Unity: Follow Christ, Not Men

1 Corinthians 1:10-16

UNITYUNITY: Defining trait of God’s people: Defining trait of God’s people

“Please let there be no strife between you and me…for we are brethren” (Gen 13:8).

•Prophesied, Isa 11:6-9 (peace); Ezek 34:23-25 (Jno 10:14-16)

•Prayed for, Jno 17:20-21

•Preached, Eph 4:1-6; Phil 2:1-2

•Practiced, Acts 4:32; 9:312

UNITYUNITY: Defining trait of God’s people: Defining trait of God’s people

The church of Christ is ravaged by division!

• Due to false teaching, Acts 15:1-2; 1 Jno 2:18-19

• Due to carnality, 1 Cor 3:1-3; 4:6

• Due to selfish ambition, Phil 2:3– cf. Apostles, Mark 9:33-35; 10:35-45;

Luke 22:24-27; John 13:3-53

UNITYUNITY: Defining trait of God’s people: Defining trait of God’s people

Unity does not just happen, Eph 4:3

• Unity requires…–Devoted, humble hearts–Hard work–Endurance–Love for God, truth and brethren

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A PLEA FOR UNITY1 COR 1:10 (2 COR 13:11)

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Speak the Same Thing, Speak the Same Thing, 1 Col 1:101 Col 1:10

• Gospel of Christ, 2 Tim 4:2-4; Eph 4:4-6

• Be mended together, Phil 2:2– Same mind and judgment– Mind of Christ (humility), Phil 2:5-8– Word of Christ in heart, Col 3:16– Be a servant and not one who must

be served, Matt 20:28

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I HEAR THAT THERE ARE CONTENTIONS AMONG YOU1 COR 1:11-15 (11:18)

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Following men divides, Following men divides, 1 Cor 1:12-131 Cor 1:12-13

• Christ is not divided, Eph 4:4; 2:14-18• No one but Christ was crucified for you• You were not baptized in the name of any man

• Following men causes envy, strife and divisions, 1 Cor 3:3; Gal 5:20-21,13-15

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AMONG INDIAN BRETHREN

-IDENTIFY IT

-ADDRESS IT

-CORRECT IT

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DIVISION IN INDIADIVISION IN INDIA

Identifying Division in IndiaIdentifying Division in India

• Liberalism in churches of Christ Director System

breeds competition, suspicion, doubt, division & corruption

Money, money, money (1 Cor 9:16)

Power and position, (instead of faith and humble service)

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RupeesRupeesRupeesRupees

Identifying Division in IndiaIdentifying Division in India

• Among faithful brethren (2 Tim 1:13) “Mini-Directors”

(a preacher with his “group” of preachers under his direction), 1 Cor 1:12-13; 4:6• Arranging work• Competitive and territorial

• Friction and faction

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Identifying Division in AmericaIdentifying Division in America

Identifying Division in IndiaIdentifying Division in India

• Among faithful brethren (2 Tim 1:13) Lingering effects of

the caste system, Jas 2:1-4; 1 Tim 6:4• Love all, especially brethren, Matt 22:39; 1 Cor 13:4-7

• Commanded, John 13:34-35

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Identifying Division in IndiaIdentifying Division in India

• Among faithful brethren (2 Tim 1:13) Helping American

preachers, 1 Cor 3:5-9• Evil suspicions of favoritism destroy trust and unity

• Helpers are necessary-No reflection on others

• To be no competition, Mark 10:37, 40-45

• Phil 2:19-24, 25-3013

• Preachers are servants of God and fellow workers in God’s field, 1 Cor 3:5-9

– Do not exalt preachers over others, 3:5-7; 4:6– Preachers are not saviors, 1:13– Preachers are not authorities over you that

you should be named from them or approved by them, 1:13

– Preachers are not lords, but ministers, 3:5

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Unity: Follow Christ, Not Men!Unity: Follow Christ, Not Men!

• Preachers are servants of God and fellow workers in God’s field, 1 Cor 3:5-9–Each one has different abilities and

opportunities…use for God’s glory, 3:5–Use God-given gifts with thanksgiving,

3:6-7–Not with envy, suspicion, jealousy and

strife, 1 Peter 4:10-11

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Unity: Follow Christ, Not Men!Unity: Follow Christ, Not Men!

• Preachers are servants of God and fellow workers in God’s field, 1 Cor 3:5-9

• Preachers must be united in purpose, 3:8-9 (mutually serve Christ, Col 3:23-24)– Result of our work is in God’s hands, 3:8, 6– The Lord will reward workers

• We are God’s fellow workers, 3:9

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Unity: Follow Christ, Not Men!Unity: Follow Christ, Not Men!

Unity in Christ:Follow Christ, Not Men

•Unity is good and pleasant in God’s sight, Psa 133:1

•God hates the one who causes division, Prov 6:19

•Which person will you be? Rom 16:17-19; Titus 3:10-11