We Need More Gospel (Part 1 of 2)

Paul's Appeal for Unity

Paul begins with a strong appeal in 1 Corinthians 1:10: "I appeal to you, brothers, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be united in the same mind and the same judgment."

This is not a command but an encouragement that carries the authority of Christ Himself. The Greek word parakaleo is used—the same root as for the Holy Spirit, the Comforter and Convictor. Backed by Jesus' name, it demands our attention. If Christ is preeminent in our lives, this appeal weighs on our conscience until we pursue unity.

Legitimate churches solidify relationships with everyone in the fellowship. A single person refusing reconciliation hinders the whole body. As Scripture warns, a root of bitterness defiles many. The gospel gathers people together, and every local church visibly represents that reality. Quarreling or bitterness dishonors the gospel.

Saying the Same Thing

Unity means "saying the same thing"—not verbatim scripts, but synonymous expression in harmony with the gospel. If we talk like we're unsaved or push personal agendas, we're not aligned.

For example, in counseling, mismatched responses show people aren't on the same page—like mistaking "more time together" for "more gifts." Divisions arise when we talk past each other.

1 Corinthians 1:11-13: "For it has been reported to me by Chloe's people that there is quarreling among you, my brothers. What I mean is that each one of you says, 'I follow Paul,' or 'I follow Apollos,' or 'I follow Cephas,' or 'I follow Christ.' Is Christ divided? Was Paul crucified for you? Or were you baptized in the name of Paul?"

Paul thanks God he baptized few, like Crispus and Gaius, and Stephanas' household, emphasizing his mission: "For Christ did not send me to baptize but to preach the gospel."

No Divisions, But Healthy Disagreements

"No divisions" (schisma—a rip or crack) means no separations, big or small. Yet disagreements are necessary. In 1 Corinthians 11, Paul says factions reveal the approved. Iron sharpens iron through friction—sparks fly in clash, not cozy chats.

Without rub, wolves in sheep's clothing linger, and no one grows in that fluffy, marshmallow comfort. The gospel offends; it pricks consciences, leading to conversion or departure. Disagreements, handled pro one another—for growth—unite us.

United in Mind and Judgment

Be united in mind and judgment—same perception on theological, social, political, and religious issues. Gather for the same purpose: gospel-centered, hearing from the Lord, advancing sanctification.

Don't come to church pushing your agenda; receive the Lord's. As Peter said in John 6, "Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life." Obsess over the gospel so issues resolve for its sake.

The Specific Division: Factionalism

The problem? Factions: "I follow Paul," "I follow Apollos," "I follow Cephas," "I follow Christ." Even claiming Christ exclusively is wrong here. Why? These leaders preach the same gospel—same doctrine, theology, focused on Christ.

Paul says, "Imitate me" elsewhere. Following Paul means following Christ. Everything in the New Testament is Christ's voice (Hebrews 1). Isolating into groups creates rivalries—claiming superiority over others.

Quarreling means rivalries, positioning one group as better. All factions, including "Christ's," divide the body. We need more gospel to unite us.

Divisions and Popularity Contests in the Church

In order for them to be exalted, praised, and thought highly of, a competition exists among individuals within the church. They're competing for superiority. Some are no longer content to be part of the church; they need to stand out, be celebrated, and be the focus. It's a popularity contest at Corinth.

One specific issue from 1 Corinthians 1:10—used in our series on cliques and circles—is that there must be no divisions. No cliques, but circles are fine. You can prefer and enjoy fellowship with another brother or sister in Christ. Developing friends in church is okay. You can have circles of committed friendships. But if anyone comes into a youth group not just to have friends—that's good and inclusive—but to be celebrated, emphasized, or admired by everyone, that's wrong.

I'm not content to be friends with one or two people. I don't want to befriend the socially awkward. I want them to come to me. I want to walk in and be the center of attention, the big deal, without effort. It's a superiority thing, dividing people into groups the Bible never endorses: socially equipped, socially awkward, Jew, Greek, girl, guy. No divisions in the church. We must be unified, on the same page, coming here to hear from the Lord with the same goal. It's not a popularity or superiority contest, nor a focus on any individual.

One beauty of shared purpose is that when Pastor Brandon is no longer youth leader, Pastor Jeremy can step in without anyone saying it now stinks. Both focus on preaching the gospel in its entirety and integrity, so people hear from God. No one should leave or be disgruntled. The next person, gospel-focused, would seem like nothing changed. We're not here for personalities, but for the gospel.

Paul's Focus: Preaching the Gospel, Not Baptism

Baptism is mentioned in our text, and Paul makes a peculiar statement: he was not sent to baptize but to preach the gospel. But Paul, you're an apostle commissioned by the resurrected Christ, whose last command is to make disciples by baptizing them. What do you mean?

Technically, Jesus did not send Paul to baptize in this context. People's understanding of baptism was off: "I was baptized by Paul" or "by Cephas," so they followed them. Paul says he's glad he baptized few—only the household of Stephanas, maybe others—lest they identify with him instead of the gospel.

Baptism was used in the rivalry context. Baptism is good, awesome, in line with the gospel—a visible picture of salvation: going down into death, raised to newness of life, regeneration. But even something good, a command, can be emphasized over the gospel, leading to comparison and loss of focus.

These people lost gospel focus. Even emphasizing something biblical requires reigniting gospel emphasis to correct it. Any problems in this youth group—past, present, future—are corrected by more gospel, more people focused on receiving it.

We could preach it every Friday, Sunday, Wednesday, home fellowship, women's Bible studies—like Ezekiel, where people gathered but treated it like a concert, enthralled by entertainment, not God's words. It's not my animation or charisma; it's the gospel preached. That's the privilege here: gospel as main emphasis, goal, purpose, centerpiece.

When we disagree, the gospel unites us. Whatever problems exist—you see them—the solution is everyone on the gospel. Leaving because disgruntled reveals alternate motivation or that we lack the gospel. Your responsibility, by Christ's authority: make the gospel your purpose here. If not—if parents force you—problems can't be fixed. We become stellar not by superiority, but gospel focus. No numerical or qualitative growth without it.

Paul didn't come to baptize. For baptismal regenerationists claiming it saves, if so, Paul would dunk thousands. But he came to preach the gospel—not with fancy speech, but fear and trembling, with utter respect. We should focus on the gospel the same way, because God speaks.

Summary: Unity, No Rivalries, Gospel Emphasis

We benefit by seeking unity in fellowship—that's the goal, or we're dishonest about the gospel. Abandon rivalries, popularity contests, offenses seeking payback. Highly emphasize the gospel. We may need help understanding or practicing it, but definitely more emphasis here.