1 Corinthians 1:10-17 United in Christ
In today’s world, disunity seems to be the prevailing state, both in society and within the church. This lack of unity is something that troubles everyone, regardless of their position or beliefs. Nobody enjoys a divided family or a fractured community. The Bible speaks to this issue, highlighting the deep-seated longing for unity that God has placed in our hearts.
The Original Unity
Ecclesiastes 3:11 tells us that God has placed eternity in our hearts, indicating an inherent desire for perfect unity. This desire stems from the original creation when everything was in perfect harmony—between man and God, among people, and even with nature. This perfect unity was shattered by the fall of man, leading to the fragmented world we live in today. Despite this, the Bible repeatedly calls for the church to be a beacon of unity.
In Genesis, we see the perfect unity that existed in the Garden of Eden before the fall. Adam and Eve had a close, unbroken relationship with God, and their relationship with each other was harmonious and without shame. This unity extended to all of creation. However, when sin entered the world, it brought division and discord. The relationship between man and God was broken, and interpersonal relationships became marked by conflict and strife.
The Church’s Role
The church is meant to stand out as a unified body in a disunified world. However, the church has often ignored this crucial aspect. It’s so overlooked that finding worship songs about the unity of the church can be a challenge, even though it’s a significant biblical theme. We need to embrace this message and strive for unity within the church as God intends.
Jesus Himself prayed for the unity of believers in John 17:20-23. He prayed that all believers would be one, just as He and the Father are one. This unity is not just for our benefit but so that the world may believe that Jesus was sent by God. Our unity serves as a testimony to the reality of Christ and the transformative power of the gospel.
Paul’s Plea for Unity
Paul’s letter to the Corinthians addresses this issue head-on. He received reports from Chloe’s people about divisions in the church at Corinth, with members aligning themselves with different leaders like Paul, Apollos, and Peter. This division was based on personal preferences for teaching and leadership styles, mirroring the competitive and fragmented nature of the surrounding culture.
Paul’s response is clear: “Is Christ divided? Was Paul crucified for you? Or were you baptized in the name of Paul?” (1 Corinthians 1:13). He emphasizes that our allegiance should be to Christ alone. When the church is divided, it not only hurts Christ but also damages our witness and mission.
In Ephesians 4:1-6, Paul further urges believers to live in a manner worthy of their calling, maintaining the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. He emphasizes that there is one body, one Spirit, one hope, one Lord, one faith, one baptism, and one God and Father of all. This sevenfold unity underscores the essential oneness that should characterize the church.
The Importance of Unity
Unity in the church is not about uniformity but about aligning ourselves under the lordship of Christ. The Christian and Missionary Alliance, our denomination, exemplifies this with its focus on deeper life and missions, uniting under core absolutes while allowing for differences in secondary and tertiary issues.
This principle of unity in diversity is crucial. It allows for a rich tapestry of expressions within the church while maintaining a core commitment to the essentials of the faith. This diversity should not be a source of division but a testament to the multifaceted wisdom of God.
Four Pillars of Unity:
- Unified in Speech: Speak the same truth, centered on Christ. Our conversations should reflect our commitment to the gospel and our shared mission. James 3:9-10 reminds us of the power of our words and the importance of using them to build up rather than tear down.
- Unified in Walk: Live a life worthy of the gospel, marked by humility, gentleness, patience, and love. Ephesians 4:1-3 calls us to walk in a manner worthy of our calling, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, and eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.
- Unified in Thought: Restore our minds to focus on Christ and the gospel. Romans 12:2 encourages us to be transformed by the renewing of our minds, so that we may discern the will of God. Our thoughts should be captivated by Christ and His mission.
- Unified in Purpose: Embrace our mission to make disciples of all nations. Matthew 28:18-20, the Great Commission, is our shared purpose. We are called to go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them and teaching them to obey all that Christ has commanded.
The Key to Unity
The key to unity is making everything about Christ. Paul was sent to preach the gospel, not to promote himself or any other leader. Our lives and our church must be centered on Christ. The more we are unified with Christ, the more we will be unified with each other. This means adopting His disposition, temperament, and purpose.
In Philippians 2:1-4, Paul exhorts believers to have the same mind as Christ, who, though He was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped but emptied Himself, taking the form of a servant. This mindset of humility and selflessness is essential for maintaining unity in the church.
A Call to Action
While our congregation may currently enjoy a sense of unity, we must remain vigilant. Satan will undoubtedly try to sow seeds of division. We need to be reminded that our unity is intentional and must be maintained. Furthermore, in a divided nation, the church has a crucial role in demonstrating the unity that comes from Christ.
In conclusion, let us strive to be a church that embodies the unity Christ desires. Let us focus on our mission, prioritize our shared faith, and work together to proclaim the gospel. In doing so, we will not only strengthen our community but also stand as a powerful witness to the world. Unity in the church is not merely a nice ideal; it is a necessity for fulfilling our God-given mission and glorifying Christ.