"New Testament Survey"

1st and 2nd Corinthians

Introduction

Steve Bader continued his session on the New Testament Scriptures in adult Sunday School class. He continued with the books of 1st and 2nd Corinthians. This article provides a brief summary of the content. I recommend you either download the audio in it's entirety from sermons page or order the CD's.

1 Corinthians

Of all of the churches Paul founded, none was more difficult than the church at Corinth. This was a port town; a city of vice, including wide spread prostitution. It was also very wealthy by ancient standards. Of all New Testament churches, Corinth was culturally the closest to that of modern America.

Sexual immorality was a pervasive problem as well as sins of pride and self-centeredness. Paul returns to the theme of sanctification repeatedly. He constantly reminds the Corinthians that they are saved only by God's grace.

There had been divisions in the church as they argued who had been baptized by the greater leader. Some argued it was Paul, some Peter and others Apollos. Yet he asked them: “Is Christ divided?” Apollos was a more powerful speaker than Paul and therefore, among some, garnered more respect. However the Apostle reminded them that eloquence should not be the standard for true spirituality. The power of the cross was considered “foolish” by the world. Yet “the foolishness of God is more powerful than men.” God chooses the lowly to show the wise they are foolish. In the end all will give an account (including Paul and Apollos). Paul reminded the Corinthians that he was their founder.

The Apostle chastised some in the church for bringing their fellow Christian brother to court before the world He reminded them that they had been forgiven their affronts against God. They should, in turn, be willing to be defrauded by their brother if need be.

The Corinthians also boasted in their Christian freedom. Paul warned that their liberty is not a license to sin. Specifically, some argued that the body was made for sex and we should be able to enjoy it. However, Paul corrects their thinking claiming that our bodies are foremost made for the Lord. Therefore, when you unite your self with a prostitute, you are in effect joining the Lord with a prostitute. Since “you are not your own, but bought with a price” you should act accordingly. Paul explains that the sexual union is only for marriage.

The Apostle told the Corinthians that they are free to eat food offered to idols as long as such actions do not harm the conscience of a weaker brother. Paul also informed the church that just because one shares in the sacraments doesn't mean he or she is safe from God’s judgment. One cannot be a carnal Christian with one foot in the world and one foot in the Kingdom. This instruction led to Paul’s condemnation of the Corinthians practice of the Lord's Supper. The rich reserved the good food and wine for themselves and left the poor with nothing. Their sins in this regard had led to sickness and even death.

Paul told the Corinthians that all of God's people are empowered by Him with gifts to edify the body. He addresses specific gifts of the Spirit including such controversial gifts as tongues. He declared such gifts useless if they do not produce clarity and understanding for the whole body.

Paul closes in chapter 15 by reminding them that Christ's resurrection was an essential reality: “If Christ is not raised then your faith is in vain and you are dead in your sins.” Paul closes by discussing our resurrection and how we will one day receive our immortal and incorruptible bodies and be forever free of sin.

2 Corinthians

Paul received correspondence from the Corinthian church asking him to clarify certain points made in a previous letter he had sent to them. Particularly, they asked how one could not associate with immoral people when we live in a world of sin. As is evident from 1 Corinthians, they were even surrounded by such people in their church. Paul clarified that such associations applied to those who claimed to be Christian brothers but lived like the unredeemed.

Paul wrote the first 9 chapters of the book (likely in 56 A.D.) either in Thessalonica or Philippi. The Apostle found it necessary to defend himself explaining why he fled Ephesus because of persecution and why he had not taken money from the Corinthians as other notable orators had done. Some Corinthians suggested that Paul was disingenuous. They claimed that, when the Apostle was with them, he was loving. But when he was away, he was harsh and free with rebuke. He insisted that the rebuke was because he loved them.

A church member, likely the man who had married his father’s wife, had been disciplined and removed from the church as per Paul’s instruction. This person had now come to repentance. The Apostle implored the Corinthian church to restore him and admit him back into fellowship.

Paul expresses how the Gospel is life to the elect and death to the reprobate. He contrasts the Law, which is written on paper, and the Spirit, which is written on the hearts of God’s people. He again returns to the theme of God using seemingly weak things that His power might be shown.

Paul speaks of the favor of God’s dealings. The Lord afflicts His people so they might remain humble, but the reprobate he lets alone. They continue in their pride and self-reliance. Though God’s people long to be with Him, we should be content to serve the Lord wherever we are and whether we live or die. Paul was grieved by the need to send a letter of rebuke. But since that they had repented, he now rejoiced.

Paul informs the Corinthians that he is continuing his collection for the saints in distress at Jerusalem. Some were reluctant to give. Paul reminded them that maturity is seen in love and generosity is the fruit of that love. He made sure the Corinthians knew that the funds received from the churches did not go into his own pocket. He did not even handle the money.

Paul was not an impressive physical figure nor did he have an impressive speaking voice. However, the false apostles, who were impressive, often brought a false or deficient message. Paul warned them not to be fooled by appearance. Even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light.

Paul insists that his only legitimate boast was in his weakness. Though he had received great revelation, God had given him a thorn in the flesh to keep him humble.

Finally, Paul warned the Corinthians that, if they did not repent, his return to the church would not be pleasant. He would deal appropriately with the unrepentant. Make no mistake; there will be discipline! So the Apostle urges them to repent that his coming might be joyful.

- Jordan McGehee

You can listen to this series here.