christ? How can you adjust your focus to give all glory to God for the work He does through others?

Day 4: Navigating Personal Preferences Without Causing Stumbling

Believers have liberty in matters of personal preference that Scripture does not explicitly command. However, this liberty must be exercised with love and wisdom, never at the cost of causing a brother or sister to stumble. Our freedom is not a license to insist on our own way, but an opportunity to serve one another. The principle is clear: if a lawful action causes harm to a fellow believer’s conscience or walk with God, we are called to lovingly lay down our right for their sake. [33:22]

Let us not therefore judge one another any more: but judge this rather, that no man put a stumblingblock or an occasion to fall in his brother’s way.
Romans 14:13 (KJV)

Reflection: Is there a personal preference or habit you enjoy that, while not sinful in itself, could be a stumbling block to a newer or weaker believer in your circle? What would it look like to lovingly limit your freedom in this area for their spiritual benefit?

Day 5: Overcoming Cultural and Doctrinal Divisions with Courageous Love

The church transcends every cultural and national boundary, making us one new man in Christ. We must actively resist the temptation to segregate into comfortable groups that mirror the world’s divisions. Furthermore, true unity is built on a foundation of sound doctrine, not a compromise of truth. Obedience to God’s commands, even when it is costly or frightening, is the path that ultimately leads others toward truth and authentic peace. [49:14]

For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us; Having abolished in his flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances; for to make in himself of twain one new man, so making peace.
Ephesians 2:14-15 (KJV)

Reflection: Where is God calling you to take a courageous step of obedience—perhaps in baptism, church membership, or a clear stand on truth—that you have hesitated to take out of fear of how it might impact a relationship? How can you trust that obedience to God is the most loving way to lead others?

Sermon Summary

First Corinthians 1:10 insists on verbal unity and warns against splits that fracture the body. The Word divides truth from error, but Scripture intends unity among those aligned with biblical truth; that distinction frames every warning about faction and schism. Division eats effectiveness: a torn net loses fish, and congregational productivity collapses when people fall through doctrinal or relational holes. Practical unity requires clear boundaries and humble cooperation — leaders must protect and serve, not seek personal glory, and authority functions as sacrificial strength to guard the flock.

Truth produces necessary separation from false teaching, yet sinful division arises when allegiance shifts from Christ to personalities, preferences, or culture. Leadership loyalties that read “I am of Paul” or “I am of Apollos” destroy oneness; God gives ministers as coworkers, not rivals, and the harvest comes from God’s increase, not human acclaim. Personal freedoms that Scripture leaves open must not become stumbling blocks; Romans 14 commands each person to act before the Lord and to refuse actions that cause others to fall.

Cultural and national fault lines threaten vision when groups segregate around language, food, or customs. Scripture calls for one new man in Christ and instructs local bodies to appoint servants who address distribution and fellowship needs so no group feels neglected. Doctrinal clarity matters: baptism, gospel definition, and membership shape real unity; obedience to God’s commands often requires costly steps that lead others, not merely preserve comfort.

The call lands on every believer: let the peace of Christ rule, mend the net, walk together under the authority of Scripture, and take courageous, obedient steps that lead others toward truth. Practical oneness flows from coherent doctrine, humble leadership, sacrificial service, and the discipline to lay aside preferences when they harm the body. Unity does not mean bland uniformity; it means shared faithfulness to Christ and the gospel so the church can be effective, compassionate, and true.

Key Takeaways

1. Speak the same thing always Scripture demands that words flow from a shared commitment to Christ and gospel truth. When speech reflects the same gospel, discipleship stays focused and conflicts over identity lose power. Guarding language avoids factions that elevate personalities over the cross and preserves clarity for those being reached. [00:31]
2. Reject divisions over church leadership Allegiance to leaders corrodes the oneness that scripture requires; leadership exists to serve and protect, not to create camps. Authority holds responsibility to the whole flock and must resist self-glorifying ambition that fractures trust. Holding leaders accountable while honoring God’s appointed order prevents personality cults and preserves the church’s witness. [09:27]
3. Don't fight over personal preferences Non-essential liberties carry weight when they become stumbling blocks for weaker consciences. Choosing food, holy days, or culture must flow from gratitude to God and respect for brothers and sisters, not from proving independence. Love may require laying down lawful freedoms to keep a neighbor from falling. [24:03]
4. Break cultural and national segregation Ethnic comfort zones endanger the gospel when they form parallel fellowships inside one congregation. Scripture commands breaking down walls so the body acts as one new man; intentional cross-cultural fellowship protects vision and care. Appointing faithful servants to meet diverse needs prevents neglect and builds mutual belonging. [37:32]
5. Keep doctrinal boundaries clear Doctrinal clarity anchors fellowship and baptismal identity; the gospel’s content and ordinances define who walks together. Obedience to these truths often costs relationships, but sacrificial steps lead others toward lasting faith. Clear teaching and courageous compliance enable genuine, lasting unity in Christ. [51:05]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[00:31] - Scripture: Speak the Same Thing
[02:12] - Defining Division
[03:11] - Truth as a Dividing Sword
[07:37] - Mending the Net: Practical Unity
[09:27] - Dangers of Leadership Factions
[24:03] - Unity vs Personal Preferences
[37:32] - Culture and Nationality Divisions
[51:05] - Doctrine, Baptism, and Boundaries
[57:26] - Call to Courageous Obedience

Bible Study Guide

Bible reading: 1 Corinthians 1:10-13
Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment. For it hath been declared unto me of you, my brethren, by them which are of the house of Chloe, that there are contentions among you. Now this I say, that every one of you saith, I am of Paul; and I of Apollos; and I of Cephas; and I of Christ. Is Christ divided? was Paul crucified for you? or were ye baptized in the name of Paul?

Observation questions

What specific command does Paul give to the Corinthian believers in verse 10, and what two things are they to avoid?
What is the desired result of this command, and what phrase is used to describe the kind of unity they should have?
According to verse 11, how did Paul find out about the problems in the church, and what was the specific nature of these problems?
What are the four different allegiances or factions that people were claiming in verse 12?

Interpretation questions

Paul asks three rhetorical questions in verse 13: "Is Christ divided?", "Was Paul crucified for you?", and "Were ye baptized in the name of Paul?". What is the powerful point he is making about the true object of a believer's allegiance through these questions?
The phrase "perfectly joined together" uses a word that means "to mend" or "to repair," like mending a torn fishing net [07:37]. What does this metaphor reveal about the practical purpose and consequence of unity within a local church?
The report of "contentions" came from "them which are of the house of Chloe." Why is it significant that the report came from a specific household within the church, rather than from an outside source?
The factions were forming around respected Christian leaders like Paul, Apollos, and Cephas (Peter), and even around Christ Himself. Why is aligning with a personality, even a good one, so damaging to the unity of the body?

Application questions

Speaking the same thing is about a shared commitment to Christ and gospel truth [00:31]. In your conversations with other believers this week, how can you be more intentional to ensure your words reflect this shared commitment and build up the body, rather than creating division or confusion?
Allegiance to leaders can corrode the oneness scripture requires [09:27]. Is there a tendency in your own heart to identify more with a particular teacher, pastor, or ministry than with the local body of Christ as a whole? What is one practical step you can take to ensure your primary loyalty is to Christ and His church?
The authority of leadership is given for protection and service, not for self-glorification [11:54]. How can you, in your various roles (at home, work, church), better use whatever authority you have to serve and protect others rather than to advance your own preferences or gain recognition?
Non-essential liberties carry weight when they become stumbling blocks [24:03]. Are there any personal freedoms you enjoy—in areas like entertainment, diet, or lifestyle—that, while not sinful in themselves, could potentially cause a brother or sister with a weaker conscience to stumble? How does love compel you to respond?
Cultural comfort zones can form parallel fellowships inside one congregation [37:32]. Who in your church family comes from a different background, generation, or culture than you? What is one intentional step you can take this month to break out of your comfort zone and build a genuine connection with them?
Obedience to doctrinal truth often costs relationships, but sacrificial steps lead others toward lasting faith [51:05]. Is there a clear command of Scripture you have been hesitant to obey because you fear the relational fallout? What would it look like to trust that God will use your obedient step to lead others, even if it initially creates tension?
Every step you take has someone following you [57:02]. Considering the people God has placed in your sphere of influence (family, friends, coworkers), what direction are you currently leading them? Is it toward a more faithful obedience to Christ and unity with His body, or toward comfort and the approval of others?

Sermon Clips

So what we don't do is segregate ourselves to a little group. That happens with all of us, You know? You got your friend group and just kinda go and hang out with there, and you got your friend group. And you know what? You should break that up every now and then. Yeah. I'm not again against you having a friend group, but I'm saying you gotta break that up and say, hey, let's go talk to these folks today because they are a part of the body of Christ. [00:43:51] (23 seconds) #BreakTheCliques

This church is built on doctrinal boundaries. Yeah. That means it's all about what we believe to be true from the scripture. So we don't just hodgepodge it together and say, oh, wow. You know, not everybody. It doesn't matter because we just love everybody. Well, we do love everybody, but it doesn't mean you don't love them when you hold your boundaries right. In fact, I'll tell you something. I love you more when I'm holding on to my boundaries and if I let them go for you. Yeah. Because setting an example of true doctrine to you is the best thing I could possibly do. [00:50:32] (31 seconds) #DoctrineWithLove

The authority that a person has given by God is not so you can get your own way as a leader and most people in the world today, they think that's what authority is about. Well, I wanna be the authority because then I can get what I want and everybody will like me. Well, I'm sorry. That's carnal. That is not what leadership is about and that's not what authority is for. The authority you have is strength. The strength that you have is given to you by God to be a protector of what's underneath you. That's what authority is for. It's it's self sacrifice [00:12:01] (36 seconds) #ServantAuthority

And so I look at being unified on the right side of the cut as important that when we go fishing, things don't fall through the net. See, if we're gonna be productive in our church here and make a difference for Christ, we have to become unified. And if we're not unified, we're gonna have a net with big gaping holes in there and people are gonna fall through. Yeah. And the only way we could be effective in helping people is to be truly unified and to mend our net. Amen? [00:07:44] (32 seconds) #MendTheNet

You know what Jesus said to do? He says, get rid of the steak. This is my right. I could do this if I want. No, you can't because you've been given clear direction in scripture that no man should put a stumbling block or an occasion to fall in his brother's away. Even if what you're doing is okay, you should stop doing it for the sake of people around you. [00:34:34] (28 seconds) #NoStumblingBlocks

Leader just means I'm responsible. Amen. I'm the one that has to meet God about this whole thing and give account for it. That's a pretty big deal. But you know, we're all leaders. I mean, some of us were fathers, and and so you have a responsibility there. Leadership is simply about protection. That's what it's about. I think that's a major thing that a leader is supposed to be as a protector of his home or a protector of the church, a protector of the country. [00:11:27] (27 seconds) #LeadershipIsResponsibility

You lose yourself to the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. You don't worry if other people see you. Anybody that wants to get glory is gonna lose. You're stealing something that doesn't belong to you. You deserve no glory. I deserve no glory. That doesn't mean people won't praise you. The bible says, let another man's lips praise thee, but not your own. [00:20:48] (27 seconds) #GlorifyJesusOnly

He that regardeth the day unto the Lord, let him regard it unto the Lord. He that doesn't regard it, I whatever. Preacher, I don't believe in celebrating Christmas. Oh, we're all supposed to change for you? How about you don't celebrate Christmas for the Lord? And I'll celebrate Christmas for the Lord, and we'll all do it for the Lord. Amen. Because it's preference. It's preference. [00:29:01] (24 seconds) #ObserveForTheLord

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No Divisions Among Us - 1 Corinthians 1:10

Devotional

Day 1: The Call to Speak and Live in Unity

Day 2: The Right Division of Truth and the Unity of the Believer

Day 3: Guarding Against Division Over God-Given Leadership

Day 4: Navigating Personal Preferences Without Causing Stumbling

Day 5: Overcoming Cultural and Doctrinal Divisions with Courageous Love

Sermon Summary

Key Takeaways

Youtube Chapters

Bible Study Guide

Sermon Clips

Chatbot

No Divisions Among Us - 1 Corinthians 1:10

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