STUDIES

 

 

                IN

 

 

        FIRST CORINTHIANS

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                     COMMENTARY BIBLE LESSONS

 

                                by

 

                      DR. D. PAUL TUCK SR.

 

 

 

                   A BAPTIST PULPIT PUBLICATION

                   STUDIES IN FIRST CORINTHIANS

 

 

                     By Dr. D. Paul Tuck Sr.

 

 

 

 

 

                            DEDICATION

                        To the students of

                     Historic Baptist College

                       Scarborough, Ontario

                  to whom I taught these studies

                    as well as the members of

                     Landmark Baptist Church

                      Scarborough, Ontario,

                             Canada.

 

 

 

 

       These studies were first written and taught in 1987

            and rewritten by the author and printed by

 

                    BAPTIST PULPIT MINISTRIES

                       48 Cobbler Crescent

                       North York, Ontario

                          Canada M3N 2Y7

 

                           March 1993.

 

 

                All rights reserved by the author.

              Permission to copy will be given upon

                written request to the publishers.

 

 

                         Revised Edition

                            June 1995

                Second Revised Edition-April 2005

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

STUDIES IN 1 CORINTHIANS

 

LESSON ONE            1 CORINTHIANS CHAPTER ONE

 

First Corinthians could well be called, "The Letter to a carnal church." It probably teaches us more of, what a church should not be like, than to set a good example of Christ likeness.

First Corinthians was written by Paul, while he was in Ephesus about 57 A.D. The need for good Christian conduct is indicated throughout the letter. "Division" is the key word with a call to unity within the local church as its aim. The student is reminded that Paul’s approach to doctrine in this letter is within the confines of the (local) church, a very carnal one at that.

 

1.   INTRODUCTION: 1:1-9

     A.   Paul was called of God. No truly Christian ministry is a self or man-made appointment.

     B.   Paul directs his letter to the local church but he no doubt meant it to be shared with other churches. The word "place" here means locality. With Paul, the New Testament Church could always be located. The idea of a mystical, invisible, universal church is foreign to Paul and the New Testament.

     C.   Sanctified means- "separated unto"- This is a directive against division. We are sanctified unto Christ from the moment of our conversion.

     D.   Called- This is the operation of God through the gospel.

          We are chosen in Christ from eternity. God calls us, in time by His Spirit unto life and then by the message of the gospel unto salvation. This implies God's absolute

          sovereignty in grace.

     E.   To be saints- This is an action word. Christians are set aside as a peculiar or separated people. The term "saints" is applied to all Christians and means "holy ones." The Christian is called to be holy. Jesus expressed this- Matt. 5:48. See what Paul says in 2 Corinthians 7:1 and Romans 12:1-2.

     F.   The word "call" means to invoke or bring upon themselves by way of use- the name (authority) of Jesus Christ-the anointed one, the Messiah.

     G.   Our Lord- Our Master- Christ is Head of the Church. He is, from the time of our salvation, to be our Master, the leader, the boss of every Christian.

     H.   "Grace be unto you" is not just a greeting. Grace does not cease when one is converted. Grace teaches us- Titus 2:11-12. We are to grow in grace. The Bible speaks of grace, more grace, and much grace. Grace is "unmerited favour"- it is "God's riches at Christ's expense." God gives us in Christ what we do not deserve, cannot earn or obtain for ourselves. The Scriptures show that grace continues to be our portion even on into eternity.

     I.   Every preacher and every Christian should be thankful to see others saved. It should excite us! And note that this grace that Paul talks about, comes by Jesus Christ.

     J.   The Corinthian Church is unique in that it had come behind no other church in the area of spiritual gifts. The word utterance refers to the apostolic gifts, which Paul later refers to in detail (chapters 12-14.) The word

          "knowledge" no doubt also refers to the gift of the word of knowledge."  It could not refer to knowledge of the word, or will of God. If so, there would not be a need to correct them in so many areas, as Paul does in this letter. This shows us that so-called spiritual gifts are no sign of maturity or spirituality. Zeal by itself could well be dangerous.

     K.   Waiting for the coming of the Lord, means they were looking for Christ's promised return to earth. This suggests an imminent return. Signs or no signs, Christ could come at any moment- We need to be ready- Matthew 24:24.

     L.   The testimony-message-gospel witness was confirmed,       established, strengthened or made strong.

     M.   Blameless - means without blame. Not faultless or sinless.

          We are never sinless while in this body of flesh. Christ operates in our lives to present us blameless at His      return.

     N.   God is ever faithful. He cannot be faulted. Any lack of faithfulness is always on the side of mankind.

     O.   Called- This is by the gospel-into the fellowship of       Christ. This I believe refers to the closeness, which can only be in church-body membership. The New Testament Church is as close as anyone can get to Christ in a fleshly body. Not even John the Baptist was this close- Cf John 3:29. While the fellowship of Christ is "joyful", it is said elsewhere to be the "fellowship of His suffering." -Phil. 3:10.

     P.   In verses 4 thru 9 Paul lists some things he is thankful for. It would do well for the student to list these things.

          (There are at least six.)

 

2.   DIVISIONS DEPLORED: 1:10-4:21

     A.   Natural Wisdom: 1:10-31

          Paul calls for unity! This church had union but certainly not unity. A dog and cat can be tied together by the tail; That is union, but there will not be unity. Division kills the effectiveness of any church. It drags the name of Jesus down. It turns people off of the gospel!

          No divisions! Division is immature, worldly, and sinful. I have heard of churches splitting over which hymnbook they should use in worship. Division of fundamental issues becomes necessary. That however is not usually the norm.

 

          NO DIVISIONS MEAN:

          1. Unity in speech.

          2. Perfectly- (completely) joined together- in purpose.

          3. The same mind- Cf Phil. 2:5-10

          4. The same judgment.

          Note: A soul winning, missions minded church has no room for what we find in the Corinth Church.

          See Paul's attitude in Galatians 2:10.

     VS 11- Their testimony had at least reached the household of

            Chloe.

            Contentions- Not only were they divided, but at each other’s throats. They contended with each other.

     Vs 12- Each clique within the church had their favorite leader. They followed man, rather than God.

     Vs 13- Is Christ divided? Should there be division in the church? Who was the one crucified- by whose authority are we baptized? Cf Matt. 28:19.

     Vs 14-17-

            Is Paul playing down baptism as some would imply?

            No, but he is putting it in proper perspective.

            Christ before baptism, blood before water, salvation

            before baptism.

Paul did baptize, but the preaching of salvation comes before baptism. The emphasis is first upon soul winning, then baptism, etc.

The cross of Christ is made effective by the power and work of the Holy Spirit, not the elegance of fancy words.

     Vs 18- The preaching of the cross- We need to learn this

            today. The cross is central to the Bible,

            the Church,and the Christian life. Cf 1 Corinthians
            15:1-5.

Foolishness to them who perish- the unsaved see no need for Calvary. Liberal theologians preach a social gospel, which leaves out "the cross of Calvary." The cross is not a chain around your neck; it is more than the place a good man died. The cross is an act of Divine mercy and grace. Its message is of a finished work, calling men to repentance and faith.

To be saved- it is the power of God! God's power for the Christian is not in some ecstatic experience. Not in a gift, but in the Giver of the gift of eternal life. Pentecost compliments but does not replace Calvary.

     Vs 19- This verse refers to Isaiah 29:14.

     Vs 20- The world with all of its wisdom never came close to

            God, rather it went further away from

            Him. This was because of the condition of mans sinful

            nature. His depravity!

Vs 21- the foolishness of preaching- foolishness to the un-

       saved and perhaps to the worldly

       Christian.

God did and still does, use preaching to save lost souls. Preaching is not just from the pulpit. It means -to proclaim-, which can be done anywhere. The best sermon is the life you live before others. Salvation cannot come unless one believes- that is, to trust in, rely upon Christ as personal Saviour and sin-bearer.

     Vs 22 -Jews are looking for a sign- Jesus said Calvary was

            the only sign they would receive. Matt.

            13:38-40.

The Greeks of Paul’s day sought after wisdom-Acts 17:18-23.

     Vs 23- We preach- declare to all men- Christ the Messiah of

            Israel who was crucified.

            Christ is a stone of stumbling to the Jews because of

            tradition and the doctrines of men.

  To the Greeks the cross was foolishness because it was

            just too easy, too simple. They wanted something more

            profound.

Vs 24- The called- this refers not to the "general call" but

       to the "particular call." Those who

       have become enlightened by the work of the Holy

       Spirit, of Jews or Greeks (literally-of all

nations) Christ is the power of God. Christ is Wisdom. Christ is, the Greek word is-dynamos- from which we get our word dynamite!

The power of the Christian is in the Person of Christ.

     Vs 25- Foolishness (or what men call it) is wiser than men.

Man's wisdom cannot save the soul, but what men call foolishness can save and change lives. Men look to men for strength and consider the ways of God as weakness.

In death Christ became a victor! A Charles Atlas body will rot in hell, but one so-called by the world; a weak Christian will live forever in heaven.

Vs 26- Like the rich man Jesus talked about, Paul says, not

       many Charles Atlas types are called-

note the words "are called" are in italics meaning they are not used in the original Greek. However, I think the next verse implies this thought.

     Vs 27- God has chosen- the elect in Christ- foolish and weak

            in the eyes of the world.

            It confounds mans ideas and so-called worldly wisdom.

            Cf - Ephesians 1:4-12.

     Vs 28-29- God has so chosen sinful men that

no flesh can glory or stand up and take credit before Him.

     Vs 30-31- What we are, we are only in Christ. Christ is our

               everything-wisdom, righteousness,

sanctification and redemption. All of this is a Person. Externals may make you look better, but Christ in you is the hope of glory- Col. 1:27-29.

 

We cannot glory in our efforts of good deeds, and good works. Salvation is of the Lord! Our hope is built on Christ the solid rock.

Have you trusted in Jesus Christ as your personal Saviour and Lord?

If not, and you can sense and know your need of a Savior, will you not do so today?

 

 

STUDIES IN FIRST CORINTHIANS

 

LESSON TWO                 CHAPTER TWO

 

SPIRITUAL WISDOM:

Chapter one deals with natural wisdom, but Paul declared that he "preached not in the natural wisdom of men, but in the spiritual wisdom of God."

Vs 1   Paul came to Corinth relying not on the excellent speech of a great orator, or as some wise man, when he brought the gospel of Christ.

Vs 2   Paul did not wish to know anything among them except that

       which involved the Person of Christ

       and His death for sinners. If only we today could be like

       Paul was.

Vs 3   Paul's condition while in Corinth, as to why he needed to depend upon the Holy Spirit, was in weakness, fear and trembling. This shows us the humility of Paul and his dependency upon God. It takes more than seminary degrees and mere knowledge to serve God. We only plant the seeds,

       God gives the increase. Jesus said, "For without me ye can

       do nothing." (John 15:5).

Vs 4   Paul's speech, the words he used to entice (persuade with a view to trick) them. You cannot talk a man out of sin, into Christ.  Jesus said, the Holy Spirit would convince of sin of righteousness and judgment (John 16:8.)  Paul did not come on to them like a door-to-door salesman.  (Winning arguments is not necessarily winning souls.)  Paul's ministry was demonstrated by the work of the Holy Spirit in the lives of men.  This phrase may also refer to the miraculous demonstration, which accompanied the apostolic office (Romans 15:19). The word power used here, means ability and is the Greek word "dunamis" from which we get the word dynamite. (Cf Acts 1:8 where the same word is used).

Vs 5   Your faith (trust or reliance) should not stand (be) in the

       wisdom of men. Man has no ability

To save or change lives for righteous living.  We must trust in the ability of God.  Paul always centres man's thoughts on God.

Vs 6   We speak wisdom- the words we speak are wise - they make

       sense to those that are perfect (a better translation here

       would be "mature").  Yet we do not lower ourselves to the

       level of the world's wisdom, or the rulers of this world,

       which will all fade away - (Cf 2 Cor. 1:12). 

Vs 7   The wisdom spoken by believers in Christ is a mystery (that

       is hidden - undiscerned by

       spiritually dead men); (Cf vs. 14).

       God ordained - meaning here "determined" rather than

       "chosen". God chooses, then He ordains.

Everything that God does is based upon His decree in eternity past, thus He chooses in time what He has determined in eternity past.      

       Before the world - (Cf Eph. 1:4; 3:5; Col. 1:26).

Unto our glory - glorification - to lift us into His presence.  God's plan of redemption was determined from

eternity past. Calvary was no afterthought with God,but part of His perfect plan of the ages.  It was hidden or not clear to men until given in clarity through Paul -

       (Rom. 16:25; Eph. 3:3-4).

Vs 8   None of the rulers of this world knew (including the religious leaders of the Jews who

       crucified Christ).

       The Romans crucified Christ but the Jews were responsible (John 19:6; 15).

Vs 9   Paul quotes from Isaiah 64:4.

       Man never dreamed how wonderful a thing God would do in those who display love for Him. 

Vs 10 God has revealed them unto us (Paul and those who are saved) by His Spirit (which indwells the

       believer).

The believer receives the indwelling of the Holy Spirit when he is saved (Rom.8:9).The Spirit of Christ within him speaks of the new relationship "Abba Father" (Rom. 8:15).It is the work of the Holy Spirit in the believer's life to reveal the things of God to him. 

Vs 11 Paul is basically saying, the same thing Jesus said, in John 3, "That which is flesh is flesh

and that which is spirit is spirit".  The spirit of man knows and can discern fleshly things, but it takes the Spirit of God for a spiritually dead man to discern spiritual things, for apart

       from (or outside of) Christ man is spiritually dead.

Vs 12 We have received (the believer in Christ with direct reference to Paul and the Corinthians to

       whom he was writing).

       Not the spirit of the world - (the spirit of anti Christ –the devil)

       but the spirit (pneuma) which is of God (Rom. 8:15).

To know - (God does not want us to be unknowing in spiritual things).  In Ephesians, one of the key phrases is, "that ye might know" (Cf 1 Corinthians 12:1; Eph. 4:13).

Vs 13 Paul says, we speak (Paul by revelation - we today by a completed revelation, the Bible – James

1:25) not according to man's wisdom, but that which the Holy Spirit teaches. Paul is referring to his apostolic office and revelation.

Comparing spiritual things with spiritual, which is what Jesus taught Nicodemus to do in John 3. Spiritual things must be interpreted in spiritual language.

Note: Apparently Nicodemus, although he was a Jewish Rabbi, could not discern spiritual things. He needed to be born again, regenerated, quickened by the work of the Holy Spirit within him.

Vs 14 The natural man (unsaved, unredeemed son of Adam) does not receive into his heart the things of

God, which are spiritual. They are foolish nonsense to unsaved men. The unsaved man cannot discern (understand) things, which are spiritual, because he is spiritually dead.  (Cf Jude 19).

Spiritually dead-theologically refers to man's total human depravity. Because of his depravity, the sinner is incapable of himself to lift himself up, save himself; his so-called free will is only to sin more. He can only dig himself into a deeper pit, but can never get himself out on his own.

Vs 15 He that is made alive spiritually is able to judge - understand or discern all things. The

believer has been quickened (made alive) by the work of the Holy Spirit. He now is able to exercise his (free) will, which he could not before. However - he himself is not understood by sinful men. They think him a fool. (Because they themselves are yet spiritually dead).

Vs 16 Who hath known and understood the mind (counsels and purpose) of God so as to guide instruct and

       give him knowledge?

But we (the believer in Christ) have the mind of Christ (the Messiah). We hold the thoughts, feelings and purposes of His heart.  (Cf Isaiah 40:13). 

 

ASSIGNMENT FOR LEARNING:

Memorize Vs 14.  Take a sheet of paper and draw a line down the center of the sheet.  Turn to John 3 and note on each side of the sheet those things, which are flesh and those things, which are spiritual. Then turn to Ephesians 2 and the same way list those things that are before and those things, which are after salvation.

 

                                

                                

                                

                                

                                

 

            

 

                   STUDIES IN FIRST CORINTHIANS

 

LESSON THREE:                                Chapter 3

 

       CAUSES AND CURES - THE FOUNDATION FOR SPIRITUAL LIFE

 

Vs 1      The word "brethren" refers to brothers in Christ within

          the body of Christ at Corinth.

          The word "spiritual has reference again in (2:15) Paul

          could not speak to them as to spiritual men, but to non-spiritual men of the flesh. They were to say the least, spiritually immature.

          The word "carnal" has reference again in (2:14). Reference here is to spiritually immature men in whom the carnal nature predominates.

          The phrase "babes in Christ" - this refers to mere infants in the new life in Christ - unable to walk or talk as yet.  The thought here is that they were  "non-speakers". 

               This is strange in that they were active in gifts of utterance (1:5 and chapter 12).  Babies make a lot of noise or gibberish, but it is not intelligible to mature men. There are many like that today. Certain of the Pentecostal-Charismatic Movement are a good example of this Corinthian type carnality. Emotionalism sometimes ignores facts.

 

Vs 2      The phrase "fed with milk" is used because of their immature childish ways or babe likeness. The phrase "not with meat" is used because Paul felt he could not give them anything strong, for they could not digest it. Babies do not have the stomach for heavy food.

          "not able to bear"- digest, discern or understand.

 

Vs 3      By the words "ye are yet carnal" Paul means, they still acted fleshly, worldly, immature, or spiritually retarded. The carnal nature predominates in your daily living. You live like the world. (Do you know any church members like that today?) The evidence of their carnality is visible in their envy, strife, divisions (factions) and their walk, as men of the world walk.

 

Vs 4      The factions within the church is seen in their following men.... Paul or Apollos. This is worldly living.

 

Vs 5      Paul's question here includes himself. Who is Paul or who is Apollos? His answer- "ministers," (servants, waiters or literally "slaves of God").

          "By whom ye believed"- We are just mere men whom God chose to use to bring you to the claims of the gospel. God uses this method in reaching men.

 

Vs 6      "I have planted"- I came to Corinth and sowed the gospel seed.

          "Apollos watered"- He came to Corinth and added to or strengthened-confirmed what I taught. He put spiritual water on the seed.

          "BUT"- and here is what made the difference. "God gave the increase." He made the seed to grow.

 

Vs 7      Paul applies this truth to the problem in Corinth. "So what is the big thing you make out of planters and waterers, when they did not make the seed to grow? He that planteth is nothing, neither is he that carries the watering can. The one to make a big thing about is the one who made the seed to grow."

          Paul says, "Get your eyes off of man and on to God!"

 

Vs 8      The planter and the waterer are one. They work together; they are on the same team with God. God will reward every man according to the measure of his labour. Pay according to work.

          (That's not the same as equal pay for equal work since God pays by faithfulness not according to the job.)

          Man is rewarded according to "his own" labour.

 

Vs 9      "For we are labourers (together) with God." A labourer is a "worker" not a "shirker."

          "God's husbandry"- garden or vineyard. Paul is referring to a field under cultivation. The New Testament (local) Church is God's building, not that of some man.

         

 

Vs 10     "The grace of God"- That by which Paul was saved, and endowed for the task to which he was called.

          Grace is not some blue-eyed blond! It is that by which God moves and operates in changing and directing our lives. It is the escalator to greater heights in God. The Bible student is wise to pay much attention to the subject of sovereign grace.

          A wise master builder"- is a skilful architect.

          I have laid the foundation-by preaching Christ. Another- Apollos and others- have built on the foundation which I have laid in Corinth as an apostle.

          We need to be careful how and what we use in building upon the foundation of Christ.

 

Vs 11     There is no other foundation that any man can lay. No, not Rome, not the Mormons, not the Charismatics, not the Russelites, not any cult, denomination or religion.

          "That is laid"- already in place, with no need of repair (as Mormons suggest.)

          "Which is JESUS CHRIST!"- Not Peter, Joseph Smith, Herbert W. Armstrong, or any other man.

          No other but Jesus! (Acts 4:12.)

          The New Testament Church was instituted by Jesus Christ (Matthew 16:18.) "I will build (dome up) my church." The church, which Jesus built, the one found in Scripture, is a visible local body built upon Himself. The New Testament Church is built upon the foundation of a Person, Jesus Christ the Son of God.

 

Vs 12          Notice the natural materials Paul says can be used to build upon the foundation. In the church, God and man come together. There is a human element in the New Testament Church (at least as long as she is in the world. Pastors, Elders, deacons, church members are all everyday human beings. Saved by grace, but nevertheless, human and subject to the limitations of men. However, in discussing the materials that can be used to build upon the foundation, Paul divided the material into two groups of three. First gold, silver and precious stone. These are materials, which will endure the fire. Real gold can only be made better as the fire melts the dross away and the separation is made. Secondly, wood, hay, stubble. Fire can soon destroy these. Wood can rot. Hay, even in a thatched roof is a breeding place for germs.

          Notice: Paul makes no mention of building away from the foundation. Every ministry must be part of a New Testament Church. The foundation is of the church, not a para-church foundation. The church Jesus instituted was local and visible, not universal and mystical or invisible.

 

Vs 13          "Every man's work"- There will be no exceptions and it is work that will be rewarded. While we are not saved by works, works are to follow as a result of faith.

          "Shall be made manifest"- revealed as to what sort it is. Do we build only to be seen of men, or because of a desire to serve God?

          "The day shall declare it"- Cf 1 Peter 1:7- Time tries our works as to the quality or durability. The fire of life's trials prove our actions as to the source. Fire here refers to judgment, but not the final judgment of unredeemed souls.

 

Vs 14     The "works which abide" are rewarded, to some extent in this life, and most certainly at the Bema of Christ (2 Corinthians 5:10.)

 

Vs 15     "Burned"- means not to endure trial.

          "Suffer loss"- of time, of the work, and the reward.

          "He himself shall be saved"- loss of reward for labour is not loss of salvation.

          "By fire"- Compare with Lot who was saved (just) but left everything behind in the fire of Sodom. This has been called,  "being saved by the skin of your teeth."

Vs 16     "Know ye not?"- This is a question. "Do you not realize?"

          "ye" reference is to the local church in Corinth, to whom Paul is writing.

          "Temple of God"- Habitation or dwelling place where God lives by the Spirit. The Spirit of God dwells (God's House) in the local New Testament Church.

          Dr. Albert Garner says, "The Holy Spirit, the Paraclete, the indwelling vice-regent or representative of Jesus Christ, is in every fellowship of scripturally baptized and covenanted affinity of believers who are pledged to each other to work together in any locality to carry on a program of work and worship of Jesus Christ according to His word. Paul believed this and wanted to remind the Corinth Church members of their lofty calling, which entailed accountable conduct before God and the world. John 16:7-15; John 1416-18; Acts 2:1-8; Acts 2:15-21."- (Baptist Commentary- Dr. Albert Garner on 1 Corinthians- Page 56.)

          Cf 1 Corinthians 6:16- Paul shows the importance of good conduct and careful associations with others.

 

Vs 17     Paul's warning. The word "defile" means destroy. The fellowship and testimony of a New Testament Church can be defiled. Churches have been destroyed by bad conduct. The importance of the testimony of a New Testament Church is seen in that bad conduct can not only hurt the testimony of the church, it can destroy her. How many churches are no longer in existence because of bad conduct. It is a serious offence to pervert the teachings of Christ, and bring division to a church. God will judge such a one.

 

Vs 18     Paul here refers to "the preaching of the cross" which he talked about earlier. The way up is down. True humility is found at the foot of the cross. Christ was wise as seen in giving Himself for others. Herein is our example. Unity in the church will be possible if we stay close to Calvary. We may have to be looked upon as fools in the eyes of the world (and worldly church members), but God is our judge, not man.

 

Vs 19     "The wisdom of this world"- (with its humanistic new age approach) is not on the same level with God. Job's so-called comforters lacked Godly wisdom. Cf Job 5:13.

 

Vs 20     The Lord knows- (this is Psalm 94:11) the thoughts of the (worldly) wise. - vain, empty, for nothing.

 

Vs 21     "Therefore"- because of this, do not put man up on a pedestal. Preacher preference is really of little value in light of the cross and eternity.

          "For all things are yours"- You are not to be limited to the ideas of the ministry of one man. Paul is speaking about the vastness of knowledge open to the church by the Holy Spirit's indwelling.

 

Vs 22     Paul, Apollos, Cephas (Peter) all things belong to the Church in Christ. Eph. 3:16-21.

 

Vs 23     "Ye are Christ's"- You belong to Him. The worldly idea of personal rights are handed over to the Lordship of Jesus Christ.

          Cf Romans 14:8; 2 Corinthians 10:7; Galatians 3:29.

          "Christ is God's"- Literally "the Anointed or Messiah of God."  Cf John 5:30-40. Even Christ was subject to His Father.

 

ASSIGNMENT FOR LEARNING:

From Chapter three – write an article of about 100 words on the basis of one’s spiritual life. Please keep your comments confined to Chapter three.

                                

                                

                                

 


                   STUDIES IN FIRST CORINTHIANS

 

LESSON FOUR:                            CHAPTER 4-

 

Vs 1      The word "account" used here means to "give record" or "think of in special reference." The word "minister" is the same word rendered "servant" or "slave." It is also the basis of our English word, "waiter" and translated elsewhere as "deacon" (Matt. 24:45.) Paul was Christ's servant. A "steward" is also a servant, but one that is put in charge of something specific.

          The mysteries which Paul talks about, is the revelation hidden in types and shadows in the Old Testament, but revealed to Paul (Eph. 3:3). This is given to us in Paul's letter to the Church in Ephesus, (Eph. 2).

 

Vs 2      The requirement of stewards is faithfulness (1 Peter 4:10.) The word "faithful" means, "full of faith" and dependable with it.

 

Vs 3      It mattered not to Paul that those in the Corinth Church judged him. What man thinks is never so important as what God thinks. God does not judge men by man's opinion. Paul in saying, "I judge not myself" was not saying that he did not discipline himself. Rather that he too would be judged by God, give answer to God for his actions and what he taught.

 

Vs 4      "I know nothing by myself"- everything a man  learns and knows, comes from God the source of true knowledge. These carnal Corinthians could not stick out their chests and claim credit for what they knew. Paul gave God credit.

          "Yet am I not hereby justified?"- though I see nothing wrong with myself, God is the Judge.

 

Vs 5      "Judge nothing before the time"- this refers to one of the two Judgments:-

          1. The Judgment Seat of Christ, where all of the saved or believers works will be rewarded (2 Cor. 5:10-11.)

          2. The Great White Throne Judgment (Rev. 20:11-15).

          This does not mean that we cannot judge on the basis of morality, or those things clearly written in the Word of God. When Christ comes, we will understand all things clearly. There will be no secrets then. The secrets of every man’s heart will be revealed, open to all. Then, any praise we have shall truly be only in God. How true it is, "only one life will soon be past, only what's done for Christ will last."

 

Vs 6      Paul is here saying, "these things I have transferred- used in lesson form or figurative manner". That you might learn through us, not to place man above that which is written (Cf 1 Cor. 3:21; Phil. 3:3-4.) All men, including Moses, prophets, apostles, are only men, mere vessels, which God uses in accordance with His sovereign will.

 

Vs 7      No man is the source of revelation. Here Paul gives good reason for the equality of men. There are no infallible popes in the New Testament Church. Do not act as if you are infallible and incapable of error. What we are, we are by the grace of God alone.

 

Vs 8      "Now ye are full"- Actually Paul is saying, "you think you are full". The Corinthians were so puffed up with their "independence" that they acted as kings, and thought they did not need Paul or other apostles. Paul says, "I certainly wish this were true so we could reign with you."

 

Vs 9      "The apostles last"- This refers to the honour that some men gave to them. (God set them first- 1 Cor. 12:28). Many times pastors work hard to help people who take the credit themselves. Paul is saying, that there is often no respect for the man of God. Was this not true of Jesus?

 

Vs 10         Here Paul is putting the attitude of carnal Corinthians against the reality of apostolic ministry. The world looks upon the Christian testimony as being immature and uneducated foolishness.

 

Vs 11     Here is the testimony of Paul and the apostles. Is not this the testimony of all true men of God today? The word "buffeted" is used to describe Paul's thorn in the flesh (2 Cor. 12:7), which means "to deal blow after blow".

 

Vs 12     "And labour"- this refers to hard work- "with our own hands"- Paul was a tent maker, who while able to work would not depend upon the welfare of others. How unlike many in our welfare system today, who refuse to work while the state feeds them. Like Christ, they answered persecution with blessing. Paul said, "feed your enemies"- (Rom. 12:20). See Jesus' teaching concerning your enemy in Matthew 5:43-48. The world’s philosophy is "do others before they do you."

 

Vs 13     "being defamed"- this word means, "slandered" and is a continuous word, meaning, "there is no end to the slander".

          "To entreat" means, "with Holy Spirit compassion we invite those who slander us to come along side."

          Jesus called this, "loving your enemy".

          "filth"- treated as dirt.

          "Offscouring"- the doormat of the world.

          We need not look for this sort of treatment or encourage it as if it was part of our holiness. it will come on its own without us looking for it. This does not mean we should allow people to walk over us or become doormats. It is a manner of genuine Christian life. Learn to accept it and pass it off as the spirit of this world. If we spend all our time defending our rights, we will accomplish nothing for others with little for the Kingdom of God. Turn it over to God and let Him fight your warfare. (battles.)

 

Vs 14     Paul did not write this to shame them, but because they were so worldly, they had no opposition. He wrote to warn them, that if they walked as Christ walked, they would be treated as Christ was treated.

          "They that live Godly in Christ...shall suffer persecution (2 Timothy 3:12.)

 

Vs 15     Paul reminds them that he is their spiritual father, the one who led them to the knowledge of Christ. They might well have ten thousand instructors, but only one father in the Gospel.

 

Vs 16     Wherefore (because I am your spiritual father), you can follow me, I'll not lead you astray.

 

Vs 17     Because you are my spiritual children, I'm sending Timothy who is also my spiritual son, as well as a faithful servant (bond-slave) of the Lord. He shall instruct you, so as to remind you of the way I walk in Christ (conduct myself). I am consistent, I instruct the same everywhere, in every congregation. (Paul here speaks of his ministry in individual churches.)

 

Vs 18     "Some are puffed up"- arrogant, proud and cynical as to Paul's delay in coming to visit them.

 

Vs 19     Paul says, "I have definite plans to visit you soon." This shows the serious integrity of Paul's announced interest in the Corinth Church.

          "If the Lord will"- Paul had plans, but he believed in the overriding leadership of the Holy Spirit. The will of God must prevail in everyone's life (Eph. 5:17). James, (4:15) advises, "ye ought to say, if the Lord will, we shall live, and do this, or that". Cf Acts 18:21.

          "The speech"- mouthy talk.

          "The power"- the power source.

          Dr. Albert Garner says, "Paul seemed to be certain that the power or dynamics of these puff-adder, pouting, hissing, carnal church members was of the devil. He would not even recognize such an attitude as having any place in Christian deportment" (Baptist Commentary-ibid.)

 

Vs 20     "Kingdom- (Greek- Basileia) of God"- His dominion or outreach- the jurisdiction of God's will in men on earth.

          "Is not in word"- mere speech or talk, or even with great swelling words.

          "in power"- dynamics or active power- action. Paul's action would speak louder than his words.

 

Vs 21     "what is your will?"- What do you want? Shall I visit you with the rod of correction? Will you require chastening or discipline? To be reproved and rebuked with the Word of God?

          "In love"- the attitude of love. Paul's approach to them, when he visited them would depend upon their attitude. (2 Timothy 4:2).

 

ASSIGNMENT FOR LEARNING:

Write a short paragraph on what significance you see in Paul's use of the word "labor" in 4:12. Use library sources if you wish.

                   STUDIES IN FIRST CORINTHIANS

 

LESSON FIVE-                                      CHAPTER 5

                       IMMORALITY CONDEMNED

 

Vs 1      "There is a common report"- (Cf 1:11). Actually heard words circulated among you. Common reports of sinful conduct hinder the influence of both individuals and churches alike.

          "fornication"- (Greek- porneia)- illicit sexual intercourse.

          Note: The word fornication refers generally to uncleanness. This would be spiritual as well as physical in nature. It includes sexual uncleanness and adultery.

          "and such"- of a kind that even the heathen Gentiles did not sanction.

          "father's wife"- generally thought to be his stepmother.

          A young unmarried man in the Corinth Church was having illicit sexual relations with a married woman, his own stepmother.

 

Vs 2      "Puffed up"- arrogant as to think it was a joke. Even in some cultures today, it is winked at for a man to do such a thing, while it is thought a terrible sin if a woman does it. God's rules are not with respect to gender. If it is wrong for women, it is wrong for men.

          "mourned"- to be sorrowful. Paul chided the Church for being contentious over leadership, but not to be concerned because of immorality in their membership. This having been a continuous act and without any reprimand, discipline, or exclusion.

 

Vs 3      Paul says, "I am not there, but in my absence I have judged this case as if I were there." This was a breech of the Law of Moses and the law of Christ, not even endorsed by the heathen- (Revelation 18:6-8; Matthew 5:32; 15:19; 19:9.)

 

Vs 4      "In the name"- by the authority, as authorized by Jesus Christ Himself.

          "gathered"- in church assembly- disciplinary action against a church member is to be taken when the church is assembled together. It needs to be a church action, not an act of the pastor, the Deacon Board, or some other committee. Jesus said, "tell it to the church", not just a portion of her. It is the church "ye" that is to take disciplinary action. (Matthew 18:15-17.)

 

Vs 5      "Deliver"- give or hand over to-

          "Satan"- the devil. One cannot have fellowship with the Lord and the devil at the same time. (Cf 2 Cor. 6:14-18)

          "the destruction of the flesh"- That the flesh- old nature (Greek- sarx) might be chastened or disciplined, or brought under control.

          Satan's influence upon the Christian is limited by ones fellowship in the N.T. Church through the care and prayers of fellow believers. It is also limited to the will of God (see Job). A close look at this passage shows us the importance of true Church-body fellowship.

          Dr. Garner says, "For an erring Church member, a child of God, that acts like a goat, to be turned out of the fellowship of the sheep, to live with the goats, is Divinely ordained both for the good of the church and her influence and the recovery of the morally erring child of God." (Baptist Commentary- ibid).

          that the spirit might be saved"- (Greek pneuma)

          "saved"- delivered, liberated or set free. Publicly known sin restrains the joy and freedom of the Holy Spirit in ones personal and church life. The term saved here is in reference to the spirit and not to the soul. This man's soul was saved, but his spirit was bound by his sinful practice. No one has a longer face than a backslidden Christian.

          "in the day of the Lord"- (the word "Jesus" is omitted in most ancient manuscripts.)

          Note: Vine (Expository Dictionary of New Testament Words) explains the term "day of the Lord" as "denoting the time of the parousia of Christ with his saints subsequent to the rapture- 1 Thess. 4:16).

          Dr. Garner- (Baptist Commentary- Pg. 80) explains this term to mean "the day of assembly worship"

          It should be noted that Paul here talks of the spirit (pneuma) and not the body (sarx) or soul (psuche). Dr. Garner may be right as to a primary interpretation. Known sin in the church disrupts the spirit of the gathering, hindering the work of the Holy Spirit. (Cf 1 Timothy 1:20; Luke 22:31; Psalm 51:11-13.)

 

Vs 6      "Glorying"- boasting- a haughty bragging spirit. Paul is no doubt adding this problem to their carnal actions concerning leadership. Their basic attitude was wrong.

          "know ye not"- do you not recognize what this leads to when you gloat over leadership and have a light attitude towards sin?

          "leaven"- a little or minute amount of leaven or putrefication, leavens or putrefies the whole lump (loaf). Leaven is used in Scripture to relate to moral and religious conduct, to false doctrine, immorality, or heresy. (Matthew 16:6, 11-12; Galatians 1:6-9.) Paul is saying, "Can you not see the harm that open, public sin or immorality does to the cause of Christ?"

 

Vs 7      "purge out therefore the old leaven"- Cleanse by a separation of the person from the fellowship of the Church. He needs to be excluded from fellowship.

          "that ye might be a new lump"- That "ye" the church might be cleaned up, a cleansed assembly.

          "as ye are unleavened"- The church assembly is a sanctified, cleansed and unleavened assembly as it measures up to God's standards (Matthew 5:48; John 17:10-23). We are all but sinners saved by grace. This however was not the actual case with them, as they allowed the leaven of sin into their fellowship or assembly.

          "even Christ our passover is sacrificed for us"- The law of the passover required the putting away of all leaven, (leavened bread). Only unleavened (no yeast as used in fermentation of dough) was to be used. Paul is saying, "since Christ is sacrificed as our passover, it is improper to continue the form of worship with the particular leaven of known carnal fornication among church members. (Cf Exodus 12:14,15, 17-19; 1 Cor. 11:25.)

          Note: By use of the term "our sacrifice" Paul limits the atonement to those who believe. There is not an unlimited or universal atonement.

 

Vs 8      "let us keep the feast"- Guard the observance of the Lord's table and worship.

          "not with the old leaven neither with the leaven of malice and wickedness"-

          Observe the Lord's Supper, and worship the Lord in your gathering (public assembly) apart from the old immoral conduct. Old grudges, malice, wicked desires of the heart should be put away. Cf Galatians 5:9.

          "the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth"- that which is unputrefied, uncontaminated. Worship in sincerity and truth.

          Public worship, including the observance of the Lord's Supper, should be held by people of God in a covenanted local assembly who have upright moral conduct, and who are in fellowship and doctrinal harmony.

          (Acts 2:42; 1 Cor. 11:26-29.)

 

Vs 9      "an epistle"- possibly a former short letter that had been or is lost. See Barnes Notes on the New Testament for an interesting note on this verse.

          "not to accompany with fornicators"- do not compromise the principles of holiness by intimate association.

          There is a Christian Biblical principle given here which is largely forgotten in many churches today. That principle is given in an old saying, which says, "birds of a feather flock together." Poor associations corrupt. Watch your friends, those whom you choose to associate with. This applies to social, business, and ecclesiastical association. (Cf 2 Cor. 6:14-18; Eph. 5:11; 1 Timothy 5:20.)

 

Vs 10     "yet not altogether with the fornicators of this world"-

          The Bible describes not only illicit sexual relations and adultery as fornication, but also covetousness, acts of self will against a Christian pattern of conduct, and spiritual adultery and fornication. James included friendship with the present world order, as enmity with God, and spiritual adultery (James 4:4-5; Cf 1 John 2:15).

          "or with the covetous, or extortioners, or with idolaters"-

          Those who covet or want what is not theirs, those who seek by slight to take what is not theirs from others, and those who worship idols or worldly things.

          "out of this world"- to escape these things in entirety, one would have to leave this world. We are in the world, but not to be of it. Paul is saying that sinless perfection was not required as a prerequisite to the Lord's Supper or spiritual worship. We are to be blameless, not faultless.

 

Vs 11     "But now I am writing to you"- this I believe refers to this present letter.

          "not to keep company"- associate as to make your steady diet of friends.

          "fornicators"- those who practice unclean living.

          Here Paul refers to one  "who is a brother", that is, has made a profession of faith and is a church member.

          "fornicator"- practices unclean, elicit sex.

          "covetous"- one who lives a life seeking for what is not his. The idea of "keeping up with the Jones" is a form of covetousness.

          "a railer"- one who rails, to speak bitterly or reproachfully as with a foul tongue, a slanderer.

          "idolater"- one whose soul is devoted to any object that usurps the place of God.

          "a drunkard"- one who drinks to get drunk. Drunkenness is a sin.

          "extortioner"- swindler, one who takes things by stealth and violence.

          "do not eat"- this refers to the Lord's Supper. Cf Vs 4.

 

Vs 12     "what have I to do?"- What business is it of mine?

          "to judge them also that are without"- those unsaved and outside of the church fellowship. A church cannot regulate the moral and social conduct of those other than her own members.

          "Do not ye judge them that are within?"- Do you not discipline your members, which walk disorderly? Those who are members of your church-body in Corinth?

 

Vs 13     "Them who are without"- the unsaved world-

          "God will judge them"- cf Rom. 2:16; 3:6; Heb. 12:23.

          Therefore for this reason, you must exclude or dismiss from your church, this one who commits fornication among you. Paul calls him, "that wicked person."

          This certifies the right of a church to exclude erring members; cf 2 Thess. 3:6; Rom. 16:17; Titus 3:10.

          The one who is having illicit sexual relations with is stepmother is to be excluded.

          Note: The church no doubt took Paul's advice. For the outcome or result, see 2 Corinthians 2:6-11.

 

ASSIGNMENT FOR LEARNING:

1. Explain in your own words what Paul is saying in verse two.

2. What does it mean to be gathered in the name of the Lord Jesus - (Vs 4)?

3. How is Christ our Passover, and how is He sacrificed for us?

4. What feast is talked of in verse 8?

5. In your own words, tell why separation (Vs 9) is important even today?

 

                                

                                

 

 

 

                   STUDIES IN FIRST CORINTHIANS

 

LESSON SIX        CHAPTER 6       STANDARDS AND CHASTITY

 

          (Paul now writes about standards and chastity)

 

Vs 1      The place to settle disagreements among brethren is not before the state court of law, but within the body of believers, the Church. Jesus taught this principle, recorded in Matthew 18:15-18. Paul is not saying that one should never appeal to the state in other matters. He himself appealed unto Caesar (Acts 25:11,21). However, brethren are to love one another, and there should be unity in the Church. The name of Christ is not to be lowered and dragged through the mud of a court of law. The saints are to judge things among themselves- cf Psalm 149:7-9.

 

Vs 2      "The saints shall judge the world"- Reference is here made to Daniel 7:22 - cf Rev. 1:6. Paul says, "if the saints will one day judge (rule) the world (with Christ), are you then not able to judge small matters among yourselves?"

 

Vs 3      "Do you not know?"- have the knowledge of understanding.

          "judge angels"- this refers to messengers of God, but most probably to those who fell with Lucifer. See 2 Peter 2:4. The church will rule over angels. They are even now at the side of every true believer in Christ.

          Paul reasons, that if we are to judge angels, we ought to be able to judge the small things of this life.

 

Vs 4      Paul's rule then is, "if you have cases that need to be decided upon, do not go to those outside of the Church, who have no spiritual understanding. Go to those who are least esteemed (despised or impartial) in the church (in settling matters among brethren."

 

Vs 5      The shame of the Corinth Church was that they were not doing this, as Paul here suggests. Shame is nakedness, and they were laying themselves open or naked before unsaved men.

          They did not appear capable of judging simple matters between themselves.

 

Vs 6      Brother was taking brother to court before those who were unbelievers (unsaved) in Christ.

          Cf Genesis 13:5-8; Eph. 4:2; Col. 3:13.

 

Vs 7      "Fault among you"- an absolute or total failure on the part of the church to live up to a Christian principle. This failure was seen in the court battles among themselves. It seems the Corinth Church was filled with much bickering, mostly over small things.

          "take wrong"- Why not suffer loss (Christ and Paul did) rather than drag the name of Christ into the dirt? One who is ego centered is not about to consider the good name of Christ or His church. He himself is on the throne and wants his own way.

 

Vs 8      "No you do wrong"- You prefer to do wrong because of your fleshly spirit and you do not care if you hurt your own brother (in Christ).

 

Vs 9      Do you not know that "the unrighteous"- unsaved without the imputed righteousness of Christ? Paul goes back to the Christian principle of "separation" and shows that there is a clear-cut difference between a believer and an unbeliever.

          "the unrighteous"- those without the righteousness of Christ (Romans 4:4,6,11; 1 Cor. 1:30) which is counted, imputed or credited to the account of the believer.

          Paul then describes the practice of sin-fornication, idol worship, adultery, effeminate (those who pose as women, or men- known today as gays- abusers of themselves with mankind- sodomites, sex perverts).

 

Vs 10     "thieves"- those who steal or take the property of others.

          "covetous"- an unhealthy desire or craving to want what is not yours and belongs to another.

          "drunkards"- habitual inebriates. Those who’s drinking is out of control. Those who drink to excess.

          "revilers"- scorners, deriders.

          "extortioners"- embezzlers.

          "shall not inherit the Kingdom of God"- have or hold an (heir-setting) or rule reigning, right or position in God's kingdom age on earth (millennium).

 

Vs 11     "And such were some of you"- Some of you Corinth Church members used to be just like that.

          "BUT"- this word here separates the two groups.

          "washed"- ye were and are cleansed, made clean- cf John 15:3; 1 John 1:7.

          "sanctified"- set apart as holy unto God. Ye were and are, holy- cf John 17:17; Eph. 5:26. This begins at conversion and is progressive throughout the Christians earthly pilgrimage (1 Thess. 4:3; 5:23).

          "justified"- ye were and are declared righteous.

          This is a legal term meaning as some would put it, that God looks upon the believer in Christ, "just as if he had never sinned". It means, "pronounced righteous by trust". Though having many imperfections the members of the Corinth Church were looked upon as brethren, children of God. There is a car-bumper sticker, which I sometimes see, which reads, "Christians are not perfect, but they are forgiven".

          "in the name of the Lord Jesus"- their washing, justification and sanctification was by the authority of and in the Person of, Jesus Christ.

          "and by the Spirit of our God"- through the instrumentality of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is the Divine agent by which the work of sovereign grace is wrought in a sinners heart, and a believer is brought along on the Christian pilgrimage- Cf John 3:1-11; 6:63; 2 Corinthians 3:6.

 

Vs 12     "all things are lawful unto me"- I can do what I want to do within the law. Paul had civil liberties, rights under the law. Paul was a Roman citizen.

          "I will not be brought under the power of any"- I will not allow my civil rights to rule me and use them against my brethren, when such would hurt the church.

          "all things are not expedient"- it is not wise to put my liberty against my brother when it will hurt the church. We may have rights, but sometimes we need to forget about our rights for the sake of others. Jesus Christ did this when he freely offered Himself upon the cross.

 

Vs. 13    The word "meats" means "food" and "belly" is the stomach. These are temporal bodies, and desires which sustain soul-life for but a short time or duration. Corinthian emphasis was upon the physical things of this life, not the spiritual things of eternity. The natural man usually foresees only the short term rather than the long. The man who smokes or drinks excessively does not see the danger he is getting into health-wise.

          To debate over the physical, Paul is saying is foolishness. The body and foods are temporal. God will destroy them in death.

          The body is not for illicit uncleanness, but to be presented unto the Lord  (Cf Romans 12:1-2). The body of the Christian is to be kept under subjection to God's will (Mark 8:34-36; 1 Cor. 9:26-27; 10:13,31; Eph. 2:10; Matthew 6:33).

 

Vs. 14    God (Elohim and Elshaddi) the Trinitarian God of might and power.

          He is the one who rose up (from the dead) our Lord and Master (Jesus Christ).

          He will also raise us (believers) up by His own power

          (dynamite authority)- Cf 1 Thess. 4:13-17; and 1 Cor.

          15:20-22.

 

Vs. 15    Do you not understand or recognize that the members of your physical bodies belong to Christ? If you belong to Christ, so does your body.

          Do I have the right to take the members of my body (which in fact is owned by Christ) and utilize them in a perverted way, adverse to the will of Christ, to make them members of fornication or harlotry, in conflict with my confession to follow Jesus in all things?

          God forbid! May it never be so. Let those who are Christ's free servants, never use that freedom to serve self, but Christ in love.

 

Vs. 16    Attention is here called to the selfish, sensual, carnal ways and desires of the unregenerate. The person joining or cohabiting, to a harlot or pornographic woman, is one body in guilt and in immoral lawlessness- Genesis 2:24.

          Here Paul refers to the union of man and woman as one flesh in marriage, as with Adam and Eve. Paul no doubt refers to all of the divisions within this church, not just the case of fornication. He is here referring to "unity" within the local church body.

 

Vs. 17    "He that is joined unto the Lord"- The one in proper relation to the Lord in behaviour and conduct has the spirit (pneuma) or attitude of the Lord (Cf Gal. 5:25).

          "is one spirit"- (pneuma)

          exists in one attitude or disposition. Harmony with Christ and brethren should and does prevail when a child of God fully adopts the spirit of Christ in suffering or enduring wrong doing, rather than striking back at one who does him wrong (Titus 3:9; Phil. 4:11; Heb. 13:5).

 

Vs. 18    "flee"- literally run from at full speed.

          "fornication"- uncleanness, illicit sex.

          This includes selfish conduct of a worldly and unspiritual nature, such as going to civil law with one's own church brother over domestic or commercial differences.

          Every sin that a man does, is done apart from his body, except the sin of fornication (Deut. 5:21; Lev. 186-20), in which case he sins against his body by missing the mark of Godly conduct -Matt. 5:48; Heb. 12:14.

 

Vs. 19    Do you not realize or understand, that your fleshly body is the dwelling place or temple of God?

          God indwells each of you, which you hold (as a gift) from Him. Do you not know this?

          The Holy Spirit indwells every believer in Christ Jesus (Romans 8:9; 8:11,14; 1 John 4:13).

          "Ye are not your own"- Your salvation is not yours; your body is not yours, for all of this comes to us from God, and Christ purchased the believer in totality at the cross with His own lifeblood. You either belong to God through Calvary or you selfishly belong to yourself.

 

Vs. 20    "ye are bought with a price"- Salvation cost you nothing, but it cost God, His Son, and it cost Christ His life. The word "bought" as used here, means "redeemed from the slave market"- 1 Peter 1:18-21; Gal. 4:5; Eph. 1:7.

          "Therefore"- Because of the fact of Calvary, you ought to bring glory to God in your bodily conduct. He alone is worthy of your praise and adoration.

          "spirit"- This completes man. He belongs to God in his entirety. When God formed Adam from the dust of the ground, he was but a body. After He breathed life into his nostrils, he became a living soul- Genesis 2:7.

          The Christian belongs to God- Cf 1 Corinthians 3:21-22; Ezek. 18:4-5; John 17:10.

 

ASSIGNMENT FOR LEARNING:

1. Where should a Christian take a grievance against a brother?

2. List those who will not inherit the Kingdom of God.

3. Explain verse 12 in your own words, and give its application today.

4. Where does the Holy Spirit dwell, according to chapter six?

5. When does a person receive the Holy Spirit? Give Bible references to prove your answer.

 

 

PRAY: That there will be a Spirit of unity in your church.

 

 

 

 

                   STUDIES IN FIRST CORINTHIANS

 

LESSON 7                                          CHAPTER 7

 

                      GOD ORDAINED MARRIAGE

 

Vs. 1     "The things"- numerous things which those of the Corinth Church had written enquiring of Paul, especially pertaining to marriage questions.

          "It is good for a man"- the word good used here means "ideal". Paul is about to give his opinion with the permission of the Holy Spirit in an ideal situation.

          "not to touch a woman"- Excitement caused by touch of stimuli and response between the unmarried in physical contact is to be avoided or discouraged, to guard the Christian against fornication and incest. This includes what is known in modern terms as "necking, petting, and making out". If you do not want to get your fingers burned, do not put them on the stove. Most certainly, keep them out of the fire.

 

Vs. 2     "Nevertheless to avoid fornication"- because of (acts of or desires of fornication). Fornication is a sin of physical sex impurity which Christians are to flee, Matt. 5:32; Eph. 5:3.

          "Let every man have his own wife"- Let each man have or hold his own wife (Gen. 2:24). This relates to satisfaction of each husband's physical sexual needs, by his own wife (Cf Prov. 5:18-20; Mal. 2:14-15).

          "and let every woman have her own husband"- and let each wife have or hold her own husband, for her sexual satisfaction in wedlock (Gen. 3:16; Eph. 5:22-24).

          Paul is here saying, that physical, sexual intercourse is to be only between man and wife. One man for one woman for one lifetime is God's ideal.

 

Vs. 3     "let the husband"- The husband of each wife, not another.

          "render"- give forth to his own wife the affections and physical expressions of devotion and love to satisfy her sexual needs.

          "and likewise also the wife"- This love and devotion is to be returned by the wife to the husband. Such giving as one in marriage, helps each (as one) to avoid fornication and maintain fidelity in marital vows.

 

Vs. 4     "The wife has not power of her own body"-

          The wife does not possess sole jurisdiction over her body (in marital oneness).

          "but the husband"- shares in jurisdiction over her body (in marital oneness).

          "and likewise also the husband"- What is said of the wife, stands equally true for the husband.

          Note: Before our modern women get too taken up with the doctrines of the Women's Liberation Movement, they need to read this chapter carefully. Paul is not against women, in truth he stands for true equality within God appointed guidelines and Scriptural principles.

          "hath not power of his own body"- does not hold or possess jurisdiction, authority or a restrictive right of his body in marital sex matters -Cf Ephesians 5:28-33.

          "but the wife"- The wife has the right to satisfaction of physical sex needs from her own husband.

 

Vs. 5     "Defraud ye not one another"- Do not turn from each other so as to deprive or to cheat.

          "except"- there is an exception to this common rule.

          "it be for a time"-  A brief spell or short time.

          "that ye may give yourselves to fasting and prayer"- The word "yourselves" suggests an agreement (plural).

          "and come together again"- Do not stay apart.

          "That Satan tempt you not"- Lest you are tempted of Satan to commit fornication. Do not leave yourselves open to sin (1 Peter 3:1,2,7).

          "incontinency"- Lack of self-control because of the physical impulses that lead to fornication.

 

Vs. 6          "I speak this by permission"- What I am saying, I say by permission of the Holy Spirit, as an apostle, by revelation (Cf 1 Corinthians 14:37).

          "and not of commandment"- I do not base my remarks on any precedent. Neither Moses nor Christ had given any direction in these particular matters.

          (This does not lessen the impact of what Paul is saying nor lessen the degree of inspired utterance of this apostle of Jesus Christ.)

 

Vs. 7          "For I would that all men were even as I myself"-

          My own personal preference in these matters is that all men could be as I am. Paul was unmarried, and in this state, kept his body under restraint- 1 Cor. 7:8; 9:27.

          Note: Some teachers think that Paul may have been married at one time as he had been a member of the Jewish Sanhedrin of which men were married. This is only speculation, as no mention is made of a wife of Paul in Scripture.

          "Every man hath his proper gift of God"- his calling or anointing of God.

          "One after this manner and one after that"-

          This seems to refer to differing degrees of personal power to restrain one's self as to sexual desire. This could also refer to the fact that all are not called or led of God into marriage. Marriage is not necessarily suitable to all people (Cf Matt. 19:12; Acts 8:27; 1 Cor. 7:32; 9:5,15. (Look up the meaning of the word "eunuch", in a good Bible dictionary).

 

Vs. 8     "to the unmarried"- those who are not as yet married.

          "widows"- those whose mate has been taken from them in physical death.

          This is direct reply to those in Corinth who had made enquiry of Paul on this subject.

          "it is good for them to abide even as I"-

          It is best for them to remain unmarried. The ideal would be for them to remain as they are, unmarried or widow.

 

Vs. 9     "But"- Paul concedes the following:

          "if they cannot contain"- if they do not, or cannot exercise or practice self-control in sexual desires and matters.

          "let them marry"- The unmarried and widows who cannot exercise self-restraint in sexual matters should marry.

          "it is better to marry than to burn"- it is better to marry than to be burning or in a state of inflamed impulses of desire for fornication- (Cf 1 Cor. 9:27; 1 Timothy 5:14,15; John 2:1,2; Heb. 13:4).

          Christ gave validity to marriage when he performed His first miracle in Cana of Galilee. The writer of Hebrews says, that, "marriage is honourable".

 

              ORDER OF MARRIAGE AMONG GENTILE SAINTS

 

Vs. 10    "unto the married"- To those who are already in a union of marriage.

          "I command"- I give this personal command as an apostle of Christ to the Gentiles.

          "not I but the Lord"- Paul differentiates between what he receives as revelation and what the Lord has already spoken.

          "let not the wife depart from her husband"-

          Wife, you should not leave your husband.

 

Vs 11.    "but and if she depart"- If in fact she is separated from her husband. The word "depart" (Greek-chorizo) means to put apart as to live separate, be put asunder as by divorce.

          "let her remain unmarried"- remain in an unmarried state.

          "or be reconciled to her husband"- united again in unity.

          "let not the husband put away his wife"-

          The husband should not leave, desert, or abandon his wife.

          Such has been the primary will of God from the beginning- Cf Matthew 19:3-9. The Scriptures allow divorce for adultery-fornication, but this is not God's perfect will. Paul's emphasis is upon unity, in putting and keeping people together. That should still be the emphasis of the church, while not to put down one who has had the misfortune to have lost a mate in divorce. (No matter whose fault it was).

 

Vs 12.    "But to the rest"- those remaining of whom you spoke.

          "speak I, not the Lord"- I speak by revelation, there is no previous commandment of Christ or Mosaic Law.

          "if any brother"- saved, born again Christian.

          "hath a wife that believeth not- has an unsaved wife. One who is not a Christian.

          "she be pleased to dwell with him"- she is satisfied to remain married to him though she is an unbeliever.

          "let him not put her away"-

          Do not divorce her just because she is unsaved. Even atheism is not grounds for divorce.

 

Vs. 13    "and the woman who has a husband"- the same thing is said here in reverse of verse 12.

          (Christianity in reaching the homes of unsaved persons, does not design to divide social and domestic ties of husbands and wives, but to strengthen these ties- Eph. 6:1-4- Dr. Albert Garner- ibid).

 

Vs. 14    "The unbelieving husband"- unsaved husband.

          "is sanctified by the wife"- is set apart by the wife.

          The two, being one in marriage are accounted as holy in marriage. in other words, they are Scripturally married. This goes as well for the wife of a Christian man.

          Note: Marriage of one who is saved to one who is unsaved, is later forbidden- 2 Corinthians 6:14. Paul here is dealing with those already in an unequal yoke.

          "else were your children unclean"-

          If the husband or wife is unsaved, is not set apart as in a holy (God ordained) marriage, your children would be as unclean, unholy, illegitimate.

          "but now are they holy"- set apart or clean. They are not illegitimate or bastards, conceived outside of marriage.

 

Vs. 15    "But if the unbelieving depart"- If the unsaved mate leaves you, puts you aside of their own accord.

          "brother or sister"- saved, Christian man or woman.

          "is not under bondage in such cases"-

          Has not been shackled or enslaved in such matters.

          God has called us to peace"- Marital peace and tranquillity should pervade the Christian household (2 Cor. 13:11; 2 Peter 3:14; Romans 14:19).

          One should not feel bound if their mate leaves them because they become a Christian.

          The word "bondage" means trapped or enslaved as in a hopeless situation.

 

Vs. 16    "what knowest thou O wife"- What does the believing wife know? (You cannot see the future).

          "whether thou shalt save thy husband"- If you will not see your husband saved, or to become a Christian himself. Obedience of a Christian wife to an unsaved husband could result in his becoming a Christian- 1 Peter 3:1-6.

          "how knowest thou O man"- Paul repeats himself here with the same regard to the husband- (1 Peter 3:7-8; Eph. 5:25-28.)

 

Vs. 17    "But as God has distributed to every man"-

          Only as the Lord has divided, measured out, or distributed to each person individually.

          "as the Lord hath called everyone"-

          Let each walk or continue his course or marital state as when he was called of God (saved).

          Paul was not a home breaker, but a homebuilder. (Eph. 6:1-4).

          "So ordain I in all the churches"-

          This is what I teach or instruct in every (assembly) congregation of believers- (Romans 12:1-2).

 

Vs. 18    "Is any man called being circumcised"-

          Is any man called (saved) being circumcised or having the outward physical mark of an Israelite? (Jew).

          "let him not become uncircumcised"-

          Let him not physically altar or change his identity as if he were not an Israelite- (Genesis 17:10; Deut. 10:16).

          "Is any called in uncircumcision"-

          As a Gentile, never having received the male sex identity of an Israelite.

          "let him not be circumcised"-

          Let him not take to himself the physical mark of identity of a male Israelite. Cf Acts 15:1,24.

 

Vs. 19    "Circumcision is nothing"-

          As it relates to the salvation of the unsaved, Jew or Gentile (Galatians 5:2).

          "and uncircumcision is nothing"-

          It is not a thing to cause contention over. To quarrel about as to divide the family or the church. Cf Galatians 5:6 and Galatians 6:15.

          "But the keeping of the commandments of God"-

          Keeping or guarding the commandments of God. This is something! Outward conformity to the ceremonies of the Law of Moses, or Christ never brought salvation to anyone, nor kept them saved. Confession of sin and trust in Christ as Saviour and Redeemer has and does- Romans 4:1-5.

 

Vs. 20    "let every man abide in the same calling"-

          Paul here instructed each male person to remain as he was when he was saved. It is thought that perhaps some who were Gentile had sought to change their national identity and even their sex characteristics. (Cf John 14:15).

          "wherein he was called"-

          Family or nationality ties were not to be disturbed by laws, which did not apply to the followers of Jesus Christ (Philippians 4:11; Hebrews 13:5.)

 

 

 

 

 

ASSIGNMENT FOR LEARNING:

1. What was Paul’s opinion concerning marriage? Why?

2. How can a man avoid fornication?

3. What did Paul mean when he said, "I speak this by permission"?

4. What is meant by the phrase, "the unbelieving husband is sanctified by the wife"?

5. What did Paul say about the result of an unbelieving mates departure? If they depart?

6. What should a Christian do with regard to an unsaved husband or wife?

 

                                

PRAYER: Pray today for those unmarried in your church. Perhaps there are some in your church or whom you know who is separated, divorced, or having marriage problems. Pray for them today.                     

                                

                                

                                


                   STUDIES IN FIRST CORINTHIANS

 

LESSON EIGHT:                                CHAPTER 7- Continued-

 

Vs. 21         Every man is to remain in the station of life he is when called to salvation.

          "Art thou called being a servant"-

          Were you saved while a slave?  (It seems some had).

          "care not for it"-

          Do not be disturbed. You can still keep the commands of God as a slave.

          "But if thou mayest be free"-

          If you are able to obtain your freedom, use your freedom more than the state of slavery. - Cf Luke 3:10-14; 1 Tim. 6:8.

 

Vs. 22    "he that is called in the Lord, being a servant"-

          The person who is saved, while yet a servant (slave), property of his master, remains the servant of his earthly master, to be used or set free at the choice of his earthly master. (by the law).

          "is the Lord's freeman"-

          Literally translated, "He is the Lord's made free". He is a liberated man from eternal condemnation, forever free. Cf Romans 8:1; John 8:36. Paul does not advocate breaking the law.

          "he that is called being free is Christ's servant"-

          In the same way as a slave is bound to his master, so the Christian is bound as a slave to Christ. He is redeemed, being made forever free by Christ and is therefore obligated to serve Him as his spiritual Master. -Romans 6:18,22; 1 Cor. 6:19,20.

 

Vs. 23    "Ye are bought with a price"-

          With market-place like value, you were purchased, as one bought out of the slave-market. Purchased with a goodly sum, the price of Christ's blood- (1 Cor. 6:20; 1 Peter 1:18-19.

          Paul here reminds them of the price which Christ paid for the salvation of the elect. (Eph. 1:4-7).

          The Christian ought always to remember the price, which Jesus Christ paid for our redemption. Too often we forget, and act as if God owed us a favour. Oh the price Christ paid to set us free from the bondage of sin.

 

Vs. 24    "Brethren, let every man wherein he is called"-

          In whatever physical or sexual condition one is in when called to salvation, he should not seek to change it; slaves, freemen, circumcised, uncircumcised.

          "therein abide with God"-

          Remain in this state or condition. Abide in close association with God. (Eph. 6:5-8; Col. 3:22-24).

 

          PAUL REPLIES TO A NEW QUESTION:

Vs. 25    "Now concerning virgins, I have no commandment of the Lord"-

          Concerning morally clean unmarried young women. Paul was about to speak where he had no precedent, where the Lord Jesus or even Moses had made no ruling.

          "Yet I give my judgment"-

          By unrestrained permission and revelation of the Lord, I answer your inquiry.

          "as one that hath obtained mercy of the Lord to be faithful"- Cf Vs 1.

          Paul is saying, that he has been personally faithful in avoiding fornication and living a morally clean life. He sought to give his advice on that basis.

 

Vs. 26    "I suppose that this is good for the present distress"-

          I suppose that this (that I am about to say) is ideal for the present necessity.

          "I say that it is good for a man to so be"-

          The ideal for a virgin is to remain as he is, to do their best, giving Christ first place in their lives. (Phil. 4:11). Paul here refers again to the unmarried man, but in Vs 25 he uses the word virgin, which commonly refers to women, therefore this would include women also.

 

Vs. 27    "Art thou bound unto a wife"-

          Marital vows of a voluntary agreement are binding. Bound by the legal requirements of the state.

          "seek not to be loosed"-

          Seek not to be released or legally divorced or put away- (1 Corinthians 7:12).

          "Art thou loosed from a wife"-

          Have you been divorced from a wife? (indicates before salvation).

          "Seek not a wife"- Do not seek a wife, or to be married again. Cf 2 Corinthians 7:7-8.

 

Vs. 28    "But and if thou marry"- If however, you should marry.

          "thou hast not sinned"- You are not committing a sin by remarrying.

          Note: This in my opinion refers to both, who are herein mentioned. Paul's ideal was for a person to remain single, as he was, but he conceded that it was not a sin to remarry. In the case of a divorced person, I do believe, the divorce should only be on Scriptural grounds (Matthew 19:9). To forbid remarriage of divorced persons as some good men of God do, is to go beyond the teachings of Jesus and Paul. It adds an unnecessary burden to one already plagued by the pain of a broken marriage.

          "and if a virgin marry"-

          If a morally clean young woman, marry; legally attach herself to a husband.

          "she hath not sinned"- it is not a sin for her to marry (even if it is, in my opinion, ideal for her to remain single).

          "nevertheless such shall have trouble in the flesh"-

          The married young woman will have affliction in the flesh- Genesis 3:16.

          "but I spare you"-  I leave the choice up to you.

Vs. 29    "But this I say brethren"-

          I do have this to say in a very serious manner.

          "the time is short"-

          The season of life and the probability of the return of Christ. Paul's first concern was missionary-evangelism.

          Note: This suggests Paul's belief in the imminent return of Christ, which helps to prove a pre-tribulational- pre-millennial view of eschatology- see 1 Peter 4:7.

          "It remaineth that both they that have wives"-

          With or in view of the soon return of Christ, both the married and........"

          "be as though they had none"-

          Will be often separated (by the persecution of the day) as if they were not married. The first devotion of both the married and unmarried is to Christ- Matthew 6:33.

 

Vs. 30    "and they that weep as though they wept not"-

          Weeping or moaning should not keep the Christian from serving Christ.

          "and they that rejoice, as though they rejoice not"-

          Rejoicing must not hinder obedient service to the Lord.

          "And they that buy as though they possessed not"-

          The idea is that those who are true believers and believing in the shortened Gentile age, the brevity of life, and the coming of their Lord for an accounting, should not lay or horde to themselves. - 2 Peter 3:8

          (Dr. Albert Garner- Baptist Commentary-ibid.)

          Cf also Matthew 19:16-22.

 

Vs. 31    "and they that use this world"-

          The ones using this present world order or system of things. Should be aware that it is corrupt, temporary, transient, ever changing for the worse, decaying and will soon pass away (1 John 2:15-16.

          "as not abusing it"-

          Romans 12:2 - to be glued to this world order is to abuse it, rather than use it for God.

          "for the fashion of this world passeth away"-

          The scheme or pattern of this world order is passing, drifting, decaying. It changes constantly.

          (1 John 2:17; 2 Corinthians 7:10).

          Young people today should realize that fashion design, music, and worldly fads are changing from one generation to another. Do not let these things guide your life or control you.

          What would Paul say if he were here today? The changes that have come since his day to ours. The increase in knowledge and technology. Moreso, the open and rampant raging of sin. It indeed worsens with each generation.

 

Vs. 32    "But I would have you without carefulness"-

          My strong desire is that you be free from anxious care.

          "He that is unmarried"-

          The man without a marital pledge of care to his wife.

          "Careth for the things that belong to the Lord"-

          Gives the things of the Lord preeminence or better attention because he is not hindered by devotion to a wife. - Mark 8:34; Luke 9:23.

          "how he may please the Lord"-

          The first command of obedience to Christ is less impeded in an unmarried person.

 

Vs 33.    "But he that is married"-

          Legally attached to a mate (of the opposite sex) as a believer in Christ.

          "Careth for the things of the world"-

          Is taken up with the things of this world order as pertaining to marriage. The world order of daily living.

          "how he may please his wife"-

          Paul did not advocate the concept of the cloistered priesthood, celibacy, or nunnery. (Hebrews 13:4). He did set forth the premise, that the greatest service to Christ may be rendered by the unmarried.

          Note: Yet many of our modern churches will not invite an unmarried preacher to fill their pulpit or pastor their church. This is perhaps an abuse in the other extreme.

 

Vs. 34    "There is a difference also between a wife and a virgin"-

          A difference has been established and set forth. A difference of interest and devotion.

          "The unmarried woman careth for the things of the Lord"-

          The woman (as a virgin) careth for the things of Christ. She has no marital vows to restrain her, no worldly duties to tie her down.

          "That she may be holy both in body and in spirit"-

          To be or abide in a separated life, set apart for God in body and disposition of spirit (pneuma).

          "But she that is married, careth for the things of the world"-

          The married woman has anxious cares of the things of the present world order or system of things.

          "how that she may please her husband"-

          The wife's first earthly devotion is to her husband. Her time and interest is taken up in pleasing him and her children. The demands of family life do not leave much time for service in the kingdom of God.

 

Vs. 35    "and this I speak for your own profit"-

          I speak this (in the Lord) for your own advantage or prosperity. - Luke 10:38-42.

          "Not that I may cast a snare upon you"-

          Not to restrain, halter or hinder you.

          "But for that which is comely"-

          I seek the best for you, not to limit your liberty. I seek your spiritual welfare first of all.

          "and that ye may attend upon the Lord without distraction"-

          That you should not be distracted as you wait upon and for the Lord.

 

Vs. 36    "But if any man thinketh he behaveth himself"-

          If any man has thoughts that he might behave in an immoral way.

          "uncomely towards his virgin"-

          The term "uncomely"- (Greek-aschemonein) towards his morally clean sweetheart, means to press for sexual favours outside of wedlock- a dishonourable course.

          "if she pass the flower of her age, and need so require"-

          If he or she is past the bloom of youth, and so vows it affectionately to be, or respond.

          "let him do what he will, he sinneth not"-

          What he wills from his whole heart, let him do, or do not hinder him. He sins not.

          "let them marry"-

          Genesis 2:24; Hebrews 13:4; Psalm 5:18-23.

          (Dr. Albert Garner- Baptist Commentary-ibid)

          Paul is saying, that since they have united as one in heart they should be married so as to not be living in fornication.

 

Vs. 37    "Nevertheless he that standeth steadfast in his heart"-

          However, having said this, the one who stands firm in his heart as separated unto the Lord, having his bodily desires and passion under subjection. 1 Cor. 9:27.

          "Having no necessity, but hath power over his own will"-

          Not having a necessity. Holding control over the strongest will of his life- for material possessions.

          "And hath so decreed in his heart"-

          Has decided, firmly set forth and determined.

          (This appears to confront the temptation of a father to barter or offer his virgin daughter for material gifts-Garner-ibid).

          "that he will keep his virgin doeth well"-

          To keep or guard his young unmarried daughter in spite of social influences (there in Corinth). The father has a duty to influence his daughter as to marriage. He is not to pressure her to marry against her will, even beyond the bloom of youth (age 20).

 

Vs. 38    "so that he that hath given her in marriage doeth well"-

          So that the father who gives his virgin daughter in marriage does (outwardly) well. Proverbs 18:22; 19:14.

          "But he that giveth her not in marriage doeth better"-

          The father that does not marry off his daughter, does even better. Paul's idea is to call every Christian to the highest ideal of life, to honour God, and serve him without the restrictions of the flesh.

 

Vs. 39    "The wife is bound by the law as long as her husband liveth"-

          The wife has been voluntarily bound (by the law of marriage) for as long period of time as her husband lives. Mark 19:3-10; Genesis 2:23-24.

          The Biblical ideal for marriage is a lifetime contract.

 

          This does not annul what both Christ and Paul say concerning Scriptural grounds for divorce.

          "but if her husband be dead"-

          If her husband is asleep in death or should die.

          "she is at liberty to be married to whom she will"-

          She is free to marry again to whom ever she wishes.

          "only in the Lord"-

          Paul's one restriction is that she must marry another who is saved, a believer. Marriage of believers is restricted to other believers. There is not to be a union of believer and unbeliever, saved and lost. 2 Cor. 6:14; 1 Thessalonians 4:3.

 

Vs. 40    "But she is happier if she so abide"-

          She will be happier if she remains as a widow.

          "after my judgment"-

          That is my humble opinion.

          "And I think also that I have the Spirit of God"-

          I do believe that this also reflects the opinion of the Holy Spirit.

          Paul has given his reply to the questions asked of him on the sensitive and personal matters of the Christian sex perspectives within and without marriage.

 

ASSIGNMENT FOR LEARNING:

1. Describe Paul's reasoning as to the ideal servant-slave.

2. What is meant by the words, "bought with a price"?

3. What was Paul's ideal as far as marriage was concerned?

4. How did Paul describe the difference between a wife and a virgin?

5. Explain in your own words what Paul is saying in verse 39.

 

Prayer: Do you know someone who is separated or divorced? Pray for them today. Also for all single young men and women. 

                                

                                

                                

                                

                                


                   STUDIES IN FIRST CORINTHIANS

 

LESSON NINE:                                      CHAPTER 8

 

                        CHRISTIAN LIBERTY

 

Paul now begins to deal with some other problems within the Corinthian Church. Meats, idols and Christian liberty however, is not a subject restricted to the Corinthians, or to Paul's day. We have our problems today with these things as well.

 

Vs. 1     "Things offered to idols"-

          Reference here is to idolatrous sacrifices. The Church in Corinth was confronted with the problem of heathen worship. When one is saved, he often has to relearn many things, and especially to do with his old religious ways. Heathen can be saved, but we are not to bring our heathendom into the church. New converts need to be delicately handled and instructed in the doctrines of grace.

          "we know that we all have knowledge"-

          We perceive that all have learning of some comprehension.

          "knowledge puffeth up"-

          Knowledge puffs up like a puff-adder, is egotistical, sensual, selfish in nature. (This is knowledge apart from the Spirit of God).

          "but charity edifieth"-

          Love which is true, builds up. The love of God, above all else domes up a finished life. -Col. 3:14; 1 Tim. 2:14; 4:12; 1 Peter 4:8; 3 John 6.

 

Vs. 2     "and if any man thinketh he knoweth anything"-

          If anyone presumes to know anything for himself.

          "he knoweth nothing yet as he ought to know"-

          He does not know enough of what he should know as pertaining to idolatry and things offered to idols. Any expressed learning of Christian liberty was to respect avoidance of sanctioning idol worship. Cf Acts 15:26.

 

Vs. 3     "but if any man love God"-

          If any man should love God in a reverential love.

          1 John 4:7; 1 John 2:4; 1 John 5:1-2.

          "the same is known of him"-

          This one has been known of him. This reverential love exists in each child of God, because of God's first love for him. - John 3:16; 1 John 4:19.

 

Vs. 4     "as concerning therefore the eating"-

          To eat in any religious setting that would imply fellowship with false worship is of the devil.

          1 Corinthians 10:19-21.

          The Christian cannot condone idolatry.

          "of those things that are offered in sacrifice unto idols"-

          Social fellowship with unbelievers and even with false religionists, is sanctioned in the Scriptures (1 Cor. 10:25)- but union worship-fellowship, never.

          1 Corinthians 10:28-29; Hebrews 13:10.

          "we know that an idol is nothing in the world"-

          We perceive that an idol is really nothing in the world or universe. (it is just a material thing or lesser being).

          "and that there is none other God but one"-

          No other God exists, but "THE ONE". See Exodus 20:1-2; Isa. 46:9; Mark 12:32.

 

Vs. 5     "For though there be that are called gods"-

          For even if there be those whom men call gods. Paul conceded that there might be such that men falsely labelled as God.

          "whether in heaven or in earth"-

          Whether they be in heaven or upon the earth. Even Satan and his angels are fakes as to their religious claims.

          2 Corinthians 11:13-15.

          "as there be gods many and lords many"-

          There exist many gods and many lords which are so thought of and reverenced among men. These are false, fake gods to whom only fools bow. Psalm 115:3-8. The gods and lords many are only assumed deities, they are not real.

          Acts 17:22-28.

 

Vs. 6     "But to us there is but one God"-

          To us (the saved) there is but one God. This concept is "monotheism" as opposed to "polytheism" (many gods).

          "the Father, of whom are all things"-

          The father, out of or originating from whom (are) all things. He is the Father of all in the sense of Creator-Malachi 2:10; Ezekiel 18:3-4.

          Paul is not implying what is known these days as "the Fatherhood of God and brotherhood of man" doctrine.

          "And we exist in Him"-

          We (exist) out of Him. We live, move and have our being from Him daily. Acts 17:28; Matt. 6:11; James 4:13-15; James 1:7.

          "and one Lord Jesus Christ"-

          One Lord (Master-boss-director) Jesus Christ. The word Christ is (Hebrew-Messiah; Greek-Cristos-Christ the anointed One).

          "by whom are all things"-

          Through whom all things exist. -John 1:3; Heb. 1:2; Col. 1:17-18; 1 Timothy 2:5.

          These scriptures show Christ to be more than a man (human). He is the pre-existent, eternal, Son of God, the Creator veiled in human flesh.

          "and we by Him"-

          We exist and are sustained by Him (Col. 2:9-10; Rom. 5:9-10. By and in Him (Christ) we exist as new creatures or a new creation. 2 Corinthians 5:17-18.

 

Vs. 7     "Howbeit there is not in every man that knowledge"-

          But (strong adversative) there is not in all men the knowledge. Not all men know that there exists but one real, true God. Eph. 4:6; Isa. 45:22; 46:9.

          The idea of certain theology that man has a little spark of divine light in him somewhere, which only needs to be fanned by the gospel, is utterly ridiculous and contrary to the teaching of scripture on total human depravity. No man has any light that is not first implanted within him by the working of the Holy Spirit in sovereign grace.

          "for some with conscience of the idol"-

          Some with sub-conscience of the idol until this very moment.

          "unto this hour eat it as a thing offered unto an idol"-

          Unto this very moment they are eating or partaking of an idolatrous sacrifice.

          "and their conscience being weak is defiled"-

          The conscience of them who so eat is defiled, weakened or compromised. One cannot worship or serve two God's. This creates a conflict of conscience, a compromise of conviction and profession. Matthew 6:24; Luke 16:13.

 

Vs. 8     "But meat commendeth us not to God"-

          Moreover meat (food) does not stand us in favour with God.

          "for neither, if we eat, are we the better"-

          Eating (or not eating) meats does not make us any different spiritually. Not eating meats sacrificed to idols, did not make him spiritually dwarfed.

          "neither if we eat not are we the worse"-

          Paul simply says that eating of foods or meats was not an aid to spiritual excellence, nor was neglect of it a certain doom to spiritual weakness.

          Note: Those in our day who imply that vegetarianism is more spiritual ought to study Paul's words in this chapter.

 

Vs. 9     "But take heed"-

          Keep a constant watch, stand guard, be cautious.

          "lest by any means this liberty of yours"-

          Lest in some way the liberty that is yours, that you hold or possess as regarding the eating or not eating of meats sacrificed to idols.

          "become a stumbling block"-

          An obstruction or stumbling stone.

          "to them that are weak"-

          To those who are weak among your membership. To those less spiritually mature.

          No person should do or say anything in exercising his liberties, that might be either a primary or secondary influence in causing a weaker brother to stumble, injure himself, or go wrong morally or ethically. Gal. 5:13;

          1 Cor. 9:21-22.

          The one who would stand up for his/her rights should not hinder the rights of others. Every life has its sphere of influence. All of us influence others more than we often realize.

 

Vs. 10    "for if any man see thee which hast knowledge"-

          If any mans sees you who are supposed to be mature Christians setting an example. (no man lives to himself without influencing another- Romans 14:7).

          "sit at meat in the idols temple"-

          Sitting at meat in a lingering manner in a temple where idols are worshipped, as if to sanction, by the influence of your presence, the worship of idols.

          "shall not the conscience of him who is weak"-

          The weak brother is to be restored, rescued from moral and religious wrong, not fed into it.- Gal. 6:1.

          "be emboldened"-

          Encouraged to stand up straight and defiant. One must not allow his good to be evil spoken of- Romans 14:16.

          "to eat things which are offered to idols"-

          To the eating of idolatrous sacrifices.

          To become a true disciple, the believer in Christ must often change the company they keep, the places they go, and the speech they use, so as not to bring shame to the church and to the profession of the name and Person of Christ.- Romans 12:1; 1 Timothy 4:12.

          The Christian needs to be careful in his associations with others. You will be associated in type by the company you keep. (Birds of a feather, flock together).

 

Vs. 11    "and through thy knowledge"-

          Although you personally may know that the eating of meat sacrificed to idols will neither help nor hurt you. Can you afford to do it, if it will be a poor testimony to weaker brothers?

          "shall the weak brother perish, for whom Christ died?"

          Will you be an accessory or cause of the downfall of a weaker brother?  Will you hurt one for whom Christ died? No child of God has the right to do anything that would bring hurt to another, even if it does not hurt him personally.

          This well involves such things as the dance, the theatre, the pool hall, types of movies watched on T.V. or video, types of parties or social gatherings we attend. Even things right in themselves may hinder a brother in his spiritual growth.

 

Vs. 12    "But when ye sin so against the brethren"-

          To cause a weak brother to stumble is sin, and when one sins against a weak brother, he sins against Christ personally. It is a sin to so conduct our lives as to lead a brother astray or to do wrong. Galatians 5:24-26.

          "and wound their weak conscience"-

          A child of God may wound or injure the conscience of a weaker brother through using bad judgment, or speech, or conduct of influence. Matt. 5:15-16; James 4:17.

          "Ye sin against Christ"-

          This is as to sin against Christ personally. John 15:14.

 

Vs. 13    "Wherefore if meat make my brother to stumble"-

          In that case, if meat or food of any kind should cause a brother of mine to stumble or be hurt.

          "I will eat no flesh while the world standeth"-

          I will not eat flesh forever! To forego anything that might injure another spiritually is a worthy goal for every Christian.  1 Corinthians 9:22,27.

          "lest I make my brother to offend"-

          Peradventure I cause my brother to stumble or fall spiritually.

          How important it is that we set a good example of holy living for new Christians or those who are not as strong in the faith as we are. Much more, the importance of setting a good example to those who are unsaved, enroute to a devils hell. Church scandals make an unholy influence on the world, causing unbelievers to think evil of Christ and His Church.

 

ASSIGNMENT FOR LEARNING:

1. Discuss the problem of idolatry in Corinth and its effect upon the church there.

2. What possible problem could the eating of meat that had been sacrificed to idols have on a weak

   Christian?

3. Discuss the use of personal liberty as applied to a new or weaker Christian - (Vs 9).

4. Discuss the power of influence one Christian might have on another.

5. List and discuss some things that although they might be all right in themselves, could cause a

   brother to stumble.

6. Why did Paul say he would give up his rights as to eating meats?

 

Prayer: Do you know someone having difficulty with praying to images? This of course is idolatry, pray for such ones.

                                

                                


 

                   STUDIES IN FIRST CORINTHIANS

 

LESSON TEN                                        Chapter 9

 

                   PAUL DEFENDS HIS APOSTLESHIP

 

It seems that some in Corinth and perhaps elsewhere had questions concerning Paul's leadership as an apostle of Christ. This would lead to questions as to Divine revelation on doctrinal matters.

 

Vs. 1     "Am I not an apostle?"-

          From what follows, this seems to be a rhetorical question suggesting an affirmative answer. (Vs 15).

          "Am I not free?"-

          Paul had just finished proclaiming liberty to all from the Mosaic Law, including himself. 1 Cor. 8:8,9,13; John 8:36; 1 Cor. 7:22.

          "Have I not seen Jesus Christ, our Lord?"-

          One prerequisite to apostleship was that one must have seen the resurrected Christ. Acts 1:21-22; 9:5,17; Acts 22:15-16.

          "Are not ye my work in the Lord?"-

          As individuals won to Christ by Paul, and as a church he had founded, he had instructed them in the faith from spiritual infancy. He therefore rightly addressed the Corinth brethren as, his work in the Lord. 1 Cor. 4:15.

 

Vs. 2     "If I be not an apostle unto others"-

          If I am not considered by some others as an apostle. He conceded that his authentic apostolic ministry was not recognized by some.

          "yet doubtless I am of you"-

          Yet indeed I am to you. Despite the imperfections in the church at Corinth, it seems that it was the largest congregation that Paul had established, to this time. He pointed to them in defence of his ministry. 1 Cor. 7:1; 4:15.

          "for the seal of mine apostleship are ye in the Lord"-

          The conversion, the change in the lives of those who were now Christians, and the worship they now followed in Corinth, attested the fruit of Paul's profession and ministry. Their lives validated the labours of Paul (Matt. 7:16-20).

 

Vs. 3     "Mine answer to them who do examine me is this"-

          To those who wish to examine, question or quiz me, this is my answer.

 

Vs. 4     "Have we not power to eat and to drink?"-

          Do we not possess (the right of authority) to eat or to drink? (That is, to live?)

          If Paul and his missionary companions were commissioned from God, with His authority, then they merited material or financial assistance from the churches. (Cf Matt. 21:23-27).           

Vs. 5     "Have we not power?"-

          This word means, "the right of authority"- Gen. 2:24; Eph. 5:31.

          "To lead about a sister, a wife?"-

          Reference here is to a Christian wife (sister in Christ). Paul appears to be affirming, "we do". Marriage is honourable to all, and that includes those in the ministry. The idea of a total celibacy as within the Roman Catholic Church is unscriptural, and morally wrong. Not all men do, or should be expected to marry. On the other hand to require all ministers to be celibate, is contrary to the Word of God. In talking with many Roman Catholic priests, I have found them to also agree. Cf Heb. 13:4.

          "as well as other apostles"-

          Even as other (Greek- loipoi-remaining ones) or the additional apostles. Paul puts himself on a par with the other apostles (the 12). We have equal authority; our rights are no different than the others. Paul seems to be inferring that at least some of the other apostles were married. We know Peter was, because our Lord healed his mother-in law (Matt. 8:14; Luke 8:38).

          "and as the brethren of the Lord, and Cephas"-

          The term "brethren of the Lord" is used apart from the apostles, and should be thought of in the physical sense as to Jesus brothers in the flesh. Mary had other children; she did not remain "The Virgin Mary". Cf Matt. 13:55-56; Galatians 1:19.

          Cephas is the name Jesus gave to Simon Peter (John 1:42) that means "little rock" or "stone". Peter was married, to which Paul here refers Matt. 8:14.

 

Vs. 6     "Or I only, and Barnabas?"-

          Barnabas had sold out wholly; to do God's work- Acts 4:36. Though Paul and Barnabus later worked separate, Paul still honoured him (Acts 15:39).

          "Have we not power to forbear working?"-

          Do we not have the right to live of the gospel and to work full time it, avoiding secular labour? Acts 13:1; 1 Timothy 5:17; Acts 6:2,3,4.

 

Vs. 7     "Who goeth a warfare at any time of his own charges"-

          This is a rhetorical question. What soldier goes to war and pays his own way?

          "Who planteth a vineyard and eateth not of the fruit thereof?"

          Does anyone plant a vineyard and not eat of the grapes? The answer is implied, no one.

          "Who feedeth a flock and eateth not the milk of the flock?"-

          What shepherd does not benefit from his flock? With the three references, Paul shows that the missionary gospel ministry should be financially supported. Paul and his helpers laboured in the Word and doctrine of Christ (1 Timothy 5:17) and deserved support as any other labourer.

 

Vs. 8     "Say I these things as a man?"-

          The things Paul was saying here were of Divine revelation, not by the will of man.

          1 Corinthians 14:37; Gal. 1:11-12.

          "Or saith not the law the same also?"-

          Those familiar with the Law of Moses would know that Moses had also taught the support of the ministry.

 

Vs. 9     "For it is written in the law of Moses."-

          Paul refers to Moses as a precedent. What he was saying or teaching, was not new, for Moses had also taught it.

          "Thou shalt not muzzle the mouth of the ox."-

          The mouth of the ox was not to be covered to prevent him from eating and obtaining sustenance as he laboured in the field.

          "That treadeth out the corn"-

          If one did not properly feed the ox, then the law of God protected him by allowing him to feed while threshing.

          "Does God take care for oxen?"-

          Does not the ox matter to God? Or, does God not care how a man treats his oxen?

          It is affirmed that He does. This was the law Moses gave in Deuteronomy 25:4. See also, 1 Timothy 5:18. Though the Law of Moses was abolished as a system of religious worship and guide, the principle implied, remained. Paul used this to illustrate a principle or standard of Christian conduct. Romans 13:8; 1 Cor. 10:6.

 

Vs. 10    "Or saith He it altogether for our sakes"-

          If God cares for oxen, is it not then established that He cares for those who labour for Him?

          "For our sakes no doubt this is written"-

          There is no reasonable doubt that this was written for such as us.

          "that he that ploweth should plow in hope"-

          The plowman should expect pay for his labours.

          "and he that thresheth in hope"-

          The thresher, the plowman, and the landlord must all share equitably in the labours.

          "should be partaker of his hope"-

          One who labors has hope to accomplish something and should indeed partake of that hope. John 4:36; 1 Samuel 30:24.

 

Vs. 11    "If we have sown unto you spiritual things"-

          Sown in their hearts and lives, the seed to grow a spiritual life, (and they had- 1 Corinthians 2:1-8).

          "Is it a great thing?"-

          Is it something that should not be expected, something to marvel at? That missionaries and ministers of the Word should give themselves to their ministry, rather than secular labour? Acts 6:4-7.

          "If we should reap your carnal things"-

          To gather from you, fleshly things, material things of necessity to daily living.

          Paul taught (Galatians 6:6) that one taught in the Word had a moral obligation to communicate or contribute to him that teaches, (the teacher) in every good thing.

 

Vs. 12    "If others be partakers of this power over you"-

          The soldier, the vinedresser, and the herdsman had the right to share of this authority over them.

          "are not we rather?"-

          Are we as God's ministers not better authorized or better than oxen?

          "nevertheless we have not used this power"-

          We did not use this right or authority. (while we were among you.) Paul later apologized for hurting them spiritually in this way (2 Corinthians 11:7,9,12,14).

          Paul’s financial critics were lying apostles- 2 Cor. 11:13-15.

          "But suffer all things"-

          We put up with all kinds of things we do not have to. (which proves we are not in it for the money).

          "lest we should hinder the gospel of Christ"-

          That we should not put an obstacle in the way of one coming to Christ.

 

Vs. 13    "do ye not know?"-

          -recognize, understand, comprehend.

          "That they which minister about holy things"-

          This has reference to the tithe of the land, herd, flock, and the ministry of music in connection with Jewish temple worship.

          "live of the things of the temple"-

          Live of the sacred temple things. The entire tribe of Levi was supported by the tithe, not just the priesthood (Numbers 18:21-31; Nehemiah 10:37; Hebrews 7:5).

          "and they which wait at the altar"-

          Those who administered the sacrifices, taking care of the wood, fire, etc.

          "are partakers with the altar"-

          They were well paid for their service- Leviticus 18:8-19; Malachi 3:9-10; Deut. 18:1.

 

Vs. 14    "even so hath the Lord ordained"-

          This term is used in Mark 8:14 and John 15:16; as well as in Acts 15:22 where the word "chosen" is used in our English Bibles. The word "ordained" means chosen, or set in order.

          "that they which preach the gospel"-

          Those engaged in active heralding of the Good News.

          Cf Luke 5:38; Hebrews 7:8.

          "Should live of the gospel"-

          To have the necessities of life provided for them.

          Romans 15:27; Galatians 6:6.

 

Vs. 15    "but I have used none of these things"-

          I have not made these arguments for the support of the ministry.

          "Neither have I written these things"-

          What I am writing to you now.

          "that it should be done unto me"-

          To make personal material gain for myself. Paul had no ulterior motive in writing as he was. He simply wanted the church to know their obligation to missionaries.

          "for it were better for me to die"-

          I would much rather die than to obstruct the hearing of the gospel by appearing to preach it for selfish gain. (Galatians 6:14; Philippians 3:8).

          "Than that any man should make my glorying void"-

          Paul did not want to make anyone empty by taking away from them the true glory (in the cross) by appearing to be preaching for money. (2 Cor. 12:11-13; 1 Cor. 9:22).

 

Vs. 16    "For though I preach the gospel"-

          Even though I preach the Good News of Christ.

          "I have nothing to glory of"-

          In myself, and my motives are not selfish, I do not glory.

          Paul received his ministry from the Lord, the Lord enabled him to minister, and so he had nothing to boast about. (1 Timothy 1:12; 1 Cor. 15:10).

          "For necessity is laid upon me"-

          The weight of the gospel ministry as given to Paul by Christ, was irrevocable, to death. Paul had a race to run to the finish, which could not be given to another. 2 Timothy 4:7.

          "Yea, woe is unto me, if I preach not the gospel"-

          Paul believed that chastisement awaited any disobedient servant. Preachers today should have this attitude.

          (1 Cor. 4:2; Luke 12:47; Acts 26:16-18; Isa. 6:11-12).

 

Vs. 17    "for if I do this thing willingly"-

          Practice the ministry continually of my own will.

          (Ecclesiastes 11:1-6; 1 Timothy 4:15; 2 Cor. 8:9).

          "I have a reward"-

          There is pay for my service if done willingly (as unto the Lord)- (Dan. 12:3; 1 Cor. 3:14). Paul desired to have the same attitude as Christ. (Luke 4:18-19; 2:10; John 19:30).

          "But if against my will"-

          If in rebellion or out of a sense of duty or fear, with a wrong motive involved.

          "a dispensation of the gospel is committed unto me"-

          I have been entrusted with a stewardship of the gospel. As a steward Paul would be required to give an account to the Lord. (Mark 13:34; 1 Timothy 3:15; 2 Cor. 5:9-13).

 

Vs. 18    "What is my reward then?"-

          Why do I labour, or for what pay?

          "Verily that, when I preach the gospel"-

          Truly, or, of a truth, when I declare the Good News.

          "I may make the gospel of Christ without charge"-

          I may declare the gospel freely without soliciting or taking up a collection (offering) for myself.

          "that I abuse not my power in the gospel"-

          Paul’s reason for not taking up a collection in Corinth was to not appear as abusing his right or authority in the gospel. He sought to avoid any offence that would hinder the reception of the truth. Cf Rom. 3:8; 14:16.

 

Vs. 19    "for though I be free from all men"-

          Paul was not obligated by any human ties.

          "Yet have I made myself servant unto all"-

          Paul voluntarily enslaved himself to all men. Paul was like the redeemed slave who bored a hole in his ear, saying "I shall be your slave voluntarily forever".

          (Exodus 21:5-6; Romans 1:14-16).

          "That I might gain the more"-

          In order to gain or influence more people. Paul's neglect of material support for himself was only for the furtherance of the gospel. (John 15:13-14; John 20:21).

 

Vs. 20    "and unto the Jews I became as a Jew"-

          Paul refers to Jewish laws and customs, which did not conflict with the laws of Christ. (Acts 16:3; Acts 18:18; 21:23).

          "That I might gain the Jews"-

          In order to win the Jews to the truth of Christ. (Romans 9:1-3).

          "to them who are under the law as under the law"-

          To those who place themselves under the law, as though we are, (even though Christ is the end of the law to the believer) Acts 26:26-29.

          "That I might gain them that are under the law."-

          In order to win to Christ those who still feel obligated to Mosaic Law. Romans 10:1-4.

 

Vs. 21    "To them who are without law, as without law"-

          Them who are outside the entangling ceremonies of Mosaic Law (which is fulfilled in Christ) Luke 16:16; Cf Gal. 3:13.

          "Being not without law to God, but under the law to Christ"-

          Paul did not consider himself outside of the law of God as to principles of right and wrong, but as under the law of Christ. Matt. 4:18-19; 28:18-20.

          "That I might gain them that are without the law"-

          To influence and win to Christ those (Gentiles) who are not under Mosaic Law.

          While Paul was with the Gentiles, he conformed to their social customs, as long as it was not contrary to the teachings of Christ. (1 Corinthians 10:31).

Vs. 22    "To the weak became I as weak"-

          To compassionately sit down with those who were sick or disabled, whose health was broken.

          (Ezek. 3:15,17; 1 Corinthians 11:30; 2 Corinthians 11:29.)

          "That I might gain the weak"-

          To encourage, help strengthen and win the weak to Christ. Phil. 3:7; 2 Cor.12:17-18.

          "I am made all things to all men"-

          Paul had been a tentmaker, a disputer, a seaman, a sojourner to Jews and Gentiles whether in Jerusalem, Ephesus, or Mars Hill, to help win them to Christ. Christianity is not a nationality or race. We are not to westernize, Americanize or Canadianize the heathen. We are to win them to a Person, Jesus Christ.

          "that I might by all means save some"-

          That in any case or circumstance I might win men to a saving faith in Christ.

          NOTE: Some use this verse today to justify ecumenical evangelism. To work with infidels, modernists and heretics. This is not what Paul meant, nor what he did. Two cannot work together except they agree"- Amos 3:3.

 

Vs. 23    "and this I do for the gospels sake"-

          I do all of this for the sake of the gospel, the Good News of salvation.

          "that I might be partaker thereof with you."

          Literally, a joint-partaker, co-laborer with you. While the Corinth Church was still very immature, Paul refrained from any of his personal rights in order to urge them on to maturity and growth. He considered their eventual support of future mission causes was more important than their personal respect for him. Whether they recognized it or not, if in this way he could urge them on in Christian service, he would share in their reward at the Bema of Christ.

          Cf 2 Corinthians 8:1, 6-14; 9:1-5; 1 Thess. 2:19-20.

          How ready are we to share the gospel with other ethnic peoples, races and religions? The churches commission is to "disciple all nations"- Matthew 28:19-20.

 

ASSIGNMENT FOR LEARNING:

1.   How did Paul consider his personal rights in the light of the gospel?

2.   What does Paul teach us in Vs 5 that conflicts with the Roman Catholic doctrine of celibacy?

3.   What did Paul mean when he said, "they that preach the gospel should live of the gospel"- Vs 14?

4.   Why did Paul not receive financial help from the Church in Corinth?

5.   Explain in your own words, the last part of verse 22.

 

 

 

PRAYER: Let us pray today that we will be more concerned with the     rights of others, than our own. Pray for the financial                 needs of those who labor for Christ in your church.

 

 

                   STUDIES IN FIRST CORINTHIANS

 

LESSON ELEVEN                                CHAPTER  9:24-27

 

                         RUNNING THE RACE

 

Vs. 24    "know ye not?"-

          Do you not recognize so as to understand?

          "that they which run in a race run all"-

          That all those who run in any race, or particular course, all who are in the race, run. They run together in the same direction.

          1 Corinthians 3:9- So every member of a New Testament Church should run together, or labour for Christ.

          "but one receiveth the prize"-

          But (only) one receives the reward of first place.

          Earths rewards are inferior and fewer in quantity than heavens.

          "So run that ye may obtain"-

          So each individual participant in the race, so run as to win first place.

          Each child of God, each church member will be rewarded according to his running, his labour, his faithful service. 1 Corinthians 3:8; Col. 2:18; 1 Tim. 5:18; Phil 3:14; Luke 10:7.

 

Vs. 25    "And every man that striveth for the mastery"-

          Everyone struggling with a desire to excel in all things as a master, a winner, as a standout.

          (Perhaps the word today would be superstar")?

          "Is temperate in all things"-

          In all kind of things he must exercise temperance, discipline, or self-control of his own accord.

          Coaches appreciate team members who can discipline themselves, thus avoiding imposed disciplinary action. As no game is to be won with broken rules, so the winning of crowns and rewards comes by Christian service according to the rules of Christ.

          In our day athletes have been disqualified for taking drugs (steroids), excessive drinking, etc.

          How many times have we seen a game forfeited on account of excessive penalties?

          "Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown"-

          Those running in an earthly race, do it in order to obtain a corruptible, that is a fading, wilting, or decaying crown or reward. Champions are soon forgotten.

          2 Cor. 4:18; 6:14-17.

          "but we an incorruptible"-

          Those of us who are servants of God, all run together in one direction, in order that we may receive an unfading, non-decaying, incorruptible crown or reward. Winners must be disciplined team players. 1 Peter 1:4; Rom. 12:1-2;

          2 Cor. 4:8; James 1:12; 1 Peter 5:4; Rev. 2:10; 3;11.

 

Vs. 26    "I therefore so run"-

          I run accordingly or in like manner for an incorruptible crown. Every Christian should strive for perfection or for maturity in the Christian race. Matt. 5:48; Eph. 4:12-13; Hebrews 12:1-2.

          "not as uncertainly"-

          Not unclearly, in uncertain fashion.

          "so fight I"-

          So I fight the good fight of faith. Paul was no pacifist when it came to war with the devil. At the end of his life he could write to young Timothy that, "I have fought a good fight" and that "there is a crown awaiting me."

          2 Timothy 4:7-9.

          Paul was not a shadow boxer. He aimed, and hit his

          target-2 Peter 1:10-11.

          Anything worth doing, is worth doing well. We should give it our best shot.

 

Vs. 27    "But I keep my body under"-

          I treat my body severely. I keep it disciplined, under

          control. He subdued passions, lusts, and temperaments that would cause others to stumble, or him to lose his influence over them.

          "And bring it into subjection"-

          Control it as a slave; boss it, keep it captive.

          Cf Gal. 5:25.

          "Lest by any means"-

          Except to others (those who watch and observe me).

          2 Cor. 6:14-17; 1 John 2:15-17.

          "When I have preached to others"-

          After having declared liberty in Christ through the gospel, to others- James 1:22; Col. 3:1-5.

          "I myself should be a castaway"-

          The word "castaway" here means to be rendered useless. It

          was used as with an expensive vase, which after broken,

          although pieced back together, was not even a good

          ornament- it was useless, not worth anything. It was now only a relic of what used to be, or what might have been

          had it not been broken as it was. Paul was not speaking

          about losing his salvation, (that was secure in Christ) but rather being placed (by God) on the shelf as a useless broken vase (vessel).

 

ASSIGNMENT FOR LEARNING:

1.   What did Paul apply the running of a race to?

2.   What does it mean to strive for the mastery?

3.   In the light of Christianity, explain the corruptible and incorruptible crown.

4.   Explain verse 26.

5.   Discuss the meaning of the word "castaway" in your own words.

 

Pray: Pray today for your pastor and for your Bible Institute Instructors, also for the missionaries who are sponsored or supported by your church. That God would help them and you to faithful run the race He has placed you in. 

 

 

 

 

                   STUDIES IN FIRST CORINTHIANS

 

LESSON TWELVE                                     CHAPTER 10

 

      BLESSINGS AND WARNINGS FROM ISRAELS WILDERNESS JOURNEY

 

Vs. 1     "Moreover brethren I would not that ye should be ignorant"-

          Paul uses this phrase again in chapter (12) and in his letter to the Ephesians he repeats again and again, "that ye might know". God's people are not to be unknowing, unlearned, stupid creatures. Religion often keeps its adherents enslaved by lack of knowledge. This was so during the middle or dark ages, and is certainly no sign of spirituality. God has given to us His Word, which is able to make us wise unto salvation. The born again child of God is indwelt by the Holy Spirit who gives unction, wisdom and understanding as to the will of God.

          Cf 1 John 2:20-21; Eph. 5:17; 1 Corinthians 1:30.

          "brethren"-

          Those saved, members of the church in Corinth.

          "I would not have you ignorant"-

          I do not want you to be uninformed concerning the experiences of the Israelites.

          "how that all our fathers were under the cloud"-

          This refers to the Israelite fathers who were led from Egypt under a divinely sent cloud cover. They were kept safe and Divinely led while they remained under the cloud. Exodus 13:21-22; 14:19,24; Romans 11:26.

          "and all passed through the sea"-

          And all of our Israelite fathers of their own choice, passed through the sea. This refers to the crossing of the Red Sea upon leaving Egypt.

          This is a symbolic picture of God's guidance, provision, and safety for all who are under the blood, who follow God's Light of the Word and the Spirit (Psalm 119:105; Romans 8:14).

 

Vs. 2     "and were all baptized unto Moses"-

          All of Israel was immersed (Greek-baptizo) with reference to Moses. The word "unto" is (Greek-eis) which means, "with reference to". Moses was their leader, not Pharaoh. Moses is said to be "the mediator of the Old Covenant"- Galatians 3:19; John 1:17; Exodus 20:19.

          The blood delivered, the Spirit led them, and the water outwardly identified them as children of God who were willing to follow God's leader. The water of the Red Sea separated the Israelites from the pursuing army of Egypt. Water baptism in the New Testament is likewise a symbol of separation and the crossing over into (local) Church membership with the people of Christ.

          "in the cloud and in the sea"-

          In the cloud they were submerged, in the sea they were submerged as the waters were rolled back and they walked through on dry land (Exodus 14:19-31). This then was a true baptism (immersion.)

          To be baptized "unto" (eis) Moses, means the same as to be baptized into (eis) Christ- Gal. 3:27. Baptism identifies one with his leader, Moses or Christ. Those "baptized into Christ" are those who first became children of God by faith in Jesus Christ -Gal. 3:26.

 

Vs. 3     "And did all eat the same spiritual meat"-

          All those delivered by blood, led by the Spirit, and identified by baptism unto Moses, all had food, which was adequately, and Divinely supplied by God. They all ate the same food, that is, manna provided by God. (six days a week for forty years). Exodus 16:4,12-15,31,35. The manna they ate typified Christ the Bread of Life- John 6:33,48-51. God has never required his ministers to preach but one way of salvation. Not by works, or law, but by faith in the blood- (Acts 10:43; Rom. 3:24,25). All, saved by the blood are to yield in service to the leadership of the Spirit- (Romans 8:14; Eph. 2:10). In such service God makes provision- Phil. 4:17-19.

 

Vs. 4     "and did all drink the same spiritual drink"-

          This is Spirit provided, divinely given drink. Paul also referred to this in (12:13).

          "for they drank of that spiritual rock that followed them"-

          The Rock which Moses smote and to which he spoke, then typified Christ who is the rock, foundation, and sustainer of our salvation (Ex. 17:5-6; John 4:14; 6:35).

          The smitten rock speaks of the crucified Christ, from whom the water of Life comes. Moses was to speak to the rock only the second time. However, he disobeyed and was recipient of God's anger. The rock (Christ) was to be smitten but once. After that it (he-Christ) is the sustainer of Life. see Numbers 20:8,10-13; Hebrews 9:25-26; 10:3, 11-12.

          "and that rock was Christ"-

          Literally, "that spiritually following rock which was declared to be Christ". The Israelites drank of Christ (by faith, looking forward to the cross) as we today drink of Him (by faith, looking backward to the cross).

          Isaiah 55:1; 1 Peter 2:8; John 7:37-39; Acts 4:11-12; Eph. 2:20. We drink of Him in memorial when we partake in the ordinance of the Lord's Supper.

 

Vs. 5     "But with many of them"-

          The many, the majority, the masses of them- Numbers 14:22-23. The masses of humanity continue to reject God's leadership in their lives.

          "God was not well pleased"-

          Their murmurings, complaints, and rebellion against God, led to the death of all who came out of Egypt among the males 40 years and older, except Joshua and Caleb- Psalm 95:9-11.

          "for they were overthrown in the wilderness"-

          Scattered and made to wander in the desert- Deut.1:26,27, 34-37; Hebrews 4:3. They failed to enter into the promised land. A pilgrimage that ended in death in a dry place. How many Christians fail to enter the "rest of faith" and die in a dry place?

 

Vs. 6     "Now these things were our examples"-

          What happened to Israel was our example, as a type or shadow, for us to learn.

          One generation is charged to learn by considering God's judgments and blessings on a previous generation, and to profit by what they learn- Deut. 8:2; 32:7.

          "to the intent we should not lust after evil things"-

          So as we should not be such as long after wrong things. To covet, lust, or long selfishly after by-gone material things is a sin of the flesh- 1 John 2:15-17. God's children should seek to suppress and overcome these lustful temptations- Titus 2:12.

          "as they also lusted"-

          Israel longed and lusted after wrong things to the point where they wished they were still back in Egypt. Complaining and faultfinding with holy men and holy things stirs God's wrath and brings on chastening and judgment- Exodus 16:2; 17:3; Numbers 14:2,29-33; 16:1-3,11, 31-35,41-48; Psalm 106:24-26.

 

Vs. 7     "Neither be ye idolaters"-

          You who have control of your own will or choices, should not become idol worshippers. This reference is to Israel and to the possibility of idolatry in the City of Corinth. A born again Christian, has the will to reject idolatry. An unsaved man has only the will to sin more, because of his depravity. Paul urged in his letters, "keep yourselves from idols"- Col. 3:5; 1 John 5:21; Eph. 5:5.

          "as were some of them"-

          As some of the Israelites were by their own choice while enroute from Egypt to the Promised Land. See Exodus 32.

          "as it is written"-

          According to the example recorded for us.

          "The people sat down to eat and to drink"-

          The people sat down before the idol (Ex. 32:6) in a reclining position, beholding it as an object of worship, which is a sin against the One true God (Ps. 1:1; 1 Cor. 8:10-13). This brings down God's judgment- Daniel 5:1-30.

          Israel is an example of what happens to idolaters.

          "And rose up to play"-

          The Israelites got up from worship of the golden calf to dance and to sing around it in a most licentious manner. They were no doubt following the custom of the Egyptians, which custom they should have left in Egypt. They were out of Egypt, but Egypt was not out of them. Long association with evil and evil worship can even affect Christians.

 

Vs. 8     "Neither let us commit fornication"-

          Fornication and adultery were closely associated with sacrificial rituals of the Moabites and many other nations that worshipped heathen and idol gods. This temptation was very strong in Corinth. Cf Numbers 25:1-3.

          "as some of them committed"-

          As some of the Israelites committed fornication. (Numbers 25:4-9). Physical and spiritual fornication was committed.

          "and fell in one day, three and twenty thousand"-

          And 23 thousand people were slain in one day in a plague of Divine judgment.  Many others were slain in addition to those on the first day. See Numbers 25:9, 14-18. In another plague following the rebellion of Korah, 14,750 were slain (Numbers 16:35,49).

 

Vs. 9     "Neither let us tempt Christ"-

          This means to try the Lord's patience, to overtempt Him. The word "Christ" in the authorized version (KJV) is (Greek-Cristos) the word Messiah or Anointed One.

          "as some of them also tempted"-

          Paul acquaints the conduct of Israel as against the Messiah (Christ, the Anointed One). This refers to Israel's murmuring against Moses- see Exodus 17:2-3 and

          1 Samuel 24:6,12; 26:9-11.

          "and were destroyed of serpents"-

          See Numbers 21:5-6 where God sent fiery serpents among Israel which brought death, until they cried to Him for mercy. God's answer in the wilderness was a serpent on a pole which spoke of Messiah (Jesus)- John 3:14; 1 Cor. 11:1.

          Dr. Garner says, "Israel sinned against God in two ways:

          1. They presumed to dare God's judgment.

          2. They despaired of His goodness."

          (Baptist Commentary-ibid).

 

Vs. 10    "Neither murmur ye"-

          To whisper or complain. To murmur is to express a feeling of ingratitude and a wrong relation of one, to both God and his fellow man. This is an indication of a selfish spirit and covetousness toward ones own way. This was prominent among the Pharisees and Sadducees in Jesus time- Luke 5:30; 15:2; 19:7.

          "As some of them also murmured"-

          As the Israelites murmured in the wilderness journey about the food and water, etc. Exodus 15:24; 16:2-3. These were wilful and presumptuous sins- Hebrews 10:26; Romans 6:1.

          Negative talk always brings despair and leads to sin. It is void of faith or trust in God's provision for us.

          "and were destroyed by the destroyer"-

          God allowed death to overtake them- See Exodus 16:20; 17:9-16; Numbers 16:35,49; 25:9,31.

 

Vs. 11    "Now all these things happened to them for ensample"-

          These things came upon Israel typically, as a living lesson to future generations, and to us. Cf Deut. 8:2,18; 32:7; 2 Timothy 1:5-6.

          "and they are written for our admonition"-

          These things were recorded as a warning to us, as a guide for our conduct (Deut. 19:14; 27:17; Prov. 22:28; 23:10).

          The landmarks of the Church of the Lord Jesus, and the people of the Lord, are to be used profitably by every generation, including ours- 2 Peter 1:12.

          "upon whom the ends of the world are come"-

          To those to whom the ends of the age has arrived. (Since Paul included himself here, it is clear as to where he stood eschatologically, since if he was in the end of the age, then Christ could come then- thus an imminent return).

          Paul simply refers to God's concern for the Church as for Israel.

 

Vs. 12    "Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth"-

          Because of the example of Israel, let the one who thinks he stands (with trust in self). Apparently this was a danger among the brethren in the Corinth Church (1 Cor. 3:18,21; 6:1-2).

          Peter fell into sin vowing never to deny the Lord (Matt. 26:33-35; 26:69-75). We need to be careful in what we say we would never do.

          "take heed lest he fall"-

          Look within himself with concern and not be boasting with confidence in the flesh- 1 John 1:8-9.

 

Vs. 13    "There is no temptation taken you"-

          No temptation has or will take hold of you. Each thinks his own trials and testings are unique or different from others, but this is not true-Eph. 2:1-2; 1 Thess. 3:5.

          "But such as is common to man"-

          Those temptations, which are natural to humanity. The origin of man's being led away from God is the natural lusts of his own depravity. James 1:13-14.

          "But God is faithful"-

          God not only is able but will come through in man as He did in His Son. God cannot be blamed for our fall to temptation. Control of temptation is contributed to the power of God....Matthew 6:13; James 1:12. God is faithful in restraining too great temptation, and in heeding His Son's intercession for His children through them- Hebrews 7:25.

          "who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able"-

          God will not allow His children to be tested or tried beyond their ability to bear it.

          For example: The trials of Job, the maid of Samaria, and Mary the mother of Jesus.

          "but will with the temptation"-

          But along with (in close association) the trial. Our Lord (who never leaves nor forsakes) guides the child of God through to victory, even in death. Hebrews 13:5; 2:18; 4:15-16. Christ intercedes in our hour of testing-

          (1 John 2:2).

          "also make a way to escape"-

          God will make a way for the child of God to get out or through the trial or temptation. Grace that brings us salvation, also teaches the saved. This usually involves God's chastening rod of correction (Titus 2:11-15; Heb. 12:5-13. God led Israel through the Red Sea, He corrected them in the wilderness, led them across the Jordan River. He was with the Hebrew children in the fiery furnace, led Peter, Paul, and Silas out of jail, was with Stephen in death, and Paul in shipwreck. Cf 2 Cor. 11:24-33.

          "that ye might be able to bear it"-

          God will be with His children to help them endure. He helped David, and Daniel and we have a whole chapter (11) in Hebrews of the work of faith in those whom God led in the most severe difficulties. Hebrews 13:5.

 

Vs. 14    "wherefore my dearly beloved"-

          Because of or in light of these things which I have brought out, and the faithfulness of God. These things serve as to enforce consideration of Paul's following appeal.

          "flee from idolatry"-

          Flee (run with full speed) away from any appearance or participation in idolatry. Anything that even looks like idolatry is an insult to God. Idolatry is a contravention of the commandments of God in Exodus 20:1-5.

 

Vs. 15    "I speak as to wise men"-

          I speak as to prudent, discreet, and discerning men. Paul is saying that he is addressing those who are capable of addressing matters of moral, ethical, and spiritual nature effecting personal, family, business, church, and spiritual lives. In other words, "let a word to the wise be sufficient."

          "Judge ye what I say"-

          Paul has closed his lesson on the subject and now he asked them to form their wise conclusions as to the matter of idolatry. He addresses their God given moral responsibility. Cf Rom. 14:11-13; Phil. 2:10-11

 

THE NEW TESTAMENT APPLICATION TO PAUL'S TEACHING AGAINST IDOLATRY

 

Vs. 16    "The cup of blessing which we bless"-

          The cup of the fruit of the vine (wine) which members of the (local) church partake of after they bless it. That is the Lord's Supper- Matthew 26:27.

          "Is it not the communion of the blood of Christ?"-

          Is it not a communion (Greek-koinonia) a memorial reflection on the purpose and nature of the blood of Christ, on which basis He makes intercession for our sins Matthew 26:28? (Our sins, being those of the elect-saved).

          "The bread which we break"-

          (AND) the loaf (unleavened) which we break. This is symbolical of and a memorial of the body of Christ in which He bore our (the believers) sin on Calvary. Matt. 26:26.

          Note: Some do not see as much importance in the elements of the Lord's Supper. I do not believe this should be a test of fellowship. However, the use of fermented wine and unleavened bread, best fulfill the pattern or symbol of the purity of the blood and body of Christ. Also, the use of wine in Bible times was also for medicinal-healing purposes. The Bible forbids drunkenness, not a modest use of wine, which is a practice of many cultures even today.

          "Is it not the communion of the body of Christ?"-

          Literally, "a" communion of Christ's body. The Greek- (koinonia) means a common sharing of the body of Christ, in whom we live. This is another good reason for the Lord's Supper being restricted to the members of the (local) New Testament Church, where the ordinance is being observed. Cf Luke 22:20,28; 1 Cor. 11:23-26.

 

Vs. 17    "For we being many are one bread"-

          For as we the many belonging to Christ's body- the church- are one complete loaf.

          Each congregation as one loaf bears and shares the bread of life to others. Cf Eccl. 11:1-6.

          "and one body"-

          The one body here refers to "one kind of body", the church body. Those in the (local) Corinth Church or any other (local) church. Ephesians 1:20-21.

          "For we are partakers of that one bread"-

          We all partake out of the one bread. This refers to our source of life and sustenance. Christ who is the true Bread of Life- John 6:35.

          Of the bread of the Lord's Supper we memorialize that broken body. It was to the church as an institution, and each congregation or assembly, the ordinance of the Lord's Supper was given. It is to be kept by members of each congregation, by all members after serious self-examination. (1 Corinthians  11:23,26,27,28).

 

Vs. 18    "Behold Israel after the flesh"-

          Look (if you want an example) to Israel's flesh conduct. Paul again uses Israel as a warning example of carnality to the Corinth Christians. Cf Psalm 106:14,19,25,28,35-38.

          "Are not they which eat of the sacrifices"-

          Those who habitually, continually eat of the sacrifices to idols.

          One is known by the company he keeps. If he keeps company with false religions, sits continually with them in eating, drinking, and worship, he says to the world, "I approve".

          "Partakers of the altar"-

          Common sharers, consorters of the altar-sacrifices. This is a question of rhetoric nature affirming that the one who continues, sits with, and shares in the practice, endorses idolatry, false worship that God hates. (Exodus 32:1-10). Idolatry is the worship as God, of any person, thing or image rather than the One true God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, Peter and Paul. Images of Christ, Mary, apostles, and so-called saints, when worshipped or prayed to, constitute idolatry.

 

ASSIGNMENT FOR LEARNING:

Write a paper on the subject of "Biblical Separation" based upon

1 Corinthians 10:1-18 using at least three points of reference.

                                

                                

 

PRAYER: Why not bow your head and approach the one and only true God? You can come to Him through His Son, Jesus Christ. Pray for those who do not as yet know this one true God.

 

 

 

                   STUDIES IN FIRST CORINTHIANS

 

LESSON THIRTEEN                          CHAPTER 10 (Continued)

 

                  BIBLICAL SEPARATION ENCOURAGED

 

Vs. 19    "What shall I say then?"-

          What can I say? In essence Paul has said that those church members who sat and ate in worship to idols had sinned.

          "that the idol is anything"-

          That an idol is anything, do I say? Paul continues to agree that the idol is nothing in the world (1 Cor. 8:4).  "or that which is offered in sacrifice to idols is anything?"-

          Or that an idolatrous sacrifice is anything. No lifeless, senseless thing is anything. But Paul would not have men bow or worship before or toward them, lest their influence be hurt and they cause others to stumble. Psalm 115:1-8; 1 Corinthians 8:5-13.

 

Vs. 20    "But I say that the things which the Gentiles sacrifice"-

          But that which (the things) they (heathen) sacrifice. Eph. 2:2-3.

          "They sacrifice to devils"-

          They sacrifice to demons. Demon spirits presided over worshippers of idols and the feasts of debauchery that often accompanied their riotous, carnal, debauching religious festivals. 2 Cor. 4:4; Eph. 6:12; 2 Cor. 12:7.

          "and not to God"-

          Right and wrong, sin and righteousness, God and devils cannot cohabit or mix. They are not worshipping the One true God who is the creator, and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Separation of false, and true living worship is taught in Scripture. (2 Cor. 6:14-17; 1 Sam. 5; Deut. 7:2,3; 1 Kings 18:21; Eph. 5:7,11; 1 Cor. 10:21).

          "and I would not that ye should have fellowship with devils"-

          I do not desire that you should be in close association with demons. To worship heathen gods was to Paul tantamount or equal to the worship of demons. This is abhorred by God. Psalm 115:4-8; 135:15-18.

 

Vs. 21    "Ye cannot drink the cup of the Lord"-

          To drink wine (fruit of the vine) from a cup of the Lord at the Lord's table, then to drink at the altars of the heathen temples, presided over by demons. This is an offence to God. Luke 6:24.

          "and the cup of devils"-

          You cannot have your heart and mind in both feasts. This is incompatible. See Luke 16:9; 2 Thess. 3:6,14.

          Open communion leads to this type of thing that Paul calls sinful.

          "Ye cannot be partakers of the Lord's table"-

          A partaker is "a holder-on". Compromise of two conflicting, contradictory altars and programs of worship constitute base hypocrisy on the part of the participants, condemned of the Lord. 2 Cor. 6:14-17.

          "and the table of devils"-

          The difference in the use of words here as to "cup" and "table" is that the cup refers to the element and the table refers to the place. Demons have tables, and altars, over which they preside, and the Lord's church has a table over which she (the church) presides. Luke 22:29-30.

          Paul here sets a restriction for the Lord's table. Those guilty of false worship have no right to sit down with the Lord's God fearing church at His table. Heb. 13:9-10; 1 Cor. 11:24-26.

 

Vs. 22    "Do we provoke the Lord to jealousy?"-

          Do we dare agitate the Lord, to try and make Him jealous?

          Ask yourselves?  To stir the Lord's jealousy was to arouse His anger to wrath. In Paul's second letter, he expressed God's love for His church as a separated people when he affirmed his love to them as espoused to Christ. 2 Corinthians 11:1-4.

          "are we stronger than he"-

          We are not stronger than He is, are we? Paul chides the folly of two timing God in spiritual adultery. As a wife should not lead on a man to whom she is not married, so the Christian, members of the Lord's church should not seek union in worship with those of other faith, order, system of worship, such as ecumenism. Galatians 6:7-8.

 

Vs. 23    "all things are lawful for me"-

          As far as eating meat formerly forbidden by the now fulfilled Mosaic Law was concerned, all kind of things was now lawful. Col. 2:14-17.

          "but all things are not expedient"-

          But all things do not harmoniously carry me forward. Paul's love for Christ, His church, and his brethren, caused him to restrain from anything that might cause harm. Romans 14:13.

          "all things are lawful for me"-

          Paul again asserts that he is no longer under the ties and restrictions of the old law (Moses) relating to eating, drinking, feast days, new moons, and their observance. The regulatory restrictions of the law had been fulfilled. -Galatians 3:13; 3:24-25.

          "but all things edify not"-

          All things do not enlarge, enhance, or build up. Paul would not do anything that would not build up the church. Galatians 5:13-14.

 

Vs. 24    "Let no man seek his own"-

          No one should seek his own selfish interests - Rom. 1:14-15; 9:1-3. Love was the restraining force in Paul's life.

          "But every man another's wealth"-

          Let each one pursue the interest or welfare of others. The Lord sought our wealth, not His own.

          (Lord help me live from day to day,

          in such a self-forgetting way.

          That even when I kneel to pray,

          my prayer will be for others).

 

Vs. 25    "Whatsoever is sold in the shambles"-

          Everything sold in the public meat market had become food ordained for the general public, sanctioned of the Lord.

          "that eat"-

          Everyone is free without hesitation, to eat.

          "asking no questions for conscience sake"-

          There is no need of question or enquiry as to meat sold in the public market, even if it had been used earlier in idolatrous sacrifice. Your conscience need not bother you since you are in this way, not giving sanction to another god. Cf - 1 Cor. 8:8.

 

Vs. 26    "For the earth is the Lord's"-

          The earth is of the Lord and the fullness thereof is owned by Him. This is Paul's view of the meat and the market place. Psalm 24:1.

          "and the fullness thereof"-

          The wide expanse and completeness of it. Therefore, unless it is directly used in false worship, it can be eaten. If it is eaten in a false place of worship, to a false god, and in false worship, one should not sanction idolatry. 1 Thessalonians 1:9; Galatians 4:8; 2 John 10-11; 1 John 5:21.

 

Vs. 27    "If any of them that believe not bid you to a feast-

          If an unsaved person invites you to a common meal, to come over and have dinner with them. This instruction involves social conduct with friends or neighbours.

          "and ye be disposed to go"-

          And you have a strong will to go of your own volition. Remember, our Lord ate socially with publicans and sinners. (Matthew 9:23).

          "whatsoever is set before you"-

          Everything set out for you to eat. Paul's way is found in 1 Corinthians 9:22.

          "eat, asking no questions for conscience sake"-

          You may eat without question of your conscience. It is not a feast of worship, but a social hour of communion. 1 Corinthians 9:23-26.

          In this case you may eat what you wish, or want to eat of your own free will.

Vs. 28    "but if any man say unto you."-

          A supposition of possibility in a different circumstance where meat or food is offered to idols.

          "this is offered in sacrifice unto idols"-

          This is a slain temple sacrifice. This was sometimes a case with early Christians, where meat eaten at a common meal was said to be for idolatrous worship.

          "eat not for his sake that showed it"-

          Do not eat it as a testimony to the one who offers it, so as to appear to sanction idolatry.

          "and for conscience sake."-

          Because of the conscience of him who offered it, lest it be seared by your sanctioning idol worship.

          "for the earth is the Lord's"-

          As stewards of the gospel, one is to use his influence to win the lost.  One should not, even in a social feast, do anything to harm one’s receiving Christ as Saviour. 1 Corinthians 8:13.

          "and the fullness thereof"-

          Just because something is right in itself, does not mean to say that doing it is right at that time or in that situation.

 

Vs. 29    "Conscience I say"-

          I repeat "conscience" the monitor of the soul. The recorder of one's comprehension of right and wrong, based on his knowledge of moral and ethic standards.

          "not thine own but the other"-

          The conscience of the other man, unsaved or weak in the faith as Paul has already described.

          "for why is my liberty judged?"-

          Why is my liberty of freedom restricted? The answer is, that the man of a different kind of conscience might be saved. 1 Corinthians 9:22.

          "or another man's conscience"-

          We are not to use our liberty merely for the satisfaction of the flesh, but by love to serve others. Gal. 5:13; 1 Cor. 8:9.

 

Vs. 30    "For if I by grace be a partaker"-

          If I (a man who is saved by grace) partake or eat of an idol sacrifice after being told what it is.

          "Why am I evil spoken of?"-

          Why am I spoken evil of, or denounced? Men of heathen conscience who see Christians knowingly give thanks over meat devoted to idols, regarded such actions as sacrilegious indulgence and denounced it as two-faced hypocrisy.

          "For that which I give thanks"-

          For that in which I give thanks over. (meat sacrificed to idols). Sincerity is no excuse for deliberate actions that cause others to think wrong about the Lord and His gospel.

          This principle can be applied to Sunday as the Lord's Day; theatre going; race track attendance; etc. See 1 Cor. 8:12-13; and Romans 12:1-2.

 

Vs. 31    "Whether therefore ye eat or drink"-

          No matter whether in eating or drinking. The supreme rule, moral and spiritual guide, for a Christian's conduct is duty. The duty to honour and glorify God in everything one does. Paul in (Colossians 3:17) uses the words "word and deed".

          "or whatsoever ye do"-

          This covers all territory. In all things done.

          "do all to the glory of God"-

          Everything a Christian does should exalt, lift up or honour the name and Person of Christ. We should have an unselfish discipline to the will of Christ. Each member of the church should do only those things that can and do bring glory to God in the church. Eph. 3:21; 1 Tim. 3:15; 2 Corinthians 5:15-16.

          The purpose of the church in carrying out the Great Commission is to bring glory to Christ. This involves every action of individual members.

 

ASSIGNMENT FOR LEARNING:

1.   Discuss why believers should not sit at meat in places of false worship.

2.   Is it ever wrong to have dinner with an unsaved neighbour or friend? Discuss your answer.

3.   Discuss the terms "cup of the Lord" and "table of the Lord" with the counterpart with demons.

4.   Discuss why some things are lawful but not expedient.

5.   Does verse 31 teach us that we can do what we want to do as long as we seek God’s Glory in it? Explain your answer.

 

 

PRAYER: Ask the Lord to help you so live among your unsaved relatives and friends so as to lead them to Christ and not turn them off.

 

 

                   STUDIES IN FIRST CORINTHIANS

 

LESSON FOURTEEN                               CHAPTER 10:32-33

 

           THE JEW, THE GENTILES, AND THE CHURCH OF GOD

 

"Give none offence, neither to the Jews, nor to the Gentiles, nor to the church of God:"

 

Vs. 32    "Give none offence"-

          You should be un-offensive or without offence. As much as is within you, you should treat all people the same. Even though these three groups are separate and distinct.

          Matthew 10:16; Romans 12:18.

          "Neither to the Jews"-

          Even to Jews. This is a general term used to refer to the race, family or company of people to whom the law of Moses and programs of Divine service and worship was given, until the coming of Christ. John 4:22; 18:20; 1 Corinthians 9:20.

          "Nor to the Gentiles"-

          Garner (Baptist Commentary-ibid) uses the word "Greeks here, but it seems to me that it refers to all heathen or pagan nations which are not of the covenanted Jewish nation. This likely speaks particularly to those Greeks in Corinth that ate sacrifices at the table of demons.

          "Nor to the church of God"-

          Church (ecclesia) the called out (local, visible) assembly of God was not to be offended by anything any member thought, said, or did. Such was the standard of holiness of life and perfection of conduct. A standard set forth by Christ in Matthew 5:48.

          The three terms, 1) Jew; 2) Gentile; 3) Church of God; refer to the three classes or groups of people about whom all prophecy was given, and is being or will be fulfilled. The "to whom is he writing or speaking", or, "about what or whom", should be considered a contextual consideration for interpreting any passage relating to prophecy. Matt. 16:18; Mark 13:34; 1 Tim. 3:15; Eph. 3:21.

 

          Let us pause here to look at these three classes:

          The New Testament recognizes and emphasizes only three classes of people. (1 Corinthians 10:32).

          The Old Testament recognizes the distinctiveness of Jews and Gentiles (Joel 3:1-3; Zechariah 14:1-3).

          The Old Testament knows nothing of the church except by types and shadows (1 Peter 1:10).

          The clearer vision was revealed to the Apostle Paul (Ephesians 3:1-12).

          Noel Smith in his book, "Jews, Gentiles and the Church" says on page 11, "with the exception of what has been noted about the Old Testament and the Church, the Bible from Genesis to Revelation, in a variety of ways, recognizes, emphasizes, and maintains a distinction between these three classes. The one never "develops into the other, nor does the one ever "grow" out of the other. The one never "grows into" the other. THEY NEVER MERGE."

 

THE JEW:

In a study of the Jew, three different areas should be viewed.

1.   The Promise of God- call and covenant.

2.   The Purpose of God- The law and the Deliverer.

3.   The Plan of God- Prophetic- The Jew in eschatology.

     The Abrahamic covenant is found in Genesis 17:1-8; 18:17-18.

     This covenant is said to be "an everlasting covenant" Genesis 18:17-19.It is also found to be two-fold.

     1.   A covenant of race- a great and mighty nation.

     2.   A covenant of grace- a son in old age.

          Genesis 21:12- "...in Isaac shall thy seed be called".

With the giving of the Mosaic covenant at Mount Sinai, we see a form of marriage ceremony.

     Exodus 19:  Vs 5  "if ye will obey" and Vs 8  "we will do".

Israel is the only nation whose history was outlined before her birth. Conceived in Egypt, she was born of miraculous deliverance of blood. Baptized unto Moses in crossing the Red Sea, led of God by pillar of fire and cloud. (A picture of the Holy Spirit).

 

THE GENTILE CIVILIZATION:

Established by Cain the Unitarian. A God aborted attempt at world dominion by Nimrod with the building of the tower of Babel. Babylon became the byword for any anti-God, anti-Christ movement. The history of the Gentile nations is written in blood and tyranny in Assyria, Babylon, Media-Persia, Greece and Rome. The final destruction of the Gentile world religion and government is found in Revelation chapter 17 and 18.

(Read my book, "The Jew, The Gentile, and The Church".)

 

THE CHURCH OF GOD:

Instituted by Jesus Christ on the shores of the Sea of Galilee in his early ministry. Commissioned by Christ as the only organization to carry out the Great Commission. Founded as a vehicle to carry the gospel message, and enhance the Kingdom of heaven on earth. The Church, after which all churches are to be patterned, to be of like faith and order, is called many things such as "the bride", "the body of Christ", the "little flock". The church, the bastion of Christ’s kingdom, in city, town, and village. (scripturally in that order of evangelism too!) It is always local and when spoken of as more than one, referred to in the plural. The church Jesus loves, and for whom He died, and in whom He receives glory (Eph. 3:21).

(for detailed study of the Church, see my book, "Introduction to the New Testament Church".)

So Paul in this letter to the Church in Corinth makes a clear-cut distinction between these three classes.

 

Vs. 33    "even as I please all men in all things"-

          Christ came not to please Himself, nor to do His own will, but the will of the Father, which sent Him. So Paul was not concerned with his own will, but that of Christ.

          We too should act as Paul did- John 6:38; Rom. 15:3; Rom. 1:14-15; 1 Cor. 9:22-23; Matt. 6:33.

          "Not seeking mine own profit"-

          Not continually seeking advantage for myself-2 Cor. 8:9; Mark 8:34; Phil. 3:7-10.

          "but the profit of many"-

          The advantage, profit or benefit of many. As Christ came to "seek and to save that which was lost so, He calls the members of His church to give their lives for others-John 10:18; 18:6; Luke 19:10 John 20:21.

          "that they may be saved"-

          Oh that our eye might be as single as Paul’s was! The Church in Corinth was not like this, they were carnal and immature. The term saved means, delivered. Deliverance is two-fold:

          1. Delivered from sins bondage unto eternal life.

          2. Delivered of life’s service and usefulness from Satan     unto God. Ephesians 2:8-10; Philippians 2:12.

 

ASSIGNMENT FOR LEARNING:

1.   Read the Scripture references on the three classes Paul mentions, and discuss them.

2.   Discuss the three different areas mentioned in study of the Jew.

3.   Discuss the beginning of the Gentile civilization.

4.   Discuss the foundation of the Church.

5.   Do you think it important to distinguish between the three classes? Explain your answer.

6.   What significance do you see in Paul's desire to please all men in all things?

7.   In light of our theme in 1 Corinthians, develop the phrase, "that they may be saved".

 

 

Prayer: Can you think of some unsaved people to pray for by name today?

 

 

 

                   STUDIES IN FIRST CORINTHIANS

 

LESSON FIFTEEN                                     CHAPTER 11

 

1 Corinthians 11:1-17

 

THEME:   "FOR THE GLORY OF GOD"-

 

Vs. 1     "Be ye followers of me"-

          Imitate the way I live as a pattern for your life personally, and for your church in Corinth. A pattern in putting Christ first, with unselfish care. Cf 2 Corinthians 8:9; Philippians 2:5-10.

          "Even as I also am of Christ"-

          Paul patterned his life after Christ who was the Good Shepherd caring for His sheep. Paul could ask them to follow him because he followed Christ and no one is at loss in following Christ. Cf Eph. 5:2; Gal. 6:2; John 13:34-35.

 

Vs. 2     "Now I praise you brethren"-

          I commend you. Paul shows a good leadership quality since he had been dwelling on the negative side of all their wrongdoing. He now interjects some positive remarks.

          "that ye remember me in all things"-

          Because they said they had tried to remember his instruction and follow him. (Cf 2 Cor. 12:10).

          "and keep the ordinances"-

          You hold fast the traditions. The term ordinances are often translated "traditions" which means something repeatedly practised. This may refer to fact, doctrines, or practice concerning baptism and the Lord's Supper.

          "as I delivered them to you"-

          Just as I had laboriously instructed you. This was to include the Lord's Supper (vs 23). Paul expected the Corinth Church to adhere to the pattern as he had taught them. The order, method, motive, and procedure of administering what was taught (as to the Lord's Supper-Vs 23-26).

 

Vs. 3     "But I would have you to know"-

          I want you to perceive, understand with knowledge.

          "that the head of every man is Christ"-

          The term "head" refers to Jesus Christ as authority for every man's actions. Each man is responsible to the authority of Christ. (I believe this refers to the saved man, the believer. An unsaved man is not capable; he does not in his lost state possess the free will to respond to the authority of Christ). Cf Col. 3:17; Phil. 3:9-11.

          "and the head of the woman is the man"-

          The man (husband) is declared to be the head of the woman (wife). See Eph. 5:22-23; Col. 1:18; 1 Peter 3:1,5. She is to be subject to him in matters relating to this life (Gen. 3:16).

          Note: This does not mean than a man is superior to a woman. The reference here is to authority. The wife could well be smarter, more educated, etc., than her husband, but he is the head of the wife and responsible to Christ. For example, a Captain could well be smarter than a particular General in the Armed Forces, but he had best put himself under the authority of the General for the good of all concerned.

          "and the head of Christ is God"-

          God is over all, head of all even Jesus Christ who came to do His Father's will and not to please Himself (John 4:34). So as Christ submitted to the Father, so should man submit to Christ, and the wife to her husband, in position of Divine authority.

 

Vs. 4     "Every man praying or prophesying"-

          Each man (Greek- "aner"- a mature male person) praying or prophesying (speaking forth the Word of God as a habit or custom).

          "having his head covered"-

          With anything covering his head. (The covered head was a symbol of weakness, surrender, or obeisance to one of higher rank).

          "dishonoureth his head"-

          Shames, humiliates, shows disrespect, degrades the one who is his head.

          The three leaderships described in verses 8-15 are-- 1) God; 2) Christ; 3) man, constitute the Trinitarian hierarchy of order in relationship in nature (Dr. Albert Garner-ibid).

 

Vs. 5     But every woman that prayeth or prophesieth"-

          Every woman (deliberately) of her own accord praying or speaking forth the Word of God.

          "with her head uncovered dishonoureth her head"-

          With her head unveiled or uncovered, shames or shows disrespect for her head (husband).

          She thereby disavows marital obligations of subjection to her husband in all things, publicly uncovers herself, as a slave woman or prostitute would do (Eph. 5:22-24; 5:33).

          "For that is even all one as if she were shaven"-

          It is the same thing as with a woman that has been shaven (bald).

          Reference is here made to a custom of that day, where slave women had their heads shaved as acknowledged property for their master’s use. Also, the public prostitute shaved her head as an available symbol to any who desired her body for sex hire- (Dr. Albert Garner-ibid).

 

Vs. 6     "for if the woman be not covered"-

          If a woman is not veiled or covered of her own accord.

          "let her also be shorn"-

          Let her do what she wants to do, if she wishes to show disrespect and lack of submission to authority. If she is "mannish" and domineering she will be judged by the world and the Lord as such.

          "but if it be a shame"-

          If it be shameful (and it is) for no woman should, as a Christian, be a slave, sex property, or public prostitute to men of the world.

          "for a woman to be shorn or shaven"-

          For a woman to choose herself to be shaven.

          "let her be covered"-

          Let her become veiled or covered.

          Note: The idea is that each woman praying or witnessing       for Christ, should recognize and respect customs that affect one's personal influence. The Christian woman was therefore exhorted by Paul to veil or cover her head, avoid the shorn or shaven head that might characterize her, make her to appear as a base woman, or in rebellion against her husband (Garner-Pg 167-ibid).

 

Vs. 7          "For a man indeed ought not to cover his head"-

          For it is certain that a man ought not to have his head covered (in prayer or prophesying).

          "For as much as he is the image and glory of God"-

          Man was created in the image and glory of God. He is to glorify God in all that he is, and does. 1 Cor.10:31; Genesis 1:26-27.

          "But the woman is the glory of the man"-

          The woman exists as the glory of the man. She was made from man and for man (as help meet) a partner to cleave in subjection to her own husband. Genesis 3:16-17; 1 Peter 3:16.

 

Vs. 8     "For the man is not of the woman"-

          The source of man is not of woman. He was created of God from the earth (Adam means red-clay). Man was a direct creation of God.

          "But the woman is of the man"-

          God made Eve (the woman) from the side of the first man Adam. Woman is said to have her origin in man. Genesis 2:18,20, 21-23.

 

Vs. 9     "Neither was the man created for the woman"-

          Man was not created because of the woman or fashioned out of the pre-created woman, or for the woman taken in rib-form out of his side.

          "but the woman for the man"-

          Woman was created because of and for the man. Brought forth for him, to fulfil his need of a helpmeet.

          (It has been said that man is only half a man without a woman).

          This is God's order, and any other order is out of order in personal and family life, and order of service to God.

          Genesis 3:16; Colossians 3:18; Titus 2:5.

          Note: The so-called "Gay-lifestyle" or homosexual-lesbianism is a perversion of God's order and creation. It is the sin of Sodom. God created Adam and Eve, not Adam and Steve. Nor did He create Madam and Eve. If every man were to be homosexual, it would mean the end of the human race. The rest of God's creation knows better and has more sense.

 

Vs. 10    "For this cause ought the woman to have power on her head"-

          Because of or for this reason (why she was created) the woman ought to have authority on her head. (The covering, which denotes her subjection to her husband. Not her slave or prostitute availability to any man).

          "because of the angels"-

          Note: Garner commentary- 1 Cor. Pg. 169.

          "Woman's obedient place of personal, family order, and worship service is observed and assisted by angelic helpers, whom none of God's children should offend. Both woman and her angelic-helpers are auxiliary helpers to man, in God's order for each in the universe, Hebrews 1:14; These are things which perhaps "angels desire to look into" 1 Peter 1:12c."

 

Vs. 11    "Nevertheless, neither is the man without the woman"-

          The wife is not apart from her husband. The wife is subordinate to, but not inferior to the husband. Both sexes alike are necessary, and if man is the foundation, the woman is the channel, of the Christian order of society.

          "neither the woman without the man in the Lord"-

          One in matrimony, husband and wife, each supplementing the sex defect or need in the other. Both husband and wife owe reverent obedience to God. To be in the place in their marriage that God wants them Ephesians 5:20-25.

 

Vs. 12    "For as the woman is of the man"-

          The sperm (seed) of life is from the man, the first Adam who received his life from God.

          "Even so is the man also of the woman"-

          Man exists (continues on) through the instrumentality of the woman. Procreation flows through the woman.

          "But all things of God"-

          God is the first source of everything, male and female. He also sustains our life Acts 17:28. The life that mankind, male and female have comes from God.

 

Vs. 13    "Judge in yourself"-

          Draw your own conclusions.

          "Is it comely that a woman pray unto God uncovered?"-

          Is it fitting for a woman to pray to God unveiled? Is it proper for a woman to approach God as a prostitute approaches a man for sexual favours, or a slave woman offers herself unshorn to her master for sexual favours? (The rhetorical conclusion is NO!)

 

Vs. 14    "Doth not even nature itself teach you?"-

          Do we not have the lesson of nature, natural things?

          (a rhetorical question implying the positive reply).

          Men and women are by very nature, different in their hair

          covering. In fact there is much that is different between the male and female human species.

          "That if a man have long hair"-

          That if a man wears his hair long such as Absalom did-

          2 Samuel 14:26; 18:9-15.

          "It is a shame unto him"-

          It discredits his manhood, or is a dishonor. It is (by

          nature) a feminine symbol, if not suggestive also of

          Sodomy and moral rebellion and perversion against man's identity and order in nature. 1 Corinthians 6:9.

          Note: The only exception to this would be the vow of the Nazarite. Pictures of Jesus with long feminine like hair      is blasphemous. Pictures of men on coins etc. of that day do not portray men with long hair.

 

Vs. 15    "But if a woman have long hair"-

          If a woman wears her hair long, (actual length is not specified but the difference should be clearly distinguishable).

          "It is a glory to her"-

          A woman's long hair (certainly longer than a man) is her crown and beauty.

          "for her hair is given her for a covering"-

          For the long hair instead of the veil (or hat) has been given to her (Greek- phusis- by nature).

          Paul is saying, that while custom says a woman should be distinguished from the man by a veil or covering, God, in nature has provided a permanent covering in the long hair     which distinguishes male and female, husband and wife, in appearance - (Vs 14).

 

Vs. 16    "But if any man seems to be contentious"-

          If any man thinks or presumes to be contentious. Some immature, carnal, worldly minded (there were plenty in Corinth) might contend against nature's teaching on this matter.

          "We have no such custom"-

          Paul and his missionary associates had no requirement as to hair length among the people they served.

          "Neither the Churches of God"-

          The churches taught by Paul and his associates also had no custom as to length of hair. There were no compulsory rules for hair length among men and women. So long as customs did not break some command or conflict with some principle of Christ, Paul admonished, but did not order Christians regarding personal conduct and influence. 1 Corinthians 9:22-23.

          Note: In reference to long hair today, it should be noted that it is usually a symbol of rebellion and anti-establishmentarianism. Long hair today came from a rock group called the Beatles and identifies with the rock music, sex, and drug cult, which have its roots in demonism. This principle of Christ, which Paul implied in my opinion, applies to hairstyles today.

 

ASSIGNMENT FOR LEARNING:

1.   Discuss why the Corinthians should follow Paul?

2.   Discuss why Paul told the women to have their head covered when praying or prophesying?

3.   What significance did a shaved head and uncovered head have in Corinth?

4.   What symbol of authority did nature give to men and women?

5.   Discuss verse 16.

 

 

Prayer: It is important that we pray that God will help us to be patient and not too judgmental with new Christians. Hair, dress, music, etc. are usually victims of fad, which will vanish away. Let us pray for young Christians and patiently teach them.

 

 

 

                      

                   STUDIES IN FIRST CORINTHIANS

 

LESSON SIXTEEN:                              CHAPTER 11:17-34

 

               IRREGULARITIES AT THE LORD'S SUPPER

 

Vs. 17    "Now in this I declare unto you"-

          This that I am about to charge you with (regarding irregularities in the observance of the ordinance of the Lord's Supper).

          "I praise you not"-

          He praised them for keeping the ordinances (Vs 2) but found it necessary to correct their abuse.

          "that ye come together"-

          Because you voluntarily come together in an agreed upon fashion.

          "not for the better, but for the worse"-

          Not with reference to the better, but with reference to the worse. This indicates their motive for gathering was wrong. That is, it was for the wrong purpose.

          Note: Far too many churches do just that in our day. The Lord's Supper is for a memorial of Christ's death, not as a means of salvation. Scripturally, it is restricted to faithful members of each local church. Open communion is wrong and leads to many other errors.

 

Vs. 18    "For first of all"-

          The first in order of things as to their error.

          "When ye come together in the church"-

          When you (all) come together in assembly (church capacity). The Lord's Supper is a church ordinance, not to be observed apart from the church (assembly of believers). Modern practice of taking the Lord's Supper to hospital bedsides, and places outside of the gathering of believers in a (local) church, is unscriptural and contrary to historic practice of true New Testament (Baptist) churches.

          "I hear that there are divisions among you"-

          Paul probably is referring to the report from Chloe, cf 1:10-11. The church had schisms, it was divided.

          "and I partly believe it"-

          Part of it at least, I believe. Paul was not ready to believe everything he heard, but he did believe in part what he had heard about the divisions in the Corinth Church.

 

Vs. 19    "For there must be also heresies among you"-

          There seems to be sects (party-spirit) among you. The term sect or heresy refers to major error in doctrinal teaching and practice.

          "that they which are approved"-

          In order for those standing for the truth and right.

          "may be made manifest among you"-

          May be revealed or recognized in the midst of these things. Some were right and some were wrong as to the correct observance of the Lord's Supper.

 

Vs. 20    "When ye come together therefore in one place"-

          There seems to have been mutual agreement as to a church assembly, and to time and location. The whole body met to observe the ordinance in one place. That is New Testament order.

          (The Lord's Supper should never be observed, mixed with a common meal).

          "this is not to eat the Lord's Supper"-

          The eating and drinking of a livelihood meal is not to be part of the church worship or ordinances. The social hour is not to be mixed with the worship time. Social fellowship should not be mixed with observance of the ordinance of the Lord's Supper.

 

Vs. 21    "For in eating"-

          You are reported to be practising in eating.

          "Everyone taketh before other his own supper"-

          Each one takes his own supper along or before to the locality of assembly for the Lord's Supper. The poor and the wealthy were contrasted, as the poor had not so much food on display.

          "and one is hungry"-

          One hungers, goes without food. They seem to have practised what is known as "each doing his own thing".

          "and another is drunken"-

          Drunk, drugged by over abundance of food (and drink).

          They are reprimanded for their wrong motive or purpose in observance of the Lord's Supper, in fact Paul seems to reprimand them for wrong purpose in the very gathering in assembly. The Lord's Supper is a memorial of His death on Calvary's cross. As well, it is a symbol of unity of the one body of Christ (local). Their symbols of some having more to eat than others did not display a spirit of unity. It is not wrong to eat or drink wine. It is wrong to be a glutton, to be drunk, and to abuse the ordinance of the Lord's Supper.

 

Vs. 22    "what? Have ye not houses to eat and to drink in"-

          Do you not have or hold homes  in which to eat and drink? (a rhetorical question with an affirmative answer).

          "Or despise ye the church of God"-

          Do you take lightly the assembly of God's people?

          "and shame them that have not"-

          Show disrespect or embarrassment to those who are poor and do not have what you have. To humiliate those who will not bring their common meal to the hour and place of worship-church assembly.

          "What shall I say to you?"-

          What shall I say to you who embarrass the poor?

          "Shall I praise you in this?"-

          A rhetorical question. The humble is to be exalted, not the proud glutton. Cf James 4:6,10; 1 Peter 5:5,6.

          "I praise you not"-

          No! I do not commend you in this.

Vs. 23    "For I have received of the Lord"-

          I took or received personally by revelation (is implied that Paul is not just quoting from Matthew 26).

          Paul is about to give instruction concerning the Lord's Supper. Cf Galatians 1:11-12,16; Ephesians 3:3-5.

          "That which also I delivered unto you"-

          That which I instructed you or gave to your trust. Paul had previously instructed them in person.

          "that the Lord Jesus the same night in which he was betrayed, took bread"-

          The same night Jesus was betrayed by Judas Iscariot, He took bread. The Scripture is specific regarding which night Christ took bread to establish this ordinance.

 

Vs. 24    "And when He had given thanks He break it"-

          The order of procedure for administering the Lord's Supper, Paul received from the Lord, was:

          1. He took bread.  2. He gave thanks. 3. He then broke   it.  4. After which "he said", that is, explained its symbolic meaning. Cf Matt. 26:26-30; Mark 14:22-25; Luke 22:19; 1 Cor. 11:23-25.

          "this is my body"-

          This (broken bread) is (represents) my body.

          "which is broken for you"-

          This broken bread is broken for you.

          Note: The bread was broken representing the church-body. Christ's body was not broken- see 10:17; John 19:36. Christ's physical body was not broken.

          "this do in remembrance of me"-

          This do with reference to or in remembrance. The Passover was a memorial of Israel's release from Egyptian bondage. The Lord's Supper is symbolic of, or a memorial of the Lord's death and shed blood. Ex. 12:40-51; Matt. 26:26-30; Luke 22:19-20;

          The Lord's Supper is a memorial (in remembrance)- not procurative in nature. Scripture does not teach the idea of transubstantiation (changing into real substance) as is taught by the Roman Catholic Church, nor the Lutheran doctrine of consubstantiation (an inclusion of one substance in another or coexistence of two substances).

 

Vs. 25    "After the same manner also He took the cup"-

          Similarly, or in the same order. He took the cup or that which contained the wine (the fruit of the vine). Mark 14:24; Luke 22:18.

          "when He had supped saying"-

          The order here related is exact. When He drank of the cup, He said to them. Cf Matt. 20:22,23; Isa. 53:10-11;

          "this cup is the New Testament in my blood"-

          This cup (with reference to its contents) symbolizes the shed blood (of Jesus Christ), which is a new testament (covenant, agreement, policy). It is new as in fulfilling the Old Covenant, which was with Israel under Moses.

          The New Covenant is effective to bring salvation to everyone who trusts Christ personally. Eph. 1:7; Romans 3:24-25; 2 Corinthians 5:21.

          "this do ye as oft as ye drink it"-

          Do this as I have demonstrated in order, as often as you drink it.

          "in remembrance of me"-

          As a personal memorial to me. (Not as a means of saving grace, but memorial to me as to what I am to accomplish for you on Calvary). We today look back to the finished work of Christ on Calvary's cross.

 

Vs. 26    "For as often as ye eat this bread"-

          For as many times (the frequency is indefinite) as you (this "ye" is restricted to the saved, baptized, church-members. It is a command to (local) church members.) Eat this (the memorial) bread.

          It is thought that the frequency of the Lord's Supper should be no less than the annual observance the Jews made of the Passover. The bread is thought to have been unleavened bread that symbolizes purity. The Lord's Supper is clearly seen to be restricted to the gathered assembly. (not taken to hospital patients, etc. as is practised by some today.) Open communion is an ecumenical practice which is at least almost unknown by historic Baptists and adopted by some modern Baptists which have also adopted the Protestant (unscriptural) theory of a universal mystical church body.

          "and drink this cup"-

          And you all drink of the cup. It is implied as Jesus and His disciples, everyone drank of the cup.

          "ye do show the Lord's death till He come"-

          You (the church) declare as in a picture, symbolically.

          It is totally blasphemous, an outright heresy, to even think that the prayer of a priest can change these elements into the literal body and blood of Christ. This is but a picture of Christ's accomplishment on the cross. It is done in looking in two directions, we look back to Calvary (a finished work) and we look up for the coming of our Lord. The one is finished, the other will soon be accomplished. Cf Acts 20:28. God's elect look daily for the return of their Lord Jesus Christ. Their heart's cry ought to be, "perhaps today."

 

Vs. 27    "Wherefore, whosoever shall eat this bread"-

          Because of this that it symbolizes, whomever he may be who partakes of this bread of memorial.

          "and drink this cup of the Lord unworthily"-

          And drinks from this cup of the Lord's memorial with a wrong motive and for a wrong purpose, (this would include being in fellowship with Christ and His church) such as

          those who made it a social feast (Vs 20-22).

          Note: The word "unworthily in the authorized version is perhaps not the best translation. The Greek word here translated does not refer to the person being unworthy. We are all but sinners saved by grace, and in ourselves unworthy of redemption. The word here refers to the manner or purpose for partaking. The N.I.V. translates it "in an unworthy manner" relating to the way or purpose.

          "shall be guilty of the body and blood of the Lord"-

          To eat and drink of the Lord's table in an unworthy manner is to show disrespect to the Lord and His work of redemption. It is a sin to eat of the elements of the Lord's Supper in a festive fashion.

 

Vs. 28    "But let a man examine himself"-

          Let each one probe his own motives, purpose, and relationship with the Lord.

          "and so let him eat of that bread"-

          And then upon self-examination let him partake of that bread- that is, memorialize the Person of Christ.

          "and drink of that cup"-

          And drink of memorial to the cup that is symbolized in the Lord's Supper (with reference to the cup of Calvary) Matthew 20:22; 26:42.

 

Vs. 29    "For he that eateth and drinketh unworthily"-

          He who continues to drink with a wrong motive or for a wrong purpose.

          "eateth and drinketh damnation to himself"-

          Eats and drinks judgment to himself. Judgment is described as chastisement (Vs 32). The Lord will chasten His children who stubbornly refuse to obey the order of His commands Hebrews 12:6-11.

          "not discerning the Lord's body"-

          Discriminately considering the Lord's body in partaking of the elements as a memorial.

 

Vs. 30    "for this cause"-

          Because of this fact- that many of the Corinthian brethren had taken the Lord's Supper unworthily or desecrated its nature.

          "many are weak and sickly among you"-

          Many of you are feeble or have lost their health because of not discerning the Lord's body. Sin can cause stress and poor physical health.

          "and many sleep"-

          And a number among you sleep, or have died physically. To desecrate God's Word or ways, sometimes brings physical (premature) death upon the wilful disobedient. Moses, Ananias and Sapphira are examples of this (Deut. 32:48-52; Acts 5:1-10.  Cf James 5:14-20. This is likely the death that James talks about -5:20.

 

Vs. 31    "For if we would judge ourselves"-

          For if we discerned (judged, proved) our own thoughts (motives or purpose). Self-examination and discipline will keep us from being judged of another. This would keep many young people out of Juvenile Court. Many who would end up before a Magistrate would be spared if they would practice self-examination.

          "we should not be judged"-

          Hasty impulsive actions are very often products of carnal, covetous self-will without regard to Divine revelation. Self-evaluation will help avoid an offensive action against God. (2 Cor. 13:5; 1 John 3:20.

 

Vs. 32    "But when we are judged, we are chastened of the Lord"-

          But being judged by means of the Lord, we are chastened. Chastisement from the Lord is designed to produce good fruit in place of bad in God's children. Hebrews 12:5,6,10-11.

          "that we should not be condemned with the world"-

          In order that we (believers) might not be judged with the world. The world's judgment results in hell, and the works of the flesh are to be burned (1 John 2:15-17; 1 Cor. 3:12-15. This verse shows us the truth of the doctrine of the security of the believer (Eternal Security) in Christ and how God deals with sin in the born again child of God.

 

Vs. 33    "Wherefore my brethren"-

          So because of this my brethren (with direct reference to Paul's original charge in Vs 17 that they "came together for the worse".

          "when ye come together to eat"-

          When you all come together (gathered in agreed assembly in church order).

          "tarry one for another"-

          Wait each on the other. Don't be eating your supper, or a big meal. Defer eating and drinking to satisfy your hunger until a more appropriate time.

 

Vs. 34    "And if any man hunger let him eat at home"-

          If any is really hungry, the place to eat is at home. The home is the place to be eating, not in the assembly (Vs 22).

          Note: Some might ask if Paul is speaking against dinner in the "church-house" or on the "church-grounds" for that matter? One should note that Paul is dealing with the abuse of the ordinance of the Lord's Supper. While church suppers should not be part of the worship hour, there does not appear to be anything in Scripture that is against such practice (church suppers apart from worship).

          "that ye come not together unto condemnation"-

          In order that you not assemble yourselves (church) together unto chastisement. Paul exhorted the Corinth Church to restrict their coming together to eat the Lord's Supper, to the Supper alone (Vs 30).

          "and the rest will I set in order when I come"-

          The remaining matters (which they enquired about) I will help to straighten out whenever I come to visit with you. (Cf 1 Corinthians 16:13-14). Paul indeed had a pastor’s heart, as shown in his dealings with the Corinth Church.

 

ASSIGNMENT FOR LEARNING:

1.   Discuss the meaning of the Lord's Supper.

2.   What is wrong with either transubstantiation or consubstantiation?

3.   Discuss the term "New Testament" in verse 25.

4.   What does Paul say about the frequency of observing the Lord's Supper?

5.   Where did Paul receive his order for the Lord's Supper?

6.   Where is the Lord's Supper to be observed, and why and to whom should it be restricted? Discuss this.

 

 

PRAYER:  Pray that you might partake of the Lord's Supper in your local church, in a worthy manner.

 

 

                   STUDIES IN FIRST CORINTHIANS

LESSON 17     

 

                 WORD STUDIES IN 1ST CORINTHIANS

 

PART ONE:                                         CHAPTERS 1-6

The following words are keys to a proper understanding of Paul’s letter to the Corinthian Church.

 

CHAPTER ONE:

Vs. 2     "church"- The "ecclesia" an assembly, gathering of saved, baptized believers, covenanted together under the laws of Christ to worship God, and carry out the Great Commission. The word "church" refers to a definite location, in this instance, Corinth. If more than one local church is meant, the word "churches" (plural) is used as in Galatians 1:2.

          "called"- This word is used of God summoning men by His Word, and laying hold of them by His power, to play a part in and enjoy the benefits of His gracious redemptive purposes. The Greek word is (kaleo~) which means to invite or summon (Matt. 2:7; 22:3-9). This is the "effectual calling" of classical Reformed theology - J. I. Packer- Baker's Dictionary of Theology.

          God calls those whom He did predestinate (Rom. 8:28-30) the "elect or chosen" before the foundation of the world (Eph. 1:4-12; 1 Peter 1:3-4; Rom. 9:15-16.) God calls sinners, unto Christ by the preaching of the cross.

          Here in verse 2 and 24 the adjective "kletos" is used. One should note that God always calls men unto something, in this verse it is "to be saints" or holy ones.

          "sanctified"- The word sanctified means "set apart as holy". There are two aspects of sanctification. 1) We are positionally sanctified at conversion. 2) We are then practically or progressively sanctified by the work of the Holy Spirit in us on a daily basis.

 

Vs.8      "blameless"- This does not mean faultless or sinless. It is a legal term meaning "without blame". The believer in Christ is blameless because Christ took our sins and became responsible for them by paying sins penalty in His death and by His shed blood upon Calvary's cross.

 

Vs. 10    "divisions"- The opposite to unity. This refers to the sects, heresies or party spirit found within the Church in Corinth.

 

Vs. 13    "in the name of"- by authority or with reference to (in this case, Paul.)

 

Vs. 15    "in mine own name"- with reference to or by authority of my own name. This term means the same as when applied to the name of Jesus Christ. It is a legal term, which should not be used without proper authorization. This same term is used in the commission of Matthew 28:19 and in Peter's sermon, Acts 2:38. The emphasis is upon the use of authority given to the apostles and to New Testament (local) churches.

 

Vs. 24    "called"- This refers to the effectual calling of the elect, the chosen. They are distinguished from others in these verses. Here the adjective "kletos" is used to express God's calling men to Christ, cf verse 21-23.

 

Vs. 27    "chosen"- elect, effectually called by the Spirit through the gospel by way of the foolishness of preaching.

 

Vs. 30    "wisdom"- refers to Christ who is the true wisdom as opposed to the world's wisdom.

          "righteousness"- Christ is the source and standard of right living. Christ is the enablement of right living.

          "Sanctification"- This refers to Christ as the source and enablement of separation or act of being set apart for God as holy. This is found, not in works or ordinances, but in Christ Himself.

          "redemption"- Christ, the price or ransom paid. Christ is not only our redeemer, He is the sum paid to set the believer free from sins slavery. Redemption is particular, that of the elect before the foundation of the world.

 

CHAPTER TWO:

 

Vs. 2     "Christ crucified"- The center of the gospel. The cross is central to God's plan of redemption for sinners. To be saved, a sinner must know the purpose of the cross (John 3:16; 1 Peter 2:24; 3:18.) One cannot come to Christ without coming to the cross, that is, to believe in and accept by faith the benefits of Christ's death on the cross.

 

Vs. 6     "perfect"- complete or mature. This word as used in our English Bibles is often confused to mean sinless, Paul here exhorts the Corinthians to Christian maturity.

 

Vs. 14    "natural man"- This refers to the unsaved or the non-Christian who is spiritually dead or humanly totally depraved. The Christian has two natures, the natural man or "old" man and the new nature or new man. This is also referred to as the Adamic nature.

          "spiritually discerned"- understood in the spirit of man, which is impossible of the unsaved. The saved have been quickened by God to understand spiritual things - Ephesians 2:1.

 

CHAPTER THREE:

 

Vs. 1     "spiritual"- those alive in Christ, usually used with reference to maturity.

          "carnal"-  fleshly, worldly, immature as retarded in their faith. Carnal Christians do not develop spiritually as they ought to.

          "babes"-  New converts, or those newly converted to Christ. Baby Christians.

Vs. 3     "divisions"- This is a key word in the whole letter with reference to their going in different directions. Heresy, party spirit. Everyone doing his/her own thing, going their own way, and not in unity. A church can be united but still lack unity. To be divided.

 

Vs. 9     "laborers"- Workers. This is a strong action word. It means hard working people.

 

Vs. 10-11 "the foundation"- the basis of faith or body of truth upon which the Christian faith and the New Testament Church is founded. This refers to the person of Christ, who is THE ROCK, rather than Peter a rock or little stone.

 

Vs. 16    "Temple of God"- The place where God meets with His people. This is a direct reference to the local church, or assembly of saved ones. (as in the Corinth Church).

 

CHAPTER FOUR:

Vs. 1     "Stewards"- keepers of a trust. (trustees).

 

Vs. 2     "faithful"- worthy of trust, dependable, those who stick to the faith.

 

Vs. 7     "differ"- separates (from others as a faction leader of a sect, party or group within the divided church at Corinth).

 

Vs. 19-20 "power"- The source of authority. Refers to those who caused divisions in the Church.

 

Vs. 21    "a rod"- symbolic of correction or chastening.

 

 

CHAPTER FIVE:

Vs. 1     "fornication"- Sexual uncleanness. (is sometimes used of spiritual adultery). In this chapter it is used in reference to sexual immorality. Refers also to any uncleanness.

 

Vs. 3     "judged"- decided and (already) passed judgment.

 

Vs. 4     "the name of our Lord Jesus Christ"- with reference to Christ. By authority given.

          "gathered"- assembled in (local) church capacity.

 

Vs. 5     "deliver....unto Satan"- turnover as to permit access of authority.

 

Vs. 6     "leaven"- refers to "yeast" in bread; a type of sin or uncleanness in Biblical language.

 

Vs. 7     "purge"- separate from you by direct action.

 

Vs. 8     "passover"-  refers to the time in Egypt when the blood of the lamb was applied to the doorposts, of which house the death angel passed over. This was memorialized in a yearly feast by the Jews. Christ is our Passover lamb (John 1:29).

Vs. 11    "keep company"- hang around or travel with.

 

Vs. 12    "them which are without"- the unsaved, those outside of the church at Corinth, non-members. (In those days it was most unusual for anyone to be a Christian and not be a member of a church).

          "them that are within"- believers, members of the church (at Corinth).

 

Vs. 13    "put away from among yourselves"- dismiss from the church at Corinth. To exclude from membership and the Lord's Table. There was no "open communion" in New Testament churches.

 

CHAPTER SIX:

Vs. 1     "go to law"- Take to court. Go before the State authority rather than God's authority (the local New Testament church) on church matters.

 

Vs. 4     "judgments"- Controversies, things which tend to cause divisions or need judgment.

          "least esteemed"- Without standing. Those not members of the church. Unsaved, unspiritual.

 

Vs. 11    "sanctified"- set apart as holy.

          "justified"-  A legal term of declaration as to the believers standing or position before God. (Just as if I had never sinned).

 

Vs. 12    "lawful"- permitted with reference to law. With reference to legal authority.

          "expedient"- profitable; Good for me to do.

 

Vs. 13    "meats"- food for the human flesh.

 

Vs. 15    "your bodies...are members of Christ"- Your individual bodies belong to (are the property of) Christ.

 

Vs. 19    "Your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost"- This refers back to verse 15. The Spirit of God dwells in individual believers (as well as in the whole gathering of assembled saints. (Romans 8:9; 1 Corinthians 3:16).

 

Vs. 20    "bought with a price"- refers to redemption, the sum paid to set the elect free from sins bondage. That price is the blood of Jesus Christ, shed upon Calvary's cross. The redemption of the elect is called "particular redemption".

          "Your body and your spirit"- Salvation is not just a matter of spiritual salvation. Our bodies are to be presented unto the Lord as a living sacrifice- Romans 12:1-2.



 

                OUTLINE 1 CORINTHIANS CHAPTERS 1-6

 

Author:   Paul

 

Key word:  "divisions"

 

Written:  About AD 57 from Ephesus

 

Contents: Exhortation as to Christian conduct within the church.

 

1.   Introduction:   1:1-9

     A.   Greeting 1-3

     B.   Thanksgiving 4-9

 

2.   Divisions Deplored: 1:10-4:21

     A.   Natural Wisdom- 1:10-31

     B.   Spiritual Wisdom- 2:

     C.   Causes and Cures- 3-4

 

3.   Discipline Directed: 5-6

     A.   Impurity- 5

     B.   Heathen Society- 6

 

ASSIGNMENT FOR LEARNING:

Review your notes and Word Studies.

Write your own brief outline of the first six chapters of 1 Corinthians.

                                

PRAYER: Pray that you may be able to apply the teachings of Paul in your own life and church. 

                                


                                


                   STUDIES IN FIRST CORINTHIANS

 

LESSON EIGHTEEN:                             CHAPTER 12

 

                    CONCERNING SPIRITUAL GIFTS

 

The subject of spiritual gifts is probably one of the most divisive and misunderstood subjects of Scripture. There are two, perhaps three basic reasons, which I believe, account for much of this confusion.

1.   Misunderstanding of the meaning of the word "spiritual" as applied to spiritual gifts.

2.   Misunderstanding as to the purpose of spiritual gifts in New Testament times.

3.   A wrong understanding or doctrinal concept as to salvation being wholly of grace, and none of works.

 

There are basically three views as to the Gifts of the Spirit held today.

1.   That these (gifts) were apostolic gifts, and that all that was in the apostolic church is to continue, or at least that there is to be a "last days" revival or restoration of spiritual gifts.

2.   That there are spiritual gifts in the church today, but not everyone is to operate or have them, and especially "not me". This view is a fence sitter, or compromise. It takes no real stand on the issue.

3.   That these were actual supernatural gifts or enablement, bestowed on men by the sovereign will of God the Holy Spirit during the apostolic age. That these gifts ceased with the completion of revelation of the Scriptures and the apostolic age in 70 A.D.

 

                   FACTS ABOUT SPIRITUAL GIFTS

1.   We are not to be ignorant concerning their operation.

2.   The word "gifts" in our English Bible is in italics, meaning it is not in the original and was inserted by the translators.

3.   The word spiritual does not refer to "holiness", maturity, or imply a super brand of Christianity. The Corinthians "came behind in no spiritual gift" but were the most carnal church of those addressed by Paul in his several epistles. The words "spiritual gifts" mean, "Spirit endowments".

4.   Vs 2 Paul addresses the Corinthian church as to their background of idol worship. As noticed in the earlier chapters of this letter, they still had a problem with idolatry, at least in associating with its practice.

5.   Vs 3  Paul states that the Spirit of God does not speak evil or blasphemy about Christ. This implies that there were indeed abuses of "spiritual gifts" within the Corinth Church.

6.   From this and other Scriptures we know that spiritual gifts can be counterfeited. In other words, there are those that are true, and those, which only appear on the surface to be true. Pharaoh’s magicians did a real good job of counterfeiting the miracles of Moses. (It should be noted that Moses rod (authority), which he turned into a snake, ate the snakes of the magicians).

 

                    EXAMINING SPIRITUAL GIFTS

The apostle Paul divides the work of the Holy Spirit into three areas:

                    1.   DIVERSITIES OF GIFTS

                    2.   DIFFERENCES OF MINISTRIES

                    3.   DIVERSITIES OF OPERATIONS

                         (1 Corinthians 12:4-6)

 

BUT       These are of the same origin.

          They come and operate in unity by the Spirit of the Lord God.

AND       Vs 7 "The manifestation (revealing illumination) of the Holy Spirit (that is, by His sovereign will (Heb. 2:4) is given (distributed) to every man to profit withal (in a good way)".

Please note that Paul is dealing with the operation of these gifts within the confines of the New Testament Church (assembly).

 

Paul's list of Spiritual gifts:

There are three groups of three gifts making a total of nine. (Vs 8-10).

1.   GIFTS TO KNOW:

     1. Word of Wisdom.

     2. Word of Knowledge.

     3. Discerning of spirits.

 

2.   GIFTS TO ACT:

     1. Gift of faith.

     2. Gifts of healing (plural).

     3. Working of miracles.

 

3.   GIFTS TO SPEAK:

     1. Prophecy.

     2. Divers kinds of tongues (languages).

     3. Interpretation of tongues (languages).

 

     Operated by the sovereign will of God (Vs 11).

Vs. 11    Paul clearly teaches that the operation of gifts is not in the hands of men, but operated by the sovereign act and will of God. Man is at the most, a mere channel in which God elects to work. Cf Romans 12:6; 2 Corinthians 10:13.

 

 

HOW THE GIFTS WORKED:

1.   THE WORD OF WISDOM: God does not give men His wisdom; that would make him equal with God. He gave a word of wisdom as and when needed (see 1 Corinthians 2:6-7).

2.   THE WORD OF KNOWLEDGE: Again as with wisdom, it is a "word" of knowledge (see 2 Corinthians 8:7). The difference between wisdom and knowledge is, that wisdom directs knowledge.

     It should be understood that revelation was still open, even as Paul penned these words. The Bible (James 1:25), which is our "perfect law of liberty", was not yet complete. Revelation is no longer required. We have the BIBLE in all of its 66 books, which is God's inerrant Word, and final authority in all matters of faith and practice. We do not need revelation but we do need illumination to know and understand what is already written for us to read and study.

3.   DISCERNING OF SPIRITS:  The word "discern" means to understand by distinction. To know which spirits are true and which ones are false. There are three sources for discernment:

     1.   Is it the Spirit of God?

     2.   Is it the devil or a demon (evil) spirit?

     3.   Is it the spirit of man - or the flesh?

     Since the Bible is complete, we can go straight to the Word of God for discernment (understanding). This does not mean we should not; in prayer seek the Holy Spirits help. However, the Holy Spirit primarily, will use the Word of God. (Cf John 14:26; 2 Peter 1:19-21; John 20:30-31; Luke 1:3-4; 2 Timothy 3:15-17; Romans 15:4.

4.   THE GIFT OF FAITH:  Note that this is-

     1. Not the kind of faith that every man, (unsaved as well) uses in every day activity.

     2. Neither is it the God given faith that saves the soul.

     3. It is a supernatural gift that was required in God's people, usually in difficult circumstances (see Matthew       17:14-21). Faith today, the faith (one of three abiding       gifts) that we all require comes to us "by hearing the Word of God" Romans 10:17.

5.   THE GIFTS OF HEALING:  This is a "plural" gift since God does not always use the same method of healing (meaning, to cure). Usually healing is more progressive (than a miracle) such as the lepers who, "as they went they were healed". God still heals today although this gift as such is no longer available. See James 5:13-16. There is no need to go to Tulsa or some Shrine. God heals within the local church. We just need to call for the elders of the church.

6.   WORKING OF MIRACLES:  The word "work" is an action word meaning to perform. Our Lord performed many miracles. The difference between miracles and healing is basically in the time element where healing is usually progressive and miracles are instantaneous and greater in scope.

     Dr. Albert Garner in his book, "Bible Analysis" has this to say about miracles-

     1. Mere demonstration of supernatural power is not a miracle.

     2. Physical birth of a conceived child is not a miracle.

     3. The new birth is not a miracle (in the Bible sense).

     4. "A miracle may be defined as the instantaneous demonstration of supernatural power, overcoming

        or suspending natural law, for the accomplishment of a divine purpose."

 

         PURPOSE OF MIRACLES

1.  To declare Jesus as the Messiah, the Son of God. (John 2:11)Jesus began to work miracles in Cana of Galilee.

     2.  To attest to the Divinity of Jesus Christ and His authority to forgive sins- (Mark 2:10-11).

     3.  To declare that Christ was sent by God the Father- (John 11:42).

     4.  To demonstrate Christ's divinity- John 3:2.

 

      PURPOSE OF CONTINUING MIRACLES IN THE APOSTOLIC CHURCH

1.   Christ promised that the Holy Spirit would be with the church and "confirm" the Word of God. This means to attest to the preaching  (the New Testament was not as yet written) of the Word of God - see Mark 16:17-18.

     2.   Christ did not say that these miracles and other gifts would continue to the end of the church age.

 

             MIRACLES AND SPIRITUAL GIFTS WOULD CEASE

1.   Scripture limits the working of miracles to a period of 40     yrs. (cf Micah 7:15 and John 2:11).

     Jesus first miracle was done in Cana of Galilee in AD 30.  Add 40 years to this, and we come out to A.D. 70 when Jerusalem was destroyed and the Jews scattered. John was the last of the apostles whose apostolic gift died with him. The apostolic gift or office was not iunherited by the bishops of Rome -(Popes).

2.   Paul says in 1 Corinthians 13:13 that gifts (no doubt those he listed here) would cease "when that (not He) which is perfect (complete) should come. That this is the BIBLE, the Word of God, is seen from James 1:25.

Paul teaches in chapter (13) that there would remain only three gifts (not nine): faith, hope, charity - (LOVE). (We shall discuss these later in chapter 13).

 

7.   THE GIFT OF PROPHECY:  This too is misunderstood and greatly abused in our time. To prophesy in its New Testament meaning does NOT mean to tell the future. It has no reference to fortune-telling and should never be used in reference to the likes of Jeanne Dixon and the devilish cult called "Spiritualists".

     To prophesy simply put, means to speak forth. This is the gift or ability to speak forth the Word of God by the power and unction of the Holy Spirit. To tell forth the divine will, intent and purpose of God. This was necessary without a completed authority (the Bible). This gift as such is not needed today. We have the BIBLE. Prophets as used in the Old Testament were sometimes fore-tellers, but usually forth-tellers of the will of God. In the New Testament (apostolic age) they were strictly forth-tellers of God's will and intent (see Acts 13). Prophecy in the sense of a spiritual gift is not a synonym for "preaching". Preaching has not ceased. The gift of prophecy has ceased, but we have prophecy in the written Word of God, in Daniel and in Revelation etc.

8.   DIVERS KINDS OF TONGUES: Divers means diversity or tongues of different kinds. The word "tongues", means languages.

     Some facts about tongues:

1.    Pentecostal tongues were actual "known" languages Acts 2:8-11.

2.    The gift of tongues is not taught in Scripture as the "initial physical evidence of the Baptism of the Holy Ghost." Because-

          A. The Bible does not say it does.

      B. The term "Baptism of the Holy Ghost (it should be "in the Holy Spirit") is not repeated after the Day of Pentecost (the term "filled” is used).

          C. The Holy Spirit is never said to "baptize" anyone.

             (We will deal with 1 Corinthians 12:13 in our next lesson).

3. No one is said to speak with the "tongues of angels" or in a so-called "angelic language". The words in 1 Corinthians 13:1 portray a "hypothetical situation".

4. Tongues is left to the bottom of Paul's list in chapter 12.

     5. Paul preferred prophecy to tongues so that everyone in the assembly could be edified.

6. The term "unknown" in 1 Corinthians 14:14 is in italics and not in the original manuscripts. The reference however is not to a language unknown to man, but one that is understood in the assembly of believers.

7. It has been this author’s experience in over 45 years of ministry that those who put much emphasis up the “speaking in tongues” are those who put most emphasis upon “emotions or feelings” rather than upon the word of God. Much of their doctrine on this subject is based upon “experience” rather than the plain teaching of both Scripture and history.

9.   INTERPRETATION OF TONGUES:  This was simply the ability to interpret or state in the language of the people what was being said in another language.

     These gifts (so-called) are said to be in operation in the Pentecostal and Charismatic churches today. If this is true, then the Holy Spirit must be the author of confusion. Men who tell you that God say's what the Bible does not teach are of the devil or to say the least, operating out of their own fleshly minds. I have seen enough to make me sick in my stomach, of the abuse and manipulation of well meaning but ignorant and gullible people. (I was an evangelist and Pastor in the Pentecostal Movement for seven years.)

 

Vs 11.TRUE GIFTS WERE OPERATED IN MEN, BY THE HOLY SPIRIT WHO CONTROLLED THEM AND DISTRIBUTED TO INDIVIDUAL MEN EXACTLY AS HE CHOSE OR ELECTED IN ACCORDANCE WITH HIS SOVEREIGN WILL - Cf - Hebrews 2:4.

     Tongues or languages spoken on the Day of Pentecost were clearly languages known and in use in that day. They are clearly listed for us in Acts 2:8-11. To make the Biblical use of tongues as anything more than this is to distort Scripture.

 

ASSIGNMENT FOR LEARNING:

1.   What does the word "tongues" mean?

2.   Discuss the purpose of Spiritual Gifts in the apostolic church.

3.   In the light of 1 Corinthians 1:5-7; 3:1-3, what does this tell us about spiritual gifts?

4.   Discuss if you can the work of the Spirit, which Paul divides into three areas in verses 4-6.

5.   Discuss the ministry of Faith-Healers today in the light of the ministry of Christ and the apostles. Compare the two.

6.   Discuss how or why we can say that Faith-Healers are wrong.

 

PRAYER: Pray for the many well-meaning people, mixed up in churches of the Pentecostal-Charismatic Movement.

 

(Read the authors books, "Introduction to the New Testament Church", and Studies in the Acts of the Apostles; Baptist Polity and The Jew, The Gentile and the Church, available from Baptist Pulpit Ministries.)

 

 

STUDIES IN FIRST CORINTHIANS

 

LESSON NINETEEN                                                       CHAPTER 12:12-13

 

BAPTIZED INTO ONE BODY

 

(Recommended reading: "Baptized (immersed) Into One Body" by Dr. S.E. Anderson, Bogard Press, Texarkana, Texas U.S.A.).

 

The emphasis in these two verses (as is throughout the whole of the chapter, and in fact the letter) is UNITY! The word "one" used here describes the unity, which Paul stated was in the operation and manifestation of the Holy Spirit's distribution of spiritual gifts.

There is- 1. One Body-

          2. One Christ-

          3. One spirit- (Greek pneuma- is not capitalized).

To this "oneness" or unity, the word BAPTIZED is referred.

 

Note: Paul says, "One Lord, one faith, one baptism"-Ephesians 4:5.

 

The Baptism in the Holy Spirit took place on the Day of Pentecost. John baptized in water; Jesus baptized in (element of) the Holy Spirit (Matthew 3:11). The only baptism that continues after Pentecost is "water baptism". The Holy Spirit is never said to be a baptizer, but is rather the element in which Jesus (the Baptizer in the Holy Spirit) would baptize.

The body into which one is baptized is the Body of Christ, which is His Church-Body- (Ephesians 1:22-23).

The church is a local, visible congregation. The one to which Paul directly refers to in this letter is the Church in CORINTH.

 

LET US LOOK AT BAPTISM CLOSELY:

Who baptizes?         Element used          With reference to-

1. John               1.John used water     repentance- Christ.

2. Jesus              2.Jesus-Holy Spirit   authority-harvest

 

The word "by" in verse 13 (Gr. "en") one spirit (pneuma). This is the spirit of unity, a "oneness of spirit".

 

LITERAL TRANSLATION:

"For in one spirit are we all immersed into one kind of body (whether Jews or Gentiles) and by immersion united together in that body, and everyone made to drink in one spirit of unity".

 

Only water baptism remains and is that which follows faith (Acts 2:41) and comes before adding (membership) to/in the church.

In this sense, baptism is the door to the local church. (Christ is the door to heaven).

This Scripture has to be taken out of context and its wording in the Greek abused in order to teach that the Holy Spirit is the agent baptizing into a mystical, invisible, universal church. If this Scripture teaches this, then we must build a doctrine on one isolated verse.

There is no such thing in Scripture as a universal church, visible or invisible. The word catholic (universal) in the so-called apostles creed is sheer heresy, denied by our Baptist forefathers. A mystical body accomplishes nothing for anyone, it is invisible, and an invisible church cannot carry out visible ordinances, or evangelize visible nations.

 

                         VERSE COMMENTARY

 

Vs. 12    "as the body is one"- The physical body is used by way of illustration.

          "hath many members"- The physical body is one, but with many individual member-parts.

          "all the members of that one body"

          Each individual member-part of that, the one physical body.

          "being many"- each individual body has many parts to it, or members.

          "are one body"- The many members constitute one single but complete body. It is one body, not many bodies. A physical body of many members, makes up but one body.

          "so also is Christ"- Just like that which is clearly illustrated in the physical body, is Christ's body, the church (local).

          The many member body; the make-up of the assembly in Corinth, was one body; the Church in Corinth. (1:2).

 

Vs. 13    "For by one Spirit"- Literally "in" (Greek-"en") one spirit. The Greek word "en" should be translated "in".

          The Greek word for spirit is "pneuma" and does not ever have a capital in Greek and should not, unless we have the word "holy" before it as in plain reference to the Holy Spirit.

          "are we all baptized"- we are all (church-members) immersed in water.

          "into one body"- entrance made into fellowship with the church-body.

          "Jew and Gentiles"- circumcised national Jews or uncircumcised pagans of non-Jewish connection or nationality.

          "bond or free"-  slaves or non-slaves.

          "have all been made to drink"-  each one individually made to partake or participate.

          "one spirit"- in one spirit of unity.

          While it must be admitted that the Holy Spirit is indeed at work here, there is no reference to a Baptism by the Holy Spirit.

          Note: Why is this verse translated so poorly? I think it has to do with its translators. Protestants who were trying to answer the Roman Catholic doctrine of one visible, universal (catholic) church, came up with the invisible church theory. Otherwise they are still baptized Roman Catholics, or they have unchurched themselves in leaving the Church of Rome. This is a Protestant doctrine, but not a historic Baptist one, based upon the teachings of the New Testament alone.

 

ASSIGNMENT FOR LEARNING:

1.   Read again, and highlight important parts in the booklet, "Baptized into One Body", by Dr. S.E. Anderson.

     (This booklet is available from Bogard Press, Texarkana, Texas, U.S.A.)

2.   Discuss verses 12-13 in relation to Paul’s theme of unity in chapter 12.

3.   Discuss the connection between the two bodies in verse 12.

4.   Why do you think the King James Version translators abused the word "baptism" in their translation? (The answer is above, or read Dr. Anderson's booklet.)

5.   Discuss the phrase - "all made to drink into one spirit."

 

STUDIES IN FIRST CORINTHIANS

 

LESSON TWENTY                                                         CHAPTER 12:14-31

 

THE ANATOMY OF THE CHURCH

 

 

These verses are not to be separated from the preceding verses on "Spiritual Gifts", neither from those that follow. Paul pauses to paint a picture of the (local) church from the standpoint of the physical body. He does this to illustrate to these carnal, divided Corinthians, the principle of unity of a many member body, and the interdependence of each member. No gift or ministry is such unto itself. One of the most basic of principles for effectiveness in a New Testament Church is to have unity in spirit.

Let it be noted, as it is said of Mark Anthony, "that he yoked two lions in union to pull a chariot around the wall of Rome". However, there are two lions which can never be yoked together, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, and the old lion (Satan) of the pit.

 

     Secondly, there is a vast difference between union and unity.

You may tie a dog and cat together by the tail. They will certainly be united, but they will not be in unity. Unity likewise within the church does not come merely by having a number of saved people gather in one place for a Church service. Unity can only come by submission to the will and plan of Christ, under the leadership of the Holy Spirit, and to each other- (Eph. 5:21; Hebrews 13:17; 1 Peter 2:13; 5:5; James 4:7; Rom. 10:3).

 

     We need to submit to the individual function of fellow

members. Whether we like it or not, some members of our physical body is more prominent in the overall function of the body. (And it is those members, which are not seen by the natural eye, such as the heart, the brain, the liver, the kidney's, and the stomach). Why is it then that we spend more time in front of a mirror than we do in caring for what, and how we eat? The spiritual application is just as strong and necessary. We like to do those things within the church-body, which allow us to be seen. The most important things are really the behind the scenes labor of thankless love which we do. The hours of private prayer and Bible study for example.

 

Let us look now to our Bible and examine the context:

1.   THE MANY MEMBERED BODY:  Vs 15-18

     A.   The Foot:

          Feet are for walking, but if the brain did not issue the command, as important as the feet are, they could never function.

          Next time you see a stroke victim with paralysed legs, you think of this. Then apply it to yourself within the membership of your physical body, and much more within the membership of your (local) church.

     B.   The Hand:

          Is the hand not important? Have you ever been without the use of a hand for a short time? I have, and it was a terrible experience. I found that one hand is very limited by the need for the other. Again the hand is only operable by command from the brain.

     C.   The Ear:

          Most of us have two of them, yet many people really act as if the only function of the ear is to keep ones hat from slipping down over the eyes. Or, as in some cases, to be used as a door to the brain, to fill it with garbage (gossip and rock music). The ear can well be listed as important, but we can see that it is not nearly as important as it stands out alone by itself.

     D.   The Eye:

          A blind man can usually get around by relying on his sense of hearing or touch. (and a good white cane and seeing-eye dog.) Nevertheless, the eye is an important member of our body. One that gets much abuse these days as we use it as a gateway for garbage to our minds. Many movies, television programs, music, and magazines that are filled with lust and all manner of vulgarity, enter and corrupt our minds through the abuse of the eye.

     E.   The Nose:

          This is more than the bugle of the face. Have you ever thought what it would be like to not be able to smell your favourite food, your perfume, and the flowers? Even the smell of a skunk warns of probable danger. Then your nose can be a member that, out of control will lead you to gluttony, as you smell the food, you know you should not eat if you wish to keep to your diet, and stay healthy.

     F.   The Purpose of God: Vs 18

          "But now hath God set the members every one of them in the body, as it hath pleased Him".

          1. God hath set: This word means, as a mason would set

        a stone in a building, so God has set each member in

        creating the human body. Likewise, as Paul is here

        implying, is the Church-body. Thus we see here, God's

        electing and sovereign grace. It is "as it pleased

        Him".

     2. Have you ever wondered why, of all the members of the body that are more important, Paul chose only to mention these? I believe it is because these are the main members through which disease is brought to the body. These are the members, which were giving the church in Corinth the most problems in the bringing of divisions (disunity) to the Church. Our five senses get us into more trouble than does any other part of our being, except maybe our heart.

 

2.   THE INTERDEPENDENCE OF EACH MEMBER:  Vs 19-26

     A. As no physical body may function properly without all of

        it’s members, likewise the (local) church.

1.        One member does not constitute the whole body. We sometimes act like it, but to do so is

    to stand on unscriptural and dangerously immoral ground (Vs 19).

2.        Many members make up in actual function the body of Christ, which is His Church - (Cf –

    Eph. 1:22).

3.        Vs 21- No member is totally independent of the other. We need each other whether we like

    it or not!

 

     B. The more feeble members of the body are the more necessary:

        1.  The word "feeble" does not mean useless or even weak. It means, "less visible".

        2.  The less visible members of our physical bodies are such ones as, the brain, the heart,

            the lungs,and the liver.

4.        The less visible members of the Church-body are the ones who work behind the scenes in

prayer, in giving, in witnessing on a day-to-day basis on their job. The mother in the home is such, but Oh how vitally necessary to the Church and work of God's Kingdom.

4.        Vs 23 - We bestow more honour, we take more time with. We in our actions exalt the more unnecessary members above those who are most important. We do this physically when we stand in front of the mirror every morning. Our face, our hair, our figure. Then when it comes to the eyes, we abuse them by poor lighting, too much T.V. and poor reading material. We abuse our ears by listening to too loud music, and our minds are corrupted by trashy movies, music, books and magazines.

          Many Christians spend more time reading the newspaper

          than they do their Bibles. They know all of the players on a sports team, but cannot even name the 12 apostles of Jesus Christ. (I heard of one man who thought the “epistles" were the wives of the apostles).

5.            In the church-body, we can favour the rich man over the poor. The singers, over the soul-winners. Even the pastor over the poor old woman who’s sacrificial giving helps to pay his salary.

6.  This was the principle, or perhaps we should say the unprincipled thinking behind the divisions in the Corinth Church (and many of ours today). No man, (or church member) is an island unto himself.

 

     C. The cause of division: (and its cure!)- Vs 24-26

   1. Our comely parts have no need. That is, we can function with no hair or an ugly face.

        2. God has tempered the body. So blended its members.

        3. Honour to the ones behind the scenes.

  4. NO SCHISM (divisions). Or, in order that the body might function orderly. God's purpose in placing the members in the body is to have a proper balance, a unity of function to the over-all ministry of the body. The application to the church is quite understandable. To allow each member to function according to his/her God given ability without undue esteem to one rather than all, is to cause division and divide the church.

   5. Vs 26- All members suffer together and rejoice together. We are to bear each other’s burdens …Gal. 6:2. To have the same care one for the other, and to be in subjection one to another, and to prefer the other before one's self, is to function as Christ and avoid division.

 

3.   PARTICULAR MINISTRY OF THE BODY:  Vs 27-31

     The word "particular" here means "belonging to one single group, or one of a single kind".

     A.   The Church as one unit:  Vs 27