3.13.23 - 1 Corninthians 11
Scripture
I Corinthians 11:17-18
In the following directives I have no praise for you, for your meetings do more harm than good. In the first place, I hear that when you come together as a church, there are divisions among you, and to some extent I believe it.
Observation
In this chapter, Paul is correcting the Corinthians for treating their members differently based on social class, causing division in the church. “Paul takes for granted that the church is a heterogeneous entity. His solution is not one church for the rich, another for the poor; one for Jews, another for Gentiles.” Asbury Bible Commentary
Application
The New Testament is filled with calls for unity within the church.
Colossians 3:13-14 - Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.
Philippians 2:2 - then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind.
I Cor. 1:10 - I appeal to you, brothers and sisters, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree with one another in what you say and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly united in mind and thought.
It is important that we don’t let preferential treatment, hurt feelings, or differences of opinion separate or distract us. Because when we walk in unity - in our calling, there is no limit to how God will use us!
Matthew 18:19-20 - “Again, truly I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything they ask for, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven. For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.”
Prayer
Lord, I pray that the people of DSC will remember their calling – to be streams of refreshing to Santa Clarita – to share the Good News with those who don’t know You – to show Your love to the world around us. Unite us in our purpose and use us for Your glory.
- Debbie Dunn
