The Problem of Cliques in the Church

 Sabbath School

First and Second Corinthians 

Unity in Christ

Lesson 3 - Sunday

Christ Is Not Divided

Scripture Reading: 1 Corinthians 1:12–17

The church in Corinth was facing a serious problem. Believers were dividing themselves into groups based on their favorite leaders. Some said they followed Paul, others Apollos, others Peter, and some claimed to follow Christ alone. What should have been a united body of believers had become a collection of competing factions.

Paul responds with a series of powerful questions: “Is Christ divided? Was Paul crucified for you? Or were you baptized in the name of Paul?” (1 Corinthians 1:13). The answer is obvious. No human leader died for our sins. No pastor, teacher, evangelist, or church member can save us. Christ alone was crucified for us, and Christ alone deserves our highest loyalty.

Paul's questions expose how absurd it is to build cliques around human leaders. While godly leaders are gifts to the church, they were never meant to replace Christ as the center of our faith. When personalities become more important than principles, and when loyalty to individuals outweighs loyalty to Jesus, division is inevitable.

The problem of contention is not limited to Corinth. Human nature still gravitates toward forming camps and choosing sides. We may align ourselves with certain pastors, ministries, theological viewpoints, or social circles within the church. Yet whenever these loyalties create barriers between believers, we are moving away from God's ideal of unity.

The seriousness of this issue becomes even clearer when we examine other passages that mention the Greek word eris, translated as "strife," "contention," or "quarreling." In Romans 1:29, contention is listed among the sins of a rebellious humanity. Romans 13:13 places strife alongside drunkenness and sexual immorality. In 1 Corinthians 3:3, jealousy and strife are evidence of spiritual immaturity. In 2 Corinthians 12:20, strife appears with jealousy, anger, selfish ambition, slander, and arrogance. Galatians 5:20 includes it among the works of the flesh that oppose the work of God's Spirit.

These lists reveal something important: God does not view contention as a minor weakness or harmless disagreement. Strife is often the visible symptom of deeper sins such as pride, selfishness, envy, and a desire for personal recognition. It damages relationships, weakens the witness of the church, and distracts believers from the mission Christ has given them.

Paul's solution is simple yet profound: focus on Christ and His cross. He reminds the Corinthians that he was sent not to promote himself but to preach the gospel. The cross humbles human pride because it reminds us that every believer stands on equal ground before God. We are all sinners saved by grace. At the foot of the cross, there is no room for boasting, rivalry, or competition.

When Christ becomes our focus, divisions begin to fade. We learn to appreciate different gifts and ministries without elevating one above another. We recognize that all faithful workers are serving the same Savior and advancing the same kingdom. Unity is not found in agreeing on every detail but in surrendering together to Jesus.

Today, let us examine our hearts. Are we fostering unity or contributing to division? Are we more concerned with defending our preferred group than with lifting up Christ? May we remember that the church belongs to Jesus, not to any human leader. He alone was crucified for us, and He alone deserves our allegiance.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank You for sending Jesus to die for our sins and unite us into one family through His grace. Forgive us for the pride, jealousy, and selfishness that often create division among Your people. Help us keep our eyes fixed on Christ rather than on human leaders or personal preferences. Fill us with humility, love, and a spirit of unity. Teach us to value one another as members of Your body and to work together for the advancement of Your kingdom. May the cross of Christ remain at the center of our faith, our worship, and our relationships. In Jesus' name, Amen.

More on Lesson 3: Unity in Christ 

3rd Quarter Sabbath School: 1st and 2nd Corinthians