1 Corinthians: The Choice for Unity Around the Cross over Division Around the Self

Feb 4, 2024 • Steve Hinton

1 Corinthians 1:10 I appeal to you, brothers and sisters, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree with one another in what you say and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly united in mind and thought. (NIV)

1 Corinthians 3:11 For no one can lay a foundation other than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ.

1 Corinthians 3:16-17 Do you not know that you are God's temple and that God's Spirit dwells in you? 17 If anyone destroys God's temple, God will destroy him. For God's temple is holy, and you are that temple.

Divisions Due to Selfish Decisions Always Deal Destruction.

1. The Causes of Selfish Division

1 Corinthians 6:1 When one of you has a grievance against another, does he dare go to law before the unrighteous instead of the saints?

2. The Consequences of Selfish Division

1 Corinthians 6:7a To have lawsuits at all with one another is already a defeat for you.

3. The Cure for Selfish Division

1 Corinthians 10:24 No one should seek their own good, but the good of others.

Matthew 18:15-17 “If your brother or sister sins against you, go and point out their fault, just between the two of you. If they listen to you, you have won them over. 16 But if they will not listen, take one or two others along, so that ‘every matter may be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses.’ 17 If they still refuse to listen, tell it to the church; and if they refuse to listen even to the church, treat them as you would a pagan or a tax collector.

1 Corinthians 6:7 To have lawsuits at all with one another is already a defeat for you. Why not rather suffer wrong? Why not rather be defrauded?

1 Corinthians 1:13 Is Christ divided? Was Paul crucified for you? Were you baptized in the name of Paul?

Cypress Crossings Christian Church