Troy SDA Church

SUNDAY, JULY 12
The Problem of Cliques in the Church

Paul’s appeal that “there be no divisions among you, but that you be united in the same mind and the same judgment” (1 Cor. 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.

Read 1 Corinthians 1:12–17. How does this passage help us understand how absurd it is to form cliques around local leaders? What is Paul’s solution?

Paul employs strong words to portray the lack of unity among the church members in Corinth. He uses the Greek terms schisma (“division,” 1 Cor. 1:10, NKJV) and eris (“contention,” 1 Cor. 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.

Read Romans 1:29, Romans 13:13, 1 Corinthians 3:3, 2 Corinthians 12:20, and Galatians 5:20. What other sins are listed along with eris (“contention,” “strife”)? What does this tell us about how bad it is?

The disagreements in the church of Corinth came to the surface—even in the form of lawsuits against one another (1 Cor. 6:1–3). “I say this to your shame,” Paul told them (1 Cor. 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 Cor. 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.

Read again 1 Corinthians 1:12–27. Then reflect on how this passage helps us understand why cliques are so dangerous to the unity of the church. What can your local church do in order to avoid this problem?

To read today’s full lesson see link in bio or download the free Sabbath School App.
https://adventech.io/sabbath-school/

How you treat others is how heaven calls you to live. Let your life become a blessing that points others to Christ.

🌅 Daily Devotional | July 11
God Deals with Us as We Deal with Others

📖 Scripture: "I will make them and the places round about my hill a blessing; and I will cause the shower to come down in his season; there shall be showers of blessing." — Ezekiel 34:26

✨ Reflection:
God calls His people to reflect His love in every relationship. Our words, attitudes, and actions reveal whether Christ truly reigns in our hearts. When we treat others with kindness, mercy, and grace, we become channels through which His blessings flow.

Mission work begins at home, in our neighborhoods, and in the ordinary moments of life. Every conversation and every act of compassion is an opportunity to let the light of Christ shine before others.

As we place God's kingdom first and faithfully share His love, He multiplies our influence far beyond what we can see. A life surrendered to Christ becomes a blessing that reaches many souls.

💛 Encouragement:
Look for someone you can encourage today. A simple act of kindness or a word spoken in love may become the very blessing God uses to draw another heart closer to Him.

🙏 Prayer:
Heavenly Father, fill my heart with Your love so that I may treat others as Christ has treated me. Help my words and actions reflect Your character, and use my life to bring hope, encouragement, and the knowledge of Your saving grace to those around me. In Jesus' name, Amen.

📚 Source: Ellen G. White — Reflecting Christ

🌟 The light God gives you was never meant to stop with you.

🌅 Daily Devotional | July 10
Church Members are Blessed to Bless Others

📖 Scripture
"Ye are the salt of the earth." — Matthew 5:13

✨ Reflection
Jesus calls His followers to be the salt of the earth, preserving what is good and pointing others to Him. Every blessing God gives us is meant to overflow into the lives of those around us.

A genuine Christian does not hide God's love but reflects it through acts of kindness, compassion, humility, and faithful service. As we spend time in God's Word and allow the Holy Spirit to transform our hearts, we become channels through which His light shines into a dark world.

Our influence is greatest when Christ is seen in our character. The more we surrender self, the more His grace enables us to bless others and glorify His name.

💛 Encouragement
Ask God today to make you a blessing wherever you go. Someone may experience His love simply because you chose to reflect Jesus in your words, attitudes, and actions.

🙏 Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank You for blessing me with Your grace and truth. Fill me with Your Spirit so that my life will reflect Jesus and bring hope to others. Help me to be salt and light in every place You lead me today. In Jesus' name, Amen.

📚 Source
Reflecting Christ — Ellen G. White