No Splitting Up – Stay Together!
Paul opens his very first letter to the Corinthians with a plea – almost a begging – for unity. Before he teaches them anything else, he says: please, stop dividing! The first problem he addresses in this whole letter is that people in the church were splitting into rival groups.
What Does This Mean?
The Corinthians were dividing themselves based on which leader they liked best – some said they followed Paul, others Apollos, others Peter, others “Christ.” Paul is frustrated because this misses the whole point. Unity isn’t about agreeing on every detail or loving the same style of worship – it’s about being anchored in Jesus together. When that center is shared, unity is possible. When it’s replaced by personal preferences and loyalty to leaders, division grows.
Hero Challenge
Is there a group you’re part of – a class, a team, a friend group – that has some tension or division right now? This week, refuse to take sides or add fuel to the drama. Instead, find one thing everyone agrees on and see if you can build a bridge from there. Be the peacemaker.
Did You Know?
Corinth was one of the most cosmopolitan and diverse cities in the Roman Empire – a crossroads of culture, commerce, and ideas. It was also known for its love of philosophy and debating. The Corinthian believers brought their culture’s love of argument and celebrity loyalty into the church, creating factions. Paul’s whole letter is a long, passionate response to that tendency.
Ages 4-6: Little Hero Question
Have you ever seen a group of friends split up because of an argument? How did that feel, and what could have helped?
Ages 7-9: Growing Hero Question
Paul says divisions shouldn’t exist in God’s family. Why do you think unity is so important to God?
Ages 10-13: Champion Question
The Corinthians were dividing over which human leader they preferred. What modern equivalents of this exist today – and how can we stay anchored to Christ rather than to human personalities or opinions?
