1. Unity: Follow Christ, Not Men 1 Corinthians 1:10-16

2. UNITY: Defining trait of God’s people “Please let there be no strife between you and me…for we are brethren” (Gen 13:8). Prophesied, Isa 11:6-9 (peace); Ezek 34:23-25 (Jno 10:14-16) Prayed for, Jno 17:20-21 Preached, Eph 4:1-6; Phil 2:1-2 Practiced, Acts 4:32; 9:31 2

3. UNITY: Defining trait of God’s people The church of Christ is ravaged by division! Due to false teaching, Acts 15:1-2; 1 Jno 2:18-19 Due to carnality, 1 Cor 3:1-3; 4:6 Due to selfish ambition, Phil 2:3 –cf. Apostles, Mark 9:33-35; 10:35-45; Luke 22:24-27; John 13:3-5 3

4. UNITY: Defining trait of God’s people Unity does not just happen, Eph 4:3 Unity requires… –Devoted, humble hearts –Hard work –Endurance –Love for God, truth and brethren 4

5. A PLEA FOR UNITY 1 COR 1:10 (2 COR 13:11) 5

6. Speak the Same Thing, 1 Col 1:10 Gospel of Christ, 2 Tim 4:2-4; Eph 4:4-6 Be mended together, Phil 2:2 –Same mind and judgment –Mind of Christ (humility), Phil 2:5-8 –Word of Christ in heart, Col 3:16 –Be a servant and not one who must be served, Matt 20:28 6

7. I HEAR THAT THERE ARE CONTENTIONS AMONG YOU 1 COR 1:11-15 (11:18) 7

8. Following men divides, 1 Cor 1:12-13 Christ is not divided, Eph 4:4; 2:14-18 No one but Christ was crucified for you You were not baptized in the name of any man Following men causes envy, strife and divisions, 1 Cor 3:3; Gal 5:20-21,13-15 8

9. AMONG INDIAN BRETHREN -IDENTIFY IT -ADDRESS IT -CORRECT IT 9 DIVISION IN INDIA

10. Identifying Division in India Liberalism in churches of Christ  Director System breeds competition, suspicion, doubt, division & corruption  Money, money, money (1 Cor 9:16)  Power and position, (instead of faith and humble service) 10 RupeesRupees

11. Identifying Division in India Among faithful brethren (2 Tim 1:13)  “Mini-Directors” (a preacher with his “group” of preachers under his direction), 1 Cor 1:12-13; 4:6 Arranging work Competitive and territorial Friction and faction 11 Identifying Division in America

12. Identifying Division in India Among faithful brethren (2 Tim 1:13)  Lingering effects of the caste system, Jas 2:1-4; 1 Tim 6:4 Love all, especially brethren, Matt 22:39; 1 Cor 13:4-7 Commanded, John 13:34-35 12

13. Identifying Division in India Among faithful brethren (2 Tim 1:13)  Helping American preachers, 1 Cor 3:5-9 Evil suspicions of favoritism destroy trust and unity Helpers are necessary -No reflection on others To be no competition, Mark 10:37, 40-45 Phil 2:19-24, 25-30 13

14. Preachers are servants of God and fellow workers in God’s field, 1 Cor 3:5-9 –Do not exalt preachers over others, 3:5-7; 4:6 –Preachers are not saviors, 1:13 –Preachers are not authorities over you that you should be named from them or approved by them, 1:13 –Preachers are not lords, but ministers, 3:5 14 Unity: Follow Christ, Not Men!

15. Preachers are servants of God and fellow workers in God’s field, 1 Cor 3:5-9 –Each one has different abilities and opportunities…use for God’s glory, 3:5 –Use God-given gifts with thanksgiving, 3:6-7 –Not with envy, suspicion, jealousy and strife, 1 Peter 4:10-11 15 Unity: Follow Christ, Not Men!

16. Preachers are servants of God and fellow workers in God’s field, 1 Cor 3:5-9 Preachers must be united in purpose, 3:8-9 (mutually serve Christ, Col 3:23-24) –Result of our work is in God’s hands, 3:8, 6 –The Lord will reward workers We are God’s fellow workers, 3:9 16 Unity: Follow Christ, Not Men!

17. Unity in Christ: Follow Christ, Not Men Unity is good and pleasant in God’s sight, Psa 133:1 God hates the one who causes division, Prov 6:19 Which person will you be? Rom 16:17-19; Titus 3:10-11