I Corinthians 1:13-4:21 (Part 8) The Solutions to Dissension (Disunity)

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

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

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

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

Solving the problem of disunity

• Look at the person of Christ

• Look at the message of the cross

• Look at the makeup of the church

*Discord often arises from one’s thinking that they are better than another

The makeup of the church (membership)

• Who does not make up the membership—v. 26

• Who does make up the membership—vv. 27-28

• This is all part of God’s plan—why?

o God has chosen the foolish things of the world—why?—with the intent of . . .

o God has chosen the weak things of the world—why?—with the intent of . . .

The “who” and the “why” of the makeup of the church—vv. 27-28

1) (Who) Foolish things according to man’s standards

o Why?—to confound the wise

2) (Who) Weak things according to man’s standards

o Why?—to humiliate the things that are mighty

3) (Who) The base things

o Why?—because it puts us at the bottom of the barrel

The reason for God’s actions—vv. 29-30

• Negatively—v. 29

• Positively—v. 30

• God desires for man to find ALL of his worth in Christ

*Literally, v. 30—“out of the heavenly Father as a source YOU are—through the wisdom of God—righteous, sanctified, redeemed”

4) Unity is achieved by considering the nature of true wisdom—2:1-3:4

• A comparison of Chapters 1 and 2—the theme of both is the cross

• A contrast of Chapters 1 and 2

1) Chapter 1—the cross as man views it

2) Chapter 2—the cross as God gives us through His revelation