Sabbath: Unity in Christ
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.
I have mentioned several times this year that for a bit of light reading, I have been reading our Church history, particularly in the period 1890 to about 1920. This was a fairly turbulent period for our church. Doctrines and lifestyle were debated. Many of the first generation Seventh-day Adventists were nearing the end of their lives and there were the usual generational differences where the older generations thought the younger generations had gone of the rails and lost the plot. There was a lot of talk about “new light” and “pillars of belief”. To add to the fire, some of the leaders were powerful personalities and were charismatic enough to have strong followings within the church membership.
So, what is new in 2026? I think that anyone looking at the Seventh-day Adventist Church today and has some idea of our history has a feeling of déjà vu. We have this great vision of unity, yet divisions remain.
Here is a question that we should try to answer with some practical suggestions: What should Christian unity look like? And rather than jumping in and providing an immediate answer, it might be useful to let the question sit with us while we study the lesson this week.
Personally I believe unity is not total agreement, but the ability to listen, truly listen to each idea. To speak in calm tones even when we disagree.
My sister and I don’t agree on everything, but we listen to each other, we pay attention and we don’t judge each other for our differing views
That is unity.
There are new ideas in the church, but God and his earthly voices have given us the information to test them. If they fall outside of God’s words, then they should be left in the dust. If they adhere to God’s words, then they need to be considered and tested. Unity… deciding together to understand better God’s will and word.
Unity should be about agreement. Amos 3:3 ask if two can work together and responded by saying unless they agreed. scripture also says when two or more agree about anything in prayer, God responds.Unity doesnt mean avoiding truth but agreement is very important in the pursue of unity.
Amen🙏
Absolutly true. Divisions in the Church is part of the Great Controversy. It is one the plans of the enemy to distract us from our primary assignment. In fact, it was present among the discples of Jesus. Not until they were in one accord and all received the promised gift, the Holy Spirit that they were able to overcome disunity. It can still be our experience if we constantly pray for the outpouring of the Holy Spirit on us.
Humanity has long been plagued by the ancient problem of failing to live in harmony with one another. Throughout history, wars, conflicts, arguments, and divisions have marked human relationships, from the Middle East to Europe, Africa to Asia just to mention where nations, tribes andceven kinsmen continue to engage in prolonged disputes. Sadly, this reality is also evident among Christians, as churches and congregations frequently experience disagreements and divisions. The Apostle Paul, however, offered a different approach. In 1 Corinthians 9:20–23, he explained that he willingly became “all things to all people” so that he might win as many as possible for Christ. Rather than insisting on personal rights or preferences, Paul demonstrated humility, adaptability, and self-sacrifice for the sake of the gospel. His example teaches believers to place the advancement of Christ’s kingdom above personal interests and to pursue peace and unity within the body of Christ.
God’s singular desire and objective for His Church is unity. Although the Corinthian believers were one in Christ, they allowed themselves to be divided into factions based on personal loyalties and preferences for different teachers. In doing so, they sacrificed the unity that Christ had established among them. Paul reminded them that division within the church not only causes pain among believers but also dishonors Christ, the Head of the Church, and weakens the church’s witness before the world. Therefore, he urged the Corinthians to reject divisions and to remain united because they are members of the body of Christ. As followers of Jesus, we are called to submit to His lordship, be conformed to His likeness, and live in unity with one another, following His perfect example. As Paul exhorted the church, “I appeal to you, brothers and sisters, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree with one another in what you say and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly united in mind and thought” (1 Corinthians 1:10). Likewise, Ephesians 4:3–6 reminds believers to “make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit… one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.” These passages affirm that Christian unity is not merely an ideal but a divine calling that reflects the character of Christ and glorifies God.
“How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity!” (Psalm 133:1)
Who can possibly argue against the beauty and sweetness of unity, particularly in our families, neighbourhood, workplace, at church and our communities? One does not need to be a believer to appreciate the abundance of goodness in unity. Unity is not only a spiritual imperative but a strategic necessity. It can never be truer than what Martin Luther King Jr. once said, “ We must learn to live together as brothers or perish together as fools.” However, Paul’s appeal for unity is beyond human reasoning.
“I appeal to you, dear brothers and sisters,* by the authority of our Lord Jesus Christ, to live in harmony with each other. Let there be no divisions in the church. Rather, be of one mind, united in thought and purpose.” (1 Corinthians 1:10, NLT).
Why is Paul appealing for unity in the name of Jesus Christy? Why not in any other earthly authority?
True unity does not reside in peace accords, handshakes, or kind words or in the United Nations, however important these might be, but in Christ Jesus. It is possible for Paul to have appealed for unity in his apostolic authority, Roman law, or Greek philosophy (reasoning) or any other powerful local leader. He could not dare to do that because he knew who the Prince of Peace is. Paul is simply reminding us that true unity in our families, in our churches, in our communities, in the workplace, and in our streets can only be achieved through the One who died to reconcile mankind to God (2 Corinthians 5:19).
“For Christ himself has brought peace to us. He united Jews and Gentiles into one people when, in his own body on the cross, he broke down the wall of hostility that separated us.” (Ephesians 2:14, NLT)
Unity is mediated only through the Spirit of Christ / Holy Spirit: which underscores the necessity of the title of the weeks study. As the inspired pen puts its, – “Picture a large circle, from the edge of which are many lines all running to the center. The nearer these lines approach the center, the nearer they are to one another. {AH 179.2}
Thus it is in the Christian life. The closer we come to Christ, the nearer we shall be to one another. God is glorified as His people unite in harmonious action. {AH 179.3}
There are two words that are somewhat related but also very different, Unity vs Uniformity.
Are we as Christians conflating these two terms?
It is definitely something to explore as we go through this weeks lesson.
Maurice suggested to wait until the end of the week before providing some practical suggestions to His question: “What should Christian unity look like? To help focus our thoughts, I suggest the words of Scripture ‘highlighting’ some ‘practical suggestions’.
1 Cor.1:9-10
” God is faithful, who has called you into fellowship with His Son Jesus Christ. I appeal to you, brothers and sisters, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree with one another in what you say and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly united in mind and thought.”
1 Cor.1:26-31 – v.30-31
”It is because of Him [our God] that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God – that is, our righteousness, holiness and redemption. Therefore, as it is written: “Let the one who boasts boast in the Lord.”
1Cor.12:12-25 – v.24-25
”… God has put the body together, giving greater honor to the parts that lacked it, so that there should be no division in the body, but that its parts should have equal concern for each other.”
Eph. 4:1-4
”As a prisoner in the Lord, then, I urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling you have received: with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, and with diligence to preserve the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.
To achieve this unity, we are called to apply the same humility and deference to God’s Will and Wisdom that His Son Jesus Christ demonstrated at the time man’s pride and selfishness led Him to His Cross. For all who have their life in Him, the same Spirit is present which was in Christ Jesus – strengthening us to employ humility and love toward each other and those still learning to trust and understand the Wisdom and Ways of our Father in Heaven – John 17:21.
What does harmony mean? Let me illustrate: I was on Facebook last week and our General Conference president was in Europe talking, and also sang in a quartet in nice harmony. To my ear they were in harmony, of course all were singing different parts in their quartet, yes in harmony. Yes, indeed we have this hope, hope in the coming the Lord. Is not that what Paul was trying to accomplish in Corinth. We will learn more of harmony this week , or if you prefer, unity.
Quarrels in the church are a blockade to unity. With lack of unity, the church is bound to miss out on its mission of winning souls and preparing them for the kingdom of heaven.
Satan’s goal is to cause disunity in the family and in the church.
We are to expose this lie of Satan by exhibiting the fruit of an indwelling savior, Jesus Christ and Him crucified.
I don’t how Paul fared in his endeavour to unify the Jews and gentiles as he envisions but when you peruse the scripture it evident he hit a snag when he was arrested, incarcerated in Roman prison, and executed bringing his labours to an abrupt end simply because he wanted his tribesmen (Jews) to accomodate the gentiles which they disdained. My take is that as he espoused unity he could have restricted his labours in the gentile world and hallow the gentile churches to operate separately with jewish! And his fate could have been different and the disdain could dissipate at it’s own time as we have seen.
On apostle preference I could say Paul could have given chance to people choice for who knows probably the prefered apostles were more competent and message electrifying and resonates with audience after all who would want to sit in a dull and boring preaching? Let the peoples choice prevail as it was with Israel which clamoured for a king and people’s desires prevailed, though against God and Samuel. In our dealing with unity we should borrow from this episode for whenever peoples choice is suppressed then after some time it precipitates violence as we are now witnessing leading the government to intervene.
In our prosperous conferences where some members have immensely contributed and those with scanty contributions are elected to leadership those who have contributed immensely feels they have been insulted and threaten to move enmases and form separate conference. This action reflects badly on the church and hinders church mission. For unity to be attained let’s borrow from what God instructed Samuel when Israel clamoured for a king. Let’s learn to be flexible in matters of church unity.
Different opinions in a group are common, and sometimes they can lead to conflict. We were all created as unique individuals because God is unique too. Tolerance and love must be exercised all the time in our relationships, from home to work and church.
This is a wonderful lesson fory daily life lesson