Epiphany 6 with Corinthians

1 Corinthians 3:1-9

The ESV uses the same heading for ch 1: 10-17 as for the whole of chapter three, 'Divisions in the Church'. By returning to this siubject, Paul highlights just how serious the divisions were in the church at Corinth. In the last two weeks I have heard of complete splits within two of today's churches. You will know of more.

Usually these divisions are dressed up as matters of high principle. In reality they are as often as not about power and personality. This can lead to unlovely bullying and power trips. When I want power, or cling to office, I need to return to the words of the Covenant Service,

• 'Let me employed for you or laid aside for you,
• Exalted for you or brought low for you.'

It takes a truly holy person to say and mean these words.

HOW FAR DOWN THAT ROAD AM I/ARE YOU/ARE THE MEMBERS OF OUR FELLOWSHIP?