what caused divisions in the corinthian church

But when each piece is fitted together into its proper place in the puzzle, you have a beautiful and complete picture. The Corinthian church had many problems, and most of them were the result of pride and placing so much emphasis on social status. That is always the unifying factor in a church, and that is the mind that is to be among us, the mind that does not consider itself the most important thing. There is no other name big enough, great enough, glorious enough, and powerful enough to gather everybody together, despite the diversity of viewpoint and the differences of background or status in life, than the name of Jesus. This Western Church soon became known as the Roman Catholic Church. Like Greg, I recognize this tension in some of the churches I have served in and find it appalling (1 Corinthians 3:18-19). I am thankful that I baptized none of you except Crispus and Gaius; lest any one should say that you were baptized in my name. This is what Paul does here. They are springing up all over the place, including Downunder (Australia) where I live here in Brisbane. At that time it was under the leadership of its founder, Dawson Trotman, and it was my privilege and delight to be a close friend of his, to have spent a good deal of time with him and to come under the influence of his teaching and his methods. It was considered honorable for you to stand up for yourself in this way. Now these things were good. DIVISIONS AND PERSONALITIES IN THE CHURCH It is possible, though, that the divisions among It is possible that these divisions represent competing house churches, some founded by Paul, some by Apollos. And there were some who said, "Well, when Peter came through, he baptized me. Have you ever tried to put a jigsaw puzzle together with the pieces turned upside down so that they are all blank? Corinthians Why are these thing SO important? Message transcript and recording 1978 by Ray Stedman Ministries, owner of sole copyright by assignment from the author. Offshoots had disturbed the church. Yes, we have the core beliefs that most Christians will agree upon, but the rest is still very confusing to non-believers. Paul doesnt want these divisions to continue, so he offers them an alternative. Going off of what Cody is saying, in todays church everything needs to be just right. In verses 14 to 16, Paul uses himself as an example. 4-The churchs failure to discipline. 2- The Churchs division. It would be great if all of you would think like me, but unfortunately there are stubborn ones among you, there are depraved ones among you, there are those who have different backgrounds than I have, and some of you just do not think like I do! Beyond that, I do not know whether I baptized any one else). It is well known that division in the church of Corinth was over leadership. Causes This applies also to the leadership in the church. And just as the Corinthian church was not above the petty rivalries of its time, neither is the modern church above becoming involved in such shouting matches. Some followed Apollos whom they honored above Paul (1 Corinthians 1:12; 3:4; Acts 18:24 to 19:1). I find there are these tendencies right here in Peninsula Bible Church. I'm nobody, just like you!" Like I talked about in the first posting, the emerging church makes me question a lot of things they are doing. They were burdened about them, and they went to the right person with them. Behind Divisions There are those who are emotionally attached to some great Christian leader who has helped them, and they will only listen to him. I've not forgotten that incident because it seems to me to capture the very attitude Paul is describing here. We have Jesus only groups even today. Paul is going to go on to describe this radical force that is so different than anything else there is nothing like it in the world. I. PAULS APPEAL FOR UNITY (verses 10-12). The Factions At Corinth WebWhat were the causes of division in the Corinthian Church? These preachers draw in masses of people every week who are eager to hear them speak. The cross strips away our illusions and brings the pride of men tumbling down from that high place where it exalts itself against the knowledge of God. The Corinthian Church. The organ begins the bridal march, and everyone stands. 7-False zeal for spiritual gifts. They were hard to get in those war years, and every shipment that came in went out like hot cakes. I think today if church leaders focus on Jesus and only Jesus we would be so much healthier. We get so off track of what Christianity is all aboutMark 12:30-31 and begin focusing on worldly things like Rob Bell debated are actually being held to see if this Pastor is even Christian! The groom and his attendants are in their places. How many of you have ever put together a jigsaw puzzle? What Was Dividing the Corinthian Church And more than that, we have a responsibility to obey him, to follow his Lordship. There was still a fourth group, and in some ways I think they were probably the worst. Now to this, there should be a division that exists considering that there are some denominations that do teach correct biblical doctrine, while other churches deviate from correct biblical doctrine in order to teach their own false doctrines. 16(Yes, I also baptized the household of Stephanas; beyond that, I don't remember if I baptized anyone else.) (Philippians 2:6-8 RSV). What happens when you get a tear in a piece of clothing and you keep washing and wearing that piece of clothing with the tear in it? Their divisions, lack of church discipline, lawsuits, abuse of Christian liberty and over-emphasis of the gift of tongues, all illustrate this root problem. His bride, the Church, has been fighting again!. WebThe members of the Corinthian church we disunited because they were pledging their allegiance to human leaders rather than God. I think we have failed to de-paganize the art of preaching/teaching if pastors/leaders are looking for patronage, prestige, and numbers over relationships, service, and transformation. (1Corinthians 1:10 RSV). DIVISIONS IN THE CHURCH I Corinthians 1 The first and perhaps biggest is denominations. In the same way, thats not the way the Church was meant to be fitted together. Divisions To an unbeliever, this looks like we cannot agree on our own religion. He said so himself. I was taking my break and a person I work with asked where I went to college. It tells about the most climactic moment in a wedding ceremony. These are two common causes of church divisions in the West. The Lords Supper was affected by the divisions between rich and poor and an overall general misunderstanding. Splits and Quarrels in the Church In the year 1 054 the Church was divided into two parts: 1) The Greek Eastern Church 2) The Roman Western Church. In verses 10-17 of Chapter 1, Paul establishes the fact that there are divisions and begins to deal with them. They were caused by Cliques (1:12; 3:4). The Gentiles coming into this new Church do not seem to be able to see the differences between it and a Greco-Roman philosopher gathering disciples and educating them in a particular philosophy. This word was normally used to refer to a tear in a garment. It took four viewpoints to report his earthly life and ministry accurately enough to us. Gods people who are moving in revival (like we have been to experiencing right here in Brisbane these last few months) have no qualms about getting together to see the nation of Australia come to Christ. Lovelessness among Christians is not a light thing.. Corinthians Now, the Apostle Paul is very concerned about this matter of incipient division in the church at Corinth, and he begins dealing with it in this powerful appeal for unity in Verse10: I appeal to you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree and that there be no dissensions among you, but that you be united in the same mind and the same judgment. There is not a teacher among us today, or at any other time, who is able to open the mind and open the eyes of the heart and reveal to us the glory and majesty of God, not one. Sometimes a church leader can have so much clout that he begins to have cult status. Teaching to be effective first needs to effect/transform the life of the teacher and then connect with those who hear. How important is it that there be unity in the Church where you fellowship? Some Corinthian Christians were dividing over church teachers. You may be reminded by his words in Verse10 of the similar passage in his letter to the Philippians where, in Chapter2, he says to that church, "So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any incentive of love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy, complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord, and of one mind," (Philippians 2:1-2 RSV). Some sued their fellow Christians in the secular courts. The families have been seated. Now, almost every group does this. WebWhat were the causes of division in the Corinthian Church? This Western Church soon became known as the Roman Catholic Church. I was unaware of this connection before now but it really makes sense. WebThe Christians at Corinth were dividing the church by pledging their loyalties to different celebrities. Sometimes a church leader can have so much clout that he begins to have cult status. Was Paul crucified for you? Sermon 5: Who is the Most Important? Others bragged that they were followers of Peter (1 Corinthians 1:12). Some people will pick other matters of doctrine to affirm. In the body of Christ at large there are many who can make a contribution to the understanding of Christ. Because I am a little defensive it seems like they are almost my enemy. For by one Spirit we were all baptized into one body, whether Jews or Greeks, and whether slaves or free, and we were all made to drink of one Spirit. You and I cant have more of the Lord Jesus Christ, but we can give Him more of ourselves, and experience more fully what is already ours as children of God. Paul always expresses great concern about the possibility of a split in the church. The church in Corinth was a group of people who were tearing themselves apart! Divisions Their relationship to Christ was the unifying factor of the church. It is the popular thing today to cry, "Back to the Reformation!" They were drawing themselves up and saying, "Well, you may be of Paul or of Peter or of Apollos, but we are of Christ! That, of course, is as it should be. I have to admit though that sometimes I think about numbers and recognition and want that. His dissertation was published as Jesus the Bridegroom by Pickwick Books in 2012. Now, in Verse13 you understand why. Splits and Quarrels in the Church 11 For it has been reported to me by Chloe's people that there is quarreling among you, my brothers. When the Corinthians divided into factions, it wasnt so much about core doctrine (nature of God, nature of Christ, the Gospel, the nature of man). In other words, there must be agreement with Christ, with His will, and with His Word. This unintentional mindset causes people to treat the Bible and its words like it is a product that can wear out, and ignored like an infomercial. In verse 11, Paul gives the reason for his appeal for unity in the church at Corinth. 11My brothers, some from Chloe's household have informed me that there are quarrels among you. You could spot the Navigators going up and down the streets of Honolulu. The Lord Jesus is praying to the Father, and this is part of His prayer for us: I do not pray for these alone, but also for those who will believe in Me through their word; that they all may be one; even as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You, that they also may be one in Us; that the world may believe that You sent Me. In Matthew 12:25 the Lord Jesus says, Any kingdom divided against itself is laid waste; and any city or house divided against itself shall not stand.. We tend to fall out along doctrinal lines or because we are drawn to one charismatic pastor over another. In verse 11, Paul gives the reason for his appeal for unity in the church at Corinth. It seems so bland compared to all the other choices out there when really it presents and encourages people to live out a very different and exciting life in the opposite direction of the world. He's a great preacher, a warm, capable, eloquent man, who can make the Old Testament come alive!". In conjunction with this, some people were questioning Pauls character and authority ( 1 Corinthians 14 ). I told them GBC and they said something along the lines of, Oh a Bible college? This is a very propitious time for us to consider the cross for this is Palm Sunday, commemorating the day when our Lord entered Jerusalem for his last week. The divisions of Christendom are the scandal of Christianity. God is all about people, not money, and I feel sorry for anyone who tries to take over the current move of God, put it in a box, stick a label on it, and own it they will be swept away. The third danger of groups is given in the latter part of Verse13, and on through the next few verses: Or were you baptized in the name of Paul? In verse 10 we see both Pauls affection for the Corinthian church, and his authority as an apostle of the Lord Jesus Christ. I will jump on the bandwagon here and say that division is definitely an issue today. They love to listen to someone because he turns them on emotionally. The church at Corinth had divided loyalty to different leaders. Some Corinthian Christians were dividing over church teachers. So they said, "When Peter came, we really felt that we were on solid ground. I told them that it is a concern of mine as well. WebThe members of the Corinthian church we disunited because they were pledging their allegiance to human leaders rather than God. And there are others who are drawn to some speaking style that has attracted them. What is a clique? Not when we hear of churches with factions or cliques of people who sit on opposite sides of the aisle. It is possible, though, that the divisions among He says, in effect, "You don't cure divisions in a church by identification badges. Its all about who looks the best, how much money is made, and how big our churches are. Many of the other problems were flowing out of this division within the congregation. In 1 Corinthians, Paul consciously avoids disciple-teacher language. Religious snobs want to be a part of a small group who We all know what a clique is. The Corinthian Church. If it had been left up to us to plan the program by which God would change the world we would never have included a cross. The members started to develop division following different leaders. Perhaps, in their individual efforts, they had missed some spots; so the suggestion was made, Lets all join hands and go through the long grass again. Finally, the child was found, but it was too late. The content of their messages was in agreement, but the followers of these men probably focused on personality differences and distorted their teachings. Then comes that great Christological passage where he describes how Christ, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. It is those who have a financial interest in their own wellbeing, that divide the sheep up into different folds. If Paul could see the divisions between the various denominations of today, what would he say? WebPaul rebukes the Corinthians because there are divisions and quarrels in the church. A. When the Corinthians divided into factions, it wasnt so much about core doctrine (nature of God, nature of Christ, the Gospel, the nature of man). When I say worn out I mean people say that it is not usable in the modern world so its words become little more than foot rests in the pew. A number of churches in this postmodern era have begun to resemble the Corinthian church in alarming ways. If so, what results are we shooting for? What is a clique? Within our churches, and even in our own denominations (sophisticated name for divisions), we argue about church funds, whos on the worship team, and whether the youth should have long hair. Just as there was competiveness for honor and prestige among the orators of the first century, it also seems like there is competition between the pastors and churches of today. It was a glorious work. WebPaul goes right on, in Verse 12, to describe the forms that these divisions were taking in the church of Corinth: What I mean is that each one of you says, "I belong to Paul," or "I belong to Apollos," or "I belong to Cephas" [another name for Peter], or "I belong to Christ." Its pastors, bishops and others who fear the loss of their livlihoods as their former sheep move on in God towards the new wine skins of revival that want to maintain the old wine skins which brought them an income. Her nose is bloody! Behind Divisions These were not schisms yet; they had not split off into other congregations, but there were four cliques, or factions within the congregation. This division in the church was over their own selfish ambitions evidenced in what they wanted. I used to attend a Navigator group which met in Honolulu on Sunday afternoons. It is well known that division in the church of Corinth was over leadership. His followers in the Corinthian church may have viewed Christianity as a philosophy rather than a relationship with a Person Jesus Christ. Webdivided. Some followed Apollos whom they honored above Paul (1 Corinthians 1:12; 3:4; Acts 18:24 to 19:1). One of the celebrities was Paul himself some believers at Corinth actually claimed to be his followers. They failed to take seriously the power of evil; their behavior caused divisions in the church and led to a lack of concern for other members. They are his family in Christ. In desperation, they returned and held a meeting. In this parable, the groom is Christ. With Pauls harsh criticism of said divisions, you would think that we might have learned how to move beyond that in the 21st Century, however, that is not the case. The congregation then is to submit to the elders because it has confidence that their decisions were made under the Holy Spirits direction and power. And he speaks in the name of or by the authority of, our Lord Jesus Christ. When you get men's eyes off all these status symbols, and call them back away from following men to the Person of Christ and his cross, all the divisions will disappear. The most well known one is having worship on Sundays instead of the Sabbath. It is popularized in the movie Mean Girls. There are even discrepancies inside single denominations (which means we have division inside our divisions, great). A. Paul condemns their behavior in verse 13 by saying, Has Christ been divided? In other words, have different amounts of Christ been given to different people? He started this church. Corinthians Christ belongs fully to every believer in His spiritual body, the Church. The news went out but no one had seen the little fellow. 5-Members going to pagan courts to settle disputes. No man would ever have planned the cross. 2- The Churchs division. 11 For it has been reported to me by Chloe's people that there is quarreling among you, my brothers. 1-False prophets (2 Corinthians 11:13). DIVISIONS IN THE CHURCH I Corinthians 1 WebDivisions in the Church. Since November 2021, Reading Acts is edited by Sarah Westphal. This Bible was pushed by the Navigators, and everybody had to have one. In fact, these divisions are a sign of worldliness. Unless its mended, the tear gets bigger and bigger, doesnt it? The better the orator, the higher the fee, and the more disciples he will attract. The first noticeable division would be among differing denominations. A. I think that some of the ways we have failed to de-paganize is because we are still so focused on the little things that make up the church. He appeals to them in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. I would like to approach it from an evangelistic standpoint. If you will turn in your Bibles with me to John 17:20-23, I will read the passage to you. WebAccording to Paul, the communitys problems were the consequence of the Corinthians mistaken belief that they had already been exalted. I think that if you put the teachings of a man over the teachings of Scripture then you have a problem. Enter your email address to subscribe to this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email. The church at Corinth had divided loyalty to different leaders. But yet the apostle says they are to be of the same mind. When the Corinthians divided into factions, it wasnt so much about core doctrine (nature of God, nature of Christ, the Gospel, the nature of man). Luke says in Acts 4:12, And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men, by which we must be saved. The ground is level at the cross. For example, in the first section from 1:10 to 4:21, it's errors regarding division. So they were splitting and arguing and quarreling over the relative merit and authority of these various teachers.