The Essentials

Last week, we looked at the opening greeting of Paul’s letter to the Corinthians. He began by reminding them of their shared identity in Christ. Now, Paul begins to address the problems in the church and how their behavior does not align with the position they share in Christ. In 1 Corinthians 1:10–31, he confronts the divisions within the church. Paul reminds them that it is easy to drift into factions when personalities and preferences become more important than Jesus. The answer to division is unity around their shared commitment to the gospel. The cross levels the playing field, reminding us that we are all saved the same way—by God’s grace through faith in Christ alone. Hold firm to the essentials and hold loosely to the rest!