When Members Won’t Get Along March 7

Think About It … Over what matters do families often disagree? Families don’t always agree on everything … neither do church members.  Today we look at how God wants us to handle these situations

Listen for the disagreement that Paul has heard about in Corinth. 1 Cor. 1:10-15 (NIV) 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. [11] My brothers, some from Chloe's household have informed me that there are quarrels among you. [12] What I mean is this: One of you says,

Listen for the disagreement that Paul has heard about in Corinth. "I follow Paul"; another, "I follow Apollos"; another, "I follow Cephas"; still another, "I follow Christ." [13] Is Christ divided? Was Paul crucified for you? Were you baptized into the name of Paul? [14] I am thankful that I did not baptize any of you except Crispus and Gaius, [15] so no one can say that you were baptized into my name.

Misplaced Loyalties What specific problem were the Corinthian Christians having? What different leaders did people align with in the church at Corinth? Why do you think these different factions or alignments happened? What social and cultural forces present the greatest threat to the unity of Christ’s church today?

Misplaced Loyalties What symptoms might indicate a church today has a problem with misplaced loyalties? How can division among Christians empty Christ’s message of its power? What witness does a unified church give to a lost world?

Misplaced Loyalties How can Christians avoid becoming distracted by petty disagreements? What can our church do to build unity and guard against division?

Listen for the seeming enigma Paul declares. 1 Cor. 1:26-29 (NIV) Brothers, think of what you were when you were called. Not many of you were wise by human standards; not many were influential; not many were of noble birth. [27] But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise;

Listen for the seeming enigma Paul declares. God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. [28] He chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things-- and the things that are not--to nullify the things that are, [29] so that no one may boast before him.

Human Pride According to this passage, what were the Corinthians like before they became believers? What is unique or non intuitive about how God gets His message across to the world? Why does God express His power and wisdom through “foolish,” “weak,” and “lowly” means?

Human Pride What are some sources of pride that may tempt Christians? How do these attitudes contrast to what Paul is saying in this passage? How about problems in the other direction – why are some believers excluded or looked won on by others? What steps can we take to avoid these problems?

Listen for Paul’s comparison to physical life. 1 Cor. 3:1-4 (NIV) Brothers, I could not address you as spiritual but as worldly--mere infants in Christ. [2] I gave you milk, not solid food, for you were not yet ready for it. Indeed, you are still not ready. [3] You are still worldly. For since there is jealousy and quarreling among you, are you not worldly? Are you not acting like mere men? [4] For when one says, "I follow Paul," and another, "I follow Apollos," are you not mere men?

Stop Being Immature What are some words and phrases Paul uses to describe the church members at Corinth? So why did Paul call the Corinthians “mere infants”? How does his metaphor fit them?  Everyone begins the Christian life as a spiritual baby … that’s normal. – It is not normal for a Christian to remain relatively unchanged – Christians should grow and mature to be more like Jesus

Stop Being Immature Paul said they were of the flesh, not spiritual. How would this contribute to divisions? So how should spiritually mature people disagree about a big issue? Remember the serenity prayer, "God help me to change the things I can; accept the things I can’t; and have the wisdom to know the difference."

Application Christians with personal agendas can divide churches – This displeases, saddens the Lord – As God to show you if you have such an attitude – Beware of folks who want you to join in their dissention

Application God calls us to humility – Seek to avoid all forms of pride and arrogance – Remember that it is God’s power and wisdom which enables us to serve Him – This week pursue God’s wisdom, not your own

Application Christians who fail to grow spiritually act like unbelievers – This can damage the reputation of our church – Pursue your relationship with the Lord – read His Word – Daily apply what He says to your life

When Members Won’t Get Along March 7