Jesus is the Answer

“Paul, called to be an apostle of Jesus Christ through the will of God, and Sosthenes our brother, to the church of God which is at Corinth, to those who are sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints, with all who in every place call on the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, both theirs and ours: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. I thank my God always concerning you for the grace of God which was given to you by Christ Jesus, that you were enriched in everything by Him in all utterance and all knowledge, even as the testimony of Christ was confirmed in you, so that you come short in no gift, eagerly waiting for the revelation of our Lord Jesus Christ, who will also confirm you to the end, that you may be blameless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is faithful, by whom you were called into the fellowship of His Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. Now I plead with you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment” (1 Corinthians 1:1-10 NKJV). 

Corinth was one of the great cities in the ancient world. A very properous, busy, and growing city. However, the people of Corinth were well known for their immoral behavior (partying, drunkenness, etc.). In fact, there was a well known term around that time period which was “korinthiazomai” which meant “to live like a Corinthians.” This term was commonly used when referring to immoral living or prostitution.

This church was not only in a very sinful area, but evidently was experiencing division. As later verses point out, Paul was informed by those in the house of Chloe that there were “contentions” among the brethren in Corinth. 

Now, what Paul says about these contentions is worthy of study, but at this moment, just consider the first ten verses. Remember that Paul is writing to a church in a very sinful area who are having contentions with one another. What is it that Paul continues to mention verse after verse? Jesus Christ. In all of the first ten verses, Paul refers to Jesus Christ. It’s almost as if Paul was trying to force into the Corinthian’s minds that the answer to all of their problems was Jesus Christ. 

Many people need that same message today. Instead of trying to solve life’s problems by yourself, you need remember that the cure to life’s problems in Jesus Christ. When one imitates Christ, follows Christ, glorifies Christ, is faithful to Christ, calls on the name of Christ, etc., there will be “no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly joined together, in the same mind and the same judgment.” 

Jesus Christ is the Answer!