Unity in Christ: Overcoming Divisions in the Church
Summary
### Summary
In our new series, "Firing on All Cylinders," we are diving into the book of 1 Corinthians to understand what a fully functioning church looks like. The Corinthian church, much like a car with its check engine light on, was experiencing significant dysfunction. Despite their struggles, Paul still called them saints, emphasizing that they were enriched by God's grace and not lacking any spiritual gifts. Today, we focus on the issue of alignment within the church, particularly unity and combating divisions.
Paul addresses the Corinthians' misalignment by highlighting their internal quarrels and divisions. These disputes were not minor disagreements but had escalated into significant conflicts, damaging the church's unity and testimony. Paul urges the church to be united in mind and judgment, emphasizing that their identity in Christ should reflect unity, not division. He points out that their arguments over which leader to follow—Paul, Apollos, Cephas, or Christ—were inconsistent with their identity in Christ and detrimental to their mission.
Paul's message is clear: divisions distract from what truly matters, damage the church's mission, and detract from the gospel's message. He stresses the importance of focusing on the Messiah over the messenger, content over charisma, and the battlefield over the barracks. By keeping Christ central and prioritizing the gospel's content, the church can maintain its unity and effectively fulfill its mission.
### Key Takeaways
1. Unity Reflects Our Identity in Christ: Our identity in Christ calls us to unity, not division. When we argue and divide over leaders or preferences, we contradict our calling as saints. Unity is essential for reflecting our true identity in Christ and living out our faith authentically. [07:59]
2. Divisions Distract from the Mission: Internal conflicts and divisions distract us from our primary mission of preaching the gospel and making disciples. When we focus on superficial issues, we lose sight of what truly matters—Christ and His mission. Addressing divisions promptly helps us stay mission-focused. [12:08]
3. Content Over Charisma: The power of the gospel lies in its content, not in the eloquence of the speaker. While engaging communication is valuable, it should never overshadow the message of the cross. We must prioritize the truth of the gospel over the charisma of the preacher. [25:14]
4. Focus on the Battlefield, Not the Barracks: The church is at its best when it is engaged in the mission field, fighting against sin and darkness. Internal conflicts and comfort-seeking within the church can lead to mission drift. We must remain focused on our calling to make disciples and spread the gospel. [31:06]
5. Regular Alignment Checks: Just as a car needs regular alignment checks, the church must periodically assess its unity and mission alignment. This helps prevent drift and ensures that we are moving together towards our common goal of glorifying Christ and fulfilling His mission. [19:23]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[01:23] - Introduction to the Series
[02:40] - Importance of Alignment
[03:37] - Causes of Misalignment
[04:26] - Addressing Divisions
[05:04] - Paul's Appeal for Unity
[06:13] - Consequences of Quarreling
[07:59] - Unity Reflects Our Identity
[09:12] - We and Our Identity
[10:14] - Inconsistency with Testimony
[12:08] - Divisions Distract from Mission
[13:22] - Damage to the Mission
[14:33] - Detracting from the Message
[16:13] - Importance of Clear Preaching
[19:23] - Regular Alignment Checks
[20:04] - Focus on the Messiah
[23:42] - Content Over Charisma
[25:14] - Avoiding Charisma Overload
[31:06] - Battlefield Over Barracks
[34:45] - Conclusion and Recap
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
1 Corinthians 1:10-17 (ESV)
> "I appeal to you, brothers, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be united in the same mind and the same judgment. For it has been reported to me by Chloe's people that there is quarreling among you, my brothers. What I mean is that each one of you says, 'I follow Paul,' or 'I follow Apollos,' or 'I follow Cephas,' or 'I follow Christ.' Is Christ divided? Was Paul crucified for you? Or were you baptized in the name of Paul? I thank God that I baptized none of you except Crispus and Gaius, so that no one may say that you were baptized in my name. (I did baptize also the household of Stephanas. Beyond that, I do not know whether I baptized anyone else.) For Christ did not send me to baptize but to preach the gospel, and not with words of eloquent wisdom, lest the cross of Christ be emptied of its power."
### Observation Questions
1. What specific issues of division does Paul address in 1 Corinthians 1:10-17? ([05:04])
2. According to the sermon, what are the consequences of internal conflicts and divisions within the church? ([12:08])
3. How does Paul suggest the Corinthians should view their leaders in relation to Christ? ([07:59])
4. What does Paul emphasize as more important than the eloquence of the speaker? ([25:14])
### Interpretation Questions
1. Why does Paul stress the importance of unity in the church, and how does it relate to the church's identity in Christ? ([07:59])
2. How do divisions within the church distract from its mission, according to the sermon? ([12:08])
3. What does it mean to focus on the content of the gospel over the charisma of the preacher, and why is this important? ([25:14])
4. How can the church ensure it remains focused on the "battlefield" rather than getting caught up in internal conflicts? ([31:06])
### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you experienced or witnessed division within a church. How did it affect the church's mission and unity? What steps could have been taken to address it? ([12:08])
2. In what ways can you personally contribute to the unity of your church? Are there specific actions or attitudes you need to change to promote unity? ([07:59])
3. How can you prioritize the content of the gospel in your own life and conversations, rather than being swayed by charismatic speakers? ([25:14])
4. Think about your involvement in church activities. Are you more focused on internal matters or on the mission field? How can you shift your focus to align more with the church's mission? ([31:06])
5. What regular "alignment checks" can you implement in your spiritual life to ensure you are staying true to the mission of glorifying Christ and spreading the gospel? ([19:23])
6. How can you encourage others in your small group or church to stay mission-focused and avoid getting caught up in minor disputes? ([12:08])
7. Identify one area in your church where you see potential for division. What practical steps can you take to address and resolve this issue in a Christ-centered way? ([07:59])
Devotional
Day 1: Unity Reflects Our Identity in Christ
Our identity in Christ calls us to unity, not division. When we argue and divide over leaders or preferences, we contradict our calling as saints. Unity is essential for reflecting our true identity in Christ and living out our faith authentically. Paul addresses the Corinthians' misalignment by highlighting their internal quarrels and divisions. These disputes were not minor disagreements but had escalated into significant conflicts, damaging the church's unity and testimony. Paul urges the church to be united in mind and judgment, emphasizing that their identity in Christ should reflect unity, not division. He points out that their arguments over which leader to follow—Paul, Apollos, Cephas, or Christ—were inconsistent with their identity in Christ and detrimental to their mission. [07:59]
1 Corinthians 1:10 (ESV): "I appeal to you, brothers, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be united in the same mind and the same judgment."
Reflection: Think of a recent disagreement you had with a fellow believer. How can you seek reconciliation and unity in Christ today?
Day 2: Divisions Distract from the Mission
Internal conflicts and divisions distract us from our primary mission of preaching the gospel and making disciples. When we focus on superficial issues, we lose sight of what truly matters—Christ and His mission. Addressing divisions promptly helps us stay mission-focused. Paul’s message is clear: divisions distract from what truly matters, damage the church's mission, and detract from the gospel's message. He stresses the importance of focusing on the Messiah over the messenger, content over charisma, and the battlefield over the barracks. By keeping Christ central and prioritizing the gospel's content, the church can maintain its unity and effectively fulfill its mission. [12:08]
Titus 3:9 (ESV): "But avoid foolish controversies, genealogies, dissensions, and quarrels about the law, for they are unprofitable and worthless."
Reflection: Identify one area in your church or personal life where division is distracting from the mission. What steps can you take to refocus on Christ and His mission?
Day 3: Content Over Charisma
The power of the gospel lies in its content, not in the eloquence of the speaker. While engaging communication is valuable, it should never overshadow the message of the cross. We must prioritize the truth of the gospel over the charisma of the preacher. Paul emphasizes that their arguments over which leader to follow were inconsistent with their identity in Christ and detrimental to their mission. By keeping Christ central and prioritizing the gospel's content, the church can maintain its unity and effectively fulfill its mission. [25:14]
1 Corinthians 2:4-5 (ESV): "And my speech and my message were not in plausible words of wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power, so that your faith might not rest in the wisdom of men but in the power of God."
Reflection: Reflect on a time when you were more impressed by a speaker's charisma than the message. How can you shift your focus to the content of the gospel?
Day 4: Focus on the Battlefield, Not the Barracks
The church is at its best when it is engaged in the mission field, fighting against sin and darkness. Internal conflicts and comfort-seeking within the church can lead to mission drift. We must remain focused on our calling to make disciples and spread the gospel. Paul’s message is clear: divisions distract from what truly matters, damage the church's mission, and detract from the gospel's message. He stresses the importance of focusing on the Messiah over the messenger, content over charisma, and the battlefield over the barracks. [31:06]
Ephesians 6:12 (ESV): "For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places."
Reflection: What is one way you can engage more actively in the mission field this week, rather than staying in the comfort of the church community?
Day 5: Regular Alignment Checks
Just as a car needs regular alignment checks, the church must periodically assess its unity and mission alignment. This helps prevent drift and ensures that we are moving together towards our common goal of glorifying Christ and fulfilling His mission. Paul’s message is clear: divisions distract from what truly matters, damage the church's mission, and detract from the gospel's message. He stresses the importance of focusing on the Messiah over the messenger, content over charisma, and the battlefield over the barracks. [19:23]
2 Corinthians 13:5 (ESV): "Examine yourselves, to see whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Or do you not realize this about yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you?—unless indeed you fail to meet the test!"
Reflection: Take a moment to assess your personal and church's alignment with Christ's mission. What adjustments need to be made to stay on course?
Quotes
1. "We learned that Paul, despite the fact that the church he's writing to is very dysfunctional, they're broken in many ways, they're struggling. We would look at them and probably be like, I don't even know if you'd call this a church anymore in some regards. And he calls them saints, and he encourages them that in the grace of God, he has enriched them in his grace so that they aren't lacking any gift to live into that calling of saints." [01:23] (29 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "We may hit potholes. We may find our alignment starting to be misaligned just from regular wear and tear, just from life going on. So it's important for us as a church, from time to time, to get our alignment checked. And that's exactly what Paul is going to be addressing here in verses 10 through 17 this morning. He's introducing this. He's going to spend a good chunk of the first four chapters of this letter talking about the church's unity, and combating divisions in the church." [03:37] (33 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "We are a family in Christ. This is us. It means it's not just me. It's not just my. It's not just my convenience, my schedule, my role, my preference. This is something that we are doing together. And we need to approach our relationship with God's church from that perspective. It's not so individualistic. We are called, as the church, into a community of believers. It's us in this together." [09:12] (28 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "We need to deal with divisions because they will distract us from what really matters. When we find ourselves inside the church arguing, quarreling, dividing, it distracts us from what really matters. Really, from who really matters, especially in the case of the Corinthians. We get caught up on superficial things. They were getting caught up not on centering their focus on Christ. They were concerned about men. Paul and Apollos and Cephas. What's this all about? This is not central to the message that we preach." [12:08] (40 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "We need to deal with divisions because they will distract us from what really matters. When we find ourselves inside the church arguing, quarreling, dividing, it distracts us from what really matters. Really, from who really matters, especially in the case of the Corinthians. We get caught up on superficial things. They were getting caught up not on centering their focus on Christ. They were concerned about men. Paul and Apollos and Cephas. What's this all about? This is not central to the message that we preach." [12:08] (40 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
6. "We need to deal with divisions because they will distract us from what really matters. When we find ourselves inside the church arguing, quarreling, dividing, it distracts us from what really matters. Really, from who really matters, especially in the case of the Corinthians. We get caught up on superficial things. They were getting caught up not on centering their focus on Christ. They were concerned about men. Paul and Apollos and Cephas. What's this all about? This is not central to the message that we preach." [12:08] (40 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
7. "We need to deal with divisions because they will distract us from what really matters. When we find ourselves inside the church arguing, quarreling, dividing, it distracts us from what really matters. Really, from who really matters, especially in the case of the Corinthians. We get caught up on superficial things. They were getting caught up not on centering their focus on Christ. They were concerned about men. Paul and Apollos and Cephas. What's this all about? This is not central to the message that we preach." [12:08] (40 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
8. "We need to deal with divisions because they will distract us from what really matters. When we find ourselves inside the church arguing, quarreling, dividing, it distracts us from what really matters. Really, from who really matters, especially in the case of the Corinthians. We get caught up on superficial things. They were getting caught up not on centering their focus on Christ. They were concerned about men. Paul and Apollos and Cephas. What's this all about? This is not central to the message that we preach." [12:08] (40 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
9. "We need to deal with divisions because they will distract us from what really matters. When we find ourselves inside the church arguing, quarreling, dividing, it distracts us from what really matters. Really, from who really matters, especially in the case of the Corinthians. We get caught up on superficial things. They were getting caught up not on centering their focus on Christ. They were concerned about men. Paul and Apollos and Cephas. What's this all about? This is not central to the message that we preach." [12:08] (40 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
10. "We need to deal with divisions because they will distract us from what really matters. When we find ourselves inside the church arguing, quarreling, dividing, it distracts us from what really matters. Really, from who really matters, especially in the case of the Corinthians. We get caught up on superficial things. They were getting caught up not on centering their focus on Christ. They were concerned about men. Paul and Apollos and Cephas. What's this all about? This is not central to the message that we preach." [12:08] (40 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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