Daily Lesson for Sunday 12th of July 2026

Paul’s appeal that “there be no divisions among you, but that you be united in the same mind and the same judgment” (1 Corinthians 1:10, ESV) dominates the first four chapters of 1 Corinthians. In fact, most scholars agree that unity is the all-encompassing theme that binds all the parts of the letter together.

Image © Lifeway Collection at Goodsalt.com

Paul employs strong words to portray the lack of unity among the church members in Corinth. He uses the Greek terms schisma (“division,” 1 Corinthians 1:10, NKJV) and eris (“contention,” 1 Corinthians 1:11, NKJV). The noun schisma (as well as the verb schizō, “to split”) is used elsewhere in the New Testament to describe differences of opinion resulting in factions. In turn, the noun eris (“contention”) frequently appears in lists of vices that must not be practiced by Christians.

The disagreements in the church of Corinth came to the surface—even in the form of lawsuits against one another (1 Corinthians 6:1-3). “I say this to your shame,” Paul told them (1 Corinthians 6:5, NKJV), concerning these lawsuits between church members. In fact, they didn’t lay aside their differences even when celebrating the Lord’s Supper (1 Corinthians 11:17-22).

The problem of lack of unity among church members is so terrifying, and Paul is so worried about it, that this is the first issue he addresses in this letter to the Corinthians.

<–Sabbath Monday–>

Source: https://ssnet.org/blog/26c-03-the-problem-of-cliques-in-the-church/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=26c-03-the-problem-of-cliques-in-the-church

For good Sabbath afternoon viewing, see the video below created for our first lesson. I believe it will help us understand the rest of the two letters to the Corinthians, which we are studying.

I know that, even after reading the letters multiple times, I gained a deeper understanding of them through a better grasp of what Paul and his converts were up against in Corinth. So take a little time this Sabbath afternoon to watch the video below.  

Source: https://ssnet.org/blog/corinth-the-backdrop-for-pauls-letter/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=corinth-the-backdrop-for-pauls-letter

Daily Lesson for Sabbath 11th of July 2026

Image © Pacific Press

Read for This Week’s Study

1 Corinthians 1:12-17, Romans 1:29, 1 Corinthians 1:10, 1 Corinthians 3:1-4, Philippians 2:5-8, 2 Corinthians 11:23-28, Colossians 1:24.

Memory Text:

“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” (1 Corinthians 1:10, ESV).

Those who observe wildlife know that some creatures live in packs, in herds, or in groups, all of varying sizes. From wolves, to dolphins, to even army ants, these creatures stick together. Chimpanzees are especially known for their tight-knit social bonds, sometimes existing in groups of 15 to 150 fellow chimps. However, these relationships are not always harmonious, and sometimes the chimps fight among themselves.

Humans are somewhat like that as well; that is, not only do they tend to exist in groups, but they sometimes fight among themselves in those groups. And that’s a reality even in our churches! Cliques form, often around some kind of charismatic leader. And, even worse, sometimes one clique does not get along with others.

Have you ever seen that in your church? If so, then you have an idea of an issue Paul faced in Corinth. This week we will take a look at 1 Corinthians 1:1-31; 1 Corinthians 2:1-16; 1 Corinthians 3:1-23; 1 Corinthians 4:1-21, where the apostle Paul deals with the problem of quarrels in the church and how to overcome them, namely, through unity in Christ.

*Study this week’s lesson to prepare for Sabbath, July 18.

Sunday–>

Source: https://ssnet.org/blog/26c-03-unity-in-christ/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=26c-03-unity-in-christ