Posted in A Father's Love, Devotions, Holiness, spiritual warfare, wisdom, worship

I Corinthians 1 Part 2–Divide and Conquered!

Posted on by Michael Smith
One of the enemy’s best tools to render the church ineffective is the ability to divide the church over petty issues.  Paul was grieved that this growing and vibrant church was suffering because they were divided over whom they would follow.  Some were following Paul’s leadership, others were following Peter, still others Apollos and then there were those that said Hey I am following Christ!  In truth, all the named leaders were following Christ.
The pride that came from saying they were following the right leader, was the same pride that inspired Eve to eat from the tree, inspired men to build the tower of Babel, inspired the Jewish leaders to crucify Jesus and inspires people every day to think themselves the center of the universe.  
 
As a body of believers, we need to be united in spirit and in truth.  We need to seek first the Kingdom of God and not our own interests. Modern denominational divisions are as prevalent as ever in history; but, Christians need not dwell on the denominational differences, they need to dwell on the person of Jesus Christ. As we dwell on Christ–He can help us to discern what is best and he can help us to walk in a life of victory and purpose. We will be concerned about honoring God rather than being right.  Jesus said it best, “Seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness and all these things will be added to you!” Matthew 6:33. 
 
 As a family, let’s strive to unite and not divide our family. Then, God wins and we do as well.
 
God Bless You

 I always thank my God for you because of his grace given you in Christ Jesus. 5 For in him you have been enriched in every way—with all kinds of speech and with all knowledge— 6 God thus confirming our testimony about Christ among you. 7 Therefore you do not lack any spiritual gift as you eagerly wait for our Lord Jesus Christ to be revealed. 8 He will also keep you firm to the end so that you will be blameless on the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. 9 God is faithful, who has called you into fellowship with his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.

A Church Divided Over Leaders

10 I appeal to you, brothers and sisters,[a] in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree with one another in what you say and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly united in mind and thought. 11 My brothers and sisters, some from Chloe’s household have informed me that there are quarrels among you. 12 What I mean is this: One of you says, “I follow Paul”; another, “I follow Apollos”; another, “I follow Cephas[b]”; still another, “I follow Christ.”

13 Is Christ divided? Was Paul crucified for you? Were you baptized in the name of Paul? 14 I thank God that I did not baptize any of you except Crispus and Gaius, 15 so no one can say that you were baptized in my name. 16 (Yes, I also baptized the household of Stephanas; beyond that, I don’t remember if I baptized anyone else.) 17 For Christ did not send me to baptize, but to preach the gospel—not with wisdom and eloquence, lest the cross of Christ be emptied of its power.

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This is an amazing Journey. I hope you will hear from the Lord, as you seek Him with your heart. Matthew 6:33

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