By Charles Stanley
1 Corinthians 1:4-10
Standing Together in a Deceitful World
1 Corinthians 1:4-10
As believers indwelt by the Holy Spirit, we all belong to God¯s family and have a special relationship with one another. We are spiritual brothers and sisters, called by God to live in loving agreement with one another.
Unity in the church occurs when believers live in submission to the Holy Spirit and let Him control attitudes, emotions, and actions. By surrendering the °outward things± that we value about our churchªsuch as its worship style, appearance, and programs offeredªwe position ourselves to be in one accord with our fellow believers. How can we learn to lay aside our own goals and preferences in order to help our spiritual family? By remembering how precious we are to the Lord and how important others are to Him as well.
Not only is the concept of surrender vital for unity; it is also a key element of love. Biblical loveªin Greek, agapeªwillingly sacrifices so that someone else might benefit. It is the °super glue± that keeps the body of Christ together and enables us to put the interests of others ahead of our own. (Colossians 3:14)
Furthermore, within any fellowship, there exists a variety of opinions on many different topics. Diligence and cooperation, along with lots of loveªa divinely given fruit of the Spiritªare necessary to preserve the peace. (Ephesians 4:3; Galatians 5:22-23)
As believers indwelt by the Holy Spirit, we all belong to God¯s family and have a special relationship with one another. We are spiritual brothers and sisters, called by God to live in loving agreement with one another.
Unity in the church occurs when believers live in submission to the Holy Spirit and let Him control attitudes, emotions, and actions. By surrendering the °outward things± that we value about our churchªsuch as its worship style, appearance, and programs offeredªwe position ourselves to be in one accord with our fellow believers. How can we learn to lay aside our own goals and preferences in order to help our spiritual family? By remembering how precious we are to the Lord and how important others are to Him as well.
Not only is the concept of surrender vital for unity; it is also a key element of love. Biblical loveªin Greek, agapeªwillingly sacrifices so that someone else might benefit. It is the °super glue± that keeps the body of Christ together and enables us to put the interests of others ahead of our own. (Colossians 3:14)
Furthermore, within any fellowship, there exists a variety of opinions on many different topics. Diligence and cooperation, along with lots of loveªa divinely given fruit of the Spiritªare necessary to preserve the peace. (Ephesians 4:3; Galatians 5:22-23)
Used with Permission
