God called Paul to Corinth to teach the church what it is to live a sacrificial life. These were people of self-sufficient. They were a lot like Americans in the way that even the poor have it a lot easier than most people in other countries. The church was believers, but they needed to be taught a different way of living that required unity and relying on each other.
The Christian life doesn't always come naturally. It was a life of sacrifice in God's name. It is a life living accountable to God through being accountable to the community. This means that division can destroy not only the church, but the community. It also means that the community has to hold you accountable if you are living outside of God's laws. Paul was demonstrating this lifestyle and explaining why it is important.
To live as a community of Christians it begins with how you speak. Use your words to enrich each other and knowledge to help each other grow. You can tell hard truths, but if you do it in humble love then it will be received well. It requires grace and desire for peace.
Use your words to give your testimony in an aspect where other people can relate. Your testimony could be the door for someone to come to Jesus. It confirms your salvation and reveals your spiritual gifts in which you should not be lacking. Trust that Jesus will keep you strong to live a blameless and faithful life of fellowship.
As a Christian community decide not to live divisively. It only makes you weaker. You may not like everyone, but do your best to live in harmony with them. It is okay for people to have a different perspective. Talk through the issues without anger or hostility. Be open to learn where they are coming from if you want them to hear you too.
Focus on having the same understanding and conviction about Jesus to find unity. Having different denominations does not make one person less of a Christian than another. It is just different preferences on how to worship.
Paul went to Corinth to preach truth, not follow custom or rituals or ceremony. Baptism does not mean anything if you are not a genuine Christian. There is an order to it. Faith, Salvation, baptism, spiritual gifts, learning, and then going out to make more disciples. It takes wisdom not to skip any of the steps. It takes powerful wisdom to go out into the world to make a difference.
The power of salvation comes from the cross and the empty tomb. Worldly wisdom will only lead to frustration, disappointment, and foolish behavior. It may work for a while, but not forever. Wisdom from God is eternal and it all begins with Jesus.
God will use small (humble) people to shame the wise (arrogant). He will use the weak to shame the strong. We are never meant to boast about what God has provided for us. All we have is a gift. It can be taken away at any moment. Instead boast about what God does in your life to bring Him glory. This will build on the wisdom that He gives you. With wisdom you learn righteousness, holiness, and redemption.
1 Corinthians 1
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