Recipe for Unity
Listen to the Full Sermon Here:
1 Corinthians 1:10-24 // Part 3 of Messy Church. Marvelous Grace - Pastor Bill Craig
We all experience messiness in our lives—whether in relationships, families, workplaces, or even churches. The book of 1 Corinthians shows us how to find unity and grace amid the chaos.
Why Do Churches and Relationships Get Messy?
The root causes of division and messiness typically stem from:
Pride and selfishness
Failure to apply the Gospel
Idolizing people or things above Christ
Trying to solve problems without God
Paul addresses this directly in 1 Corinthians 1:10 (ESV): “I appeal to you, brothers, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be united in the same mind and the same judgment.” This plea underscores the importance of unity centered on Christ.
What Does True Unity Look Like?
Paul teaches that genuine unity:
Is centered on the Gospel, not personalities
Doesn't mean everyone must be identical
Requires humility and grace
Must have Jesus as the foundation
In 1 Corinthians 1:12-13 (ESV), Paul highlights a common source of division: “What I mean is that each one of you says, 'I follow Paul,' or 'I follow Apollos,' or 'I follow Cephas,' or 'I follow Christ.' Is Christ divided?” This passage reminds us that unity is found by focusing solely on Christ.
How Does the Gospel Create Unity?
The Gospel unifies by:
Humbling us equally as sinners saved by grace
Making Christ supreme, not human leaders
Breaking down walls between different groups
Providing power for transformation
Paul declares in 1 Corinthians 1:18 (ESV): “For the word of the cross is folly to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.” The Gospel provides the power to heal divisions and bring true unity.
Common Sources of Division to Watch For
Political differences
Generational gaps
Cultural barriers
Personal preferences about worship styles
Relationship conflicts
Pride and self-righteousness
In 1 Corinthians 1:23-24 (ESV), Paul contrasts worldly divisions: “But we preach Christ crucified, a stumbling block to Jews and folly to Gentiles, but to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God.” The Gospel transcends these differences, calling us to unity in Christ.
Life Application
This week, examine your life for areas of division and disunity:
Are you holding onto pride or preferences that divide rather than unite?
Have you brought worldly divisions into church relationships?
Are you placing other things above Christ as idols?
Where do you need to apply the Gospel to bring healing and unity?
Questions for Reflection
What relationships in your life need the unifying power of the Gospel?
Are you following human leaders more than Christ?
How can you promote unity rather than division this week?
What "idols" do you need to remove to make more room for Christ?
The key is remembering that Christ specializes in bringing unity out of messes through His marvelous grace. As Paul reminds us in 1 Corinthians 1:24 (ESV), Christ is "the power of God and the wisdom of God." Return to the Gospel daily and let it transform your relationships and heart.