Episode 2818 - Lesson 3 - Sunday July 12 - The Problem of Cliques in the Church

The Problem of Cliques in the ChurchPaul's appeal that "there be no divisions among you, but that you be united in the same mind and the same judgment" (1 Cor. 1:10, ESV) dominates the first four chapters of 1 Corinthians. In fact, most scholars agree that unity is the all-encompassing theme that binds all the parts of the letter together.Read 1 Corinthians 1:12-17. How does this passage help us understand how absurd it is to form cliques around local leaders? What is Paul's solution?Paul employs strong words to portray the lack of unity among the church members in Corinth. He uses the Greek terms schisma ("division," 1 Cor. 1:10, NKJV) and eris ("contention," 1 Cor. 1:11, NKJV). The noun schisma (as well as the verb schizō, "to split") is used elsewhere in the New Testament to describe differences of opinion resulting in factions. In turn, the noun eris ("contention") frequently appears in lists of vices that must not be practiced by Christians.Read Romans 1:29, Romans 13:13, 1 Corinthians 3:3, 2 Corinthians 12:20, and Galatians 5:20. What other sins are listed along with eris ("contention," "strife")? What does this tell us about how bad it is?The disagreements in the church of Corinth came to the surface--even in the form of lawsuits against one another (1 Cor. 6:1-3). "I say this to your shame," Paul told them (1 Cor. 6:5, NKJV) concerning these lawsuits between church members. In fact, they didn't lay aside their differences even when celebrating the Lord's Supper (1 Cor. 11:17-22).The problem of lack of unity among church members is so terrifying, and Paul is so worried about it, that this is the first issue he addresses in this letter to the Corinthians.Read again 1 Corinthians 1:12-27. Then reflect on how this passage helps us understand why cliques are so dangerous to the unity of the church. What can your local church do in order to avoid this problem?