What’s wrong with it?

 Read 1 Corinthians 8.

The Apostle Paul continued to answer the questions the Corinthians had asked.  This chapter deals with a cultural issue by utilizing several universal principles of God's word.

Corinth was an important port city of Greece.  As a metropolitan center in the Roman Empire, the spiritual beliefs were multitudinous.  On one hand, the Greeks worshipped the pantheon of gods and the Romans added their own group of deities.  At issue was the meat that had been offered to these false gods and whether it was acceptable for a follower of Christ to eat it.  The congregation chose up sides to debate the subject, but Paul presented three important points to bring unity.

1. True Humility. (vv.1-3) 
Whenever there is a debate, one side always thinks they know better than the other side.  Most often, at the root of such thinking is pride.  Selfish pride causes a person to demand their rights, creates arguments, and results in divisions.  "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction." (Proverbs 1:7).  Admitting one does not know everything, and that God does, was the starting point of Paul's instruction.

2. True Theology. (vv.4-6)
The Apostle sets the record straight.  All the so-called gods of the Greeks and Romans were man-made figments of imagination.  Carved images and philosophies of multiple deities possess absolutely no spiritual power at all, period!  There is one God.  In a quick lesson in theology, Paul presented the true God of Heaven in this way:
-"From whom are all things."  He is the Creator.  Concerning Jesus, Paul wrote, "For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible..." (Colossians 1:16a)  This answers the ultimate question of where we came from.
-"For whom we exist."  As Creator, this one true God has the claim of ownership.  Everything and everyone belongs to Him.  Therefore, it is the responsibility of each human to live to please the Owner of all things.
-"And one Lord, Jesus Christ, through whom are all things and through whom we exist."  "And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together." (Colossians 1:17) Jesus is not only the Creator, but the Sustainer of the universe, including us.
There is no other God than this One.

3. True Reality. (vv.7-12)
Every person who comes to faith in Christ brings baggage of experiences and influences with them.  In this case, many who were saved out of paganism abhorred the thought of eating the meat that they once used in celebration to a false god.  It took them back to their sinful days.  Others in the church did not maintain such qualms.  It was merely meat and contained no spiritual attributes.  Both views seemed very real to each person.

Notice the resolve.  The one who is not bothered by the problem is admonished in the strongest of terms to limit their freedom for the sake of the weaker brother.  Openly using personal freedoms to the offence of another person is called sin; not only against the brother but against Christ!  This principle may be applied to many activities and practices in various cultures. 

"Therefore..."  The point is that a mature believer understands their accountability to others and protects their testimony for Christ.  Never does a mature believer want to do anything to cause another person spiritual harm.

 

Sex and Marriage

 Read 1 Corinthians 7.

The Corinthians had written some questions to the Apostle Paul.  He addressed at least a couple of them in this chapter.

Paul was a single man.  He could have married (Peter did, Matthew 8:14) but Paul chose to remain as he was when God called him.  It is crucial not to blaspheme the Holy Spirit, as some have done, by dismissing these Biblical statements as "Oh, that was just Paul talking."  Not only did he write these instructions "as (he) was carried along by the Holy Spirit" (2 Peter 1:20-21), but, in addition, he had Apostolic authority to give such specific instructions.  Indeed, this is the word of God.

Marriage Defined 
Marriage is a relationship between a man and a woman.  (v.2)

The only ones endeavoring to redefine marriage are those who reject God's word and seek to justify their sin. 

Marriage is a singular union.  The term "each" does not allow for polygamy. 

Marriage is a submissive relationship, in that each lovingly gives up personal rights and authority over their body (vv.3-4).  Ephesians 5 describes the attitude of believers in this regard.  In the same way Christ loves and sacrificed Himself, so a husband is to demonstrate that kind of sacrificial love to his wife.  In the same way, a believer submits themselves to a loving Savior, so a wife is to give herself to her husband. 

Sexual intercourse is truly an act of marriage.  Intentionally withholding intimacy from a marriage partner is a violation of verses 3-4.  Engaging in sex outside of marriage is strictly condemned as the behavior of unbelievers who are subjecting themselves to God's judgment.  This was made clear in 6:9-10.  "Let marriage be held in honor among all, and let the marriage bed be undefiled, for God will judge the sexually immoral and adulterous." (Hebrews 13:4)

There are two overarching statements for all of us.
1. Be self-disciplined. (v.5b)
To engage in sex outside of marriage is a temptation from two sources.  First, Satan is a tempter.  His aim against every believer is to lure them into sin.  "Submit yourselves therefore to God.  Resist the devil, and he will flee from you." (James 4:7)  The second is our own lust.  James 1:14, "But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire."    "...walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh." (Galatians 5:16)

2. Be content where you are. (v.35)
Single?  That is okay.  Married?  That is okay.  Widowed?  That is okay.  At best, all earthly relationships are temporal.  "For the present form of this world is passing away" (v.31b).  Whatever your state in life, make it your focus, then, "to promote good order and to secure your undivided devotion to the Lord."

 

3 test questions for a follower of Christ

 Read 1 Corinthians 6.

Should a person who claims to be a Christian ________________?  (You may fill in the blank.)

Questionable activities spring up in every culture and some of the answers may change with time.  But the Scriptures do not change.  Here in verses 9-10, as in other passages, sin is named explicitly.  These are not negotiable.  The only ones debating these issues are merely seeking justification for their sin.

When God says "no" it is because He has something better in His plan for us.  Often times, selfishness and fear get in the way of our thinking and doing what is right.  We fear that God will not provide what we want or think we need.  So, we take matters into our own hands and go our own way.  Trusting the Lord to fulfill His promises toward us (Matthew 6:25-34) and waiting for God's timing to act is the challenge of faith.

Beyond the facts of right and wrong in God's word, there are three positive questions that should guide our lives.

1. Is it helpful? (v.12a)
Yes, we have freedom in Christ, but we do not have the freedom to sin or violate Biblically stated behaviors.  "Live as people who are free, not using your freedom as a cover-up for evil, but living as servants of God." (1 Peter 2:16)  How is this behavior pleasing to God and helpful to my Christian growth?  How is this behavior helpful others in their coming to faith in Christ?

2. Am I controlled by it? (v.12b)
Does this dominate my life?  The Apostle Paul wrote, "All things may be "lawful for me, but I will not be dominated by anything."  Can I easily live without it?  When others think of me, is this what comes to mind?  Am I presenting a lifestyle that others can follow as I follow Christ?

3. Am I demonstrating that Jesus is truly the Lord of my life? (v.13)
When a person comes to faith in Christ, they renounce their sin and selfishness to become a new creation in Christ Jesus (2 Corinthians 5:17).  Life is no longer about me, nor about defending my rights.  It is about personal surrender, living to please the One who loved me and gave Himself for me (Ephesians 5:2). 

Therefore, we are to behave as those who "were (past tense) washed, you we sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus and by the Spirit of God" (v.11b).  As a temple of the Holy Spirit we are to make decisions based upon the fact that we are not our own.  We have been bought and paid for by the precious blood of Christ.  "So glorify God in your body." (vv.19-20)

 

When acceptance is not Acceptable

 Read 1 Corinthians 5.

The church at Corinth was proud of the fact that they were accepting of everyone and all behaviors. This incestuous relationship mentioned here was open and well-known in the congregation.  "Your boasting is not good." (v6)  Scripture does not mince words when it comes to sin.  Sexual behavior outside of the marriage between one man and one woman is consistently condemned in the Bible.  "Let him who has done this be removed from among you." (v.2b)   But the bluntness of this passage goes on: "...you are to deliver this man to Satan..." (v.5)  "Purge the evil person from among you." (v13)

Who are we to judge?
God is the Judge and He has given His word to be implemented by His people.  This and other passages (see chapter 6) make it clear that the church is to be a place where godly people do not tolerate false teaching and deals promptly with wrong behavior.

Why is this so important?
Like yeast in a lump of dough (vv.6-7), sin is a cancer.  If not dealt with decisively and correctly, the sin will spread and kill the ministry of that church.  This symbolism is carried over into the Lord's Supper.  The bread used for that celebration is to be unleavened. (vv.7-8) as a sign of purity, "sincerity and truth".

What is the ultimate purpose of such church discipline?
It is not to embarrass people into submission to church authority.  It is not meant merely to rid the local church of unrepentant people.  There two purposes of such discipline:
1. The process is to be conducted in love by those who are committed to restoring the sinning believer to full fellowship in the congregation.  Any other motives are illegitimate and unbiblical!  Matthew 18:15-20 provides a step by step process, including the Lord's confirmation of the judgment of the two to three witnesses.
2. The wayward congregant is to express repentance and demonstrate they have forsaken the sin.  These are the requirements for restoration.  If there is no admission of guilt and no willingness to change, then the church must let the person go.  In the context of false doctrine, 1 John 2:19 states: "They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would have continued with us.  But they went out, that it might be plain that they all are not of us."

Why are most churches failing to follow the commands of church discipline?
1. It is a sorrow-filled process.  Those who are committed to the person's restoration carry a huge load of brokenness over the situation.  Galatians 6:1-5 cautions those who would do such ministry. 
2. It is a time-consuming process.  Bearing one another's burdens is not accomplished in a single meeting.  Restoring one's relationships takes consistent trust-building interactions.
3. It is based upon voluntary accountability.  Without the willingness of committed people in the church and the willingness of the sinning person, restoration is not possible.

Fortunately, in this case, it appears from 2 Corinthians 2:5-11 that the church and this individual listened and followed God's word.

 

How is your work coming along?

 Read 1 Corinthians 3.

In chapter 2, the Apostle Paul wrote of two kinds of people in the world: natural and spiritual.  The natural person has only experienced a human birth and is limited to eyes, ears and intellect.  The wisdom of God may seem unintelligible and even foolish to them.  The spiritual person, having received Jesus as personal Savior, is indwelt by the Holy Spirit.  It is the ministry of the Holy Spirit to reveal and help the believer to understand and apply God's word.

Now, in chapter 3, Paul addresses a third type of person.  Those in the church at Corinth were believers, but they were behaving like unbelievers.  He called them carnal or fleshly.  They were thinking, speaking, and acting as though Christ had not changed their lives.  Throughout this book, Paul will address many specific examples of their unspiritual behaviors.  Here, their lack of Christian maturity was evidenced by the "jealousy and strife" in the congregation.  The divisiveness came as they chose sides on which preacher they followed.  Who was more important and who was better?  Was it the one who founded their church or the one who continued to teach in the church?  Paul's terse answer, "So neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only God who gives the growth." (v.7)  They ended up working on each other, instead of why God raised up the church in Corinth. 

Looking at the birth and life of a local church, we are given two comparisons.  The church is like a field that needs cultivation, planting, tending, and harvesting.  The church is like a building that has a foundation, a structure, an appearance, and occupancy.  Each area requires multiple workers with different skills and giftedness to labor.  The ministry is W-O-R-K. 

At the Judgment Seat of Christ, when each individual believer in Jesus will stand for an accounting of their Christian life, two things will happen.  The work we have done will be tested.  What did we do with the gifts, time and opportunities God gave us?  All the temporal and material facades will be removed and only what we did that has lasting, eternal value will remain.  Based upon that evaluation, the worker will be rewarded for their service for Christ.

Note that the reward is based upon the quality of labor, not the quantity of the results.  The farmer has no control over the weather and other unforeseen conditions.  He cannot make a harvest.  He is held responsible for doing his personal best in working to do all he can.  It is "...only God who gives the growth."  The builder is responsible for the quality of the materials selected and the quality of work that was done in construction. 

The encouraging aspect of serving the Lord is that, in addition to the Holy Spirit, God has already given us "all things" to be effective for Him.

 

Why don't they Understand?

 Read 1 Corinthians 2.

Paul was highly educated, intellectually capable, multi-lingual, and a trained debater.  To the more experienced in the faith, Paul communicated insights into the Scriptures and the "wisdom of God" (vv.6-7).  But when he taught in public, he kept it simple.  The message centered on the implications of "Jesus Christ and him crucified" (v.2).  His ministry was even accompanied by the "demonstration of the Spirit and of power."  Lives were being transformed.  People experienced forgiveness of sin and the freedom of a clean conscience.  Some behaviors changed.  What took place was undeniable!

Even though the message of Jesus was so simple a child could respond in faith, and though the power of God was evident, still many did not get it.
"None of the rulers of this age understood." (v.8)
"No one comprehends..." (v.11)
"He is not able to understand..." (v.14)
And, the question is why?

Everyone has family members, dear friends, neighbors and acquaintances who do not know Jesus as their Savior.  It is a heartache the believer carries daily in prayer.  Why don't they understand the urgency and the loving kindness of God?

The truth about God and His word can never be fully understood by natural means.  Jesus said, "God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in spirit and in truth." (John 4:24).  In other words, eyes, ears and intellect will prove useless in fully comprehending spiritual truth and spiritual things.  Because it is spiritual and not natural, one must have the help of the Holy Spirit to understand and appreciate the wonderful work of Christ and His offer of salvation by grace.  To the natural person these things may sound foolish and optional.

This is clearly explained in verses 9 and 10.  Often only verse 9 is quoted and misapplied regarding some future plans of God.  However, the rest of the sentence continues in verse 10 by saying "these things God has revealed to us through the Spirit."  Notice the verb tense.  Those who personally know Jesus already have the indwelling Holy Spirit alongside to help them.  Understanding and obeying God's word is evidence of what Paul called having "the mind of Christ" (v.16).  

Even the number one Rabbi in Jesus' day did not understand this.  In John 3, Jesus compared it to a birth.  A physical birth alone will not result in a relationship with God.  "That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of Spirit is spirit.  Do not marvel that I said to you, 'You must be born again.'"  When one is born into God's family through faith in Jesus, the Holy Spirit then does a work of unlocking our human understanding.

 

How to describe the message about Jesus

 Read 1 Corinthians 1.

The basis of the redemptive message is the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ (1 Corinthians 15:1-4).  It is personal faith in His sacrifice for one's sins that saves from eternal judgment and results in eternal life.  Such forgiveness cannot be earned.  It is a gift from God for simply believing in what the Bible calls the Gospel (good news).

In this chapter, the Apostle Paul uses at least four descriptive phrases for the Gospel.
1. "The word of the cross." (v.18a) 
If there is no cross, there is no Gospel.  That is how the full, final, once and for all payment for sin was made.  It is only through the substitutionary crucifixion of the Son of God that we have any good news concerning forgiveness.

2."The power of God." (v.18b) 
It is the same term used in Romans 1:16.  Humans are powerless to gain God's forgiveness and spiritual life.  Salvation is an act of God.  1 Timothy 6:16 could not be more clear.  Concerning Jesus, Paul wrote, "who alone has immortality."  There is no alternative.

3. "The folly of what we preach." (v.21)
The Gospel message asks a person to believe in a God they cannot see nor figure out.  By faith alone, one is called upon to commit their lives to Jesus and live with complete confidence in Him.  This sounds absolutely foolish to those who view life as "seeing is believing" and who would rather trust their own reasoning over the word of God.  The Scripture is consistent in its teaching that "believing is seeing."

4. "The wisdom of God." (v.24)
The wisest man who ever lived wrote, "There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way to death." (Proverbs 14:12)  When a human heart rejects the knowledge of God, it will turn to any and every false explanation.  These false ways may salve the rebellious conscience for a time, but at the end of life there is no "good news."  Only what the Bible calls the second death awaits them (Revelation 21:14-15).  "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction." (Proverbs 1:7)

At the root of all rejection of God's word and the Gospel is the sin of pride.  It is shear hubris for a person to think they know better than their Creator and the One who desires to be their Savior.  Why has the Lord chosen such a plan that sets aside all human effort and depends solely on His grace?  "...so that no human being might boast in the presence of God."  And, "Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord."