Welcome to Refinery Life Australia.
The Lord’s Prayer.
Our Father in heaven, Hallowed be Your name.
Your kingdom come. Your will be done On earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread.
And forgive us our debts, As we forgive our debtors.
And do not lead us into temptation, But deliver us from the evil one.
For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.”
This week we start a new study focusing on Paul’s letter to the Corinthians.
Today we are talking about Unity in Christ.
Text
1 Corinthians 1:10 NKJV
Sectarianism Is Sin
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.
Scripture Reading
1 Corinthians 1:10-17 NKJV
Sectarianism Is Sin
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.
11 For it has been declared to me concerning you, my brethren, by those of Chloe’s household, that there are contentions among you.
12 Now I say this, that each of you says, “I am of Paul,” or “I am of Apollos,” or “I am of Cephas,” or “I am of Christ.”
13 Is Christ divided? Was Paul crucified for you? Or were you baptized in the name of Paul?
14 I thank God that I baptized none of you except Crispus and Gaius,
15 lest anyone should say that I had baptized in my own name.
16 Yes, I also baptized the household of Stephanas. Besides, I do not know whether I baptized any other.
17 For Christ did not send me to baptize, but to preach the gospel, not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of no effect.
Prayer
In Jesus name we pray.
Amen.
Introduction
I read a story through the week of a pastor who was involved in some sort of church business when two distinct factions within the little church began making cutting remarks toward each other.
The following Sunday the pastor used as his text “Let there be no divisions among you.”
This is an admonition that is fitting for many congregations all over the world.
The text emphasises both the positive and negative.
- The negative, or unpleasant, is the first consideration.
The first word in the sentence, “Now,” indicates a transition from thanksgiving to reproof.
In the earlier part of this chapter in 1 Corinthians, Paul had talked about the grace all Christians experience.
He also talked about the riches each Christian has in Christ Jesus.
He talked still further about God’s dependability.
He then turned to the matter of rebuke and, discussed this through to 1 Corinthians 3:23.
Paul gives severe condemnation for having division.
The origin of division in the church at Corinth was intellectual conceit and disagreement over leadership.
Paul did not accept any excuse for division but severely condemned it.
The dangers that result from a break within the fellowship of a congregation are multiple and costly.
2. The application of the idea of divisions is the second consideration.
The origin of modern day contention in the church is basically the same as in Paul’s day.
Most problems are over personalities.
They are also caused by intellectual pride or by a lack of consecration and humility.
The evils connected with divisions in modern day churches are legion.
Division makes a church weak.
The energy that should be expended for the cause of Christis used for internal fighting.
Division causes so much trouble that God is dishonoured, the world stands in contempt, and satan is the victor.
Non Christians see the contention and are turned off.
3. The opposite of division is unity.
Paul made the appeal that the people “Be perfectly joined together.”
This is an appeal for oneness in disposition and voice.
Paul was not making an appeal to ecclesiastical union, conformity in worship, or even theological unity, but to oneness in love, fellowship, attitude, and purpose.
The appeal is made “By the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.”
This is a title referring to both the person and the office of the Saviour.
His person is divinely and perfectly blended.
His office is Redeemer.
He is the sole head of the church.
The appeal is made that the unity be “in the same mind and in the same judgement.”
The appeal is made in meekness, “I beseech you,” and in love, “Brethren.”
Unity, then, is realised when members of a congregation turn their thoughts to Christ rather than individual feelings.
Conclusion.
One of the greatest of all needs today is for individuals within the church to adhere to this admonition, namely, not to be divided but to be one in Christ in the church.
Until next time
Stay in the Blessings
I really want to encourage you to be diligent with your Bible study time, because God has so much more for us than we can get from just going to church once or twice a week and hearing someone else talk about the Word.
When you spend time with God, your life will change in amazing ways, because God is a Redeemer.
Theres nothing thats too hard for Him, and He can make you whole, spirit, soul and body!
You’re important to God, and you’re important to us at www.refinerylife.org
When it comes to prayer, we believe that God wants to meet your needs and reveal His promises to you.
So whatever you’re concerned about and need prayer for we want to be here for you! Or even if you just want to say Hi, you can contact us
2022 IS A YEAR OF REPENTANCE AND BLESSINGS
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