“Jesus said ‘Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest’ (Matthew 11.28). I am so thankful that Jesus did not call us to a list of rules or a religious agenda or even to church. He called us into a relationship with Himself.” So states Rich Blum, pastor of Bethel Community Church in Washougal, WA. Each Sunday Think-Biblically.com is bringing you sermons from Pastor Rich to assist you in your worship of God and to grow in your relationship with Jesus. Sermons also aired on KPDQ-FM AM 1130 in Portland, OR.
In the past, “Unity of believers” has been a felt need, perhaps even a battle cry of sorts, within the church. The need, however, largely goes unmet and the cry unheard. What makes unity so difficult to attain is that it has no standard unit of measure. How much unity is enough? Can one have too much? Though we easily recognize division, how do we monitor progress toward unity? Paul provides us a handy standard. While unity in all things may be preferred, so long as unity in our allegiance to Jesus and the Gospel is maintained it is enough.
Who really wrote First Corinthians? It’s no mystery, I’m afraid. There is so much internal evidence to confirm this epistle was written by the apostle Paul -- it bears his name (1.1), fits his style, is true to Pauline theology, and historical circumstances permit the writing of this letter at this time. Some have argued that the authors overstatement of his qualifications (stating that he is “called,” an “apostle,” by “the will of God”) is unusual for Paul and indicates that the author may be overstating his case to be believed as Paul. As intriguing as a good conspiracy theory is…
SANCTUARY IN CORINTH During his second missionary journey, while on the run from murderous Jews, Paul found sanctuary in Corinth (about CE 51). Corinth was an unlikely rest stop for many reasons. First, being strategically located at a narrow channel of land between the Mediterranean and the Ionian Sea (see illustration 1), it controlled the province of Achaia. As such an important crossroads of the Roman Empire, it was one of the largest cities of its day – second only to Rome – with a population of 100,000 (80,000 in the city proper, and 20,000 in the immediate suburbs).
Do Not Go Beyond What is Written Paul concludes this section of his letter by explaining why he has used himself and Apollos as examples. Both of them have applied (literally been transformed by) a truth the believers of Corinth need to follow: “Do not go beyond what is written.” He has already detailed that he taught nothing but Christ crucified, though by doing so he was thought a fool by some. If the Corinthians were to mature they would have to get over themselves and become fools for Christ, just like Paul and Apollos.
After the salutation and introduction of the first nine verses (discussed yesterday), verse 10 sets the stage for the next few chapters. As such is deserving of closer examination. Paul’s appeal for unity is “in the name of… Jesus Christ.” This phrase means, “I appeal to you in the power and authority of … Jesus Christ.” the phrase “in the name of” has become so common to English readers that we often forget that this is a claim of divine authority for the message. For those who no longer adhered to Paul’s authority, this was a striking statement.
“Jesus said ‘Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest’ (Matthew 11.28). I am so thankful that Jesus did not call us to a list of rules or a religious agenda or even to church. He called us into a relationship with Himself.” So states Rich Blum, pastor of Bethel Community Church in Washougal, WA. Each Sunday Think-Biblically.com is bringing you sermons from Pastor Rich to assist you in your worship of God and to grow in your relationship with Jesus. Sermons also aired on KPDQ-FM AM 1130 in Portland, OR.
Our final ideology under examination is Mormonism, once the fastest growing religion in the United States, adds on average 800 coverts to its rosters every day. Its growth is largely attributed to its conservative family and political values, the care provided to members, charitable contributions, and the financial success of its followers. More of its over six million members are involved in mission’s work than evangelical Christians and distributes five million copies of the Book of Mormon every year. How does one argue against a faith that many well-meaning people, including Sean Hannity, believe is simply a branch of Christianity?
Paul’s disappointment with the church of Corinth is palpable. He spent a year and a half of his life nurturing the budding church, she had the best teachers of the day coming to preach, Paul himself made return visits and wrote regularly and despite all this attention the people remained divided and immature in their faith. What more could he do? What else could he say? Pastors of modern churches take note, Paul knows your pain. Where Paul contrasts Christianity with the world’s wisdom in 1.18-2.16, he now contrasts mature believers (“servants”) with immature believers (“mere men”).
Every book of the Bible, like most historical narratives, books and even movies, has a Big Idea. This is more than a theme or a lesson, it is a core concept that ties everything together. It is one central lesson or idea that the material centers on. One may discover the Big Idea by observing explicit statements or phrases, especially those which are repeated. Discerning the Big Idea helps us interpret difficult passages and should explain elements that seem out of place. Also, it is the crux of everything the author (or director) wants us to take home and consider.
Upon his arrival in Corinth, Paul met new friends, a Jewish couple, Aquila and Priscilla by name. They were from Rome, originally, but relocated to Corinth when Claudius (who reigned AD 41 to 54) “had ordered all the Jews to leave Rome.” This edict was pronounced in AD 49 or 50, though the circumstances are largely unknown. According to Suetonis, a Roman biographer of emperors, there was a constant series of Jewish riots. The reason for these riots is uncertain, but appeared to center around an individual named Chrestus.
“Jesus said ‘Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest’ (Matthew 11.28). I am so thankful that Jesus did not call us to a list of rules or a religious agenda or even to church. He called us into a relationship with Himself.” So states Rich Blum, pastor of Bethel Community Church in Washougal, WA. Each Sunday Think-Biblically.com is bringing you sermons from Pastor Rich to assist you in your worship of God and to grow in your relationship with Jesus. Sermons also aired on KPDQ-FM AM 1130 in Portland, OR.