The Problem of Cliques in the Church | Sunday | July 12

Sunday — July 12: The Problem of Cliques in the Church

Bible Focus

• 1 Corinthians 1:10–17
• Romans 1:29
• Romans 13:13
• 1 Corinthians 3:3
• 2 Corinthians 12:20
• Galatians 5:20

Spirit of Prophecy Focus

• The Acts of the Apostles, pp. 317–319

Summary

• God wants His church to be united in Christ. Division weakens the church and harms its witness.
• The believers in Corinth formed groups around their favorite leaders. They focused on people instead of Christ.
• Paul reminded them that no human leader died to save them. Only Jesus was crucified for their sins.
• The church belongs to Christ alone. Every believer should find their identity in Him.
• Contention and division often lead to other sins. They destroy love, peace, and trust among God’s people.
• Pride and personal preferences can quietly create divisions in any church. We should guard our hearts against these attitudes.
• Unity does not mean everyone is the same. It means we are joined together in Christ and His truth.
• When we keep Jesus at the center, our differences become smaller. His love helps us serve one another with humility.
• A united church reflects God’s character. It also becomes a stronger witness to the world.

Question

• Why did Paul warn the believers against forming groups around church leaders?

Answer

• Because the church belongs to Christ, and all believers should be united in Him instead of following people.

Reflection

• Am I helping to build unity in my church, or am I allowing pride and personal preferences to create division?

Takeaway

• Keep your eyes on Jesus. When Christ is at the center, His people can worship, serve, and grow together in unity.