Scripture passage: 1 Corinthians 1

This week Pastor Ryan began a new series from the book of 1 Cornthians called “Navigating the Messy Stuff.” Living in unity is the precursor to all the other messages in 1 Corinthians. In the midst of all the mess that was going on in Corinth, Paul begins with a major call to unity.

Unity is not union nor is it the same thing as uniformity or unanimity.

We should all know how important unity is, but we often fail to see how our own attitudes and actions can hinder the unity in our families, churches, workplaces, schools and neighborhoods.

When am I in danger of disrupting unity?

1. Position Pride — When my primary concerns are anything but the Gospel. Read 1 Cor. 1:12-17

• What’s the solution to this symptom? Relationships. Specifically, restoring relationships that have been severed.

2. Intellectual Pride — When I start to think no one can know Christ unless they’re as smart as me. Read 1 Cor. 1:18-19

• What’s the solution to this symptom? Always go back to the simplicity of the Gospel. Reduce your statement of faith to that which a third grader can understand. Spend as much time in prayer and service and community as you do in study. Study is important, but Jesus is paramount.

3. Righteous Pride — When I start to think I deserved my access to God. Read 1 Cor. 1:26-31

• What’s the solution to this symptom? Humility through seeking the needs of others and reaching out to the spiritually lost.

Questions:

• Where do you currently see disunity in your life? Do you see any of the symptoms Pastor Rush mentioned?

• What is your statement of faith? Could a third grader understand it? Why would the simplicity of such a statement of faith be important?

• Do you have any severed relationships? When was the last time you prayed for that person and your relationship? Pray. Ask God to help bring unity and give you wisdom and guidance to repair any disunity.

Lastly, please remember to pray for your brothers and sisters at Kingsland. Pray God would continue to bless us with a spirit of unity in all things.