11-13-2025 PART 2: Follow Christ Alone

Section 1

Paul’s teaching in 1 Corinthians 1:13 pushes directly against the tendency for believers to divide themselves by personalities, preferences, or labels. The Corinthians were saying, “I follow Paul,” “I follow Apollos,” “I follow Cephas,” or even “I follow Christ,” but they were using these statements as points of separation. Paul confronts this by asking, “Is Christ divided?” The answer is clearly no. The real issue is the repeated focus on “I, I, I,” rather than “we follow Christ.” Paul reminds them that he was not crucified for anyone, and nobody was baptized into his name. His goal is to make sure the church does not elevate him or any other leader beyond their rightful place. Titles, groups, denominations, and personalities should never replace simple devotion to Jesus, who alone is the center of the faith.

Section 2

Paul pushes this further by addressing a common problem Christians still struggle with today: putting leaders on pedestals. He reminds believers that no human leader is flawless, and no pastor, teacher, or influencer is without sin. Even the greatest biblical figures were flawed: King David committed adultery and arranged a murder, yet repented and was forgiven; Peter denied Jesus three times, was restored, and later needed correction for hypocrisy. These realities show that God uses imperfect people, and they help us relate to the humanity of our leaders. Respecting spiritual leadership is appropriate, but treating them as though they are perfect is both unrealistic and spiritually dangerous. There is only one perfect person in the Christian life—Jesus Christ.

Section 3

Paul emphasizes that all the focus in ministry must return to Jesus. Leaders may baptize, teach, guide, and serve, but they are not the Savior. Paul highlights that he baptized only a few individuals so there would be no confusion about allegiance. Failures in churches have happened for two thousand years, because people are still people. Yet the grace of God remains steady, restoring and using imperfect servants. The apostles themselves had weaknesses, which makes their stories more powerful and more relatable. Ultimately, every believer must cast themselves fully upon the mercy of Jesus. He is the only true superstar of the faith, the only one worthy of complete trust, and the only one who never fails.