Off the Shelf Sunday School--1 Corinthians

Divisions in the Church (1:10-17)

I appeal to you, brothers, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree with one another so that there may be no divisions among you and that you may be perfectly united in mind and thought. My brothers, some from Chole’s household have informed me that there are quarrels among you. What I mean is this: One of you says, “I follow Paul”; another, “I follow Apollos”; another, “I follow Cephas”; still another, “I follow Christ.” Is Christ divided? Was Paul crucified for you? Were you baptized into the name of Paul? I am thankful that I did not baptize any of you except Crispus and Gaius, so no one can say that you were baptized into my name. (Yes, I also baptized the household of Stephanas; beyond that, I don’t remember if I baptized anyone else.) For Christ did not send me to baptize, but to preach the gospel—not with words of human wisdom, lest the cross of Christ be emptied of it power.

1.    God is three persons in perfect unity. Christians are to be like God in holiness and live in unity under the Lordship of Jesus. Christians are to live in harmony, like the parts of the body. Each part of the body contributes to the common good. (Eph 4:9-13)

2.    Paul warns against following the teachings of humans such that they blindly identify with them and follow them. He says that this even applies to such revered leaders as Peter. When Christians think too highly of leaders, they begin to separate themselves from other Christians. This is soon followed by ideas that they are better, more mature or more Biblical than others. This feeds pride and personal egos, which leads to conflicts and divisions among Christians. Can you think of some Christian leaders who have caused such divisions?

3.    Paul says that he is thankful that he did not baptize many people. His purpose is to preach the gospel. Some Christians were putting too much importance on baptism (not only who baptized them but also likely how they were baptized). How is this true of some denominations of Christians today?

4.    Those who attempt to persuade people to become Christians on the basis of logic, appealing benefits, peer pressure or other methods, are creating false Christians. The power of the gospel comes from the Holy Spirit convicting people of their sin and giving them faith in Jesus as their savior. This comes from accurately teaching what the Bible says about salvation by faith in Jesus and not by other persuasive methods.