LEST THE CROSS BE EMPTIED OF ITS POWER

Passage: 1Corinthians 1:10~17  

Key verse: 17


1. Agree with one another (10-12)

Paul heard that the believers were divided because they looked at themselves and their leaders from a human point of view. Paul, Apollos and Peter (Cephas) were all servants of God who sought to lead people to Christ, not to themselves. When Jesus dwells in us and rules our hearts, we can love, respect and forgive one another and be united in mind and thought. There is no other way to agree with one another.

2. Believe the gospel (13-17)

Water baptism is a declaration to the world that one is a Christian. It is a symbol of our unity with Christ. It should unite believers in the Body of Christ. But it had become divisive. Some bragged about being baptized by Paul or Peter. They thought that baptism gave them some spiritual advantage over others. But only the cross of Christ has power. It is the gospel that saves us. Human wisdom divides. When we accept Jesus' cross and preach his gospel, our human differences disappear.


Prayer: Lord, keep me under the cross of Jesus, that its power may work in me.

One Word: Preach the gospel of the cross