Apostle Paul to the church at Corinth instructed the Christians to be of the same mind and judgment. 1 Cor. 1:10. 10 Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment.
This passage causes the most destruction to congregations. Pride and illiteracy causes division. Often leaders say for you to have the same mind “as they” in order to remain in their assemblies. In the letter to Corinth, Apostle Paul saw the same destructive attitudes of the congregation happening in real time. This letter was sent to curb any confusion and return the church at Corinth to its original glory. A proper understanding of this passage along with the instructions Paul gave them following this introduction to the letter is viable and important for us to fully understand it also.
What does Paul mean to be of the same mind and judgment? Let's investigate the meanings.
If two or more people are at odds with one another, we would assume they are not of the same mind. They do not agree for some reason. They do not have the same convictions. The reason could be an interpretation of something heard, read, or seen. As one told me before, ‘All men have a belly button and each has as many opinions, whether right or wrong.” Having opposing opinions in itself is not wrong. Ignorance can be overcome. Pride, however, cannot. To be of the same mind is to come together to an agreeable conclusion.
But is this what the Apostle Paul is concerned with for ‘all that in every place call upon the name of Jesus Christ our Lord’? (vs. 2)
Let us learn the biblical definition of the terms ‘mind’ and ‘judgment’.
Strong’s Lexicon number G3563 for mind is defined as:
a particular mode of thinking and judging:
Reference; Romans 14:5. 5 One man esteemeth one day above another: another esteemeth every day alike. Let every man be fully persuaded in his own mind.
In our reference passage we see each man has his own opinion based upon his convictions. Each conclusion must be confirmed and each man must be fully persuaded in his own mind. Romans 14:23. …for whatsoever is not of faith is sin.
To the man who is persuaded of something in his understanding by faith, to do the contrary becomes sin to him. However, the conviction must be absolutely of truth. If shown his belief is contrary, he must change his mind–mode of thinking.
equivalent to thoughts, feelings, purposes:
(from Isaiah 40:13), in context vss. 12-14. 12 Who hath measured the waters in the hollow of his hand, and meted out heaven with the span, and comprehended the dust of the earth in a measure, and weighed the mountains in scales, and the hills in a balance? 13 Who hath directed the Spirit of the Lord, or being his counsellor hath taught him? 14 With whom took he counsel, and who instructed him, and taught him in the path of judgment, and taught him knowledge, and shewed to him the way of understanding?
Reference Romans 11:34; 34 For who hath known the mind of the Lord? or who hath been his counsellor?
And, 1 Corinthians 2:16a; 16 For who hath known the mind of the Lord, that he may instruct him?
We must have our thoughts, feelings, and purpose like unto God’s thoughts, feelings, and purpose. To do this requires studying to obtain knowledge and wisdom similar to that of God. A young convert cannot possess this early in their new Faith; only in time and understanding can it develop.
equivalent to desires,
Reference Colossians 2:18. 18 Let no man beguile you of your reward in a voluntary humility and worshipping of angels, intruding into those things which he hath not seen, vainly puffed up by his fleshly mind,
To recognize a man’s desires can distinguish his thoughts, feelings, and purpose
WARNING as example: some people are wolves in sheep’s clothing. They are not of the same mind.
We notice the term ‘mind’ is referenced to how one thinks and therefore makes judgments upon his obtained knowledge; right or wrong. Some have differing convictions on some subjects than others. Some convictions are based upon thoughts or feelings perhaps based upon truth; maybe not. However, the purpose of their conviction sets their path. Others have a conviction based upon a certain desire.
In this comprehension of the usage of the term ‘mind’ in general, we can see multiple mistakes and reasons for multiple differences in social and religious attitudes. Each member is trying to execute their own interpretation. Each usurping authority over the will of God causes division.
Apostle Paul is telling Corinth and all that in every place call upon the name of Jesus Christ our Lord to strive for peace; strive for unity in the Spirit, using the ‘mind’--desires–of God as our opinion.
The idea of being equivalent to Isaiah 40:13 is to have an equivalent conviction as God on all religious Christian matters. To do so requires each called Christian to study diligently the scriptures and come together to obtain a common understanding with all that in every place call upon the name of Jesus Christ our Lord.
Strong’s Lexicon number G1106 for judgment is defined as:
the faculty of knowledge, mind, reason
that which is thought or known, one's mind
view, judgment, opinion
An example of one’s view, opinion: Reference Rev. 17:13. 13 These have one mind, and shall give their power and strength unto the beast.
Each member has one agenda; each is in agreement.
In Rev. 17:13, each has a mind of Satan giving him their power and strength to perform evil. Paul says to be the absolute opposite; give your power to God. (be like minded)
The reference for each one having the same judgment is to mean they are in agreement for the good of the whole. Everyone has the same ability to reason right from wrong. Therefore, they agree to agree for the greater good trying to obtain the purpose and mind of God among the brethren.
Again, this requires each member to study and conference together to come to an acceptable agreement and understanding of the will of God. This should be the norm in every congregation. However, each congregation does not have the same knowledge and understanding.
What are Christians, therefore, to do? Paul said, ‘I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you.’
We have a conundrum; a catch 22. Without discussing and confirming an agreed upon decision by the same mind as God, mankind cannot stop divisions. However, we can agree to discuss the will of God and come to an understanding which benefits everyone. This is the wishes of God for his children. Confusion, descension and conflict are not a part of the body of Christ and should be resolved. If it cannot, the scriptures say to avoid such.
Romans 16:17. 17 Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them.
2 Tim. 2:23. 23 But foolish and unlearned questions avoid, knowing that they do gender strifes.
Titus 3:9. 9 But avoid foolish questions, and genealogies, and contentions, and strivings about the law; for they are unprofitable and vain.
But, if we are truthful in our knowledge of scripture, and we can rightly divide the word of truth with consistent teachings of scripture, we can lead the erring to proper understanding and avoid divisions. This is our command.
It was these things of which Apostle Paul determined to write unto Corinth to correct and avoid divisions. It is of the same with which we are obligated to do among brethren and congregations of the body which do not fully comprehend correctly.
Are we trying to stop divisions among all the brethren in our communities? Are we attempting to associate with all those of ‘like precious faith’--Christianity? How can we avoid those who cause divisions without trying to correct their errors like Pricilla and Aquila in Acts 18?
Let us determine to associate with congregations of the Lord’s church and learn where we might err as well as attempt to teach gently where they might err. As we learn from the errors of Corinth, let us change our infirmities and go forth and teach our brethren from our knowledge and wisdom we have received from God having obtained a better likemindedness as God. This is what Apostle Paul did for Corinth.
10 Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment.
