Focal Passage: 1 Corinthians 1:1-13
One of the simplest ways to identify a healthy church is to ask a simple question: Do these people genuinely enjoy being together? Every church has different personalities, preferences, and backgrounds, but there ought to be something deeper that binds God’s people together. That’s exactly what Paul reminds the Corinthians of in the opening verses of his letter.
Paul introduces himself as one “called as an apostle of Christ Jesus by God’s will” (v. 1), and then immediately reminds the Corinthians that they too have been called—“sanctified in Christ Jesus, called as saints” (v. 2). Before Paul ever addresses the problems in Corinth, he reminds them who they are. This is such an important aspect of the Christian life, who you are always comes before what you are to do. For these Corinthians, their primary identity isn’t found in their city, their background, or even their favorite preacher. They belong to Christ.
I think that’s where genuine Christian fellowship begins. Friendship in the church isn’t merely built on shared hobbies or similar personalities. It is built on a shared Savior. God has graciously called us into His family, and because we belong to Christ, we also belong to one another.
Paul then thanks God for the grace He has shown this church (vv. 4–9). That may seem surprising when you consider everything that follows in the letter. Corinth, I often say, is every pastor’s favorite church. “If you think my church is a mess, you should look at Corinth!” Yet Paul begins by celebrating God’s grace before confronting their failures. That’s a helpful reminder for us, as well. Mature believers learn to see evidence of God’s grace in one another, even while recognizing there is still room to grow.
Sadly, that fellowship had begun to fracture. Paul had received reports that quarrels were dividing the church (v. 11). Instead of rallying around Christ, believers were identifying themselves by their favorite Christian leader. Some claimed Paul. Others preferred Apollos. Others aligned with Peter. Still others claimed to be “of Christ,” likely in a way that separated themselves from everyone else (v. 12).
Paul’s response cuts right to the heart: “Is Christ divided? Was Paul crucified for you? Or were you baptized in Paul’s name?” (v. 13). The answer is obvious. Christ alone died for sinners. Christ alone deserves our ultimate loyalty. Churches today face the very same temptation. We can rally around personalities, ministry styles, traditions, or preferences. None of those things are inherently wrong, but they become dangerous when they overshadow the One who purchased the church with His own blood.
The beauty of Christian friendship is that it doesn’t require uniformity in every preference. It requires unity around the gospel. We are one because Christ has made us one. When Christ remains at the center, the church becomes exactly what God intended—a family of redeemed people who love one another, encourage one another, bear one another’s burdens, and display to the watching world the reconciling power of the gospel. A life in Christ is never meant to be lived alone. It is a life of joyful fellowship with other believers. B&R