Scripture

For we are God’s servants working together; you are God’s field, God’s building.

Observation

Paul was not able to feed the Corinthians solid food because they were acting like people of the flesh, as infants in Christ.

The sign of their immaturity is the fighting and jealousy amongst them. They have split into camps claiming to follow different leaders.

Paul points out that he and Apollos are just servants of the Lord called to different roles in the Body of Christ. They work together for God, not in competition.

Application

Unity in the Spirit within the church is a basic sign of maturity according to Paul. From this judgement nearly all christians in the West are of the flesh because the church is so fragmented.

There is nothing wrong with having multiple congregations in a town or neighbourhood. The problem comes when a congregation thinks of itself as the only true expression of the church, or when congregations compete for followers.

Division within a faith community is even more destructive. To prefer one leader over another is to play into the hands of satan who, loves to bring division into the Body.

We must always keep our eyes on Jesus the true shepherd of the flock.

Prayer

Lord Jesus please bring the church to a true place of unity where we recognise your presence in all congregations and your Spirit in all believers. Amen.