Importance Of Believer’s Unity 1corinthians 1:10 Series

IMPORTANCE OF BELIEVER’S UNITY 1Corinthians 1:10

"Now I plead with you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment."

Apostle Paul pleading with the believer’s in Corinth to maintain unity. Why is it so important?

1. Concern of the Saints like Apostle Paul:

Notice the number of chapters Paul is dealing with this issue. Cf.

1 – 4 - unity and its various aspects.

The way Paul pleads. Cf.

1Cor 1:10:- “ I plead with you, brethren”………“ there be no divisions among you” cf.

Eph 4: 3:- “beseech you ….” keep the unity of the Spirit cf.

Rom 15:5, 6:- “Now may the God of patience and comfort grant you to be like-minded toward one another, according to Christ Jesus, that you may with one mind and one mouth glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.

2Co 13:11 :- “Finally, brethren, farewell…… be of one mind….”.

Phili 1:27: - “You stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel.”

Phil 2:2 :- “fulfill my joy by being like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. “

Ob: repeatedly Paul pleads, exhorts, praying etc..

It was concern of Chloe household. 1:11

“For it has been declared to me concerning you, my brethren, by those of Chloe's household, that there are contentions among you. “

Many believe Chloe is a business woman her family members used to travel for business.

Ob: He discloses the source of information. Can we do that?

You share something with others…they tell everybody about it with your name! Often that creates problems.

That means Chloe family were willing to be quoted. They didn’t say, “Don’t say we told you.”! That brings before us three things about them:

a. They had a concern for the spiritual life of the assembly.

They did not inform this to Paul as a gossip – to satisfy his curiosity. But with a real burden to see the condition of the assembly changed. As a normal member… they were so pained…condition within the assembly not good.

b. They informed the right person.

They did not publish it in the ears of some carnal men. There may be somebody who is only interested to laugh at the failure of others, Never inform them of the problems saints face.

Because they informed the right person, He wrote a suitable reply which is a great help for us too. To deal with such issues.

c. They were spiritual enough to see what the elders could not see.

Remember, elders of Corinth assembly wrote a letter to get some suggestion, But did not inform any of those serious issues really prevailing there. But this family had that spiritual sensitivity to notice the bad state.

Ob: ordinary believers understand the pulse of the assembly, more than the elders! That’s why listen to their voice, their words in between, Their body language etc. What they say, and refuse to say in public. If we really care for the assembly.

We need such concerned believers even today who would..….. Quietly work for the blessing of the assembly. Some work quietly to make trouble in the assembly they will only hinder the work.

What is your role in the church? Working for the good or bad? Seeking a solution or creating another issue? Follow the example of the family of Chloe.

2. Concern of the Lord Jesus Christ John 17: 11, 20 – 23 - read

– One of the main issues in His High priestly prayer. “That they may be one as We are. “ – v.11c

“That they all may be one, as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You; that they also may be one in Us”. V. 21

“That they may be one just as We are one.” – v. 22b

“I in them, and You in Me; that they may be made perfect in one.” – v. 23a

Ob: how seriously, earnestly Christ praying for church unity.

Concern of the saints – like Paul and Chloe houshold

Concern of the risen savior – Christ in Glory.

Do we have this concern …UNITY IN OUR CONGREGATION!

We must pray often in our own heart—‘Lord, help us to maintain unity’—‘I should never be a cause for division’—I do pray!

How do you respond – when you hear about a division anywhere? Praying for a solution or Propagating to enjoy.

3. Our Testimony depends upon our unity. John 17: 21, 23

“world may believe that You sent Me.” - v.21;

“The world may know that You have sent Me, and have loved them as You have loved Me.”v. 23