No Other Foundation

Bethel Mennonite Church - Gladys VA

Many of us have often wished we could read a letter from Paul “to the Church at Gladys.” Although that is, unfortunately, impossible, we can learn from the circumstances, struggles, and successes of the Corinthian church and apply it to our own situation here. 1 Corinthians begins with Paul praising God for the many rich blessings the Corinthians have in Christ and serves as a reminder to us that there is always something to be grateful for in the lives of fellow believers.

Paul quickly identifies the chief problem of the Corinthian church: they lack unity. There are a number of reasons given throughout the first four chapters for the church’s division: loyalty to certain teachers over others (1 Cor. 1:10-17), a reliance on man’s wisdom rather than on God’s wisdom (1 Cor. 1:18-31, 2:1-5), their carnality and immaturity (1 Cor. 3:1-4), an emphasis on the work of some men over others apart from the work of God (1 Cor. 5-17), and their boasting of their gifts given to them by God (1 Cor. 3:18-23).

Fortunately, we can learn from Paul’s example. Paul was compelled by the Spirit to tell the Jews that Jesus is the Christ; he was led by the Spirit and not selfish ambition (Acts 18:5). Additionally, throughout his letter to the Corinthians there are several things Paul does to encourage unity among fellow believers: he did not keep score (1 Cor. 1:16), he did not use excellence of speech, persuasive words, or human wisdom in his preaching (1 Cor. 2:1,4), he acknowledged the contribution of others like Apollos (1 Cor. 3:6), he recognized his work in relation to the work of God (1 Cor. 3:7), he recognized Christ as the foundation on which he built (1 Cor. 3:11), he looked to the Lord for his praise rather than to men (1 Cor. 4:4), he was a servant, willing to be foolish, weak, dishonored, hungry, thirsty, poorly clothed, beaten, homeless, laboring. Reviled, persecuted, and defamed for the sake of Christ and the Gospel (1 Cor. 4: 1, 10-13), and he showed no jealousy or envy, but strongly urged Apollos to visit the Corinthians (1 Cor. 16:12).

There are things that we can do to help foster unity in our local church. We should start by examining our relationship with God – Are we abiding in Christ, yielding to the Holy Spirit? What attitudes are evident in my life? Is it envy, jealousy, and self-seeking? Or, am I displaying the wisdom of above that is pure, peaceable, willing to yield, without partiality or hypocrisy? If it is only our common heritage, hobbies, politics, or occupations that unite us with others, our church will not weather much adversity. An abiding, growing relationship with Christ is what will connect us to other believers on a deep, spiritual level.

We can also examine our relationships in the home – Do I love my wife and family as I should? Do I love my siblings as I should? Is there unity in my home? Next, we can examine our relationships within the church – Can I appreciate the successful work of others? Do I often compare myself with others? Do I care more about how I look in my church than how Jesus looks in my church? Do I care more about a building and numbers than about the spiritual condition of my brother or sister? Do I care more about doing church my way than about my brother or sister? Finally, we should examine how we relate to Christians outside of our local congregation – Can I be firm in my convictions, committed to my brotherhood, and yet humble enough to admit that I can learn from others? Can I acknowledge the contribution and success of those whose methods may be different from my own?

The results of church unity identify us as Jesus’ disciples and serve as a witness that Jesus’ was sent by God (John 13:35, John 17:20-21). The church is a welcoming, beautiful temple that radiates the glory of God when we are built on the Lord Jesus Christ, recognize God’s indispensable work, are united in the spirit, and when we love each other enough to serve one another.

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