Shattered Unity

I've decided to continue on in the New Testament, to just dive right into whatever is next, so the overarching journey would continue and make sense. After the book of Romans, Paul writes 1 Corinthians at about 57 A.D. in Ephesus. The reason for the book is because he heard about the problems found in the church of Corinth, where pride, immorality, and idols were breaking the unity of the community, causing divisions in the church. He hoped to correct sinful practices and refute false doctrine with this book. The theme verse could be 1 Corinthians 1:10, it says,

¹⁰ I appeal to you, brothers, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be united in the same mind and the same judgment. 

Lets get right into chapter 1. Before Paul starts any confrontation, he begins with thanksgiving. He recognizes the church, who they are and thank God for them. He encourages them to stay blameless, strong and faithful in Christ.

Just as states earlier, Paul introduces the problem, he talks about hearing about divisions, and he reminds them that Christ was no divided, he should be the centre of everyone's lives as well as for the church. Paul also reminds them of Christ's power, and we should also remember how mighty our God is, in verse 25,

²⁵ For the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men.

Unity is so important in the community, in any team or group, without unity, there is always conflict and tension and that will never lead to fruitful growth or accountability and support. God calls us to live in harmony with one another, and if there is ever tension between two parties to always resolve it. Paul reminds the people of Corinth why and how they were brought together in Christ, how different they were yet how unity was still maintained.

²⁷ But God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise;     God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong; ²⁸ God chose what is low and despised in the world, even things that are not, to    bring to nothing things that are, ²⁹ so that no human being might boast in the presence of God.

God used the weak, the small and the little to do great things. No matter how incompetent we may feel, no matter how useless we may think we are, God has a greater plan, he will use you if you are willing. So let us boast in the Lord for his greatness as Paul says in verse 31. Boast in nothing else but only in Christ Jesus our Lord.

verse of the day: 1 Corinthians 1:10

¹⁰ I appeal to you, brothers, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be united in the same mind and the same judgment.