Corinthian Identity Crisis

 By: Dr. Dale Weckbacher

 

Text: 1 Corinthians 1

 

1 Corinthians 1:10

I appeal to you, brothers,^[a] 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.

(ESV)

 

With this posting, we begin a study of the book of 1 Corinthians. The Church in Corinth was a troubled Church. In 1 Corinthians 1, Paul addresses the problem of divisions in the Church with a reminder of Christ as the wisdom and power of God.

 

Individuals can find their identity in many things. We can find our identity in our race, gender, sexual preference, or our political party. The problem with finding one’s primary identity in race, gender, or political party is that they tend to become divisive with one believing they are superior to others (Romans 12:3). One finding his or her identity in sexual preference can lead to sexual promiscuity if their sexual preference is contrary to the Biblical principle of marriage between a man and a woman within the context of marriage (Genesis 1:27, 2:24). One can also experience disappointment when they find their primary identity in good things like their children, spouse, career, and even religion. Only one having an identity in Christ will experience eternal life free from condemnation (John 3:16-17).

 

Paul begins his letter to the Corinthians with a greeting praying for grace and peace from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ (1 Corinthians 1:1-3). Paul then gives thanks to God for the grace God has given the Church in Christ Jesus with the Church enriched in all speech and knowledge (1 Corinthians 1:4-5). The Church lacks no gift as their testimony about Christ is confirmed among them while they wait for the return of Christ (1 Corinthians 1:6-7). Paul reminds the Church that God is faithful and will sustain them to the end, guiltless in Christ (1 Corinthians 1:8-9).

 

Paul then addresses the problem of divisions in the Church, brought to his attention by Chloe’s people. The divisions are the result of some in the Church claiming to follow Paul, others following Apollos, others following Cephas, and others following Christ (1 Corinthians 1:10-12). To address this issue, Paul asks them whether Christ is divided, whether Paul was crucified for them, or if they were baptized in the name of Paul (1 Corinthians 1:13). Paul then reminds them that the only members of the Church he baptized were Crispus, Gaius, and the household of Stephanas (1 Corinthians 1:14-16). Paul reminds the Church that he was not called to baptize but to preach the Gospel with salvation coming through the power of the Cross of Christ (1 Corinthians 1:17).

 

Paul reminds the Church that the message of the power of the cross of Christ is foolishness to the lost but the power of God to those saved by its power (1 Corinthians 1:18-19). Salvation is not found in the wisdom, scribes (authors), or debaters in the world with God saving people through the folly of the preaching of the Gospel (1 Corinthians 1:20-21). The stumbling block for the Jews and folly for the Greeks is the message of Christ crucified (1 Corinthians 1:22-23). However, this message is not folly to those that believe but the power and wisdom of God, wiser and stronger than the wisdom of men (1 Corinthians 1:24-25).

 

Paul asks the Corinthians to consider their calling. While they are not wise by worldly standards or of noble birth, God has chosen them to proclaim what is foolish and weak to the world to declare the wisdom and power of God (1 Corinthians 1:26-27). God has chosen what is considered low and despised in the world so no human being can boast in the presence of God (1 Corinthians 1:28-29). The believers in Corinth are in Christ Jesus possessing wisdom from God, righteousness, sanctification, and redemption so they can boast not in themselves but in the Lord (1 Corinthians 1:30-31).

 

There are divisions in the Corinthian Church based upon their finding their identity in those preaching the Gospel to them instead of Christ Jesus. The Gospel is possible through the death burial and resurrection of Christ with men like Paul and Apollos, messengers preaching the message of the Gospel (1 Corinthians 1:11-17). Salvation is not the result of our works or the works of any person other than the person of the sinless Lamb of God, Jesus Christ, and God’s grace (2 Corinthians 5:21; Ephesians 2:8-9). The identity of one placing their faith in Jesus as their Savior is not in the messenger presenting the Gospel to them but in the sinless Lamb of God who offered his life to forgive their sins.

 

The world is in an identity crisis, seeking its identity in created things of the world instead of the creator. God created Adam and Eve, breathing his Spirit into Adam with Eve sharing in the indwelling of the Spirit through her creation from the rib of Adam (Genesis 2:7, 21-22). Unfortunately, Man lost his Godly identity through disobedience (Genesis 3). Fortunately, God graciously sent His son, the spotless Lamb of God to die for their sins (2 Corinthians 5:21). Belief in Jesus as Lord of our lives and profession of our belief in the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ saves and restores our identity in Christ. This restoration of a Godly identity is what a world in darkness needs. If you are reading this and do not have a relationship with Christ, I urge you to pray with me now to resolve your identity crisis through a personal relationship with God through Christ

 

Dear Lord Jesus, I know I have sinned (Romans 3:23) and know that the penalty for my sin is death (Romans 6:23).  I ask you to forgive me of my sin and cleanse me as you promise in your Word (1 John 1:9).  I believe you died, spent three days in the grave, and resurrected from the dead and now declare you Lord of my life.

 

May God challenge and bless everyone reading this post.