The Corinthian Church was a church plagued by many problems. One of these problems is the issue of divisions within the church. They seem to be quarrelling based on who had baptised them. They’re drawing boundaries and rivalries on the grounds of who they follow. Perhaps they’re looking to get some kind of spiritual kudos from the leader that they’re most connected.

In verse 9 Paul reminded the Corinthians that they have been called into fellowship with the Lord Jesus. And it’s on that basis he now makes his appeal that they “all agree” (v. 10)—that they are united, and put these divisions to bed. Because Christ is not divided! They follow the one Lord, the one Saviour. They are one family, united in their Lord.

More than that, he reminds them it is only Jesus who died for them. Paul can’t save them. Neither can anyone or anything else.

As we’ll see in the coming verses, these are not just petty quarrels that take place for no reason. These divisions spring from something serious: they are viewing life upside down. They are looking for meaning and value in people and experiences, and not in the cross of Christ.

That’s why Paul doesn’t preach the gospel “with words of eloquent wisdom, lest the cross of Christ be emptied of its power” (v. 17). Paul doesn’t want people to look to him. He wants them to look to Jesus.

It’s Jesus who saves them—and so it’s the cross therefore that is central to their faith. This is the central truth that Paul implores them to agree on. If they keep their eyes on the cross, then they won’t get distracted by silly divisions on meaningless grounds.

We can all fall into exactly the same trap that the Corinthians had fallen into. When we take our eyes off Jesus, what things or people—as good as they might be—are we tempted to elevate above their proper position?

Maybe we’re not likely to actually say “I follow John Piper” (for example) rather than “I follow Jesus”. We know better than that! …or do we? Sinful thinking can often be sneaky.

What famous preachers or well-connected Christians do you know and then slip into conversation?

How do we define who is on the inside or outside of our Christian ‘tribe’?

What is it that can make you feel superior or inferior as a Christian?

Let’s thank God for the good gifts he gives his church, including our leaders. Most of all, let’s keep our eyes on Jesus and his cross, and not let anything else define us and our faith. We can thank God for the most meaningful gift of all, that like the Corinthians, in spite of all our failings, we are safe in Christ forever!

Heavenly Father, thank you for the many good gifts you have given our church. Thank you for the leaders you have given us. Please help us to keep our eyes on Jesus and his Cross and not be quarrelsome or let anything else define us or our faith. Amen.

Kirsten McKinlay is a member of the EQUIP Committee and edits for the Australian Church Record (ACR). She and her husband Dan are originally from Scotland and they currently serve God’s people at South Head Anglican Parish in Sydney.

1 Corinthians 1: 10 - 17 A quarrelsome bunch