1 Corinthians 11 -- Opinions Or Fact?

“In the things I tell you now, I do not praise you, because when you come together, you do more harm than good.  First I hear that when you meet together as a church you are divided … (It is necessary to have differences among you so that it may be clear which of you really have God’s approval.)”

My commentary makes a distinction between strong opinions and actual facts, saying that the sinful nature of our flesh often leads us to accept opinion as fact when in fact it is not.

In many churches, for instance, worship styles can cause divisions.  Since scripture mentions worship with hymns and songs of praise, there is no scriptural basis for accepting on and excluding the other.  Yet this issue has severed to divide many churches, whether by actual splits or dissention within the ranks.  In actuality, as Paul says, these are matters of opinion only, and he cites the cause of the divisions as carnality among the members – living as the world does and not as Christians should. 

My commentary says, “Divisions are proof that some have failed to discern the mind of the Lord.”  A quite natural response is usually, “Yes, and it’s the other group that has failed in their discernment.”  The strong opinions would seem to say otherwise.

In my Bible’s sidebar today, it said that the Corinthians had allowed some parts of their worship to become times of selfishness and bickering.  “Lack of respect and concern for others undermined their gathering for worship.”  The remedy?  “Careful self-examination of our motives along with a good dose of courtesy and love … Don’t gripe about it.  Accept it.  Realize that as you put aside your preference, another Christian is able to worship better through it.”

Father, I’d hate to be numbered among those whom Paul was having to correct here.  I don’t want to ever be guilty of drawing others away from You in worship.  Help me to always base my decisions on clear scriptural bases, and remind me that strong opinions have no place in worship of You, for they are too much about me.

Your Brother In Christ,

Gary Ford