CHRIST CRUCIFIED – I Corinthians 1:11-31 – 2-4-24

Providence Community Church

What was to be the basis for the same mind and judgment that would establish the unifying principle among believers in Corinth? Paul had received reports of schism within the church. Factions were developing around various burgeoning ministries in the early days of Christianity. This tendency likely mirrored worldly trends at the time. Greco/Roman sophisticates would often devote themselves to various philosophers who sought a following in competition with, and at the exclusion of, other academics. On this model, each teacher was presumed to be an island of authority unto themselves. Paul rejects this mindset and directs the attention of his readers to the authoritative message of the cross. By this standard teachers are verified and unity of the faith is established. In the end, these reforms will serve to glorify the Lord rather than foster a celebrity class within the church. Upon the true gospel, no mere human being has grounds for boasting, rather Paul reminds us of these words from Jeremiah 9: “Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord.” Verse 11 introduces the first of the issues Paul writes to address. He has heard reports of infighting at Corinth. What does he prescribe for this infection within the body of Christ? Our text answers.