Church Divided, Christ United (1 Cor. 1:10-17)

MAIN IDEA: Christ’s church must be united in the Gospel, not divided by human allegiances.

WHAT IS TRUE: Paul essentially says, “Forget what you know from the world around you. Christians are followers not of various patrons and human leaders but of Christ alone.” Christians should be united in thought and purpose. The church in Corinth was experiencing division as believers aligned themselves with different leaders—Paul, Apollos, Cephas, and even Christ in a way that fostered rivalry rather than unity. Paul rebukes this disunity, reminding them that Christ is not divided, nor was any human leader crucified for them. Their allegiance should be to Christ alone, not to personalities or eloquence. Paul emphasizes that his mission was to preach the gospel, not with human wisdom or persuasive speech, but in the power of the cross. True unity in the church comes from being centered on Christ and His gospel, not following human leaders or traditions.

WHAT TO DO: Believers must prioritize unity in Christ by avoiding divisions based on leaders, preferences, or secondary matters. This means focusing on the gospel rather than personalities, remembering that salvation comes through Jesus alone. Christians have no business being separated by political, social, or racial divisions. Instead of boasting in a preacher, denomination, or tradition, Christians should strive for harmony in the church by emphasizing their shared faith in Christ. Practically, this means resolving conflicts biblically, refusing to engage in factionalism, and working together in love and humility. Ultimately, the church’s strength and witness are rooted in the power of the gospel, not in human eloquence or influence. The Power of the Gospel, Not Human Wisdom, Must Be Our Focus. Church splits and factions devastate the church’s testimony.