"PREACHERITIS" [1 Cor. 1]
One of the problems that plagued the church at Corinth was an "over-affinity" for gospel preachers (v. 12). As a result, a contentious spirit ruled Corinth (v. 11).
Let's not deny the obvious...all of us have our "favorite preacher." One man who proclaims the gospel stands out in our minds as the man we respect & love the most in the pulpit. Even preachers have a "favorite." Is there anything inherently wrong with such inclinations? No, as long as we don't promote the "man" over the "message." The problem comes when we line up the party behind a man, and a man or men carry such "partyism" too far in the Lord's kingdom. Therein lies the point we need to remember... the kingdom is the Lord's, not ours.
It was upon this very truth that Paul denounced the Corinthians' sectarian behavior (v. 13). Let it be said the problem did not lie with Paul, Apollos, or Peter. They were totally united. The problem lie with the Corinthians and their allegiance to humans over thier loyalty to the Lord Jesus. Never was a man crucified for another. Never has a man stood as the one in whom everyone else is to be baptized. Only Jesus Christ satisfies these demands. Elevating other humans not only promotes "preacheritis"...it also breeds division among saints in a local church.
I believe there are subtle signs we may be guilty of promoting this dreaded disease among local churches today. For example, do you know Christians who leave a local church when the preacher moves away, or who are cold to the new preacher when he arrives? I do. Also, do you know Christians who decide whether or not to attend a gospel meeting elsewhere based on who is doing the preaching? I do.
What is the solution to "preacheritis"? Paul gave the answer before he addressed the problem. In v. 10, he exhorted the Corinthians to be united. Ours is to be a "doctrinal" unity (i.e., speaking the same things). This depends on us having the same mind and judgment. After all, do we not have "the mind of Christ" (2:16)? Such unity does not depend on who is doing the preaching, and is the only sufficient cure for "preacheritis."
