1 Corinthians 8-14

Chapter 8-10 – Freedom in Love

We can only live and love like Jesus if we surrender to Him.  Surrender means to give one’s self up to the power of authority.  Jesus gives us freedom.  With freedom comes responsibility.  Paul teaches us how to handle freedom.  Paul taught principles about relating to other Christians who are not strong in their faith.  Paul said he knew the Corinthians had knowledge and that knowledge had made them conceited and proud.  He calls attention to their pride and said that love trumps knowledge.   Paul said that “knowledge puffs up, but love builds up.  (1 Cor. 8:1)  Paul’s message is even though we have freedom in Christ; we are not to do anything that might cause a weaker Christian to stumble.  

The Corinthians had some questions about eating meat offered to idols.  The Christians knew eating such meat was ok, but some new to the faith thought that eating food sacrificed to idols was a sin and didn’t want to take any chances.  Paul said, “We know an idol is nothing in the world at all and that there is no God but one” (1 Cor. 1:4).  Food does not bring us closer to God.  We should not participate in eating such food so we won’t cause others to stumble.  We should not do anything that might cause them to judge our actions.  He also said we should not be conceited about our knowledge.  We should be sensitive to our fellow brothers and sisters.  Love always supersedes freedom.

Paul set examples in his life and ministry.  He made sure his actions didn’t cause anyone to sin.  He sacrificed his own rights and freedoms and made himself a slave to everyone to win as many as possible.  He became like a Jew to the Jews.  He became weak to the weak.    He met people at their level so he could relate to them and them to him.  He became all things to all people for the sake of the gospel.

Are you puffed up in your knowledge and look down on others who are not as knowledgeable as you?

Paul had the right to receive financial support from the Corinthians as all people in the ministry do.  He chose not to accept any pay.  He said he was compelled to preach and does it voluntarily.  He didn’t want anything to hinder the gospel.  He only seeks heavenly rewards.

Do you seek earthly or heavenly rewards?

We learn many lessons by Paul example.  One being he reached people with the gospel by being all things to all men.  He met them where they are so he could better relate to them and gain their confidence.  Then they would be more apt to listen when he told them about Jesus and how they should live.

Paul gave the Corinthians warnings from Israel’s history.  In Exodus 32, Numbers 16-17, Numbers 21 and other Old Testament scriptures we learn that the Israelites were idolaters.  The Israelites were sexually immoral, tested the Lord, and continually grumbled.  As a result they were killed by the destroying angel.  These things happened to them as warnings for us.  We act the same way today – grumbling when things don’t go the way we think it should.   Many people test the Lord by living together outside the covenant of marriage.  We as a nation have become sexually immoral.  Just look at the movies and TV shows we watch.  Sexually immorality is everywhere and we condone it and are tempted every day.

So Paul said if you think you are standing firm and can’t be tempted, be careful.  God’s promise to us is when we are tempted – and we will be tempted - He will provide an escape.  “No temptation has seized you except what is common to man.  And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear.  But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it.”  (1 Cor. 10:13) 

Our temptations are not unique; others are having and will face the same temptations.  They have found strength in God to overcome.  You too, can fight temptation through the power of Jesus.  God will limit your temptation and provide a way of escape, but you have to take His way.  He will not force you.

This escape is available to all, but involves surrender.  Does that describe the reign of God in your life?  If you think you are strong enough not to be tempted – you’re not.  If you think you can’t possible begin to doubt Him – you’re wrong.

So what are you to do? – recognize your weaknesses, recognize the dangers around us, be alert to our enemy recognizing Satan and his demonic forces, run from temptations, be prayerful, study His Word, listen to the Holy Spirit and keep the right association with fellow Christians.   God is faithful.  He loves you and wants what’s best for you.  He will protect you.

Paul gives us more principles that we can practice today.  “Everything is permissible, but not everything is beneficial.” (1 Cor. 10:23)  We have freedom in Christ, but that doesn’t mean we should do all things, because it may not be constructive or good for us.  It may even cause others to sin.  We should do everything for the glory of God.

Have you accepted Jesus Christ as savior, but not let Him be Lord in your life?

When is the last time you denied yourself for the sake of others?

Do you do everything for the glory of God?

Principle:  True freedom is submission to Jesus as Lord.

Chapter 11 – Church Worship

Paul talked about men not covering their heads and women covering their heads while worshiping.  In Corinth the culture influences were in the church.  Women went around bared headed which was identified with prostitutes.  They were enjoying their freedom to do so, but Paul said they should cover their heads in order to be a witness.  Paul was speaking of traditions in church worship, but told them to be the judge.

The point Paul gave here is the “Head” is a part of the body.  It represents the authority.  Paul gave God’s appointed order of authority for husbands and wives.  The head of Christ is God.

The head of every man is Christ.  The head of the woman is man.

To me this also means that we are to be focused on true worship and honoring God without any physical distractions.  We should not dwell on male-female attractiveness and should dress modestly not drawing attention to ourselves.  Today women don’t dress modest enough in church or outside the church.  We may not have to worry about covering our heads like in Paul’s day, but we should be concerned about how we dress and not dress in revealing clothing.

Are you honoring your husband, your church and God in the way you dress?

God created everyone and everything.  We exist to give praise and honor to God.  We all come from Him and are all equal in His eyes.  No one is more important than another.  He is the head of the church and we are to worship Him. 

Paul addresses their participation in Lord’s Supper.  As their custom they gathered together for a meal and followed it with the Lord’s Supper.  There were cliques in the church.   They ate with friends instead of merging with others in Christ.  They ate to fill their stomachs.  There was a lot of drinking and by the time they celebrated the Lord Supper, they were drunk.  This didn’t look very well to those outside the church.  Was there anything different from believers and nonbelievers? 

Paul says before taking the Lord Supper we should examine ourselves first making sure we have confessed our sins and are right with God.  We should not take it in an unholy manner, which is a sin against the body and the blood of the Lord.  We should remember its purpose – Jesus shed His blood for our sins.

Where is your focus when you partake in the Lord Supper? 

Is it a mechanical thing for you?

There is nothing routine in what Jesus did for us.  We should be in awe every time we partake in the Lord Supper.

Principle:  Christ is glorified by true worship.

What’s your attitude about your church?

Are you focused on self when you go to church?

Is church just not working for you?  It’s not about you.  It’s about God.  We all have needs and we want them fixed.  Start serving others and you will be changed.

Are you willing to serve even if no one thanks you?  Jesus thanks you and He is the only one that counts.

Chapter 12-14 – Spiritual Gifts

Paul reminds them that spiritual gifts are used to build up the body of Christ not individuals.  There are varieties of spiritual gifts like snowflakes or fingerprints are different from every other.  God has gifted you to do what He wants you to do.  Christ not only died to give you the gift of eternal life, but also so you could serve Him with your spiritual gifts.  Your gift could be service, wisdom, knowledge, faith, healing, miraculous powers, prophecy, distinguishing between spirits, speaking in tongues, and interpretation of tongues. (1 Cor. 12:4-11)  There are other gifts mentioned throughout scripture.

What is your spiritual gift?

Are you using your gift to build up the church body?

Paul talked about the Holy Spirit.  There are many different gifts, but the same Spirit and the same Lord.  Each person is given a gift for the common good.  He compared the church body with all its gifts with the human body and all its parts.  We all have different gifts, but make up 1 body and all the parts work together.

Every Christian should be active in some way in the body of Christ.  “Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it.” – 1 Corin. 12:27.  We each have different gifts and we should all work together in unity.  The purpose of spiritual gifts is to strengthen the body and edify believers.

What is love?  We love our children.  We love shopping.  We love America.  We love chocolate.  The word Love is much overused today.  We think love is a warm fuzzy feeling, but in 1 Corin. 13 love refers to action.  Love is something we do rather than something we feel.  Love in the Bible refers to how we treat people.  Love should be evident, because God is love and He commands us to love.  Paul says this is the greatest gift of all.  If we have not love, we have nothing.  “Love is patient, love is kind.  It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.  It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.  Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.  It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.  Love never fails.” – (1 Cor. 13:4-8)

Do you love your elderly neighbor?  Then go over and shovel snow off their sidewalk. 

Do you love your church?  Then get involved.  Send a get well card to a sick brother or sister. 

Do you love Jesus?  Then lead someone else to love Him.

Paul gave principles about the use of spiritual gifts:

All spiritual gifts should be used to build up the church.

The gift of speaking in tongues – if you speak in tongues, there should be someone to interpret or you should be quiet.  When speaking in tongues, you’re not speaking to man, but to God.  When you speak in tongues, you are edifying yourself.  The gift of tongues is secondary to the gift of prophesy.

With the gift of prophesy – if you have the gift of prophesy, you are speaking to men for their strength, encouragement and comfort.  When you prophesy you are edifying the church. 

There should be order in our worship.  There should be no confusion.  If everyone is talking or checking their cell phone or doing their own thing, no one will know what’s going on.  They will not hear or learn instructions from God and His Word.  God is a God of order and peace.  We need to do everything to honor God.

Do you contribute to disorder during worship?

Are you talking and disrupting others as they are worshiping?

Are you on your cell phone when you should be listening?

Principle:  God is glorified when His people use their spiritual gifts and display His love.

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

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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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