Adventistische Schriften über: "How do the verses in 1 Corinthians 1:12-27 help to understand why cliques are dangerous to the unity of the church, and what can a local congregation do to avoid this problem?"

Clique formation and partisanship in the church are dangerous because they are the result of fleshly mindset and human pride, which drives out the spirit of Christ and clouds spiritual insight. Such divisions weaken the church, foster envy and strife, and cause outsiders to doubt the transforming power of the Gospel. To avoid this problem, church members must turn their focus away from human leaders, humbly submit to the authority of the congregation, and, through Christ’s grace, cultivate an attitude of love and unity.

The Danger of Partisanship

»In the early Christian church there were some who refused to acknowledge either Paul or Apollos, but claimed that Peter was their leader... Their views and feelings were surrounded by prejudice. They did not display the generosity, nobility, and tenderness that reveal Christ dwells in the heart. There was a danger that this partisanship in the Christian church would bring great harm, and Paul was instructed by the Lord to utter words of serious admonition and solemn protest. Regarding those who said, "I belong to Paul; and I to Apollos; and I to Cephas; and I to Christ," the apostle asked: "Is Christ divided? Was Paul crucified for you? Or were you baptized in the name of Paul?" "No one should boast of man," he pleaded.«

1 - Ellen Gould White, The Acts of the Apostles (AA 280.1)

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Causes of Division in the Church

»The discussion that arose in the congregation about the relative merits of different preachers did not correspond to God's order, but was the result of nurturing traits of the natural heart. "While one says, 'I belong to Paul,' and another says, 'I belong to Apollos,' are you not fleshly? Who then is Paul, and who is Apollos, except servants through whom you have become believers, as the Lord has given to each? I planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase." ... It is not human but divine power that brings about a transformation of character.«

2 - Ellen Gould White, The Acts of the Apostles (AA 273.3)

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Consequences of Strife and Envy

»As pride and worldly ambition were nurtured, the spirit of Christ receded, and rivalry, discord, and strife entered to distract and weaken the congregation. Paul writes to his Corinthian brothers: "You are still fleshly: For if there is envy, strife, and division among you, are you not fleshly and walking in a human way?" For minds distracted by envy and strife, it is impossible to grasp the deep spiritual truths of God’s Word.«

3 - Ellen Gould White, Testimonies for the Church, vol. 5 (5T 241.1)

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Ways to Prevent Divisions

»Unbelief suggests that individual independence elevates our significance, that it is weak to submit our own ideas of what is right and proper to the judgment of the congregation; yet yielding to such feelings and views is uncertain and will plunge us into anarchy and confusion. ... Let individual judgment be subject to the authority of the congregation. The apostles felt the necessity of strict unity and worked earnestly toward this goal.«

4 - Ellen Gould White, Testimonies for the Church, vol. 4 (4T 19.2)

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The Importance of Unity

»Let everyone who claims to follow Christ consider themselves lower and others higher. Come together, come together! In unity lies strength and victory; in discord and division lie weakness and defeat. These words have been spoken to me from heaven. As an ambassador of God, I speak them to you.«

5 - Ellen Gould White, Testimonies for the Church, vol. 5 (5T 488.2)

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