1 Corinthians 1:10, 21–31; 3:9–10, 16–17

Explore the Bible
Assistant professor, School of Christian Studies, University of Mobile

Four Ways to Promote Church Unity
1 Corinthians 1:10, 21–31; 3:9–10, 16–17

Focus on Members’ Agreement (1:10)
After a brief introduction filled with thanksgiving, Paul cut to the heart of the problem in Corinth. The Corinthian church was filled with divisions, which caused Paul great concern. The body of Christ is supposed to be unified, not filled with bickering and infighting. Paul exhorted the Corinthians in the name of Jesus Christ to be of one mind. Paul was echoing the desire of Christ, found in John 17:21. Unity is a mark that ought to distinguish the Church from the world. Christians are to be unified by avoiding petty squabbling and looking out for the good of each other rather than themselves. This does not mean that we all share the same opinions about everything. Rather we should have the same basic doctrinal convictions and the same goals for our church.

Focus on the Gospel’s Truth (1:21–25)
Paul showed that one way the Church demonstrates its unity is when its focus is the gospel of Christ. The gospel does not operate according to the ways of the world. The world relies upon man’s reason to make judgments and develop ideas. Instead of operating in this fashion, the gospel actually runs counter to the world’s perception of power and truth. In fact, Paul considered the wisdom of this world as foolishness in God’s sight. This world values physical and political power, intelligence and physical appearance, but God looks at the heart. The foundation of the gospel rests upon Christ’s crucifixion, resurrection and ascension, which is foolishness to many. But as Paul said, to those who are called, i.e., those who have accepted God’s offer of salvation, the message of the cross demonstrates His power and wisdom. The Church as a whole needs to emphasize this message of the cross. When the Church focuses on fighting internally, this message is obscured from the world.

Focus on God’s Work (1:26–31)
Continuing with the idea of God’s wisdom versus human wisdom, Paul used the Corinthians’ own lives as evidence of His work in their lives. Most of the Corinthians were not wise by the world’s standards, yet they were truly wise because they had accepted the gospel message. However, the origin of this wisdom is God Himself, not the believer. Paul emphasized that God is the One who saves, not individuals. This is the glory of the gospel — it is not earned. It is a gift of God. This was one of the reasons that the Reformation had such a great impact. The reformers recognized that the gospel message is for anyone, at any time. Since God is the One who effects salvation and since it is not dependent upon our merit, kings, presidents, butchers and beggars are all equal in God’s eyes. Our achievements are of no consequence. No one can earn salvation; therefore all praise goes to God. When we as the church emphasize God’s work in our lives rather than our status, we promote our church’s unity.

Focus on the Church’s Best (3:9–10, 16–17)
Leading up to this section, Paul recounted the immature spiritual condition of those in the Corinthian church. In fact, those in the church had divided into groups around which Christian teacher they claimed to follow — Apollos or Paul. Paul mentioned how each follower of Christ has a role in the Church. Paul laid the Corinthian church’s foundation, as he was the first to present the gospel message to it. Apollos came later and built upon this foundation. The builders are not the focus of God’s temple, but rather God Himself is the focus. Those who build upon the foundation, which is Jesus, must be careful to build a temple that brings glory to God, not to themselves. We as Christians are God’s temple and God’s temple is Holy; therefore we need to be sure to live lives that reflect this. Therefore it is imperative as God’s people to put aside individual desires and focus instead on promoting the good of the church. We promote unity in our church when we refuse to do anything to harm the church but rather seek what is best for it, and this brings glory to God.