Read 1 Corinthians 1:10-17

 

   Paul founded the church in Corinth on his second missionary journey. Eighteen months after he left, arguments and divisions arose, and some church members slipped back into an immoral life-style. Paul wrote this letter to address the problems and to clear up confusion about right and wrong so that they would remove the immorality from among them. The Corinthian people had a reputation for jumping from fad to fad; Paul wanted to keep Christianity from degenerating into just another fad. 

   By saying “brothers and sisters,” Paul is emphasizing that all Christians are part of God’s family. Believers share a unity that runs even deeper than that of blood brothers and sisters. 

 

   To let there be real harmony, allow for no divisions and be of one mind. United in thought and purpose does not require everyone to believe exactly the same. There is a difference between having opposing viewpoints and being divisive. A group of people will not completely agree on every issue, but they can work together harmoniously if they agree on what truly matters: Jesus Christ is Lord of all. In your church, speak and behave in a way that will reduce arguments and increase harmony. Petty differences should never divide Christians. 

 

   Paul wondered whether the Corinthians’ quarrels had divided Christ into pieces. This is a graphic picture of what happens when the church, the body of Christ, is divided. With the many churches and styles of worship available today, we could get caught up in the same game of “my pastor is better than yours.” To do so would divide Christ again. But Christ is not divided, and His true followers should not allow anything to divide them. Don’t let your appreciation for any teacher, preacher, or author lead you into pride. Our allegiance must be to Christ and to the unity that He desires.
Some speakers use impressive words, but they are weak on content. Paul stressed solid content and practical help for his listeners. He wanted them to be impressed with his message, not just his style. You needn’t be a great speaker with a large vocabulary to share the Gospel effectively. The persuasive power is in the story, not the storyteller. Paul was not against those who carefully prepare what they say but against those who try to impress others with their knowledge or speaking ability. 

 

   When Paul said that Christ didn’t send him to baptize, he wasn’t minimizing the importance of baptism. Baptism was commanded by Jesus Himself (Matthew 28) and practiced by the early church (Acts 2). Paul was emphasizing that no one person should do everything. Paul’s gift was preaching, and that’s what he did. Christian ministry should be a team effort; no preacher or teacher is a complete link between God and people, and no individual can do all that the apostles did. We must be content to operate within the gifts God has given to us, and carry out His plan wholeheartedly.