By Shalom Insights 
Sabbath School Lesson 3 Summary: Unity in Christ
Memory Verse: 1 Corinthians 1:10, ESV)
“I appeal to you, brothers, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be united in the same mind and the same judgment”
Imagine walking into a family reunion where half the room refuses to speak to the other half because they prefer different uncles. Sounds absurd, right? Yet, this is exactly what was happening in the early church at Corinth and it’s a trap many of our modern churches still fall into today.
When we focus more on our favourite preachers, political leanings, or personal preferences than on Jesus, we trade spiritual family for exclusive cliques. This week, we explore how to break down these walls and find true, lasting Unity in Christ.
SUNDAY: The Problem of Cliques in the Church
The believers in Corinth had a major problem: they were treating church leaders like sports stars. Some signed up for Team Paul, others for Team Apollos, and some for Team Peter. They lost sight of the big picture.
The Reality Check: Paul quickly stepped in to ask a piercing question: Did Paul die for you? Were you baptised in the name of Apollos?
The Gist: True unity doesn’t mean we all look, speak, or act the same. It means we share the same anchor. When we keep Jesus at the centre, our petty differences shrink, and our shared identity in Him takes over.
Life Application: Keep your eyes fixed on Jesus. When He is at the center, we can worship, serve, and grow together without dividing into rival camps.
MONDAY: Centered on Jesus
It is completely natural to respect and appreciate spiritual leaders who inspire us. But there is a fine line between respect and loyalty alignment. Our ultimate allegiance belongs to Christ alone.
Cooperation Over Competition: God deliberately gave each of us different spiritual gifts. These gifts weren’t meant to spark rivalries; they were designed to complement one another.
A Simple Test: Ask yourself, “Do my words and attitudes build bridges in my church, or do they build walls?”
Life Application: Keep Jesus at the center of your daily life. Actively work to build a local church culture where everyone feels genuinely welcomed, valued, and loved.
TUESDAY: Wisdom and Maturity
Why do we argue over minor things or local church politics? Paul suggests it’s because we are acting like spiritual toddlers. Growing up in faith means leaving behind the drama and anchoring ourselves in divine wisdom.
The Mark of Maturity: A mature Christian doesn’t have their faith shaken when a human leader falls short. Why? Because their faith was never built on that leader in the first place—it was built on the Rock.
The Shift: As we grow, the Holy Spirit shifts our perspective from worldly competition to quiet, humble service.
Life Application: Build your life on Jesus alone. He is the only foundation that will never fail, disappoint, or let you down.
WEDNESDAY: Christlike Servanthood
The culture around us teaches us to climb the ladder, command authority, and seek recognition. Jesus flipped this completely upside down. He modelled a life of radical, self-sacrificing service.
The Leader as a Servant: In the kingdom of God, leaders aren’t bosses to be feared or idols to be worshipped. They are stewards trusted to care for God’s flock with humility.
Using What We Have: Everything we possess our talents, time, and resources is a gift from God to be used to lift others, not to show off.
Life Application: Follow the ultimate example of Jesus. Choose daily to practice humility, quiet service, and active love in everything you do.
Thursday: A Lifestyle that reflects the Cross
We should absolutely support, pray for, and respect our church leaders. However, the best leaders are those who point away from themselves and directly to the Cross.
The Power of the Cross: The Cross is the great equaliser. It reminds leaders and members alike that we are all sinners in need of grace. It leaves absolutely no room for pride, boasting, or division.
Our Mission: Instead of wasting energy fighting internal battles, the church is called to unite under the banner of the Cross to take the gospel to a broken world.
Life Application: Support your leaders as they strive to follow Jesus. Be willing to make sacrifices for your brothers and sisters, just as Christ did for us.
CONCLUSION
“When we work together in peace in the church, we show everyone on earth that we are God’s chosen people… Our working together in peace confuses and upsets the enemy.”
— Ellen G. White, Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 1, p. 327.
True unity is our most powerful witness. When a highly diverse group of people can lay aside their pride, preferences, and politics to love one another and serve together, the world takes notice. Let’s step into this week determined to build bridges, dismantle cliques, and keep Jesus Christ at the absolute centre of our lives.
Edwin Kyle Kule 
Ruth Dusingize