Lesson 3: Who Is My Leader? (1 Corinthians 1:10 - 3:17)

David Wallace writes:

"Following quickly on the heels of his salutation, Paul addresses the issues raised by Chloe’s people (cf. 1:11)—namely, divisions in the church (1:10–4:21) and disorders in church life (5:1–6:20).

First, Paul addresses the divisiveness in the church (1:10–4:21). The divisiveness had to do with loyalty to a personality rather than fidelity to a doctrine (1:10-17). Its root causes were due to seeing the Christian ministry through very Greek eyes (1:18–4:13).

On the other hand, the Corinthians had a wrong perception of the Christian message (1:18–3:4) in terms of “wisdom.” Their pagan background had negatively shaped their understanding of wisdom (due, no doubt, to the influence of Greek philosophy [cf. 1:20]). The message of salvation from sins which involved a dead Jew on a Roman cross was foolishness to the pagans (1:18-31), though it was central to Paul’s proclamation (2:1-5). But true wisdom—the wisdom which comes from God—can be known only by believers (2:6-10), and fully grasped only by mature believers (2:11-16). The unbeliever, because of his volition, is not at all able to grasp the wisdom of God (2:14). The fact of divisions among the Corinthians proves that they are still fleshly, however, and not mature enough to grasp all that could be theirs in Christ (3:1-4). Thus with few words the apostle Paul has been able to turn the tables on what constitutes true wisdom by showing that true wisdom comes by way of revelation, not reason.

On the other had, the Corinthians had a wrong perception of the importance of the messengers of the Christian message (3:5–4:5). Divisions are inevitable if the messengers are put on a pedestal (3:5, 21; 4:1). Paul uses two analogies to get his point across (3:6-17). Paul and Apollos are merely farmers, but only God cause the growth (3:6-9).13 And, by God’s grace, they are builders (3:10-15), and what they erect is mature Christians, a “temple” of God (3:16-17). The implication seems to be that if the Corinthians choose sides, they prove that Apollos and Paul have not done a good job! Consequently, they should “stop boasting about men! All things are yours, whether Paul or Apollos . . . ” (3:21). Finally, Paul appeals to them to regard him and Apollos as mere servants of Christ (4:1-5).

To put all this in perspective, Paul reminds them of the irrationality of pride over things given to them by God (4:6-13). He uses irony and sarcasm here to show that their very arrogance strips them of the riches they claim to have.

To solve the problem of divisiveness, Paul essentially gives two commands: imitate the apostle, for his lifestyle is in accord with his instructions (4:14-17), and stop being arrogant (4:18-21)."

How comfortable are you with the cross of Christ?  Is it the wisdom of God that has been revealed to you, or, does it embarrass you in the company of those not in your "Sunday go-to-church" crowd? 

Memory Verse: 1 Corinthians 13:3

And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, but have not love, it profits me nothing.

Check yourself:

  • Do you have love?
    • Do you look at your level of "sacrifice" (money, time, etc.) and compare it to others as a basis of assessing your "love" of God or others?

Lesson 2: Where Do I Stand with God? (1 Corinthians 1:1-9)

Read and view reference materials:

·         1 Corinthians 1-9 Commentary (Calvin)

·         1 Corinthians 1-9 Sermon (Piper)

·         Thank God (1 Corinthians 1:1-9) Krell

 

Consider 1 Corinthians 1.  Paul was called to be an apostle by the will of God.  Paul was what he was because of God, by His call and His will.  In the same manner, you and I are what we are by God’s call and His will.

 

Consider who you are??  Do you see God’s call and His will evident in your being?

 

The church in Corinth was wracked with issues and problems.  Favoritism, immorality, prostitution, lawsuits between members, and contentious differences of understanding on the roles of men and women, Christian liberty, etc.  Yet Paul calls them saints and reminds them of the grace of God that was given to them and the resulting gifts and testimony that is theirs because of God’s grace.

 

John Calvin wrote this, “2. To the Church of God which is at Corinth. It may perhaps appear strange that he should give

the name of a Church of God to a multitude of persons that were infested with so many distempers, that Satan might be said to reign among them rather than God. Certain it is, that he did not mean to flatter the Corinthians, for he speaks under the direction of the Spirit of God, who is not accustomed to flatter. But 40 among so many pollutions, what appearance of a Church is any longer presented? I answer, the Lord having said to him, “Fear not: I have much people in this place” (Acts 18:9, 10;) keeping this promise in mind, he conferred upon a godly few so much honor as to recognize them as a Church amidst a vast multitude of ungodly persons. Farther, notwithstanding that many vices had crept in, and various corruptions both of doctrine and manners, there were, nevertheless, certain tokens still remaining of a true Church. This is a passage that ought to be carefully observed, that we may not require that the Church, while in this world, should be free from every wrinkle and stain, or forthwith pronounce unworthy of such a title every society in which everything is not as we would wish it. For it is a dangerous temptation to think that there is no Church at all where perfect purity is not to be seen. For the man that is prepossessed with this notion, must necessarily in the end withdraw from all others, and look upon himself as the only saint in the world, or set up a peculiar sect in company with a few hypocrites.”

 

Memory Verse: 1st Corinthians 13:2

And though I have the gift of prophesy, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and though I have all faith, so that I could move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing.

 

Check yourself:

  • Do you have love? 
    • What defines you?  Your abilities, knowledge, even your faith…or does your love serve as the foundation upon which any other attributes rest?

 

  • Evaluate the evidence.  What course of action do you need to pursue?

Lesson 2: Where Do I Stand with God? (1 Corinthians 1:1-9)

Read and view reference materials:

·         1 Corinthians 1-9 Commentary (Calvin)

·         1 Corinthians 1-9 Sermon (Piper)

·         Thank God (1 Corinthians 1:1-9) Krell

 

Consider 1 Corinthians 1.  Paul was called to be an apostle by the will of God.  Paul was what he was because of God, by His call and His will.  In the same manner, you and I are what we are by God’s call and His will.

 

Consider who you are??  Do you see God’s call and His will evident in your being?

 

The church in Corinth was wracked with issues and problems.  Favoritism, immorality, prostitution, lawsuits between members, and contentious differences of understanding on the roles of men and women, Christian liberty, etc.  Yet Paul calls them saints and reminds them of the grace of God that was given to them and the resulting gifts and testimony that is theirs because of God’s grace.

 

John Calvin wrote this, “2. To the Church of God which is at Corinth. It may perhaps appear strange that he should give

the name of a Church of God to a multitude of persons that were infested with so many distempers, that Satan might be said to reign among them rather than God. Certain it is, that he did not mean to flatter the Corinthians, for he speaks under the direction of the Spirit of God, who is not accustomed to flatter. But 40 among so many pollutions, what appearance of a Church is any longer presented? I answer, the Lord having said to him, “Fear not: I have much people in this place” (Acts 18:9, 10;) keeping this promise in mind, he conferred upon a godly few so much honor as to recognize them as a Church amidst a vast multitude of ungodly persons. Farther, notwithstanding that many vices had crept in, and various corruptions both of doctrine and manners, there were, nevertheless, certain tokens still remaining of a true Church. This is a passage that ought to be carefully observed, that we may not require that the Church, while in this world, should be free from every wrinkle and stain, or forthwith pronounce unworthy of such a title every society in which everything is not as we would wish it. For it is a dangerous temptation to think that there is no Church at all where perfect purity is not to be seen. For the man that is prepossessed with this notion, must necessarily in the end withdraw from all others, and look upon himself as the only saint in the world, or set up a peculiar sect in company with a few hypocrites.”

               

 

Memory Verse: 1st Corinthians 13:2

And though I have the gift of prophesy, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and though I have all faith, so that I could move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing.

 

Check yourself:

  • Do you have love? 
      • What defines you?  Your abilities, knowledge, even your faith…or does your love serve as the foundation upon which any other attributes rest?

 

  • Evaluate the evidence.  What course of action do you need to pursue?