Unity

Bible Passage: 1 Corinthians 1:10-1

I. Paul lists four parties in the church at Corinth (1 Cor 1:12); they were loyal to:

1.-Paul: Most likely, Gentile background, rejected the law, emphasized Christian freedom, and most likely turned freedom to license to do anything
2. Peter (Cephas): Most likely, they emphasized Christians observing the Law
3. Apollos (Alexandrian): Most likely, they emphasized wisdom, turning Christianity in to a kind of Philosophy
4.-Jesus: Most likely, they did not have any distinct association, but did not associate with the above three groups (self-righteous, intolerant group)

II. Agree together (Speak the same thing)

1. It was a power struggle, not a political/theological difference
2. It is to simply push one’s ideas or perceptions by disregarding suggestions/perceptions of others
3. It is to poison the team chemistry by manipulating situations
4. It is to agree on what the Scripture teaches, particularly about relationships (taking the side of the Bible)
5. To contribute to the chemistry and common good

III. End divisions

1. If the tents are torn, water, snow, etc., would come in (in the context of fixing torn pieces of tents)
2. Divided congregation; divided families; etc.,
3. In Corinth, the church was divided over loyalty
4. Tears, tear within the body cf. 1 Cor 12:27

IV. Be joined together/ be restored

-1.-Two things are cited in the uniting together
2. In the same mind νοῦς (mindset) [outlook and attitude] [This is where Satan attacks believers]
3. In the same consent γνώμη [Philmn 14] (view point) [voluntary willingness to respect the otherness of the other]

Paul’s solution for disunity

Take Away

Loyalty to Jesus is the cure for schism