Day 9: My Dad's bigger than you dad! 1 Corinthians 1 vs 10-17
10 I appeal to you, dear brothers and sisters, by the authority of our Lord Jesus Christ, to live in harmony with each other. Let there be no divisions in the church. Rather, be of one mind, united in thought and purpose. 11 For some members of Chloe’s household have told me about your quarrels, my dear brothers and sisters. 12 Some of you are saying, “I am a follower of Paul.” Others are saying, “I follow Apollos,” or “I follow Peter,” or “I follow only Christ.”
13 Has Christ been divided into factions? Was I, Paul, crucified for you? Were any of you baptized in the name of Paul? Of course not! 14 I thank God that I did not baptize any of you except Crispus and Gaius, 15 for now no one can say they were baptized in my name. 16 (Oh yes, I also baptized the household of Stephanas, but I don’t remember baptizing anyone else.) 17 For Christ didn’t send me to baptize, but to preach the Good News—and not with clever speech, for fear that the cross of Christ would lose its power. 1 Corinthians 1 vs 10-17 New Living Translation
Did you ever have arguments with other kids about whose dad was tougher, or whose car was faster It seems that the Christians living in Corinth were arguing about who was the best pastor in town. (vs 12). We see from this that, sadly, there are times when even Christians have problems, arguments and fall outs with one another. (vs 11).
What does Paul suggest we must try and do (vs 10)? That’s right, he wants us to try our best to live in peace with other Christians, and to try and be united in serving Jesus.
How do you relate to people who may differ with your opinions? Do you make an effort to live at peace with them? In Romans 12 vs 17-18 Paul says: “Don’t repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.”
In our reading today it seems that this church took sides according to who had baptised them. Baptism is important - but we are not meant to fight about it. (vs 17). Baptism is the way in which people express that they were turning to Jesus. But Paul reminds us in vs 13 & 17 that the message and the person we believe in is more important than the act of baptism.
The issue for many of us today is not whether our church is better than one in another denomination - but does the church where we belong faithfully teach that JESUS CHRIST IS SAVIOUR AND LORD?
Ask God to keep us from pride and from silly arguments that divide rather than unite us in the gospel.