THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 8
1 Corinthians 11:17-19
1 Corinthians 1:10-17

“For there must be also
heresies among you…”

FALSE DOCTRINE DIVIDES!

In 1 Corinthians 11:2, Paul praised the Corinthian Christians for keeping the ordinances which he had taught them. However, in 1 Corinthians 11:17, Paul stated an issue which he found unpraiseworthy. This had to do with the partisan and schismatic spirit among the congregation.

We first read about the schisms in the congregation in 1 Corinthians 1:12-13: “Now this I say, that every one of you saith, I am of Paul; and I of Apollos; and I of Cephas; and I of Christ. Is Christ divided? was Paul crucified for you? or were ye baptized in the name of Paul?” This sectarianism had become so bad that it affected the partaking of the Lord’s Supper. People were not looking forward to going to church. Instead of being a sanctuary of peace, members found the church to be a battleground. They were not gathering for the better, but for the worse (1 Cor 11:17).

What then was the cause of divisions in the church? Paul surmised that it must have been due to “heresies” (1 Cor 11:19) among them. “Heresies” here refer to any teachings that tear one away from Christ and cause one to have a low view of God and His Word. Thus, Paul was pointing out the insidious effect of false doctrines in the church. Because each party chose to hold on to unbiblical teachings that led to ungodly practices, there was disunity within the church.

The same is also true today. When a church is weak in doctrine, it inevitably leads to false practices and disunity. There will be quarrels and bickering in the congregation. Therefore, if we seek unity and peace, we must first pursue true doctrine. True doctrine unites, false doctrine divides. How well grounded are you then in the doctrines of the Bible?

THOUGHT: True doctrine unites, false doctrine divides.
PRAYER: Father, I want to grow in my understanding of doctrine.