[1 Corinthians 11, Proverbs 13]

H – 1 Corinthians 11:18–19, “[18] For, in the first place, when you come together as a church, I hear that there are divisions among you. And I believe it in part, [19] for there must be factions among you in order that those who are genuine among you may be recognized.”

E – The Perfect Church!

A lot of people are looking for the perfect church. I wish there was one, but that will not be possible until those that have put their faith and trust in Jesus are glorified before God the Father. My Grandmother has wisely stated, “the only problem with the church is people and it’s full of them.” Boy howdy, is she right. 

It’s one thing to be and minister to imperfect people. I’ve seen my fair share of disputes and divisions. But, what Paul stated in 1 Corinthians 11 is the difference between imperfection and lostness, which consumed the church of Corinth and today. 

Think about these words, “there must be factions (anger, disputes, dissension) among you.” Paul is saying that God allowed controversy in order that the genuine spiritual quality of individual believers would be known. I’m not going to lie, I just sat in awe when I read this this morning. My heart hurts for people that are easily offended, angered, cause dissensions and divisions, and you have to walk on egg shells around. I don’t like it. Part of me wants to handle it then and reveal what’s going on and the other part wants God to just handle it victoriously without me doing or saying anything. How do you handle such things?

I remember not long ago walking through an issue. I wanted to say something so badly, but God just wouldn’t allow me to. Every time I would get ready to “handle it” a road block would come up. I reached out to a friend of mine and accountability partner and told him what was going on. Then he said these words, “Jonathan it’s ok, everybody sees the true person they are and no one is surprised.” Wow! That put it in perspective. 

So how do you handle these people and issues as a Christ follower? I believe Paul gave us a great roadmap and he used the “Lord’s Supper” to his point. 

A – 1) Remember – Remember the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Remember His body that was broken and his blood that was poured out. Every action I take should be in remembrance of Him (11:24-25).

2) Repent – Examine yourself. Turn away from sin and selfishness. Surrender anew to His Spirit and away from pride and selfishness. (11:28). 

3) Proclaim The Gospel – Proclaim The Gospel with words and action. As often as I remember Him I proclaim Him by the Gospel being active in and through my life (11:26).

4) Humbly Serve Others – I love what Paul says in V.33. Don’t rush through by going through the motions or checking of the checklist. Wait for one another. Serve Others. (11:33). 

When I remember the work of Christ and my purpose, repent of sin, proclaim the Gospel with words and actions, and humbly serve others I put my focus where it needs to be and these factious individuals reveal their true character. And, like my friend said, everyone will see it. 

R – Lord God, thank you for salvation. Thank you for direction. Thank you that you already hold the keys to victory. Lord, our battles belong to you. God, I pray that there would be a deep love among your people and that all strife and disunity would be subdued, in Jesus Name. Lord God, I pray you would bind the enemy, pour out your Spirit, bring conviction, draw people to yourself, and gloriously save. Help us to remember you and our purpose. 

In Jesus Name!