It is because everyone in church is utterly sinful, from the top to the bottom, even if we are redeemed by the grace of Jesus (1 Cor 1:4). Very interestingly, the top think that the problems are predominantly the sins at the bottom, while the bottom think that it is the leader’s sins that is the major problem.
How does Paul see these problems?
He doesn't blame anyone in particular. In the first 4 chapters, which concern divisions in the church, Paul seems to emphasize a 4-fold problem:
- A lack of emphasis on the Cross, by favoring their preferred church leader (1 Cor 1:12; 3:4).
- A misunderstanding of/over-looking the Holy Spirit by over-emphasizing man and his own wisdom (1 Cor 2:4).
- A view of the church which is man-centered (1 Cor 3:5-7), not centered on God, the Trinity (1 Cor 3:6-7, 11, 16).
- A wrong view of Christian leadership (1 Cor 4:1-2).
- The Cross (chap 1). Paul's point/theme/thrust in his Bible teaching is "Christ crucified" (1 Cor 1:23; 2:2), or the "word/message of the cross" (1 Cor 1:17,18).
- The Holy Spirit (chap 2). Only the Holy Spirit (not man) can reveal "God's secret wisdom" (1 Cor 2:7, 10, 12) when the Bible is taught, focusing on Christ/the cross, not worldly wisdom (1 Cor 2:13).
- The Church (chap 3) is like a field, a building, and a temple (1 Cor 3:9,16). The leader of the church is God (Father, Son and Holy Spirit), not her church leaders, who are only servants (1 Cor 3:5; 4:1).
- The Christian Leader (chap 4). A Christian leader is a servant (1 Cor 4:1; 3:5; Mark 10:45), not a boss (Mark 10:42). His primary task is as a steward of "the mysteries of God" (1 Cor 4:1,2; 2:7), which he shares with the church (1 Cor 4:17) in the power of God (1 Cor 4:20). I had previously blogged on this.
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