"The Things That Destroy A Church &
Ruin Its Effectiveness for Christ"
Introduction- The book of 1st Corinthians is rich
in information that our chuches of today need to
be aware. The problems faced there are still with
us today, in so many ways. Perhaps in looking at
this book, God can show us ways to face similar
situations, and deal with them, so that we can
accomplish much for His kingdom on this earth.
What are some of the things mentioned in 1st Corin-
thians that destroy churches, and hinder their eff-
ectiveness for Christ?
I. First of all THE PROBLEM OF DIS-UNITY.
Our Lord taught that a house divided against itself
cannot stand. In 1st Corinthians, chapter one,
Paul encouraged Christians at Corinth to come to-
gether in one mind, and one purpose for God’s glory.
God is not the author of confusion, or division.
He is the God of order and peace. When divisions
come, something is wrong, and something must be
done about it, or things will only get worse.
II. Secondly, THE PROBLEM OF PREACHER WORSHIP.
First Corinthians reveals that this church was
greatly split over its leaders, and their person-
alities. Some liked Paul, some Apollos, some
Peter, and there was even a little group that
insisted they liked Jesus.
No preacher should point men to himself. He must
not have an inflated ego that demands that people
follow his every wish and desire. He must not
seek to glorify himself, and receive the praise
and adoration of men, but strive to please God.
Every servant of God is gifted of God, for the
praise and glory of God, and the upbuilding of His
kingdom on this earth. We are nothing in ourselves.
It’s all about Jesus! He deserves all the praise
and glory and worship, not us!
III.Thirdly, THERE WAS THE PROBLEM OF ENTERTAINING
INSTEAD OF PROCLAIMING THE GOSPEL.
We are not some great side show for people to come
see. We are witnesses for Christ. All that we
do, we must do for Him, or it is of no value or
importance.
Flowery oratory, human persuasiveness, amount to
nothing but noise. Christ, and His cross must
be our message.
IV. Fourthly, THERE WAS THE PROBLEM OF JEALOUSY OVER
SPIRITUAL GIFTS, AND POWER WITHIN THE CHURCH.
Read chapters 3 & 4 especially, and you will see
that it reveals to us that we are called to humil-
ity, not self-exaltation.
V. Fifthly, THERE WAS THE PROBLEM OF OPEN, UN-REPENT-
ED OF SIN IN THE CHURCH.
The church was "puffed up" about it, not remorseful
or repentant.
Sin, left alone, like leaven, will grow like cancer
until it consumes the entire body.
Immorality was being openly practiced, and even
things the heathen wouldn’t do were being done by
professing Christians.
VI. Sixthly, THERE WAS THE PROBLEM OF CHRISTIANS SUE-
ING EACH OTHER, INSTEAD OF FORGIVING EACH OTHER.
Chapter 6. What a shame! What an awful testimony
to the world of lost sinners to observe.
VII. Seventhly, THERE WERE ALSO FAMILY AND MARRIAGE
PROBLEMS, INCONSIDERATION OF WEAKER CHRISTIANS,
AND THEIR VIEWS, AND GOSSIPING, AND COMPLAINING,
AND JEALOUSY, AND ENVY, AND MISUSE OF SPIRITUAL
GIFTS, AND A HORRIBLE LACK OF LOVE, AND FALSE
DOCTRINES!
And you thought you wanted to pastor a New Testa-
ment church! Well, you’d better pick one besides
Corinth, or you’re headed for Heartbreak Hotel!
May God help us be the people He has called us to
be.
