1 Corinthians 5-7

1 Corinthians 5 – 6:1-8 – Judging Sin and Disputes

Paul confronts the Corinthian believers with actual reports he had received.  There was a man in the church who was having sex with his step-mother.  This was against Jewish and Roman law.  He was disgusted with this situation, but they seemed to be proud of the man’s actions.  They probably thought as a Christian, they had freedom from the law and it didn’t really matter.  Paul told them they should punish the man by making him leave the church.  This may make him realize his sin and then he would ask for forgiveness. 

Paul told them to not associate with immoral people who call themselves Christians - people who are sexually immoral or greedy, an idolater or a slanderer, a drunkard or a swindler.  Christians are to judge those inside the church and God will judge those outside the church.  When Christians continually do wrong things, they must be removed from the church (1 Corin. 5:5, Deut. 17:17; 24:7).  That may seem harsh, but the goal is for redemption.  God’s will in discipline is never hate, only love.  God wants purity in the church.  Believers are set apart from the world and should act differently.  Naming a sin in agreement with God’s Word is wise, never wrong.  If people like this are left in the church, they can corrupt others.   They would be no different from those of the world.

We are not to judge unbelievers, because only God knows their hearts.  We are to trust God to judge unbelievers.  It’s right to judge those who claim to be Christians yet practice sin.  Otherwise, sin may destroy the congregation and its witness.

What sin do you bring to church -- pride, gossip, criticism, entitlement? 

Is there a sin that keeps coming up?  Bring the power of the cross to that sin.  You must give it to Him.  It will be taken away by His power not yours.

Paul gave instructions to believers about lawsuits.  The Corinthians were suing fellow believers over frivolous matters and doing it for all the world to see in the courts of the ungodly.  He said Believers should not bring lawsuits against another believer.  It should be settled among believers.  Believers were to judge those inside the church and not those on the outside.  Some day they will judge angels so they ought to be able to settle disputes among themselves.  He said they are very capable to judge each other.  Paul told them it was bad to bring a lawsuit and that it would be better to accept wrong and be defrauded. (1 Corin. 6:1-8).  Christians are to be known for their love, not their rights.

Principle:  God calls His people to fight sin.

1 Corinthians 6:9-20 – Lack of Purity

Paul warned the Christians in Corinth against mistaking freedom in Christ as power to continue sinful behaviors.  If they continued in sin, they were in danger of judgment.  He said the wicked will not inherit the kingdom of God.  “Do not be deceived:  Neither the sexually immoral nor idolaters nor adulterers nor male prostitutes nor homosexual offender nor thieves nor the greedy nor drunkards nor slanderers nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God.” – 1 Corin. 6:9-10.  There is hope.  He continued, “And that is what some of you were.  But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God.” – 1 Corin. 6:11.

Paul said, “Everything is permissible for me” – but not everything is beneficial.” – 1 Corin. 6:12.  This statement can be confusing.  It means that Christians are free people because of their relationship with Christ (Rom. 8:1-2).  Christians are free from sin’s bondage.  God’s purpose is not to control people.  He gives everyone free choice.  We may be free, but some want to do the wrong things.  Christian liberty is not an open excuse for any behavior or attitude.  After you are saved, the Holy Spirit should guide your live.   A mature Christian wants to do whatever God wants him to do.

Paul told them the body is not meant for sexual immorality, but for the Lord, and the Lord for the body.  Their bodies were members of Christ Himself.  He told them to flee from sexual immorality.  All other sins are committed are outside the body, but sexually sins are against his own body.  Your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit.  (1 Corin. 6:12-20).

Paul doesn’t say to be brave and resist lustful desires, but to flee from its presence.  We should follow the example of Joseph in Gen. 39 and run from temptation.  He doesn’t say flee sex, only sexual immorality.  God gave sex for bonding a husband and wife in marriage.  Sexual immorality works against God’s purpose.  Sexual immorality means more than sex outside marriage.  It means flee from sexual gratification from pornography found on the internet, movies, books, and magazines.

Because our body is the temple of the Holy Spirit, we belong to God.  You are not your own, because you were bought at a price.  Honor God with your body.

For whom does your body belong?

Principle:  We are to glorify God with our body, because it is the temple of the Holy Spirit.

1 Corinthians 7 – The Marriage Question

Since the Corinthians were confused by the immorality around them, Paul told them it was better not to marry, unless they cannot control their sexual desires.  This might make them give in to sexual immorality.  He knew those who marry would face many troubles in life.  Marriage is hard work.  He said if you do want to get married, you should think long and hard about it.  Make sure you know the other person seeing them in all kinds of situations.  Marriage is not between 2 people, but between husband, wife and God.  For more on marriage see Ephesians 5:21-33 and Colossians 3:18-19.

A man should have 1 wife and a wife should have 1 husband.  Paul advises that husbands and wives should fulfill marital duties.  Her body doesn’t belong to her but to her husband and the same for the husband.  They should not deprive each other so Satan will not tempt them.  If the unbelieving partner chooses to leave, the Christian must let him go.  He said that it is good for the unmarried and widows to stay unmarried unless they can’t control themselves.  A wife must not separate from her husband.  If she does she must remain unmarried and a husband must not divorce his wife.

Paul seems to not like marriage at all.  Some believe that Paul was likely to have been married at one time.  He had been a member of the Sanhedrin and one of the requirements was to be married.  In 1 Corin. 7:33-35 Paul explained that being unattached is better for a Christian so they may serve the Lord without distraction.  Then a believer’s entire life can be absorbed in service to the Lord.  So is marriage a good thing?  Of course.  It was instituted by God in a perfect world, but it’s not for everyone.  If you are gifted with singleness, you can serve Him wholeheartedly while not having to worry about neglecting a family.  Just remember God should be the center of your life whether married or single.  Both marriage and singleness are gifts from God.  I think Paul was totally devoted to spreading the gospel as God had called him to do.  So when you think about it.  He had no time for marriage.

How will you use your marriage status for His purposes? 

What about divorce?  Here are some Bible verses on this subject:  Luke 16:18; 1 Corin. 7:10-11, 15; Matt. 5:31-32; 19:3-9; Rom. 7:2; Malachi 2:16.  God doesn’t command but does allow for divorce of two Christians when one severed the union through sexual immorality.  If you find that you have sinned in this area, remember God forgives sins.  If you are struggling in your marriage, stay in His Word and on your knees in prayer asking God for guidance.  He will guide and comfort you, give you strength and can change your hopeless situation.  If He doesn’t change you situation, He will use it for your good.

Principle:  God’s gifts fully satisfy.

This chapter addresses the most intimate of relationships that people experience.  Maybe it makes you feel unloved and uncomfortable.  You may be struggling in marriage or in celibacy.  Remember God grieves with you.  He offers peace and hope.  If you have sinned or have concerns in your relationship, seek prayer and counsel from your church pastor.  Trust God to develop in you right relationships with others.

Join me here next week as we continue our study of 1 Corinthians  --  I encourage you to trust in Jesus.

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1 Corinthians 1-4

1 Corinthians 1-2 – The Divisions

Corinth was a wealthy, but wicked sinful city.  The new church in Corinth found it hard not to act like their neighbors; therefore they had problems.  Some members were arguing and taking sides against each other.  Some were living sinful lives.  Paul wrote his letter to scold them and teach them how Christians should act. 

Paul wrote this letter is to all believers.  He used the phrase “Do you not know” several times in the book.  He wanted so much more for them and was concerned how they were living.  Being a Christian is living differently from others.  He reminded them that they were set apart and chosen.  He described the grace God had given them.  He told them that they were enriched in every way – in all their speaking and in all their knowledge and they were not lacking in any spiritual gifts.   Jesus would keep them strong to the end and they would be held blameless when He returns. (1 Corin. 1:5-7).  

Do you have one foot in God’s kingdom and one foot in the world?

Do you think you will be held blameless?

Principle:  God calls believers to live according to their new identity in Christ.

There was a major problem in the church at Corinth.  It was division.  There was disunity, pride and quarreling.  They had formed little cliques and were divided in beliefs and were definitely not living in Christian unity.  Each little clique said they were following “Paul” or “Apollos” or Cephas” or “Christ”.  Each boasted about their “party leader”.  Paul reminded them that Christ was not divided so there’s no reason for them to be divided if they are followers of Christ.  They should live by the fruits of the Spirit.  (See Galatians 5:22-26 for a list of the fruits of the Spirit.) 

There is the same danger today when we follow or promote Christian celebrities.  To follow them and let them be our example, we can fall into sin.  Remember no one is perfect.  Everyone sins.  Watching someone else and letting ourselves be influenced by them can be dangerous.  If their life doesn’t line up with God’s Word, you could get into trouble.  Jesus should be our example.

Paul explained that the cross is foolish to some people.  “For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God” – 1 Corn. 1:18.  Why does the message of the cross seem foolish to some?  Some think salvation is just too easy while others think it’s too hard.  They see the gospel as losing control of their lives.  

Paul compared human wisdom to God’s wisdom.  “For the foolishness of God is wiser than man’s wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than man’s strength.” (1 Corin. 1:25)  God gives wisdom to His people through His Holy Spirit.  Paul’s message illustrates God’s wisdom and the Spirit’s power.  “I came to you in weakness and in fear and with much trembling.  My message and my preaching were not with wise and persuasive words, but with a demonstration of the Spirit’s power, so that your faith might not rest on men’s wisdom, but on God’s power.” (1 Corin. 2:3-5)

How do you compare human wisdom with God’s wisdom?  There is no comparison.  Our thoughts are not His thoughts and our ways are not His ways. When Christians brag on their talents, personality or intelligence, they are showing pride instead of dependence on the cross to reveal God’s true wisdom.

Why does God use the weak and the foolish in His plans?  God uses the weak and foolish to shame the wise and to reveal His power.  If He chose the strong, they would say it’s because they are strong, educated, rich, influential, etc.  Then God’s power would be in question.

Only the Holy Spirit can tell us about God’s wisdom.  He searches all things, even the deep things of God.  No one can know what someone else is thinking.  No one can know the thoughts of God except God Himself.  Only the Holy Spirit knows the thoughts of God.  Those without the Holy Spirit can’t understand spiritual things, because to them they seem foolish.  But the saved accept God’s Spirit and let Him lead them.  The Spirit helps them make the right decision.  They know the mind of Christ.

Principle:  God foolishness is wiser than man’s wisdom.

1 Corinthians 3 – The Consequences

Paul told the Corinthians that they were still living as infants in Christ.  They were still living worldly.  There was jealousy and quarreling.  They were acting no different than non believers.  Believers are called to live differently.  Standing out for Christ is not easy.  Maturity in Christ is hard, but don’t give up.  It’s not easy, but we don’t have to do it alone.

Paul was hindered from speaking of the deep wisdom of God because they were still worldly and infants in Christ.  They were still on “milk” and not ready for “solid food”.  They were only ready for the basics and not for the deep teachings of scripture.  Sometimes God’s Word is not easy to understand and they needed to become more mature before getting the “solid food”.  We get that maturity by staying in the Word, practicing the Word, and staying in fellowship with other Christians.

By worldly Paul meant they, like the world today, did not submit to God, they judged others, and they loved money, power, success, self, etc.  They lived by the standards of the world.  In other words, they were under Satan’s control. 

Where are you not living set apart?   

Is there someone in your life not living up to Christ’s standards that you need to confront? 

How are you encouraging your brothers and sisters in Christ? 

There was division in the church and Paul reminded them to be careful on what kind of foundation they lay.  If we build on a weak foundation which is our own will and self-serving, it will not stand up to the test.   Nothing is this world lasts forever.  Nothing will stand up to the test.  Christ has already laid the sure foundation, which is His will.  Only God’s way will stand up to the test.  Look at Paul’s life.  It shows the power of Jesus Christ.

How is the power of God seen in your circumstances? 

Are you walking in your own power?

Will you ask God to move you out of the way?

The foundation on which we should live is Jesus Christ and God’s Word.  Paul talked about how fire can test pure metal.  Fire can also destroy.  God’s judgment is like fire.  When Jesus returns, God will judge the value of each person’s work.  He will reward those whose work was valuable and destroy what has no value.  Jesus died in our place so we would not have to suffer God’s wrath.  Now we have access to God.  This doesn’t really make sense to us, but we don’t need to understand it.  We just need to trust it!

On what are you building your foundation?

Where are your treasurers?

How are you spending your time?

Paul told them that they are God’s temple and God’s Spirit lives in them.  There were many temples in Corinth with many idols in them.  Only Christians in Corinth had the one true God among them by means of His Spirit making them like a temple.

Some thought they were wise and proud of it.  Paul told them not to deceive themselves thinking they were wise.  God thinks they are foolish.  “For the wisdom of this world is foolishness in God’s sight.” – 1 Corin. 3:19.  If they want to become wise, they must become humble.  He wants them to understand that only one person if in charge.  That is Jesus.

Principle:  Jesus Christ is the foundation for all believers.

1 Corinthians 4 – The Servant

Paul showed how foolish the Corinthians Christians were to think themselves more blessed than the apostles were.  He described his own ministry of deprivation and humiliation.  The Corinthians tended to look down on him and had no respect of his authority.  Paul asked that he and the other apostles be regarded as servants of Christ and as those entrusted with secret things of God.  He really didn’t care what they thought of him, because it’s what God thought that is important.  Paul had little praise from the Corinthians, which didn’t concern him.  He knew that his praise would come from God.  (1 Corin. 4:1-5) 

Paul told the Corinthians that they thought they had it all and had no need to learn any more spiritual truths.  They were inflated with pride.  They thought very highly of themselves.  They thought they were wise and powerful.  They put themselves above others.  They didn’t give honor to Christ or the apostles.  Believers who have true spiritual power are humble, fools for Christ but wise in Christ, weak but strong, honored but dishonored. – (1 Corin.4:8-13) 

Paul wrote to them like a father who wanted his son to do what was right.  He wrote to them not to shame them, but to warn them.  He urged them to imitate him.  Because he loved them he was sending Timothy to them and that he, Paul would come later.  He would come as a father scolding them or as a father of love and gentle spirit.   It was their choice.  (1 Corin. 4:14-21).

Principle:  God judges His people’s work.

Join me here next week as we continue our study of 1 Corinthians  --  I encourage you to trust in Jesus.

Principle:  God calls believers to live according to their new identity in Christ.

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Acts 18:23 – 21:15

Acts 18:23-19:10 – Teachable 

How much access does God have to your heart?  Paul gave God full access to his heart, mind and life.  He had a heart for evangelism and discipleship.  He began his third missionary journey to Galatia and Phrygia.  His goal was to strengthen all the disciples.  Who do you need to strengthen? 

While there a Jew named Apollos came to Ephesus.  Apollos was very knowledgeable of scriptures and spoke with great fervor and taught about Jesus, though he knew only the baptism of John.  Priscilla and Aquila heard him and invited him to their home.  There they explained to him the way of God more adequately.  Being inspired and encouraged by them, Apollos went to Achaia to help prove the Scriptures that Jesus was the Christ.

Paul went to Ephesus and saw something was missing with some of the disciples.  They had been baptized by John the Baptist for the forgiveness of sins, but they didn’t know the rest of story about Jesus.  John taught about the coming of the Messiah, but perhaps they hadn’t heard He had in fact come.  They needed to trust and have faith in Him for salvation.  They had not been born-again and baptized by the Holy Spirit.  Paul re-baptized them.  When he laid his hands on them, the Holy Spirit came on them.  The Holy Spirit comes one time only and never leaves us.  Baptism is just an outward sign of an inward conversion.

Principle:  God’s word transforms a teachable heart.

How teachable are you? They were open to new truths about God.  The Bible is timeless truth.  We can’t help others go any further in their faith, if we haven’t gone further.  Are you willing to invest in someone else?  Maybe they know a little, but need to know more.  Knowing more could change the course of their life.

Acts 19:11-41 – Sacrificial

Paul taught in Ephesus boldly in the synagogue for three months.  Some refused to believe and became obstinate so he left and went to Asia.  Paul was empowered to heal and performed miracles in the name of Jesus.  When the people in Ephesus heard, many then believed.

Some of the Jews tried to drive out evil spirits in the name of Jesus.  One was Sceva, a Jewish chief priest.  An evil spirit said to him, “Jesus I know and I know Paul, but who are you?”  Then the man with the evil spirits jumped on them all and gave them a beating. This shows us that we should not mess around with evil or the occult.  We can’t drive out evil spirits without Jesus. 

Only Jesus has the power to drive out demons.  Paul demonstrated God’s power right in the middle of Satan’s mist.  Satan’s uses counterfeit acts and he knows the unsaved don’t know the difference.  When this became known in Ephesus, the people were fearful and the name of the Lord Jesus was held in high honor.  Many who believed and confessed their evil deeds openly.

What do you have that you need to confess?

A silversmith named Demetrius who made idols called the other silversmiths together.  He was concerned that Paul’s teachings would convince people to not worship the idols they made and of course they would lose money.  He told them that Paul said they were no gods at all and that Artemis, Greek goddess of fertility would be discredited and people would be robbed of her divine majesty.  Most of the people assembled together didn’t even know why they were there.  They just jumped on the bandwagon. (Acts 19:32).  When they heard this, there was a riot. 

People even today like getting involved in protests.  Why do they do this?  Usually it’s because of some injustice.  It can be contagious and ordinary people can get swept up and do things they wouldn’t normally do like shouting, shoving, breaking things and even looting.  It can be very dangerous.  Maybe it’s entertainment for them or and something to do.  Evil was at work here, but so was God.  Thankfully, God worked through the city clerk who calmed the crowd down and sent everyone home.  God had preserved His work and His people again.

Principle:  A teachable heart will sacrificially obey God’s word.

When evil clashes with good, God always wins.  What do you need to sacrificially do to live up to God’s word?  God knows your secrets and so does Satan.  Sometimes it’s not easy to recognize idols today.  They could be an idea, an organization, pleasure, work, ministry, family, etc.  It’s anything you focus and count on instead of God.  If you need to be secretive about it, it’s an idol.  A teachable heart will obey God even at a great sacrifice.

Acts 20:1-12 – Attentive    

Paul knew it was time to leave, but before he left he sent for the disciples, encouraged them and said goodbye.  He traveled to Greece and stayed 3 months.  He continued traveling and preached wherever he went.  Then in Troas he preached and taught up into the night.  There must have been many people there listening to Paul speak.  A man named Eutychus was on the 3rd floor window seat listening to Paul and fell sound asleep and fell to the ground dead.  Paul rushed to him and God allowed him to resurrect Eutychus.  Paul didn’t scold him, but showed compassion.  Eutychus means fortunate.  The people probably now thought Paul is for real and trusted him.  This solidified Paul’s authority. 

Principle:   A teachable heart lives attentive to God’s people and God’s word.

How are you to people around you who are hurting - to their hearts? 

How prepared are you to hear God’s voice or Word? 

What will you do to make time with your creator? 

What are you ready to put aside – cell phone, computer, household chores? 

Where do you sit in church?

Do you sit in the back so you can get out quickly or up front so you won’t be distracted?

You know what needs to be removed so you can concentrate when spending time in His Word. 

Acts 20:13-21:15   Compelled

Then Paul left Ephesus, he said farewell to the elders.  He described his ministry and told he served the Lord with great humility and with tears.  He knew hard days were ahead, but he walked toward them.   The Holy Spirit warned him of the hardships to come.  He knew he may not ever see them again so he gives instructions and warnings to the elders.  They are responsible to keep watch over the church and be on guard.  A pastor’s role is to fed the flock and teach the scripture.  If not, people won’t change.  So many have been taught by savage wolves.  These wolves get started in the church.  People don’t know it’s not the truth.  So stay alert and remember God’s Word.  God’s Word is our tool to live by. They are to work hard and help the weak.  “It it more blessed to give than to receive.” – (Acts 20:35)

Paul was compelled to go back to Jerusalem.  Remember Jerusalem is where Stephen was stoned and Paul was there helping to stone him.  Now there is Paul back there again.

Principle:  A teachable heart lives compelled by God’s Spirit and truth for His purposes.  

We get courage by getting in the game not sitting on the bench.  Paul was compelled by God’s Spirit and was given complete access.  Are you living compelled by this world or God’s Spirit?  Paul’s school of suffering has changed many lives.

Join me here next week for our study 1 Corinthians 1-4 -- I encourage you to trust in Jesus.

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