Devotional 1 Corinthians 1: The Unity of the Church and Christ Reflection on 1 Corinthians 1: the call to avoid divisions among believers and why the wisdom of God surpasses worldly logic. Topics: Devotional, New Testament.

Devotional 1 Corinthians 1: The Unity of the Church and Christ

Today’s devotional is found in the book of 1 Corinthians, chapter 1, and this was what happened.

Synopsis: In this chapter, Paul writes a letter addressed to the Corinthians, explaining to them that there should be no divisions in the church (i.e., among themselves) and that Jesus Christ is, for Christians, the wisdom and power of God.

Observations

These were my observations.

1. There should be no divisions in the church. Paul warns the Christian brothers and sisters in Corinth not to divide themselves over religiosity. For they were arguing and separating into disciple factions—that is, some identified with Paul, others with Apollos, Cephas, or Christ. When the goal is for everyone to be united in Christ (1 Corinthians 1:10–13). For the era when we were divided into religions has passed, because Jesus Christ came to offer salvation to everyone (Jews, Gentiles, atheists, etc.) who believes in Him as their Lord and Savior (John 3:16). And this is something that still happens today. There are people who identify as Christians, but they all subscribe to different denominations, and sometimes we waste more time arguing among ourselves over matters of religiosity than uniting in Christ to spread the gospel (Mark 16:15). However, there is no problem in having minor differences on secondary issues since this has to do with individual differences among people, as long as we agree on the core doctrines. In this way, we can have some differences in methodology and church organization without division among brothers and without altering the doctrine and commandments of Christ. That is to say, united in purpose, but divided on small, inconsequential details that do not affect core doctrine.
2. Jesus Christ is, for Christians, the wisdom and power of God. This is an observation that is a bit difficult to understand. But what Paul means by this is that for the world, the gospel of Christ is foolishness and human knowledge and wisdom seem more sensible. However, they are mistaken, for to God they are the foolish ones for clinging to worldly wisdom (1 Corinthians 1:18, 22–25). Because God sent Jesus Christ to save us from our sins through His crucifixion and demonstrated His true Power by raising Him from the dead (Matthew 28:5–6). This validates everything Jesus Christ preached and prophesied (Matthew 16:21). In other words, if someone prophesies that they will die and rise again in three days, and actually does it, then that person has far more wisdom and knowledge about the world than we do. For to us, it is impossible to break the laws of nature (e.g., gravity), let alone resurrect someone or ourselves. Therefore, for the Christian, our wisdom begins with belief in Jesus Christ and God. For They know more about the mysteries of the universe than we do and have the Power to do what is impossible for us.