@michiekaenock: 10 Points from this week’s lesson 1. “Jesus Christ and Him crucified” (1 Cor 2 v.2) was Paul’s message to the Corinthians and was the core of last week’s lesson – demonstrating that what is considered a shame to those who perish is salvation to those who are saved. This week we learn that Christ and Him crucified is the foundation of our unity (1 Cor 1 vs.10-17). 2. Paul began his letter to the Church in Corinth with an urgent appeal for believers to be united in mind and purpose because the church was divided around personalities, with some following Paul, others Apollos, Peter, or claimed allegiance to Christ alone. Paul then reminds them that no human leader died for their salvation; only Christ was crucified for them. 3. The cross levels and reconciles all believers, including leaders, the rich, educated, or those considered of higher status (1 Cor 1 vs.18-31). It removes every basis for boasting and competition. Consequently, a church that truly understands the cross will become a community marked by humility, equality, and mutual respect – leading to unity. 4. If the cross levels all, what then, asks Paul, are leaders such as himself and Apollos (1 Cor 3 vs.5-9)? Is Paul’s intention here to plant a seed of disrespecting church leaders? Paul argues that a spiritual gift is not a contest for influence but a stewardship for service. Unity flourishes when believers celebrate one another’s contribution, whether one has a role of a leader in church or not. 5. Paul repeatedly emphasises that although people labour faithfully, only God produces spiritual growth and thus Him alone deserves the glory (1 Cor 3 vs.6-7). This truth protects the church from elevating servants into spaces reserved for Christ. Successful ministries, growing congregations, and transformed lives are ultimately evidence of God’s power. 6. Paul explains that Christian leaders should all be regarded as servants of Christ and stewards entrusted with God’s mysteries (1 Cor 4 vs.1-5). He discouraged divisions caused by comparing leaders or favouritism towards certain personalities and reminded believers that ultimate judgement belongs to God alone. Does this mean leaders’ performance should not be evaluated? 7. The Corinthians had become proud, believing themselves spiritually superior. Yet such pride fuels divisions because it elevates self above others. Paul counselled them that having the mind of Christ (1 Cor 2 v.16) is a cure for divisions and reorientation towards service not fame. Also, Paul demonstrated that gratitude replaces pride and creates a spirit of mutual appreciation. 8. Paul also addressed their pride, not with a spirit of shaming them but to guide them as beloved children. He urged them to imitate his example because his life reflected Christ (1 Cor 4 vs.14-21). To what extent can modern preachers, leaders and servants of God address known sins of church members in a spirit such as that demonstrated by Paul? 9. When spiritual leaders model humility, integrity, and servant leadership rather than seeking power or prestige, it becomes possible to point out sins gently as did Paul while maintaining unity (1 Cor 4 vs 13). Rather than presenting impressive credentials, Paul points to hardship, persecution and sacrificial service as the marks of authentic apostleship (2 Cor 11 vs.23–28; Col 1 vs.24). 10. Paul presents a consistent message that unity in the church is rooted in Christ alone (1 Cor 1-4). Divisions arise from pride, allegiance to personalities, worldly thinking, and self-promotion. Unity is restored when believers centre their identify on the cross and attribute ministerial success to God alone. Next week we study about the sin in Corinth.

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Friday 17 July 2026 05:59:10 GMT