Big Idea: Because Christ is greater than our differences, we pursue unity by keeping Jesus at the center of our lives and our church. 1. Choose Unity Over Preferences 10 I appeal to you, brothers, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree with one another so that there may be no divisions among you and that you may be perfectly united in mind and thought. 11 My brothers, some from Chloe's household have informed me that there are quarrels among you. 12 What I mean is this: One of you says, “I follow Paul”; another, "I follow Apollos"; another, “I follow Cephas”; still another, "I follow Christ." 13 Is Christ divided? Was Paul crucified for you? Were you baptized into the name of Paul? 14 I am thankful that I did not baptize any of you except Crispus and Gaius, 15 so no one can say that you were baptized into my name. 16 (Yes, I also baptized the household of Stephanas; beyond that, I don't remember if I baptized anyone else.) 17 For Christ did not send me to baptize, but to preach the gospel–not with words of human wisdom, lest the cross of Christ be emptied of its power. 1 Corinthians 1:10-17 (NIV) We love because he first loved us. 20 If anyone says, “I love God,” yet hates his brother, he is a liar. For anyone who does not love his brother, whom he has seen, cannot love God, whom he has not seen. 21 And he has given us this command: Whoever loves God must also love his brother. 1 John 4:19-21 (NIV) • Unity grows when Jesus becomes more important than my preferences. 2. Trust God's Wisdom More Than Human Wisdom 18 For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. 19 For it is written: “I will destroy the wisdom of the wise; the intelligence of the intelligent I will frustrate.” 1 Cor. 1:18-19 (NIV) And so the Lord says, “These people say they are mine. They honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me. And their worship of me is nothing but man-made rules learned by rote. Because of this, I will once again astound these hypocrites with amazing wonders. The wisdom of the wise will pass away, and the intelligence of the intelligent will disappear.” Isaiah 29:14 (NLT2) 20 Where is the wise man? Where is the scholar? Where is the philosopher of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world? 21 For since in the wisdom of God the world through its wisdom did not know him, God was pleased through the foolishness of what was preached to save those who believe. 22 Jews demand miraculous signs and Greeks look for wisdom, 23 but we preach Christ crucified: a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles, 24 but to those whom God has called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. 25 For the foolishness of God is wiser than man's wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than man's strength. 1 Corinthians 1:20-25 (NIV) The wrath of God is being revealed from heaven against all the godlessness and wickedness of men who suppress the truth by their wickedness, 19 since what may be known about God is plain to them, because God has made it plain to them. 20 For since the creation of the world God's invisible qualities–his eternal power and divine nature–have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that men are without excuse. Romans 1:18-20 (NIV) • The world's wisdom elevates self; God's wisdom exalts the Savior. 3. Live With Humble Confidence in Christ 26 Brothers, think of what you were when you were called. Not many of you were wise by human standards; not many were influential; not many were of noble birth. 27 But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. 28 He chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things–and the things that are not–to nullify the things that are, 29 so that no one may boast before him. 30 It is because of him that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God–that is, our righteousness, holiness and redemption. 31 Therefore, as it is written: “Let him who boasts boast in the Lord.” 1 Corinthians 1:27-31 (NIV) • Our confidence isn't found in who we are; it's found in whose we are. This week choose one Next Right Step. I will protect unity by speaking words that build others up. I will intentionally keep Jesus above my personal preferences. I would like to go public with my faith and be baptized I would like to dedicate my child on September 13, 2026 TALK IT OVER Opening Prayer Ask someone to thank God for making us one family through Jesus and pray that He would help us reflect Christ in our relationships this week. Icebreaker: What is one team, club, hobby, or organization you've been part of where everyone worked together toward a common goal? What made that unity possible? Read Together: 1 Corinthians 1:10–31 As you read, notice every reference to: Jesus Christ, Unity & Wisdom What stands out to you? Big Idea: Because Christ is greater than our differences, we pursue unity by keeping Jesus at the center of our lives and our church. For Families with Children Why do you think Jesus wants His family to love one another instead of arguing or fighting? What is one way our family can be peacemakers and show the love of Jesus this week? For Teens and Adults As you read this passage, what stands out to you most about Paul's concern for the church in Corinth? Paul calls believers to be united around Jesus instead of dividing over personalities or preferences. What kinds of things can create unnecessary division in the church today? Read verses 18–25. Paul says the message of the cross is the power and wisdom of God. Why do you think the world often misunderstands or rejects the message of the cross? Read verses 26–31. Paul reminds the Corinthians that God often chooses ordinary people to accomplish His purposes. How does this encourage you in your own walk with Christ? Is there an area where pride, comparison, or personal preference has affected one of your relationships? What would humility look like in that situation? Think about a disagreement you've experienced recently. Looking back, how could focusing on Jesus instead of “being right” have changed the outcome? Paul reminds us that no one can boast before God because salvation is entirely by His grace. How does remembering God's grace help us become humbler and more gracious toward others? What is one practical step you can take this week to help strengthen unity in your home, your church, your workplace, or another relationship? This Week’s Challenge: How can you reflect Christ this week by choosing unity over division, humility over pride, and love over being right? Memory Verse: “God is faithful, who has called you into fellowship with his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.” 1 Corinthians 1:9 Prayer Time Unity within Cornerstone Church. Wisdom to live differently than our culture. Courage to reflect Christ in our homes, workplaces, and community.