TITLE: Preacheritis

TEXT: 1 Corinthians 1:10-13 ¹⁰Now I plead with you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment. ¹¹For it has been declared to me concerning you, my brethren, by those of Chloe’s household, that there are contentions among you. ¹²Now I say this, that each of you says, “I am of Paul,” or “I am of Apollos,” or “I am of Cephas,” or “I am of Christ.” ¹³Is Christ divided? Was Paul crucified for you? Or were you baptized in the name of Paul?

PROPOSITION: Our faith must be in Jesus, not any man.

QUESTION: Why?

KEY WORD: Dangers

Introduction:

1. There is a danger in liking the preacher TOO much.

2. There is a danger in having faith in the preacher, rather than in Christ.

3. There are some real dangers in PREACHERITIS.

Preacheritis can cause:

Division / Contentions

1. Verse 11 There are contentions among you

2. Today – there are “camps”

   1. Liberal vs. conservative

   2. Marriage / Divorce

   3. Women's role, instrumental music, communion on Saturday

3. These camps are often identified by a spokesman for their view

4. Romans 16:17 – Mark them that cause division among you

5. Verse 10 – Speak the same thing, no divisions among you, perfectly joined together

Misunderstood baptism

1. Baptism is NOT dependent on:

   1. Where you were baptized – river, heated baptistery

   2. Who baptized you – preacher, relative, elder, famous preacher

   3. What is said – Baptism is not a magic ritual (incantation)

2. You would not me MORE saved if Paul baptized you

3. Jesus avoided this problem – John 4:1-2

Failure to wear the name of Christ

1. Colossians 3:17 – Whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord

2. Acts 2:38 – in the name of Jesus Christ

3. Acts 10:48 – commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord

4. Acts 19:5 – baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus

5. Philippians 2:10 – At the name of Jesus every knee will bow, every tongue confess

6. Wear the name of Jesus

   1. It is a badge of honor

   2. Wear it with faith and pride

A Misplaced Faith

1. Many have faith in a preacher, elder, teacher.

2. If this is your faith – be ready to be disappointed.

3. That faith must transfer to a personal faith in Jesus

4. At some point that faith must become personal, individual