A Simple and Profound Appeal: Agree, Don't Divide
Notes
Transcript
Introduction
Exposition
Verse One (Don’t read verse)
10 I appeal to you, brothers, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be united in the same mind and the same judgment.
Verse 10 begins with the words “I appeal to you (beseech, beg)”
These are words that in Paul’s writing function to do a couple things
Emphasize importance
Begin an argument (not negative)
Notice he makes the appeal “in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ”.
This further emphasizes the importance of the request
So now we have the appeal
Of this appeal, most commentators refer to it as the the theme statement for the entire letter.
Roy E. Ciampa and Brian S. Rosner, The First Letter to the Corinthians, The Pillar New Testament Commentary (Grand Rapids, MI; Cambridge, U.K.: William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company, 2010), 73.
Here it is: “All of you agree, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be united in the same mind and judjment.” …in other words, he is saying...
I. Church! Be united (10)
I. Church! Be united (10)
Does this mean we have to be in perfect agreement on all things?
No, but it means that we need to be clear and recognize areas where we can disagree but be clear on essentials
Be of the same mind and judjment
Theological triage
First Tier: Gospel, virgin birth, ressurection
Second Tier: Ordinances, polity
Third Tier: Millenial views, Freedoms in the Gospel, understanding difficult texts
Exposition 2 (11-12)
Verse 11 (Don’t read)
11 For it has been reported to me by Chloe’s people that there is quarreling among you, my brothers.
Verse 11 (Don’t read)
So why does Paul write this to them?
He had a repot from Chloe’s people
Chloe - not sure, maybe a widow
Her people are probably her family, workers, or servants
The report was that there was quarreling or fighting amount them
The Greek word for “report in verse 11 emphasizes that this was reliable.
The bigger part of this issue is not simply that they are fighting but why they are fighting
look at verse 12
12 What I mean is that each one of you says, “I follow Paul,” or “I follow Apollos,” or “I follow Cephas,” or “I follow Christ.”
Verse 12 (Don’t Read)
The church was dividing over leaders and their perceived wisdom or lack thereof
Paul - Founding pastor
Apollos - Current Pastor
Peter - Traveling Apostle
Christ
II. Avoid the temptation to place your hope on human leaders (11-12)
II. Avoid the temptation to place your hope on human leaders (11-12)
Apply
Very applicable today
examples
current, MHC, personal
Large church/small church
Exposition 3 (13-17)
Verses 13-17
Verses 13-17
Paul next moves on to emphasize the ridiculousness of what they are doing.
He asks the rhetorical question “Is Christ divided”
Is there more than one church?
Yes and no
back to triage
“Was Paul Crucified for you or were you baptized in the name of Paul?
Paul is showing that it is all about Jesus and His work
After making a note about being glad that he didn’t baptize anyone, he moves on to make a point about what his mission was.
17 For Christ did not send me to baptize but to preach the gospel, and not with words of eloquent wisdom, lest the cross of Christ be emptied of its power.
Explain...
So earlier, he was glad he didn’t baptize many at all because he wouldn’t want that to be a reason for people following him.
III. Remember, you are given your identity in Christ and nothing else.
III. Remember, you are given your identity in Christ and nothing else.
This is the positive the the previous negative
Apply...