those who are not interested in theology but they do like how things are said and are carried away by eloquence of speech. Then, of course, there was Cephas or Peter. In the epistles it is discovered that Peter was anxious to do everything properly and in order. Certain peo ple appreciate this approach more than any other. Here was the rea son for these unfortunate divisions at the church at Corinth. There were these men who had excep tional gifts, but people became more interested in them than in the Saviour. The Apostle gives them the rhe torical question, “Was Paul cruci fied for you? Were you baptized in the name of Paul?" (vs. 12). Ob viously since it was the Lord, why should they divide Christ? Each of them, whether Paul's logic, Apollos' eloquence, or Peter's legalism were trying to present the blessed Lord. He is the One whom they should have adored and worshipped. The next problem we see is that these people had refused to grow in grace. They were spiritual babes (I Corinthians 3:1-5). What a tragic and sad position to be in! What would you think of a child who never matured? Some years ago, when I began my early ministry, I was pastor of a Baptist church in one of our eastern cities. Nearby was a Methodist church. The young minister and his wife there had a child. It was a beautiful girl in whom they rejoiced. About four or five months after the birth it was discovered that the child was not growing. Their joy turned to sor row. Happiness became anguish and agony. It was discovered that at birth the child's brain had been injured. The beautiful baby was a Page 21
may have heard that you have been born again by your lips, but have they been able to see the change in your life? This is the question Paul continually asks the church at Cor inth. Cod grant that we may be good cultivated fields; monuments to His grace; and excellent shrines of His Spirit to bring glory to Cod and blessing to those with whom we are in fellowship. WORSHIPPING MEN INSTEAD OF CHRIST There is a tragic section to be found in the activities of the church at Corinth. Paul had to point out the error of their conduct. Unfor tunately, unlike most of the New Testament churches, this one was not known for its outstanding attri butes. The Apostle said that there was more of disgrace than grace that could be seen in their lives. The way they gave a lie to their salvation should cause us to make certain that in our lives we do not give false advertisements as to the power of the Gospel. Consider I Corinthians 1:11-13 where they are called to task be cause of the contentions that were evident. These divisions centered around the popularity of certain leaders of the day. The Bible teach ing ministry had become more of a popularity contest. There were the damaging seeds that breed dis sension and rivalry planted in some hearts. It is always dangerous to worship a man, no matter how gifted he may be. Such had hap pened at Corinth. There were those who thought Paul was just the thing. He was an excellent theolog ian and his logic was superb. Then there was Apollos who was a Greek with unusual eloquence. There are
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