We are grouping four books in the New Testament — Philippians, 1 Corinthians, Galatians and Colossians — as books which contain teachings for us in our journey through life as believers, on our way to heaven. The book of Numbers has shown us illustrations which help us understand these four New Testament books.
First Corinthians will show us the pitfalls into which we can tumble if we are not careful. Divisions amongst Christians, immorality allowed amongst them, and many more. We might say that the first part, to 10:14, is like a series of danger sign posts along the side of the road, telling where NOT to go; the last part, signs with instructions where to go. The Corinthians were very clever and educated, they had great ability, were very fine speakers etc. But they were depending on these natural abilities rather than on the Lord. The result is always the same; it divides believers; exactly what has happened to the Christians today. Hundreds of groups or denominations, all claiming to be right.
Read verse 10. God never asks us to do something without giving us the power to do it (Phil. 4:13; 213I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me. (Philippians 4:13)
13For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure. (Philippians 2:13) Pet. 1:3-4). Do these encourage you? Does God cause a division or do men? Is it possible to find the right way? Are you willing in your heart to want to be guided to that way?
V.8-9 Though they were very careless, and were doing many things they should not, he reminds them that the Lord Jesus would never fail in His work for them.
V.10 Most important. God wants all believers to be perfectly joined together in happy fellowship. There could not be even two groups, for that would destroy this verse. There was only one at the beginning.
V.11 Here was the beginning of division.
V.12-13 There is one center. Christ is the center. In heaven we shall all be gathered around a glorified Christ. Now on earth the Spirit of God gathers us around a rejected Christ. (Read carefully John 17:20-2120Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word; 21That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me. (John 17:20‑21)). Words can never persuade, it is only the submission of our will to God. Are we willing?