Moral Purity
The prevalence of sexual immorality in Corinth was astonishingly widespread and can only be compared to our modern times. First Corinthians may be the most applicable book to modern readers in all of Scripture. Along with sexual openness came proverbial, well, proverbs -- or slogans -- that excused such behavior. For those who think “If it feels good, do it” or “I should be able to do whatever I want as long as it doesn’t hurt anyone,” needs a history lesson. These mantras have excused sinful behavior for thousands of years. Don’t believe me? Try comparing them to some of Paul’s examples:
Expel the Immoral
At the start of chapter five we are introduced to a pair of ghastly sins. The first is an appalling case of incest (5.1), and the second is the church of Corinth’s proud tolerance of such behavior (5.2). In our culture incest still has a shock factor, even so there are similar problems in the modern church. Some congregations flaunt their acceptance of gay, lesbian and trans-gender behavior. While we ought to accept sinners as our equals (since we too sin and need God’s grace), we ought never condone or promote sinful behavior. But we’re getting ahead of ourselves now.
Divisions, Finale
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.
Divisions in the Church, Part 1
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.
The Paraclete
“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.
Disorders in the Church, Part 1
The church of Corinth was a mess. Paul’s disappointment, anger, confusion and intense love for these people is clear within the pages of this letter. These emotions are all too familiar to pastors, who deal with the darkness of people not only on a personal level like the rest of us, but on a corporate level. Pastors see the hurt, the evil and the joys of their congregations, and it takes its toll. So while some of Paul’s language may seem intense or even a little over-the-top remember that he’s ministering to a large group who have nearly all strayed from the path.
Divisions, Part 3
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”).
1 Corinthians–The Big Idea
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.
Stop Suing Each Other
Years ago host David Letterman on the Late Show once took a swig out of his coffee mug and offhandedly remarked, “I don’t think there’s a man, woman or child alive that doesn’t enjoy a tasty beverage.” But what happens if, say, a church goer gets a piping hot cup of coffee in his Sunday school class and spills it all over himself? Does he sue the church? The Sunday school teacher? The one who made the coffee? Hopefully not, but it wouldn’t be out of character for a Corinthian. Or for one of us in today’s litigious society.
No Distractions
“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.
Divisions, Part 2
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.
1 Corintians–Author & Setting
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…