1 Corinthians 1:13-31 (Part 7) The Solutions to Dissension (Disunity)

I Corinthians 1:13-4:21 (Part 7), [November 4, 2018, Sunday AM]

The solutions to dissension (disunity)—1:13-4:21

Unity is achieved by considering the person and work of Christ—1:13-17

• There is only one Christ, cross & baptism

Unity is achieved by considering the true nature of the Gospel—1:18-25

Two evaluations of the cross

• Foolishness—those that are perishing

• Power of God—those that are being saved

The attitude of the unbeliever

• His attitude was prophesied in Scripture—v. 19

• His attitude is proved by experience—v. 20

• His attitude expressed—vv. 21-23

*The message of the cross: Jesus Christ, the Son of God, died a death wherein the guilt and penalty of man’s sin was placed on Him, making it possible for salvation to be extended to all who believe

The work of Christ—“crucified”—v. 23

• The nature of His death—He did not die like any other

• The completeness of His death—perfect tense—completed action

• The effectiveness of His death—(perfect tense)—abiding results

The response to the message of the cross—v. 23b (critique of the unbeliever)—it is offensive

• Stumblingblock—religious pride

• Foolishness—intellectual pride

Why is the cross offensive?

• The cross underscores the gravity of man’s problem (man’s sin)

• The cross underscores that man can do nothing to save himself (man’s helplessness)

• The cross leaves no room for human pride (man’s pride)

“Foolish” and “weak”—v. 25

There is no foolishness or weakness in God’s character—the idea involved is . . .

• The foolish ACT of God—in man’s assessment—(from man’s perspective this is the cross)

• The weak ACT of God—in man’s assessment

The argument for unity—you either experience the cross as . . .

• Power—or . . .

• Perishing

• Only one saving message—that argues strongly for unity

Unity is achieved by a correct view of ourselves—1:26-31

• Who is NOT a member of the church—v. 26

o Noble

o Wise

o Mighty

o God deals with us on the basis of His Son

1) Not merits

2) Not demerits

• Who DOES make up the membership of the church—vv. 27-28

o God planned it this way

o Why?—in order to put to shame wise and mighty