For Jesus’ Sake (January 31, 2016--Bulletin Article)

 

“...that there be no divisions among you…”

(1 Corinthians 1:10)

                 Perhaps you are familiar enough with the New Testament to know that the church in first century Corinth was troubled. Individuals from the house of Chloe were so concerned about the church’s problems that they went to the apostle Paul and ask him to intervene in the church’s affairs—to establish peace between warring factions. As a result, Paul sat down and wrote a letter, addressing the issue of division (as well as other areas of doctrinal confusion).

                After Paul introduced the letter (1 Corinthians 1:1-9) he immediately spoke of division. He wrote, “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. My brothers, some from Chloe’s household have informed me that there are quarrels among you. What I mean is this: one of you says, “I follow Paul”; another, “I follow Cephas”; still another, “I follow Christ.” Is Christ divided? Was Paul crucified for you? Were you baptized into the name of Paul?” (1:10-13)

                There are several remarkable things in Paul’s first comments but primary is his appeal, “in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.” This phrase returns these divisive people to the reason the church exists. In any church of God, it is assumed that the reason the people meet, the reason they are family, is because they have a common love and respect for their Lord Jesus. If this is not the case, there is little reason for confidence in a sustained unity.

                There are many reasons why a people might assemble (church) together on the first day of the week. Perhaps it is to cheer on their favorite football team(s) as together they watch them play. Peace will reign over such a gathering only as long as everyone loves the game of football more than they love their particular team; as long as all can say, “May the best team win!” If, however, they cannot agree that the game and the enjoyment that comes from watching (or participating in) such a game is more important than whether their team wins, then they had better (at least!) find separate houses in which to watch! The game itself must be more important than whether one team wins or loses.

                That is why Paul’s first appeal is for the Corinthian Christians to unite “in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.” As Christians, we meet for many reasons, the most important of which is because of our love and respect for Jesus. People who want to please Jesus will treat each other in an entirely different way than those who meet because they want to be on the “right team.” These sectarians in Corinth just wanted their “team” to win, to be able to boast in their “team.” But Paul wanted them to agree to boast together in the Lord Jesus! Let us never forget that Jesus’ glory is more important than whether we are “winning” in life.