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"Is Christ divided?"

Text: 1 Corinthians 1:13

ADDRESSING PROBLEMS

The fact is that there will always be problems in life. Problems in the church must also be anticipated. Problems may be more easily resolved if they are attended to rather than ignored or just avoided.

“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.’
Is Christ divided? Was Paul crucified for you?
Or were you baptised in the name of Paul?”
1 Corinthians 1:12-13

1. “Now I say this”

a) Chloe’s household had done its part in informing the Apostle Paul.

b) Paul must have carefully studied the information given.

c) He was now able to give his view on the subject of “contentions”.

2. Four factions identified particularly

a) Paul’s group

b) Apollos’ group

c) Cephas’ group (Peter)

d) Christ’s group

3. The use of effective rhetorical questions

a) “Is Christ divided”

i) The answer was an obvious “No!”

ii) But the Church was now in danger of being divided!

iii) How could anyone claim that this was the right approach to take?

b) Mention of Paul’s name

i) Paul singled out the group that employed his name.

ii) Paul was certainly not proud or pleased that there was a group that used his name.

c) Two particular rhetorical questions raised:

i) Was Paul crucified for you?

ii) Were you baptised in the name of Paul?

iii) The answer to both these questions must be a resounding “No!”

These factions, could not be praised! A strong word of rebuke was necessary and Paul gave it!