02-12-2026 PART 3: Growing Beyond Division: From “I” to “We” in Christ

Section 1

Returning to 1 Corinthians 3, the tone is direct and unapologetic. Paul addresses the believers as brothers, affirming their salvation, yet he calls them infants in Christ because of their behavior. He makes it clear that jealousy and dissension are not minor personality quirks but marks of worldliness. When believers compete, compare, or fracture over loyalties, they are walking “in the way of men” rather than in the Spirit. Paul is not soft in his rebuke. He identifies their division as spiritual immaturity that is stunting their growth. Milk was necessary at first, but they should have moved on to solid food. Instead, they remain stuck because pride and rivalry keep them processing life through a worldly lens. Spiritual growth is hindered not by lack of information but by the presence of jealousy and factionalism.

Section 2

The division takes shape in slogans: “I follow Paul,” “I follow Apollos.” Paul exposes the absurdity of attaching identity to human leaders instead of Christ. The problem is not appreciation for teachers; it is elevating them into competing banners. The Christian walk was never designed to be an “I” movement but a “we” family. Scripture teaches that we know we have passed from death to life because we love the brethren, not just the brethren in our preferred circle. Differences in eschatology, worship style, church background, or denominational heritage do not nullify the shared gospel. The central question remains simple and biblical: do they believe Jesus Christ died, was buried, and rose again according to 1 Corinthians 15? If so, they belong to the same redeemed family. Unity does not require uniformity; it requires shared allegiance to Christ and humility toward one another.

Section 3

The message presses forward with urgency and realism. When persecution intensifies, believers will not be checking doctrinal fine print before standing together. The blood of Jesus, not stylistic or secondary differences, defines fellowship. Spiritual gifts, worship approaches, and personal convictions may vary, but the foundation is singular. Moses veiled his face after being in God’s presence, a reminder of the transforming power of closeness with Him. That same transformative presence should shape how believers treat one another. Growth in Christ means moving from rivalry to relationship, from pride to partnership, from “I” to “we.” The Church is called to pray together, rejoice together, weep together, and stand together. That unity is not sentimental; it is rooted in the gospel itself. The issue of fellowship has always been, and will always be, the blood of Jesus Christ.