1 Corinthians 1:10–11: Now I plead with you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment. For it has been declared to me concerning you, my brethren, by those of Chloe’s household, that there are contentions among you.
This epistle emphasizes the lordship of Christ. We hear a great deal about His lordship, but we see very little of it today. For this reason the church and individual Christians have serious problems. It is not enough to talk about the lordship of Christ. Is He your Lord? Have you made Him your Lord and your Master? “That ye all speak the same thing” doesn’t mean that everyone must say the identical words. It means believers shouldn’t be clawing one another to death, fighting with each other, hating each other. The word for “divisions” is schisma. It means there should be no open break, no fracturing of the church, which is done by fighting, by gossip, criticism, hatred, or bitterness. Believe me, friend, I see that in many contemporary churches. These things cannot be in your life if Jesus Christ is your partner. 1
Application
- Read Philippians 2:5-8. Is there enough humility in your life to resemble Jesus?
- The biggest target for criticism is a pastor. Do you pray for your pastor more than you talk about your pastor to others? Wisdom: Be quick to pray and slow to be opinionated.
Thought to Share
Your words will define you as one who builds up or as one who tears down. | TWEET IT
Prayer
Lord, help me never to create or stir up contentions.
1. McGee, J. V. (1991). Thru the Bible commentary: The Epistles (1 Corinthians) (electronic ed., Vol. 44). Nashville: Thomas Nelson.
