1 CORINTHIANS

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<A HREF="http://www.ourchurch.com/view/?pageID=90713">1st Corinthians 1:1-9</a> INTRODUCTION

<a href="http://www.ourchurch.com/view/?pageID=90714">1st Corinthians 1:10 - 4:21</a> DIVISIONS OVER CHURCH LEADERS

<a href="http://www.ourchurch.com/view/?pageID=90715">1st Corinthians 5:1-13</a> MORAL PROBLEMS

<a href="http://www.ourchurch.com/view/?pageID=90716">1st Corinthians 6:1-11</a> LITIGATION

<a href="http://www.ourchurch.com/view/?pageID=91706">1st Corinthians 6:12-20</a> CHRISTIAN LIBERTY

<a href="http://www.ourchurch.com/view/?pageID=91869">1st Corinthians 7:1-40</a> MARRIAGE

<a href="http://www.ourchurch.com/view/?pageID=91870">1st Corinthians 8:1 - 11:1</a> CHRISTIAN CONSCIENCE

<a href="http://www.ourchurch.com/view/?pageID=91871">1st Corinthians 11:2-16</a>VEILED WOMEN

Chapters 12 - 14 "MATTERS OF THE SPIRIT"
<a href="http://www.ourchurch.com/view/?pageID=91872">1st Corinthians 12:1-31</a> SPIRITUAL GIFTS

<a href="http://www.ourchurch.com/view/?pageID=91873">1st Corinthians 13:1-13</a> SPIRITUAL LOVE

<a href="http://www.ourchurch.com/view/?pageID=91874">1st Corinthians 14:1-40</a> SPIRITUAL ORDER

<a href="http://www.ourchurch.com/view/?pageID=91875">1st Corinthians 15:1-58</a> RESURRECTION

<a href="http://www.ourchurch.com/view/?pageID=91876">1st Corinthians 16:1-24</a> SUPPORT, REPORT, and ADMONITIONS



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I. Introduction 1:1-9

 A. Paul is the Writer: v.1

 Called to be an apostle - literally, a called apostle! Not one of the Twelve, but specifically chosen by God for a very specific ministry. Ref. <a href="http://www.blueletterbible.org/kjv/Act/Act013.html#top">Acts 13:1-3.</a> And other references indicating Paul is the apostle to the Gentiles.

 Through the will of God, which is the basis for the authority of Paul's teachings.This is the only credential Paul needs or claims, ignoring his pedigree as listed in <a href="http://www.blueletterbible.org/kjv/Phl/Phl003.html#top"> Philippians 3:3-7.</a>

 B. Corinthians are the Receivers v.2

 Ecclesia of God = called out ones of God, a single thought is woven through several phrases in this verse. "Church" is called out ones, "Sanctified" is set aside for holy purpose, "Saints" is those made holy by Jesus' blood; and all of this done by God calling them!

 They call upon Jesus. which is the only calling that we can do! <a href="http://www.blueletterbible.org/kjv/Rom/Rom010.html#7">(Rom.10:8-13)</a> for salvation.

 (Paul reminds them who and whose they are, laying the clear foundation for his arguement against their divisions to be engaged later in this chapter.)

 C. Paul’s Desire For Them. V.3

 Grace and Peace! Interestingly, "grace" is the Greek salutaion, and "Peace" is the Jewish salutation (shalom!) All of Paul’s letters start with these.

The three Pastoral Epistles add Mercy, which establishes, perhaps, a third salutation designed to remind church leaders to deliver to others that which God delivered to them!

D. Thanksgiving. V.4-8

For the grace of God that was given them. Not that same grace of verse 3, but here, gifts from God that enable, enrich, empower! Specifically, their teachers</B, the very ones over which they are splitting into factions! Knowledge and Utterance in the things of Christ were emparted to them, and their fight over these gifts is dealt with in chapters 12-14!

For the testimony of Christ confirmed in them. They were caused to stand and be stable in and by the testimony of things concerning Christ, as they were taught by the teachers God gave them. 

For their anticipation of Christ’s return. Because they had so many gifts from the Holy Sirit they were strong, well taught, stable in faith, bold with Christ's testimony, and eagerly expecting Christ's return! 

For assurance that Christ will confirm them to the end. After all is said and done, it is Christ who clings to us, keeps us, prevents our falling away, establishes us, and as here, confirms us to the end.

E. Summary. 1:9

God is faithful. As in verses 1,3, and 4; God is the One who calls, sanctifies, gives, and performs His every promise. Rely on Him.

Called unto the fellowship of His Son. This is initiation and foundation of our communion with other believers. Reach ahead to see all the issues about which these believers held divided opinions. They were disputing over their favorite leaders, over how to respond to immorality in the church, over how to settle disputes, over christian liberty, over marriage and marriage to unbelievers, over foods offered to idols, over women wearing a veil, over the Lord's Table, over spiritual gifts, and over the resurrection!

So, in these first few verses, Paul details some general grounds for unity, which we must also keep in mind as we read about the Corinthian divisions and cures. 

Now, all the compliments are past, as a spoon full of sugar helps the medicine go down. Next comes the medicine. Christians can be influenced by and adopt pagan practices. Examine these things as timeless warnings! This first section of I Corinthians deals specifically with divisions in the church rooted in "hero worship" of its human leaders.

Please continue to the next page of the outline.

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I CORINTHIANS
A study on ten corrections against pagan influence on the Body of Christ.

II. Divisions Over Religious Leaders: 1:10-4:21

 A. Admonition 1:10

1. Speak as one in confession of Christ. As in verse 6, the testimony of Christ confirmed in and by them. Make Jesus the theme, content of your speach. We cause ourselves much grief in proportion to how far we deviate from Jesus as subject and object of our conversation! Stay on this.

2. Walk as one in fellowship & behavior. Have no schism. Used in classical Greek of a torn material. In the New Testament it is used to describe discord and faction. Avoid this.

3. Think the same in discernment and judgement. "Perfectly joined together" is the same word used in <a href="http://www.blueletterbible.org/kjv/Mat/Mat004.html#20">Matthew 4:21</a> of fishermen mending their nets! The schism, or "rend" in their behavior or walk; is cured by the mending and joining together of their minds. Please pay close attention to this admonition, and take it as personally to yourself from the apostle himself!

B. Cause Of Division 1:11-12 & 3:18-21

1. They favored various human leaders.

a. Paul

b. Apollos

c. Cephas (Peter)

d. Christ.

2. Many felt themselves to be wise and placed great value on intellectual leaders as Greeks tended to do.

C. Inoculant Against Division 1:13-17

1. Christ is not divided. Only one Christ, who is Lord of Paul and Cephas and Apollos.

2. It is Christ who died for us, not Paul or Cephas or Apollos.

3. In Christ’s Name we are baptized, not in the name of Paul or Cephas or Apollos.

If these three points are remembered, division over human leaders should not infect the body of Christ! Such statements place Christ as head, and leaders as also part of the body of Christ.

D. Correction Of Division. 1:18-4:21

 1. Human wisdom is bankrupt! 1:18-3:4

This is the first of three points being made to correct division over human leaders in the church. Because some liked one leader's style, or delivery, or logic better than another's, they began to call themselves that leader's disciples! 

a. Bankrupt because it could not discover God. verses 17 - 21.

17 - Philosophy negates the Cross, placing reason above faith. By grace are ye saved through faith. Eph.2:8. not following cunningly devised fables. II Peter 1:16.

18 - Foolishness. Unsavory, distasteful in Matthew 5:13. Justification by faith and salvation by grace and Christ the only way are unreasonable, unprovable assumptions to the lost. These same are great comfort and assurance to the saved.

19 - 21 God predicted that He would reject the wisdom of the world, and showed human wisdom as folly, in that the best achievements of worldly wisdom failed to reach fellowship with God. Now God simply delivers the information through humble means that could not be discovered by the greatest minds...PREACHING!

b. Bankrupt because its values are wrong. Vv.22-25

The Jews required certification from God within criteria they had set. Their expectation of another Moses <a href="http://www.blueletterbible.org/kjv/Deu/Deu018.html#15">Deut.18:15</a> limited their vision of a suffering Savior in <a href="http://www.blueletterbible.org/kjv/Isa/Isa053.html#top">Isaiah 53</a> and in <a href="http://www.blueletterbible.org/kjv/Dan/Dan009.html#26">Daniel 9:26</a>.

The Greeks sought a definable God, and reasonable means to access Him. Their mythology is full of heros and half-gods who earned favors by great deeds.

But a crucified and risen Christ was no "Moses" to the Jews nor a "hero" to the Greeks. Jesus is philosophically distasteful because He gave Himself to save His enemies, rather than defeating them in arguments or battle!

c. Bankrupt because of human instability. Vv.26-31

Human pride seeks title, degree, pedigree, and fame, for itself. Human wisdom seeks agreement and submission to its reasonings. It gathers clout when great thinkers agree. In such a system "TRUTH" becomes servant to popularity! Truth will be "adjusted" to the tastes of its promoters. So, no absolute truth would be tolerated by them! In this, God's "foolishness" is wiser than man's greatest wisdom, and God's "weakness" is stronger than man's greatest strength. Because circumstance and opinion will have no affect on God's truth, as those do on human philosophy.

This Gospel makes its appeal to the people this world considers to be foolish, weak, base, despised, nobodies. It actually demands the abandonment of human wisdom and philosophy in favor of faith and testimony and revelation! So that no flesh can glory, and all glory belongs to God.

d. Bankrupt because enticing words are no match for the power of God!. 2:1-5

We are more persuaded by, and more sure to stand in, what we have experienced of God than what someone tells us about God! Human wisdom is bankrupt because its words cannot give us an experience with God. Knowing God is not just thoughts of the mind. Knowing God is MEETING Him.

e. Bankrupt because divine wisdom is revealed, not researched. 2:6-13

We may research and document a great many things through investigation and experimentation. No one, however, can get to heaven before they get to heaven. Nor can a person know God untill he or she personally, by faith, meets Him. 

f. Bankrupt because natural (unsaved) people cannot aquire spiritual knowledge.2:14-3:4.

It is the Spirit of God, dwelling within believers, who explains and reveals things to believers. <a href="http://www.blueletterbible.org/kjv/Jhn/Jhn016.html#8">JOHN 16:7-14</a> The things of God are spiritually discerned. The unsaved, or natural, man does not have the Spirit of God dwelling in him to instruct him. To the unsaved person, the Bible is literature. To the believer, the Bible brings guidance, example, promise, hope, truth, peace, joy, wisdom, and much more.

The Spirit of God dwells within the carnal believer also, but they aren't listening to Him! Such a believer is guided by the same principles as the unsaved, IN SPITE OF the Spirit within them! Evidence of carnality is envying, strife, and division. Apparently, evidence for spirituality will be the opposite of those.

2. The function of a minister of the Gospel is specific. 3:5-4:5.

This is the second of three points being made to correct divisions over human leaders. There are specific responsibilities that belong to the minister, and some things that belong to God. We may sometimes judge a minister's sucess by the things for which God is responsible. That will never do! Watch these closely.

a. A minister is God's "deacon". 3:5

"minister" here is deacon, literally, an attendant, or a waiter, or a servant. Both Paul and Apollos are God's "waiters" through whom God brought the Corinthians into belief. God called, God sanctifies, God gives, God performs His promises, God keeps us. God simply used his "servants" to preach it.

b. A minister is a "farm hand". 3:6-9

Simple description makes it plain. Growth and increase are not the responsibility of the farm hands. If the farm hand does not plant and does not water, there will be nothing there to increase. But, having planted and watered, the farm hand cannot MAKE anything grow! Do not praise the farm hand for things he had nothing to do with. Do not criticise the farm hand for things he had nothing to do with!

c. A minister is God's stonemason. 3:9 - 17.

Ye are God's building. God owns us. God is building us. God has gifted some among us (called ministers) to be His co-workers in building His chruch, His temple.

Some, Like Paul, are foundation-layers. JESUS CHRIST is the only foundation.

Others, Like Apollos, are up-builders, who add onto the foundation the building's walls and windows and doors and roof.

Still speaking of ministers specifically, Paul warns that these ministers should build with gold, silver and precious stones (a biblical metaphore for sacrifice? doing your best? sparing nothing?) Pay special attention to this:

God will reward the ministers work.
God will burn up the minister's stubble.
God will destroy those who defile His temple.(false ministers)

Verse 17 is often used, by ministers also, to warn believers to not "defile" their bodies with tobacco or alcohol or cholesterol or other damaging things. In context, however, it states that all believers together are the temple of God and let no "builder-minister" destroy it. Which leads us into another warning to MINISTERS who are putting too much value on human wisdom and acceptiblity.

d. A minister is a servant of the church. 3:18-23

Some of them had begun to admire worldly wisdom and were "glorying" in a man or his methods. There are good ministry tools and strategies available today. When those tools become our hope more than God, or when we start working before we start praying, aren't we admiring human wisdom and methods?

When Paul states that all things are ours, he is simply putting things back in proper order. Rather than us becoming the property of great leaders, or of great ideas, or of worldly wisdom applied to building God's temple; let us be Christ's property (v.23) and through Him posess all the things that would posess us if we were to admire human wisdom.

e. A minister is Christ's "helper" and God's "steward". 4:1-5

The "minister" here is a helper, under-rower, subordinate rower of Christ! This is the only place Paul uses this. Ministers row the boat where Christ directs. Ministers are lowly, obedient, slaves who are to obey Christ without hesitation.

The minister is also called a "steward" of the mysteries of God, passing on exactly what God has delivered to him. In a chain of command, though, the Master is highest, the steward is next, annd those for whom he is responsible came after. Anyone might judge a slave since he has no rights. Only One can judge a steward!

verse 3 Other christians do not judge a steward according to mere opinion. In fact, standards are set for officially judging a minister's divine calling, doctrinal soundness, and moral fitness as determined by God's Word. Comparing the faithfulness and fruitfulness of one minister to another (Paul & Apollos?) is not allowed, since fruitfulness is determined by God alone.

No human court is judge of God's steward. Men do not have authority over the stewardship of the mysteries (doctrines) of God and should have no power to reward or withhold reward.

verses 3-4 No steward is to judge himself. A minister may think he is doing well when he is not. He may think he is doing poorly when he is doing well. Self-examination is not excluded here, but self-condemnation, and self-exaltation are!

verse 4 The Lord of the steward is the Judge of the Steward!

verse 5 Stop judging ministers, comparing ministers, becoming disciples of ministers. 

3. Paul offers himself as an example of humility. 4:6-21

This is the third correction for division over human leaders in the church. The first dealt with the failure of human wisdom as a foundation for decisions, life, and discovering God. It is nothing to admire in others. The second dealt with why one minister seems to visibly excell over another. It is God who gives increase, rewards. Such are not the pre-determined results of planting and watering. This final correction deals with pride in the hearts of the Corinthians as the real reason for their division into following various leaders as disciples.

a. Corinthian bad attitudes. v.6,7,8,10.

verses 6-7: Pride. It has no basis in fact, but is is the reason people compare themselves with others. Have you ever noticed how most comparisons people make are against others they think are lower than themselves? Not many compare upward.

verses 8 & 10: Self-sufficiency. The believed (Paul is employing sarcasm) they had achieved great maturity without the apostle's help! 

b. Example and enforcement of humility! 9-21

Pauls' example in verses 9-13 shows how apostles seem to hold last place since they MUST go where sent and MUST endure whatever hardships befall them as they go. They are considered foolish, weak, despised,(v.10). They hunger, thirst, are underclothed, abused, and homeless(v.11) They support themselves and are despised for it! (Greek culture) (v.12). They are treated as filth and garbage> (v.13)

Paul's warning. is that he is trying to turn them from the path which PRIDE has them following! When He asks them to follow, it is not as disciples of Paul (which he has been arguing against all along) but as conformity to his example! (verses 14-16)

Paul's enforcement: verses 17 - 21 is where Paul's apostolic authority shows firmly determined to turn them from their pride-spawned divisions one way or another! Because Paul sent Timothy, they thought he was afraid to come himself! Paul state plainly that he will come shortly, but with what attitude is up to the Corinthians! This is no empty threat. God will be doing the correcting through Paul and in power, not just by words!

This concludes the first section, which deals with believers rending their congregation over preferences towards various church leaders. It is a serious pride-spawned problem that neglects Christ and exalts men and human wisdom. God will NOT ignore such. If not repented of, God will keep His ages old promise that "Pride goes before a fall."

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<a href="http://www.blueletterbible.org/kjv/1Cr/1Cr005.html#top">I Corinthians, Chapter Five</a> 

BRIEF OUTLINE:

THE PROBLEM: 5:1-5 Sexual immorality was not uncommon among unsaved Corinthians, but this immorality among the Christians was of a sort that even the unsaved did not do it! 

THE EXHORTATION: 5:6-8 The simple directive is that Christians are to be morally pure. Four reasons are given for purging out poluted morality. 

THE CORRECTION: 5:9-13 The Corinthian Christians had misunderstood something Paul had written earlier. It is interesting that they seemed willing to break fellowship with unsaved sinners but excuse the flagrant sins of fellow christians. 

THE PROBLEM is ACCEPTING IMMORALITY IN THE CHURCH!5:1-5 
VERSE 1 - This report of immorality is real, wholely documented, to the Apostle. A man, a believer in Christ, is having sexual relations with his father's wife, and possibly while his father still lived! <a href="http://www.blueletterbible.org/kjv/2Cr/2Cr007.html#10">II Cor. 7:12</a> indicates that someone had this wrong done to him! It is generally accepted that the woman was not the offender's mother, but a step-mother. 

VERSE 2 - Making matters worse was the fact that the christian community was boastful and proud of their tolerance. If they were so influenced by their society as to say,"Who are we to judge, since we are guilty of some sins also?", how are they different from many American churches? The apostle Paul is shocked that they are not shocked! These christians had already been described as "puffed up" with pride over human leaders in <a href="http://www.blueletterbible.org/kjv/1Cr/1Cr004.html#top">4:6 & 19</a>! Now they are "puffed up" with pride over excusing sin in other christians!

In churches across America today, we find christians divided over political parties, various social issues, and popular christian teachers. At least the Corinthians appeared unified in the first of those two! Now a greater concern is that our christian society mimicks their proud tolerance of immorality also.

The <a href="http://www.blueletterbible.org/kjv/Mat/Mat007.html#top">Matthew 7:1</a> syndrom is addresses later by Paul. For now he more urgently presses for the action that SHOULD have been taken, then describes the philosophy behind it! 

VERSE 3 - Judgement! Here is a word that is used in the next chapter <a href="http://www.blueletterbible.org/kjv/1Cr/1Cr006.html#top">(6:6)</a> of a lawsuit! This is no matter of individual discernemnt since it is obvious sin! Paul has already passed judgement on the individual! If this seems harsh to those whose highest virtue is tolerance, harsher words are coming!

I have a statement for those who excuse sin. If the price of our salvation is the death of the Son of God, then the cost of sin is devastating! We cannot have a right evaluation of what Christ did for us on the Cross, untill we agree with God that both general and personal sin is the most deplorable, abhorent, and merciless violence we can do to God's heart! You cannot hurt God with a kick or gun or bomb! The only thing that ever made God bleed, is our sin! 

VERSE 4 and 5 - Authority! Paul instructs them to take group action! "In the Name of our Lord Jesus Christ" removes this action from the realm of human pettiness or personal abuse of authority. This becomes an official action taken by the Body of Christ, and should be the official position of the Church in cases of unrepentant immorality in the life of a believer.

Disfellowship! "Deliver such a one to Satan..." brings to mind the conflict of the two kindoms in <a href="http://www.blueletterbible.org/kjv/Mat/Mat006.html#24">Matthew 6:24</a> and <a href="http://www.blueletterbible.org/kjv/Mat/Mat012.html#25">Matthew 12:25-26</a>. Also found in this verse is the conflict between "flesh" and "spirit" that is seen in greater detail in <a href="http://www.blueletterbible.org/kjv/Rom/Rom008.html#5">Romans 8:5-13</a> and <a href="http://www.blueletterbible.org/kjv/Gal/Gal005.html#16">Galatians 5:16-26</a>. The action to be taken is to disfellowship the unrepentant believer, so that he may experience the physical abuse of sin, and perhaps destroy the rulership of the "flesh" over the "spiritual". The stated goal is the offender's salvation, not his permanent destruction! This is a chastening action by the Body of Christ! Restoration is the ultimate aim! 

THE EXHORTATION is PURITY IN THE CHURCH! 5:6-8 

Not Good! - Both the "sin" and their "attitude" toward it are not good! However, Paul emphasizes their attitude as more damaging than the sin of the man!


Purge The Sin - Immediate and uncompromising and irreducable! Do this now!

Four Reasons - (1) "Because sin is like leaven." <a href="http://www.blueletterbible.org/kjv/Gal/Gal005.html#9Galatians 5:9</a> uses the same warning against allowing a "works based salvation" to polute the Gospel. Jesus warns against the affect of a little leaven and how it is "hidden" (mixed, kneaded,) in the dough. <a href="http://www.blueletterbible.org/kjv/Mat/Mat013.html#33">Matthew 13:33</a>. How does a sin polute the whole person or the whole church? First, the individual himself will begin to allow other sins and more often. Second, other christians will follow that bad example. Third, the unsaved will also have an excuse to increase their own sinning! (<a href="http://www.blueletterbible.org/kjv/2Sa/2Sa012.html#14">II Samuel 25:12</a> shows how King David's sin increased the sinning of God's enemies!) (2) "Because a fresh start is needed now." The "picture" Paul is using goes from a removal of a contaminating ingredient, to starting over with an entirely new lump of dough! This is a picture of the church repenting of ITS sin of proud tolerance of that man's sin! Fellowship with Christ was damaged by sin, now a new fellowship based in purity is needed. (3) "Because 'ye are unleavened' already" Since Jesus has already paid the price of our sins on the Cross, we stand clean in His sight! Understand that Jesus paid for all your sins, past, present, and future, since all your sins were future at the time of Christ's death. (Not an excuse to sin! A foundational reason to sin no more! see this in <a href="http://www.ourchurch.com/view/?pageID=50665">Romans 6:1 and following</a>!) We have been freed from bondage and condemnation! Why return to them? (4) "Because of our Passover Lamb" Bring up in your mind the whole 'Jewish Passover' scene of the Exodus! Remember the bondage broken, the riches bestowed, the baptism through the sea, the call to become God's very own special posession! 

Therefore keep the feast...(The Lord's Table specifically)...without vicious disposition and evil deed, but with (hele = sun, and krino = judge) sincerity, and truth (greek here is 'unconcealed, unhidden' as opposed to the earlier leaven hidden in the lump). One writer, named Bengel, observes that Sincerity takes care not to admit evil with the good; Truth, not to admit evil instead of good. 

THE CORRECTION is CONCERNING FELLOWHIP WITH SINNERS 5:9-13 
This problem still needs to be cleared up today. Modern christians still tend to be repulsed by unsaved sinners and willing to excuse the sins of the saved. Jesus was called the "Friend of sinners" while He publicly reproached the religious elite of His day! Whom did Jesus come to seek and to save? What did Jesus cleanse and whom did he correct? 
Verses 9 - 10 An earlier letter by Paul told them to not fellowship with fornicators. Close, habitual interaction with people who sell their bodies to lust. (Greek = pornois) They thought he meant to have nothing to do with any unbelieving fornicator, covetous, extortioner, or idolator. Some christians still seek to cloister themselves from the unsaved, keeping closed communion with only a few best of the saved. One of the greatest departures a believer can make from the nature of Christ is to have no unsaved friends! 
 Verse 11 - Obvious meaning. Appearantly christians, believers, can also be fornicators, or covetous, or idolators, or railers, or drunkards, or extortioners! Think about that for a moment! When a believer has been guilty of these while belonging to Jesus, he tends to show compassion and mercy on these sins in other believers and condemn them vehemently in unbelievers! That is backwards. We are to PURGE and RESTORE sinning believers while leading the lost into Christ's salvation! 
BRIDGE TO THE NEXT SUBJECT verses 12 - 13 
Just as Paul used an example of true humility (4:6-21) to bridge from their proud divisions to their proud tolerance of sin, so now Paul uses a declaration of christians' right authority to judge moral sin in the Body of Christ as a contrast to improrper appeal to unsaved judges over matters between believers!

The body of Christ has the authority to put away from its fellowship an unrepentant and immoral believer. Do it! There is no call to isolate ourselves from unsaved and unrepentant sinners! These last mentioned are those we are to seek, and bring to Jesus!



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I Corinthians 6:1-11 

The apostle Paul delivers a brief and direct explanation as to why christians should not take each other to pagan courts to settle disputes. He also describes a better way to settle those disputes and how to eliminate those disputes before they start! It is good for us to understand that to the Jews it was blasphemy against the Law of Moses to bring a matter before pagan judges. The Greeks, however, enjoyed as a form of entertainment a good disputation in court! As in many American courts today, truth and justice could be forgotten if the adversary was a better disputer/entertainer! 

OUTLINE 

IV. LITIGATION BEFORE PAGANS 6:1-11 

A. Error In Judgement verses 1 - 6 

1. Is this a civil or criminal matter? <a href="http://www.blueletterbible.org/kjv/1Cr/1Cr006.html#top">6:1</a> Question arises as to what may be brought to a pagan court. 
The answer lies in the word "matter" which is pragma {prag'-mah} rendered in the AV - thing 6 times, matter 3, business 1, work 1; total of 11 1) that which has been done, a deed, an accomplished fact 2) what is done or being accomplished 2a) spec. business, a commercial transaction 3) a matter, question, affair 3a) spec. in a forensic sense, a matter at law, case, suit and seems to deal more with business affairs rather than the criminal accusation catagory which is: 
kategoria {kat-ay-gor-ee'-ah} AV - accusation 3, accused 1; total of 4 times 1) accusation, charge found in <a href="http://www.blueletterbible.org/kjv/Jhn/Jhn018.html#29">John 18:29</a> which is a combination of "kata"=against, and "agora"=place of public speaking, hence, to speak against a person at a public tribunal. 

2. IN business affairs, or non-criminal matters, "Dare" is an argument in itself (Robertson & Plummer) tolmao {tol-mah'-o} (boldness, through the idea of extreme conduct translated in the AV as: durst 7 times, dare 4 times, be bold 4, boldly 1; 1) not to dread or shun through fear: 2) to bear, endure 3) to bring one's self to do a thing 4) to be bold 5) bear one's self boldly, deal boldly 
Verse 1: Avoid disputes in pagan courts because this word ("tolmao") by itself suggests that to do such a thing is boldly daring and out of character, crossing the limit of what is normal behavior!Why this is out of character is given in verses 1 through 6. 
Verse 1 - 4: Avoid disputes in pagan courts because it elevates the unjustified over the justified! How can the justified ones go to the unjust for justice? The unjust have not submitted themselves or their philosophy or their values to God's holy standard. How can they render justice? Going to our christian brethren for arbitration makes better sense because:
<LI> The world will be judged by christians. Private matters should be easy!
<LI> The fallen angels will be judged by us. These matters are comparatively small.
<LI> The utterly despised, contemptible nothings (referring to those least esteemed by the church which may mean that even the lowliest Christian is more qualified, because of his destiny, than the best worldly judge; or that any worldly judge is not esteemed highly by God) should not decide your personal disputes! 
Verse 5: Avoid disputes in pagan courts because there is surely, at least one among you wise enough to decide between two brothers. Brothers = "adelphos" is a sharp contrast to the world and fallen angels and those least esteemed! 
Verse 6: Avoid disputes in pagan courts because they are unbelievers! He uses an idiom, "and that" to reach a climax in his reasoning, since Paul reinforces the prejudice against being judged by the unjustified, judged by the least esteemed, and now judged by the unbelieving! Unbelieving are "apiston" = no faith! Remember the <a href="http://www.blueletterbible.org/kjv/Hbr/Hbr011.html#top">Hebrews 11:1 & 6</a> declaration of the vital importance of faith in God. The unbelieving, then, do not believe that God exists or rewards or judges. They have no dread or fear of His wrath against sin, nor hope for reward for faith. Their societal norms are the foundation of their judgements since they are not anchored to nor bound by nor do they acknowledge the existance of God's holy standards.God's 
Full circle in the argument! Since Paul is astonished that these believers were so daring and without dread to have their civil disputes settled by those who dare to disbelieve in God! These first six verses give a STRONG prohibition against public disputes and civil law suits between believers. Next two verses declare the REAL FAILURE that spawned such daring behavior! 

B. Hypocrisy In Actions! verses 7 - 8 

1. Contrast verse 7 and verse 11 is the utter defeat of those who have already been washed, sanctified, justified. (forgiven of sins in God's sight yet bringing each other's faults before the unforgiven for judgement) hettema {hayt'-tay-mah} AV - diminishing 1 time, fault 1 time; total of 2 times 
1) a diminution, decrease: i.e. defeat 2) 
To the Greeks, "hetta" is defeat and "nike" is victory! The defect, decrease, loss is ALREADY present among the ALREADY washed and sanctified and justified! 

2. Their "loss" is that they are unwilling to "lose"! Love and forgiveness had ALREADY been lost; evidenced by their legal decrees and judgements to prevent or remedy being wronged or robbed. 

3. Verse 8: Their "fault" is that they do what they will not allow others to do! None will allow themselves to be wronged or robbed, but they are willing to do both. AND they do it to their "adelphous" = brethren in Christ! Another climactic reasoning in contrast to verse 6. There Paul is astounded that they would so honor UNBELIEVERS as to make them judges. Here Paul is astounded that they would so dishonor BELIEVERS as to wrong and rob them! Astounding hypocrisy! 

C. Differing Destinations! verses 9 - 11 

1. The unrighteous of 6:1 appear again at the close of Paul's argument. Will the unrighteous, who inherit nothing from God, judge the righteous, who inherit everything from God? Will the unrighteous, who will be judged by the righteous later, be judges over the righteous now? There is something to KNOW here, something to HOLD IN YOUR MIND. The unrighteous will not enherit God's kingdom! <a href="http://www.blueletterbible.org/kjv/Eph/Eph002.html#11">Ephesians 2:11-12</a> tell us what the unrighteous do not have. The Greek word "adikos" {ad'-ee-kos} (descriptive of one who violates or has violated justice) tells us what they are. Verses 9 and 10 tell us what they do! When the apostle tells us to "BE NOT MISLED", it is to keep our thinking clear about what comes next. It is to be clearly understood that there is NO JUSTIFICATION for the following behaviors! Any rationalization or explanation toward excusing these is only deception! Keep your thinking clear on these two points. 

2. The Unrighteous Behaviors listed are pretty plain. "Fornicators" is the Greek word from which we get our word pornography. "Idolators" is eidololatres {i-do-lol-at'-race} a worshipper of false gods, and any one even Christian, who participates in any way in the worship of the heathen, esp. one who attends their sacrificial feasts and eats of the remains of offered victims! (This definition will lead us into the correction Paul makes in chapter 8!) "Adulterers" is different from fornicators in that it deals with "unfaithfulness to a promise or a broken trust" rather than the sexual sin. "Homosexuals" is malakos {mal-ak-os'} soft , effeminate. It is used in other contexts for "soft to the touch", "effeminate", of a catamite, of a boy kept for homosexual relations with a man, of a male who submits his body to unnatural lewdness, and of a male prostitute. "Sodomites" is arsenokoites {ar-sen-ok-oy'-tace} one who lies with a male as with a female, sodomite, homosexual. "Thieves" is kleptes {klep'-tace} an embezzler, pilferer. The name is transferred to false teachers, who do not care to instruct men, but abuse their confidence for their own gain. "Covetous" is pleonektes {pleh-on-ek'-tace} one eager to have more, especially what belongs to others and is greedy of gain. "Drunkards" is intoxicated "Revilers" is loidoros {loy'-dor-os} from loidos (mischief). "Extortioners" is harpax {har'-pax} rapacious, ravenous, an extortioner, a robber. 

3. A Double Reminder is used to emphasize a striking contrast between the saved and unsaved, between the righteous and the unrighteous, between the justified and the unjustified. a. Reminded that they (and we) were unrighteous. Please recall the things listed before about what the unrighteous do not have, what they are, and how they behave. b. Reminded that they (and we) are now righteous! As in <a href=http://www.blueletterbible.org/kjv/Eph/Eph002.html#13">Ephesians 2:13-22</a> and here described as 
"washed" - apolouo {ap-ol-oo'-o}, meaning to wash away or be totally bathed! 
"Sanctified" - hagiazo {hag-ee-ad'-zo} to render or acknowledge, or to be venerable or hallow and to separate from profane things and dedicate to God. Other important definitions include: 2a) consecrate things to God 2b) dedicate people to God 3) to purify 3a) to cleanse externally 3b) to purify by expiation: free from the guilt of sin 3c) to purify internally by renewing of the soul 
"Justified" - dikaioo {dik-ah-yo'-o} The AV renders it as justify 37 times, be freed once, be righteous once, justifier once; total of 40times. also as 1) to render righteous or such he ought to be 2) to show, exhibit, evince, one to be righteous, such as he is
and wishes himself to be considered 3) to declare, pronounce, one to be just, righteous, or such as
he ought to be 

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The perversion of Christian liberty seems to persist throught every generation. This is one of the problems that still pits Bible teachers againt each other, still divides congregations, and is partly to blame for denominational struggles today. There are divided opinions over what is or is not permissible regarding entertainment, foods, beverages, humor, language, clothing, piercings, employment, and much else. Each teacher attempts to stand out from the rest by declaring more or less prohibition. One says we have been freed from legalism while another warns against misusing liberty as license 
The Word of God is not so ambiguous. There is clear teaching here. Many other passages of Scripture also apply and may be brought in for support. Keep your focus on what the apostle Paul is correcting in this letter. He is correcting pagan influence on the church, not fighting religious legalism. This is an important understanding because (1) - Religious Legalism assumes the keeping of rules makes a person righteous, acceptible, approved with God. (2) - Pagan Liberty assumes permission to indulge from God-given natural appetites 

As with extreme divisions over various leaders and over immorality, so here an extreme example is set before us which shows where a little perverted liberty can lead. The apostle will give us four contrasts to understand and two directives to follow. CONTRASTS (1) - two words:"allowable" but not "helpful" in verse 12. (2) - two words:"what is under my power" is not to put "me under its power" in verse 12. (3) - two destination: what will be destroyed and what will be raised in verses 13 & 14. (4) - two unions: one flesh or one spirit in verses 15 - 17. DIRECTIVES: (1) - Flee fornication in verses 18 & 19. (2) - Glorify God in verse 20. 

FIRST CONTRAST <a href="http://www.blueletterbible.org/kjv/1Cr/1Cr006.html#12">I Corinthians 6:12</a> "EXESTIN" is the Greek word for what is allowable, not prohibited, "These things are under my authority, my choice." It is contrastedfirst against the word "SUMPHEREI" which speaks of something carried or brought together to aid and help. This first contrast is milder than the second as it declares some allowable things can become a hindrance. The next contrast declares that some allowables may even become new masters! 

SECOND CONTRAST <a href="http://www.blueletterbible.org/kjv//1Cr/1Cr006.html#12">I Corinthians 6:12</a> "EXESTIN" is the Greek word for what is allowable, not prohibited. There is no clear command prohibiting or endorsing it. These are amoral. In no way does this imply that ALL things (such as theft, murder, slander, etc.) are permissible. There are clear declarations against such in Scripture. We are not dealing with 'obedience makes righteous' legalism, but with our liberty within our being a posession of God. "EXOUSIA" is used in a phrase indicating that which has authority over me! The contrast is,"I have power over these amoral things, but none of them will have power over me." How do you know when you are becoming enslaved to some amoral thing? I suggest that is happening when: - You cling to it, protect it, prefer it over more spiritual things. - You become angry when it is taken from you. In itself, the idea of being a posession runs contrary to the idea of liberty! 

THIRD CONTRAST <a href="http://www.blueletterbible.org/kjv/1Cr/1Cr006.html#12">I Corinthians 6:13 - 14</a> DESIGN DETERMINES PURPOSE: is the misunderstanding held by the Corinthian christians. They considered the belly designed to digest food and food designed to be digested. So, there is nothing wrong with eating food to satisfy the natural appetited of hunger. Based on that, they assumed that the body's sex organs are designed to have sex and it is allowable to satisfy that natural appetite in similar fashion to eating. DESTINATION DETERMINES PURPOSE: is the correct understanding. The stomach is meant to provide energy to live in this world only. It and its food will be destroyed, its purpose fulfilled and ended. That is not so for the whole body. Our bodies will be raised up from the dead by God's power. The purpose of the body is fulfilled in eternity. The body is not designed for fornication, but rather for the Lord! Paul has already stated in I Corinthians 3:16 that the Holy Spirit dwells in us. "The body is...for the Lord, and the Lord for the body" declares a personal interest in both directions. It is in our best interest that our bodies be given to Jesus, rather than to fornication. 

FOURTH CONTRAST <a href="http://www.blueletterbible.org/kjv/1Cr/1Cr006.html#15">I Corinthians 6:15 - 17</a> ONE FLESH: The Greek words for fornication and harlot are "porneia" and "pornes" respectively, from which we get our word "pornography". Know Ye Not... is used often by Paul, showing his astonishment at their ignorance of an obvious and foundational truth! You should already know this and function in this. Your bodies are members of Christ. This vital union with Christ: - Is the foundation of the equality in importance of spiritual gifts. <a href="http://www.blueletterbible.org/kjv/1Cr/1Cr012.html#12">I Corinthians 12:12-31</a> - It is also the foundation for spiritual maturity in <a href="http://www.blueletterbible.org/kjv/Eph/Eph004.html#11">Ephesians 4:11-16</a>. - Again in <a href="http://www.blueletterbible.org/kjv/Eph/Eph005.html#30">Ephesians 5:30</a> it is given as the foundation for the husband's particular love and care for his wife! Our union with Christ is a precious mystery that affects our total being. THIS CORRECT UNDERSTANDING PREPARES US TO GRASP THE STUNNING VIOLENCE PORTRAYED IN VERSES 15 & 16! "take" is a verb meaning to snatch and carry off, as the Latin word "rapio" from which we get our word 'rape'! A forceful taking away is linked to a deliberate joining to a "pornes", a harlot! Particular attention is given to the UNION thus formed. "Joined" is the Greek "Kollao" 
1) to glue, to glue together, cement, fasten together 
2) to join or fasten firmly together 
3) to join one's self to, cleave to 
It is compared to <a href="http://www.blueletterbible.org/kjv/Gen/Gen002.html#24">Genesis 2:24</a> showing that there is something altogether permanent about this action that cannot be said of any other deed done in the body! Now the climactic contrast of the four is given: ONE SPIRIT: The compelling nature of physical union is small compared to the mystery of spiritual union with the Lord! So much of what we may comprehend and experience of union with Christ is helped or hindered by our physical and psychological union with our spouses! How much more the hindrance of being "glued" to "porn"!?!? So much good of what we may comprehend and experience of marriage is magnified by our union with Christ. We cannot even comprehend what is lost to us when that union is distorted, perverted, or dissolved! 

TWO DIRECTIVES: <a href="http://www.blueletterbible.org/kjv/1Cr/1Cr006.html#18">I Corinthians 6:18 - 20</a> FLEE FORNICATION: Is imperitive. It is without hesitation. It is immediate. The four contrasts are reason enough to flee immediately, but another two direct reasons are given. - this sin is against your own body! There are STDs (sexually transmitted diseases) which damage your body and are passed on to children born later. With every other sin the body is the SUBJECT and not the INSTRUMENT of it. - this body is not yours, but His! Your Body Is The Temple (shrine) Of The Holy Ghost. Your Body Is Not Your Own (to do with as you please) You Have Been Purchased (by Jesus at The Cross implied) 
GLORIFY GOD in your body. Greek is "doxazo" {dox-ad'-zo) - used in the KJV as glorify 54times, honour 3, have glory 2, magnify 1, make glorious 1,
full of glory 1; for a total of 62times. It means 
1) to think, suppose, be of opinion 2) to praise, extol, magnify, celebrate 3) to honour, do honour to, hold in honour 4) to make glorious, adorn with lustre, clothe with splendour 4a) to impart glory to something, render it excellent 4b) to make renowned, render illustrious
4b1) to cause the dignity and worth of some person or thing to become manifest and acknowledged 
THE ULTIMATE AND TRUE PURPOSE FOR OUR BODIES IS TO DOXOLGIZE THE LORD! Think about that!

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TRANSLATION, INTERPRETATION, and UNDERSTANDING GOD'S WORD 

In the vertical diagram you will see how a WORD gathers meaning from its native culture, historical development, and situation context. After that WORD is given, We strive to determine its meaning in spite of our foreign culture, continued affects of history, and limited understanding of its situation. 

We are able to translate word for word with some ease. Learning how the original author expresses himself through metaphor, idiom, example, and allegory is a little harder. If we are unfamiliar with literary methods of conveying meaning, we will not do well when we encounter them. We must carefully determine what is the goal of, in this case, the apostle Paul. 

I remind you that he is giving both specific answers and general principles to specific questions by people of a specific culture! Keep your mind focused on what he is about first. Then you may find application to current events after you understand the historical meaning. 
CHAPTER OUTLINE 
A. Some General Teachings About Marriage. <a href="http://www.blueletterbible.org/kjv/1Cr/1Cr007.html#top">7:1-6</a> 
B. Concerning Unmarried Believers. <a href="http://www.blueletterbible.org/kjv/1Cr/1Cr007.html#7">7:7-9</a> 
C. Concerning Married Believers. <a href="http://www.blueletterbible.org/kjv/1Cr/1Cr007.html#7">7:10-11</a> 
D. Believers Married To Unbelievers. <a href="http://www.blueletterbible.org/kjv/1Cr/1Cr007.html#12">7:12-24</a> 
E. Concerning Virgin Believers. <a href="http://www.blueletterbible.org/kjv/1Cr/1Cr007.html#25">7:25-38</a> 
F. Concerning Widowed Believers. <a href="http://www.blueletterbible.org/kjv/1Cr/1Cr007.html#39">7:39-40</a> 
A. GENERAL TEACHINGS CONCERNING MARRIAGE: 7:1-6 
CONTEXT: Recall the pagan Corinthian lifestyle of promiscuity and the problem of fornication dealt with in the previous chapter. These people did not have a Christian background, nor a Jewish one. They are unaware of the simplest truths concerning marriage and ask certain questions. The first one is whether or not a single life is wrong. FIVE GENERAL STATEMENTS: (1)It is good to remain single. "kalos" is the Greek for good and carries the primary meanings of: beautiful, handsome, excellent, eminent, choice, surpassing, precious, useful, suitable, commendable, admirable. Get the point? No, Paul is not anti-marriage as can be seen in <a href="http://www.blueletterbible.org/kjv/2Cr/2Cr011.html#top">II Corinthians 11:2</a>, <a href="http://www.blueletterbible.org/kjv/Rom/Rom007.html#top">Romans 7:4</a>, and <a href="http://www.blueletterbible.org/kjv/Eph/Eph005.html#28">Ephesians 5:28-33</a> where he uses marriage as a metaphor of our relationship with Christ. He reasons in I Cor. 7:28
that those who marry will have trouble, but we will investigate that later. Paul mentions a present distress in verse 26, giving the same word that describes his own persecutions in <a href="http://www.blueletterbible.org/kjv/2Cr/2Cr006.html#top">II Corinthians 6:4</a> and <a href="http://www.blueletterbible.org/kjv/2Cr/2Cr012.html#10">12:10</a>, and in <a href="http://www.blueletterbible.org/kjv/1Th/1Th003.html#7">I Thessalonians 3:7</a>. (2) Marriage can prevent fornications (verse 2). Let each have his or her own spouse is the intended cure for fornications. (3) Render due benevolence (verse 3) is literally a debt, but metaphorically it is the goodwill due. Verses 2, 4, and 5 are referring to the sexual aspect of marriage. So also is this verse 3. The only other place it is used is <a href="http://www.blueletterbible.org/kjv/Eph/Eph006.html#7">Ephesians 6:7</a>. So, fulfill the debt with goodwill, not grudgingly! (4) Your body is under the authority of your spouse (verse 4). "In wedlock, separate ownership of the person ceases."- Robertson & Plummer. Paul does not open the door for abusive use, but a willingness to meet each other's physical needs. Do not make this contradict the high description of marriage in Ephesians 5! (5) Do not defraud each other sexually (verse 5). A simple word that means to defraud, rob, despoil; and is in contrast to the "due benevolence" of verse 3. The only reason given for delaying (by choice) such intimacy is to give yourself instead to fasting and prayer! He also determines that the choice must be mutually agreed upon. Again, he determines that separation should not last long since Satan will use our want of self-control, incontinence, intemperance against us! Paul's "disclaimer" is given in verse 6! These verses are not difficult to understand. These are good marriage counsel, and are not meant to make a wife into the sex-slave of her husband. American culture exalts independance to a state of idolatry. Don't let our culture misinterpret this apostolic counsel. 

B. CONCERNING UNMARRIED BELIEVERS: <a href="http://www.blueletterbible.org/tmp_dir/c/1010344473.html#7">I Corinthians 7:7-9</a> 
To REMAIN UNMARRIED is good, which word he repeats from verse 1. It is obvious that Paul is single when he wrote this. <a href="http://www.blueletterbible.org/kjv/Act/Act026.html#10">Acts 26:10</a> seems to indicate that Paul was able to cast a vote in the Sanhedrin. He would have necessarily been married to sit on that court! If he was simply a witness against Christians, no such requirement can be made. To BE MARRIED is better than to burn. There is a careful use of words in these first nine verses. When describing things we may say they are "good", "better", or "best". We understand the difference in degree of quality indicated by each word. Paul does not exalt singleness above marriage. He only says it is "good" and that he prefers it. 

C. CONCERNING MARRIED BELIEVERS: <a href="http://www.blueletterbible.org/tmp_dir/c/1010344473.html#10">I Corinthians 7:10-11</a> 
A COMMANDMENT FROM THE LORD is repeated. Two statements are given. They are plainly understood. Believers are not to divorce. If they divorce they are to remain single or be reconciled. This is Paul's "short answer" to a specific question. The extended context shows Paul answering several questions dealing with sexual issues in chapters 5, 6, and 7. The Corinthians seem to be obsessed with this subject if we ignore their society's ignorance of all godly standards in such matters. Here Paul references the teachings of Jesus Himself in <a href="http://www.blueletterbible.org/kjv/Mat/Mat005.html#31">Matthew 5:31-32</a> and <a href="http://www.blueletterbible.org/kjv/Mat/Mat019.html#7">19:7-15</a> (which also speaks clearly about the "gift" of celibacy and the preciousness of children in the same situation as the sanctity of marriage!). Today's American society treats marriage like an extended date, too easily broken and without conscience. The whole context of the Corinthian instruction is centered around fornication, as was that of Jesus in the Gospels. NOTHING is said about physical abuse, danger to self or children, etcetera, as reasons for divorce between christians. Verse 4 of this chapter does not give the husband or wife absolute power over the other for any purpose or use. (as it would be given to BOTH, they would cancel each other out) Many Bible teachers have adjusted their teachings on this matter to remain acceptible and supported by their hearers! I am unwilling to move from where Jesus stood! And yet... Moses gave a writing of divorcement because of the hardness of people's hearts! Jesus and Paul give the ideal requirement, but Jesus recognized the hardness of some people's hearts. 

D. BELIEVERS MARRIED TO UNBELIEVERS: <a href="http://www.blueletterbible.org/tmp_dir/c/1010344473.html#12">I Corinthians 7:12-24</a> 
THINGS NOT COVERED BY JESUS are found in these verses.

SPECIFIC INSTRUCTIONS: (1)The Believer should not dissolve the union. It is assumed that believers are not to marry unbelievers as in <a href="http://www.blueletterbible.org/kjv/2Cr/2Cr006.html#14">II Corinthians 6:14</a>. This instruction is for those who have become believers after marriage but the spouse remains unsaved. Verse 14 simply declares their marriage is not illegitimate in God's sight and their children are not illegitimate. There is no reason to set aside this marriage just because one is an unbeliever. (2)The Believer should allow the unbeliever to depart. There is no bondage requiring this marriage to stay in tact. This kind of union was not covered in Jesus' teachings. Paul's instruction clearly allows the believer, thus freed, to marry again, but only if the unbeliver remarries first. (Because fornication completely nullifies the marriage) (3)The Principle To Follow given in verses 17 - 24 is one of contentment. Three times Paul says we should abide in the state wherein we were called. If an opportunity for advancement cames, use that rather. If No opportunity comes, be content. His example are of circumcision and servanthood, but he clearly applies it to the marriage state as well. (Particualarly of a believer married to an unbeliever.) 

E. CONCERNING VIRGIN BELIEVERS: <a href="http://www.blueletterbible.org/tmp_dir/c/1010344473.html#25">I Corinthians 7:25-38</a> 
PAUL'S ADVICE TO VIRGINS: verses 25-38. Based on the fact of present persecutions and distresses, he says it is good to remain single. Lest some married persons attempt becoming single on Paul's advice, he clearly defends marriage in verse 17. However, there are some advantages to being single and serving the Lord. These are: (1) The married person has more troubles! (verses 28-31) He has in own problems and those of his spouse and children to trouble him. (I am not an apostle, but find the joys of a good marriage and godly home are worth the trouble faced) (2)The married person has more distractions! (verses 32-34) A married person has a divided focus. He has a LORD and a SPOUSE! What happens when you cannot please both? Obviously, please the LORD! Comfort, Not A Snare! (verses 35-38) Don't get all worked up over this! You have not sinned if you marry. Even one who has a spiritual gift for celibacy has not sinned if he marries.
 

F. CONCERNING WIDOWED BELIEVERS: <a href="http://www.blueletterbible.org/tmp_dir/c/1010344473.html#39">I Corinthians 7:39-40</a> 




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<v align="center">Meat Offered To Idols To eat or not to eat, that is the question. I Corinthians 8:1 - 11:1</align>

A common practice among pagan worshippers of idols was to offer animal sacrifices. The meat from those sacrifices was disposed of in three ways. Part of the animal was consumed by fire on the altar of the idol. Part of the meat from the animal was given to the priest of the idol. That priest kept some for personal consumption and the rest he sold at the market. Then, part of the meat from the animal was returned to the person who offered it. He and his family would eat that meat at the temple of the idol or take it home for later use.

If a believer was invited to that idol-worshipper's home to share a meal, he would likely have placed before him some of that meat! The question arose as to whether a christian should eat that meat that had been offered to idols. I Corinthians 8 gives us hints that some believers said it was allowable since the idols are nothing anyway. Yet, some other believers considered eating that meat as participating in the worship of the idol. This situation is the background to Paul's great teachings on christian conscience and liberty, on declining to use christian liberty, on temperance, and on a fine general principle to follow in any controversy not specifically covered in scripture.

<PRE>
 Brief Outline:
</PRE><LI>Liberty and Conscience 8:1-13
<LI>Illustrations Of Refusing To Use Liberty. 9:1-23
<LI>Examples For Self Control. 9:24-10:22
<LI>Specific Instructions. 10:23-10:30
<LI>The Principle To Follow. 10:31-11:1

LIBERTY & CONSCIENCE <a href="http://www.blueletterbible.org/kjv/1Cr/1Cr008.html#top">I Corinthians 8:1-13</a> 
<PRE>
 INTRODUCTORY REMARKS, verses 1 - 3
</PRE>
The apostle Paul seems to enjoy the "pun" as he plays one word against another (knowledge vs. love) immediately. For instance:
<LI>Knowledge "puffs" but love "builds" (bubble vs building)
<LI>One "thinks" he knows, but knows nothing (knowledge vs ignorance)
<LI>One who loves God is known by God (definig our role and God's) God is to know, we are to love.
These first three verses set a tone of irony as Paul answers their question. It appears from Paul's manner that whomever posed this question was already sure he knew the answer. Knowledge is not condemned, it is merely subjugated to love. Glance quickly at chapter 13! I get the sense that Paul is leading, in all of his answers, up to that primary answer of "love one another"!

All of these problems that divided this church body were founded in pride, knowledge, self-pleasure. Every remedy is founded in focusing on Jesus, self-sacrifice, building up others, and love.

<PRE>
 THE STRONG IN KNOWLEDGE, verses 4 - 6
</PRE>
The simple fact that "idols" are nothing is stated. There is only one true God, who made all things. It is God that gave liberty to enjoy foods in the Garden of Eden in Genesis 2:16. It is also God who put a certain limitation on that liberty in Genesis 2:17! That example holds true in our present study.

<PRE>
 THE WEAK IN CONSCIENCE, verses 7-8
</PRE>
This statement does not say that some christians also believed in the idols. It does say that they are "aware" that what they ate had been offered to idols. That awareness bothered their consciences. If you glance ahead to 10:19-23, you would read Paul's conclusion to the issue raised at this very point. There were some christians who were concerned about "partaking" in the worship of devils by eating meat that had been sacrificed to them. The strong affect others. The weak are affected by others. However, the very strongest affect themselves! Look at 8:13.

<PRE>
 THE STRONGEST IN LOVE, verses 9-13
</PRE>
The wrong thinking of the knowledgeable ones is that they may exercise their liberty without regard to whom they may be hurting! Read I Corinthians 13:1-2 here! When Paul here says,"Take heed...", it is a strong warning against causing another believer to stumble! I know some so called strong believers who rebell at being governed by the so called weak believers. It is a sin against Christ Himself for one follower of Christ to wound another follower of Christ by placing "liberty" above "love".

ILLUSTRATIONS OF REFUSING TO USE LIBERTY <a href="http://www.blueletterbible.org/kjv/1Cr/1Cr009.html#top">I Corinthians 9:1-23</a> 

<PRE>
 ILLUSTRATIONS, verses 1-12
</PRE>
Paul first establishes his authority as an apostle in order to show that there are certain rights and priviledges that should accompany his office. Verse 3 indicates not that his apostleship is questioned. He answered that already in chapter 4:3 & 4:15. What is being questioned is the principle instructions given in chapter 8:9-13! Paul is refusing to use certain liberties in order to better promote the Gospel of Jesus Christ. He willingly (9:17) sets aside liberty that by all measn (9:22) he might save some! But in the immediate passage, what liberties does he set aside?
<LI>The power to eat and drink. 9:4
<LI>The power to have a believing wife at his side. 9:5
<LI>The power to be supported BY ministry. 9:6-12
<PRE>
 Under that last point, Paul inserts divine support
 for the statement that ministers are to be supported
 by the Gospel. Paul uses the soldier, vine-keeper,
 and shepherd as examples of benefiting from work.
 He cites Moses' Law in verses 9 and 10.
</PRE>
Verses 11 & 12 bridge from the illustrations into the main reason why a person should refrain from using his liberty.

<PRE>
 APPLICATIONS, 9:13-23
</PRE>
Verses 13-17 = Even though the Lord ordained that ministers should make a living from the Gospel, Paul willingly refused to accept that support. He is looking for a far greater reward than mere compensation! Paul lists some of what he is willing to do for that reward. What is he willing to do?
<LI>abuse not my power (verses 4,5,&6) in the gospel.
<LI>made myself servant to all
<LI>To the Jews, I am a Jew.
<LI>To those bound by law, I am so also.
<LI>To those without law (Gentiles), I am also.
<LI>To the weak (8:7), I am also weak.
What is the reward? He repeats it four times over! "That I might gain the more..." "That I might save same..." Paul's reward is not liberty, freedom, or support. His reward is MORE SOULS! Think of this. What did Jesus willingly set aside in order to gain us? Folowing His example, should anything be more important to us than reaching others with the gospel?

EXAMPLES FOR SELF CONTROL <a href="http://www.blueletterbible.org/kjv/1Cr/1Cr009.html#24">I Corinthians 9:24 - 10:22</a> 

<PRE>
 SELF CONTROL EXAMPLED, 9:24-27
</PRE>
Now we move from areas of liberty into the sin of license. Paul uses athletic competitors to show how they who strive to be the best must make some personal sacrifices. The Idea of becoming a castaway has nothing to do with salvation. It has everything to do with becoming shipwrecked due to lack of self control, as the context demands.
<PRE>
 SELF CONTROL DEMANDED, 10:1-13
</PRE>
Verse 6 explains the reason for giving these examples from Jewish history. Let none of us be guilty of evil desires, idolatry, fornication, or murmering! Remember that the context is the eating of meats offered to idols. In the worship of those idols, all those things were done. A christian is not to participate in those things. You must see the trap that waits for a believer who begins to use "Christian Liberty" as an excuse to participate in the revelry and partying of the idolaters. THIS IS A WARNING!
<LI>Do not have evil desires, lusts.
<LI>Do not be idolaters
<LI>Do not commit fornication
<LI>Do not temp Christ
<LI>Do not murmer
For, all of those things are done at the ceremonies of idolatry. We are not to use our knowledge and liberty as an excuse to participate in the revelry and partying of the unsaved.
We are to recognize temptation and escape it.

Just in case there are still some who are confused over the issue or that need a plain yes or no answer, Paul plainly states what is at stake here.
FLEE IDOLATRY
<LI>understand the implications of the Lord's table.
<LI>understand the implications of Israel's altar.
<LI>understand that what idolaters offer is to demons.
So, do not participate at all in idolatrous ceremony.

SPECIFIC INSTRUCTIONS <a href="http://www.blueletterbible.org/kjv/1Cr/1Cr010.html#23">I Corinthians 10:23-30</a> 
<PRE>
 DON'T ASK - 10:24-27
</PRE>
<PRE>
 DON'T EAT - 10:28-30
</PRE>

THE PRINCIPLE TO FOLLOW <a href="http://www.blueletterbible.org/kjv/1Cr/1Cr010.html#31">I Corinthians 10:31-11:1</a> 



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Women In Public Worship
I Corinthians 11:2-16
Is God concerned over how we dress in church?

There was a conflict over, in particular, how women were to appear in church. After reading through various commentaries and word studies of the original languages, it appears that the conflict still exists. We know with certainty WHAT the words of the apostle say. It is sometimes difficult to discover how to apply those words to ourselves today.

A particular difficulty arises between the implied permission of women to pray and prophesy publicly in <a href="http://www.blueletterbible.org/kjv/1Cr/1Cr011.html#top">I Corinthians 11:5</a>, and the direct prohibition of women to do so in <a href="http://www.blueletterbible.org/kjv/1Cr/1Cr014.html#32">I Corinthians 14:34-35</a>! <a href="http://www.blueletterbible.org/kjv/1Ti/1Ti002.html#12">I Timothy 2:9-15</a> also gives instructions concerning women's public apparel,good works, and silence. Paul backs up his instruction with an appeal to God's order of authority as he also does in our present study.

In order to make sense of these teachings, we must view them in their DOCTRINAL context, and also in their CULTURAL context, as well as their NATURAL context. These three contexts are used by the apostle Paul here. Visualize a page with three columns, one under each of those catagories. Paul moves back and forth between these three catagories.


<PRE>
 Brief Outline
</PRE>
Doctrinal - 11:2-3, & 8-9, & 11-12
Cultural - 11:4-7, & 10, 13, & 16
Natural - 11:14-15

DOCTRINAL CONTEXT:
<PRE>
 Ordinances - verses 2-3 
</PRE>
This speaks of certain ordinances given by Paul. "Ordinances" is "paradosis " in the original, and means 1) giving up, giving over and 2) a giving over which is done by word of mouth or in writing,
i.e. tradition by instruction, narrative, precept, etc. and conveys an authoritative teaching. It is interesting to find that Paul praises them in this, but in verse 17 he praises them not for their strife and divisions at their gatherings!
What is Paul's authoritative teaching? It is that:
<PRE>
 God is the head of Christ
 Christ is the head of man
 Man is the head of woman
</PRE>
Paul also teaches the significance of the order of creation and of pro-creation to support his teaching teaching on honoring the God-ordained order of authority.
<PRE>
 Order of Creation - v.8-9
</PRE>
Woman was created from the man. <a href="http://www.blueletterbible.org/kjv/Gen/Gen002.html#22">Genesis 2:22</a> Woman was created for the man. <a href="http://www.blueletterbible.org/kjv/Gen/Gen002.html#18">Genesis 2:18</a>.
<PRE>
 Order of Pro-creation - v.11-12
</PRE>
Equality of the sexes in the Lord is specifically stated. Without the woman, there would not be any men since Adam! The purpose for including this statement is to prevent men (who have God-ordained authority) from misusing their authority. Women are not inferior, and Paul never teaches that they are.

Issues of Authority:
Questions always arise that lead away from the apostle's focus here. Keep in mind that what we are dealing with is public attire of women. To stay balanced in your thinking, glance briefly at <a href="http://www.blueletterbible.org/kjv/Eph/Eph005.html#28">Ephesians 5:18-33</a>. That section clearly teaches that authority creates a tremendous responsibilty of the man toward the woman. The husband is to love, sanctify, nourish and cherish his wife, sacrificing himself for her. So, do not read more into I Corinthians 11 than is actually there!

CULTURAL CONTEXT

<PRE>
 Covered And Uncovered - verses 4-7,10,13,16
</PRE>
The dishonor Paul is speaking of is toward the authority over us, not to ones own physical head. The cultural symbol of submission by the man to Christ was to have no covering on his head while he prayed (talked to God about people) or while he prophesied (talked to people abour Chriost). In turn, the cultural symbol of the woman's submission to her husband was to have a head covering while she prayed or prophesied. Do we have cultural symbols of submission in modern America? What are they?
<PRE>
 Shorn or Not Shorn?
</PRE>
In the culture of Paul's day a woman did not leave her house without a male family member as escort. When she went out, she was, if a respectable woman, well covered from head to toe! Women of ill reputation went about "uncovered". If a woman had been caught in adultery, her head was shaved AND uncovered as a public shame! For christian women to attend church gatherings "uncovered" was a cultural public shame!
<PRE>
 Image And Glory?
</PRE>
Since man is the image and glory of God, nothing should hide God's glory! However, a man's glory should be subdued in the presence of God! A symbol of man's humility before God was to have his own glory (his wife's head and hair) covered in public worship services.
<PRE>
 What Is Fit? verse 13
</PRE>
Paul's final appeal for women to wear veils is based on what is "comely" and natural. He uses the word "prepo" which means:
1) to stand out, to be conspicuous, to be eminent
2) to be becoming, seemly, fit
This is an appeal to consensus.
<PRE>
 Because Of Angels? verse 10
</PRE>
I'm sorry. I could not find a clear answer from any source as to just what that means! The best I can offer you is that both Jews and Christians of the day supposed that God's angels were present at worship assemblies. PERHAPS women were to be as submissive to their husbands as the angels are to God because woman was created after man even as the angels were created BY God.
<PRE>
 Contentions and Customs? verse 16
</PRE>
The writings of early church fathers, Tertullian and Chrysostom, show that these teachings concerning women wearing veils was common in all the churches. This is a furhter support for women to wear veils based on conformity with the other churches. Sculptures found in the catacombs depict women wearing close fitting head-dress while the men have short hair.

NATURAL CONTEXT
<PRE>
 Its The Hair, Isn't It/ verses 14-15
</PRE>
Philosophically speaking, it is only humans that experience shame since it is only we who are truely self-aware and cognisant of God. Also, it is obvious that both men and women are physically able to grow long hair. Many native North American cultures honor long hair on their men. So, this could really be another cultural arguement in my view. For the apostle Paul and his contemporaries this was the natural way of things. We have a whole science dedicated to preventing "male pattern baldness", but women also lose hair with age.

Most men, however, still wish their wives would keep their beautiful long hair.

The end of the arguement is not in sight! Do not fight against custom in something to do with appearance! Do not appear to the world as rebellious, contentious, shameless, or repulsive in manner or attire! 

I think that I Corinthians is the most culturally specific and presently relevant behavioral teaching in the Bible.



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CONTEXT ANALYZED
The Apostle Paul is correcting three specific disorders that were happening in the public worship services of the Corinthian Church.
The First Disorder was concerned with unveiled women, which we studied in 1 Corinthians 11:2-16.
The Second Disorder was concerned with eating the Lord's Supper, which we studied in 1 Corinthians 11:17-34.
The Third Disorder was concerned with the public exercise of spiritual gifts, which we will study now in 1 Corinthians 12:1 - 14:40.

PAUL'S INTRODUCTION:
1 CORINTHIANS 12:1-3
Paul's desire for believers is that they not be misinformed concerning spiritual gifts. Paul strikes a contrast of truth about spiritual gifts against the pagan religions these believers had now left behind. It is most interesting that they had been carried and led by impulse and opportunity. That implusive nature of the false religion is contrasted against the understanding and knowledge proclaimed in verse 3! There are two things that must be understood as foundational criteria for determining whether a CHARISMATA (gift) is of the Spirit of God or not.
(1) The Spirit of God speaking through a person will not curse Jesus, nor say He was worthy of death.
(2) No one can TRUELY confess Jesus as Lord except the Spirit of God reveals it to that one.
These two criteria obviously govern all the content, implied meanings, applications, and illustrations connected with a person's expression of the spiritual gift!

THE BASICS OF SPIRITUAL GIFTS:
1 CORINTHIANS 12:4-11
Picture in your mind an old wagon wheel with six spokes. These verses (4-11) are the hub of that wheel. Each of the spokes are labled by the major headings in the rest of this section through chapter 14:40. Everything else you read in this section relates back to this set of basics in some way!
The key word: "same" in this section links you to the analogy of the unity of the human body.
The list of gifts in this section links you to the pivot point of chapter 12:31 where seeking and how-to arguments are based.
The orderliness "spoke" also links back to the "same Spirit" of these verses in that the Spirit of God is the only One working these gifts!
Even Paul's concept of decency and order in his closing comments find there meaning here, in the singleness of the Spirit of God! 
Seven Basic Facts
1. Same Spirit...Same Lord...Same God... in verses 4-6 reveal the clear teaching of "The Trinity", as one endows the gift, the next administrates the gift, the the last operates the gift!
2. The gifts are manifestations of the Spirit! Verse 7 defines ALL gifts, not any ONE gift, as a manifestation of His working.
3. Gifts are given to every person as stated also in verse 7. The criteria of verse 3 applies this to believers only.
4. The purpose of spiritual gifts is for good and profit. Verse 7 is not speaking of money as profit. It is speaking of benefiting the body of Christ. That concept is often repeated in connection with spiritual gifts. 
5. There are many gifts and some of them are represented in verses 8 - 10. Such as:
<PRE>
 Word of Wisdom
 - to receive and transmit divine wisdom, a revelation!
 Word of Knowledge
 - search, understand, & transmit gospel truths!
 Faith
 - "wonder-working" faith, "living" faith!
 Gifts of Healing
 - plural, as "per" disease or incident.
 Working of Miracles
 - miraculous deeds.
 Prophecy
 - "speak-forth", proclaimer of the gospel.
 Discerning of Spirits
 - discerns a true or false teacher.
 Diversity of Tongues
 - this is NOT known languages! Context!
 Interpretation of Tongues
 - to interpret those unknown languages.
</PRE>
6. Gifts are given by the Spirit's choice. Verse 11 clearly places the power to bestow any and all gifts with the Holy Spirit. We are encouraged to ASK for and SEEK the best gifts (12:31), but only HIS WILL determines who gets what!
7. The gifts are empowered by the Spirit. Verse 11 shows that a Spiritual Gift cannot be empowered by the flesh or the will of men! 
Why Is This An "Unknown" Tongue?
The nature of the gift as it was manifested historically at Corinth was:
1. Similar to that of Caesarea and Ephesus BUT needed an interpreter! Acts 10. Acts 19. 1 Cor. 12:10,30; 14:5,13,26,27. These passages indicate the special nature of the Corinthian manifestation!
2. It was closely related to prophesying but distinguished from it as an inferior gift. (1 Cor.14:4-5). It also consisted of expressions of praise or devotion as opposed to exhortation and warning. (1 Cor.14:14-16). 
3. It was unintelligible to the hearers, requiring interpretation, and was often unintelligible even to the speaker! It edified the speaker, not the hearer! Non-christians considered it the effect of madness or drunkeness! 1 Cor. 14:2,11,19,23. As such, it is distinguished from an utterance with understanding in 1 Cor.14:14-16,19,27! 
4. Paul called himself a "master" of this gift! in 1 Cor.14:18 but relegated it as inferior to speaking with understanding!
These contextual qualifiers clearly put this gift outside of the relm of human languages and far down the list from the gifts to be sought!

THE ANALOGY OF THE HUMAN BODY:
1 CORINTHIANS 12:12-30 
The Picture 12:12-13
Paul gives a very simple comparison between the human body which is made of many parts, and Christ's Body which is made up of all believers.

The Principles
Verse 14 - The Body consists of many parts! 
Verses 15 - 19 - No part is unimportant!
Verses 20 - 26 - No part is independant!
So, the less comely members have the more vital functions while the more comely members have the less vital functions! Bring these principles home to this local church body right now. Apply them to this very moment and in this very room! Each of us must realize and activate
Mutual Dependance
Mutual Interest
Mutual Care

The Application verses 27 - 30
Collectively you are the Body of Christ.
Individually you each have your function in the Body.
Do Your Part! Now an ordered and consecutive list of gifts is given. This order gives a reference standard which defines and directs the desire of verse 31! How can you covet earnestly the best if Paul does not so qualify his list? Remember that
ALL of these are gifts of the Spirit.
ALL of these are important to the Body of Christ.
Paul adds a few more to his previous list:
<PRE>
 Apostles are divinely called and commissioned and
 empowered to found, establish, organize, and expand
 the church!
 Helpers have special abilities to help church officers
 to carry out the work of the church.
 Governors have special abilities to govern the church.
</PRE>

THE PIVOTAL INSTRUCTION:
1 CORINTHIANS 12:31
This statement leads us into the next two chapters as if chapter 13 was one leg, and chapte 14 the other leg, upon which we must stand. "Seeking the best" and "Seeking to love" are the christian's pursuits!
In chapter 14, Paul explains what is the better of two particular gifts because they are the particular public disorders of which the Corinthians were guilty.
In chaper 13, Paul explains what is the best way to use any gift because the lack of love lay at the heart of ALL their divisions and disorders!

It was the lack of love that prompted their divisions over their leaders. It was their lack of love that led them to allow gross immorality in their assembly. It was lack of love that prompted them to sue each other before pagan courts. It was lack of love caused them to misuse christian liberty, struggle in their marriages, fight over eating meats offered to idols, become insubordinate, and misuse the Lord's Supper! Now it is a lack of "agape'" love that causes them to use spiritual gifts, MEANT FOR GOOD, as a means to personal agrandizement.

THE BETTER WAY TO SEEK AND USE A GIFT:
1 CORINTHIANS 13



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THE KEY VERSE
1 Corinthians 12:31 introduces the next two chapters by defining four things for us:
We should seek spiritual gifts
We should seek the better gifts
We should seek better gifts in a better way
We should seek that better way before seeking gifts

Paul's priorities are:
(1) Seek the better way
(2) Seek the better gifts in that better way
(3) Seek the better gifts

1 Corinthians 13 speaks of the better way.
1 Corinthians 14 speaks of the better gift of two over which the Corinthians struggled.

THE BETTER WAY - 1 Corinthians 13:1-13

THE VALUE OF LOVE: 1-3
It is valueless for one to speak at all, if without love! Whether in a known language (tongues of men) or in an unknown language (of angels), without love the words are clanging metal (sounding brass).

The greatest in prophecy who clearly understand all the spiritual mysteries which stress the human mind are nothing if they have not love.

The greatest knowledge is worthless without love.

The greatest miracle-working faith is valueless if it is without love.

The greatest personal sacrifices are unprofitable if without love! In Farrar's work,"Lives of the Fathers" chapter 6, section 2; we read that ,"both at this time and in the persecution of Diocletian, there were Christians who, oppressed by debt, by misery, and sometimes even by a sense of guilt, thrust themselves into the glory and imagined redemptiveness of the baptism of blood. ... The extravagant estimate formed of the merits of all who were confessors, became, almost immediately, the cause of grave scandals. We are horrified to read in Cyprian's letter that even in prison, even when death was imminent, there were some of the confessors who were puffed up with vanity and pride, and seemed to think that the blood of martyrdom would avail them to wast away the stains of flagrant and even recent immoralities."

These statements declare that love is more valuable than all of these great things, and that only love can give those things any value at all. We must understand that as the letter of James declares "faith without works is dead" so here Paul declares "gifts without love are worthless"!

THE MANIFESTATIONS OF LOVE: 4-7
Please realize that this section is not defining what love is, but declaring how love manifests itself by what love does. This particular list of love-actions is directed at the wrong actions of the Corinthians! Here are some examples:
Love Suffers Long... compare with 6:7. Love is friendly and helpful towards injurious persons. Love endures evil treatment without retaliation.
Love Envies Not... compare with 3:3. This leads us to think that envy is evidence for carnality while love is evidence of spirituality!
Love Does Not Boast... compare to 4:6. Thinking of men above what is written and being puffed up against each other and their division over which teacher to follow showed their boastful hearts. 
Love Is Not Puffed Up... compare to 4:18, 5:2, 8:1. See how their pride emboldened them against Paul's authority, blinded them to gross immorality, and led them to lightly dismiss the concerns of other believers. 
Love Does Not Behave Unseemly... compare to 8:9. They did not care that their actions caused others to stumble. Love is not thoughtless or inconsiderate of others.
Love Seeks Not Her Own... compare to 10:24. Love is not self-centered or selfish. Love seeks the benefit of others.
Love Is Not Easily Provoked... compare to 6:1. It appears that they were almost eager to take each other to court! Love is not quick-tempered or easily exasperated.
Love Thinks No Evil... this is refusing to keep an account of evil that is done to love. Evil will take advantage of those who love. Even knowing this and perhaps expecting this will not cause "LOVE" to hold back its love! This connects again to the first part of chapter 6.
Love Rejoices Not In Iniquity... This seems to connect back to chapter 5 and the proud manner in which they excused the man who "had his father's wife". Love cannot enjoy sin. In another place it is stated that "Love fulfills the law" because it works no ill to its neighbor.
Love Rejoices In Truth... obvious.
Love Bears All Things... compare 4:9-13 and 9:12 where Paul offers himself as an example. The word comes from an old Greek word meaning "roof". Love covers, protects, shelters, forebears.
Love Believes All Things... does not believe naively. Love is not "stupid". However, love does not focus attention on its own sufferings, but on the goal beyond the suffering. 
Love Hopes All Things... does not despair. Love lives in expectancy! Love expects good and right to win ultimately, even though facing contrary current events.
Love Endures All Things... love perseveres and carries on like a stout-hearted soldier. Love still holds its ground even after one's faith and hope are exhausted! Think of this!

THE PERMANENCE OF LOVE: 8-13
As though listing some of love's actions was not enough, Paul gives his final reason for Love's superiority. His first reason was that it is love that gives value to spiritual gifts. His second reason was by showing love's actions. Now he shows love's permanence.
Love Never Fails... it cannot be rendered idle or inoperative as will happen to the charismatic gifts. Love survives everything. 

 The gifts of prophecy, tongues, and knowledge will cease because they are incomplete. When the "PROPHET" Jesus is in our midst, we will no longer need prophecy. Nor will the gift of tongues be needed because it is similar to prophecy and all believers will be edified by our Lord. Even our present, incomplete, knowledge will be replaced by perfect knowledge when we see Jesus! But what could ever replace love?

 Paul illustrates the present imperfections and future perfections by comparing childhood to adulthood. Consider that our very best teachings and our most mature understandings NOW leave us like children who are unaware of the vast technologies which supply their every desire.
Love Is The Greates Of These... Love is an attribute of God. God is holy. God is Eternal. God is All-Powerful, All-Knowing, Everywhere-Present. And God is Love. God is the source and object of our faith and of our hope... and our love! But some day our faith will be sight! Some day our hope will be fulfilled!

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THE BETTER GIFT TO SEEK:
1 CORINTHIANS 14:1-25

The fact that the Apostle Paul was a Hebrew and not European creates a sometimes confusing aspect in how he organizes his thoughts. Our American minds tend to work consecutively. His presentation is comparative and/or contrastive. We tend to prefer that a whole and finished statement be compared to a completed different statement. Paul, as here, does that comparison in much smaller parts. I have chosen to present these 25 verses in TRIPLE columns in order to present, as Paul does,
the strengths of prophecy,
the weakness of tongues, and
the value tongues CAN have.

Please remember how 1 Corinthians 12:31 actually introduced both chapter 13 and, separately, chapter 14. Chapter 14:1 links back to that 12:31 and, while building on the theme of chapter 13, launches us into chapter 14. You must not study the content of chapter 14 until you have understood and applied the content of chapter 13! Everywhere I go, I meet christians who seek to find "ammunition" against other christians who argue from differing interpretations of chapter 14! If you do that, you missed the entire meaning of chapter 13! Now, let's begin to compare the verses of 14:1-25.
Paul states that prophecy is rather to be sought over other spiritual gifts, and over tongues in particular, for two reasons.
In verses 2-19 Paul says that prophecy is better than tongues because it edifies the church.
In verses 20-25 Paul says that prophecy is better than tongues in winning the lost.
<table>
<tr><th>PROPHECY</th>
 <th>UNINTERPRETED TONGUES</th>
 <th>INTERPRETED TONGUES</tr>
<tr><td>verse 3: Prophecy speaks to people. It edifies, exhorts, and comforts.
 verse 4: Prophecy edifies the WHOLE church, not just the speaker.
 verses 6,9: Prophecy conveys meaning!
 verses 20-25: Prophecy wins the lost! Because when unbelievers hear the secrets of their hearts revealed, they are convicted. (John 4:16-19)</td>
 <td>verse 2: Uninterpreted tongues address only God.
 verse 4: Uninterpreted tongues edify only the speaker.
 Paul gives 3 illustrations why uninterpreted tongues have no meaning to the hearers.
<PRE>
 Paul's coming visit: v.6.
 "What shall I profit you..." if you
 cannot understand me?
 Musical Instruments: vv.7-8.
 An indistict or uncertain sound leaves
 you wondering what song was attempted,
 or if troops should charge or retreat.
 Languages: vv10-11.
 Each word in every language is distinct.
 If the language is foreign to the hearer
 how can he understand what was said?
</PRE>
 Paul applies his illustrations: vv9 & 12 If you are not understood, you are speaking into the air. Corinthians are DIRECTED to seek what will edify the church (believers).</td>
 <td>verses 5,12,13 Interpreted tongues is equal to prophecy because hearers can understand and be edified. Paul DIRECTS tongues speakers to seek the gift of interpretation also.
 verses 4,15,16,17,22: What are tongues for?
<PRE>
 They edify the speaker!
 They are for worship!
 Prayer
 Singing
 Blessing
 Thanksgiving
 Praise (Acts 10:46)
 They are a sign to
 unbelievers of God's
 displeasure at their
 unwillingness to
 hear clear revelation.
</PRE>
 verses 13-19,28: Paul lists the DUTIES of a tongues speaker. They are to seek the gift of interpretation, or only use the gift of tongues when another can interpret, or keep quiet in church!
</td></tr>
</table>
THE RULES FOR USING A GIFT:
1 CORINTHIANS 14:26-35

NOTE: That often troublesome statement of 14:34-35 is a sub-part of this particular section! I contend that CONTEXT and COMMANDMENT, as well as CULTURE are important here.
The particular context is the public expression of prophecy, tongues, and interpretation of tongues.
No particular LAW is given here, but stated earlier in chapter 11:7-12, pointing to the subordinate creation of woman.
The particular culture demanded a certain decorum of women if they were to be considered honorable.

THREE RULES GIVEN for for tongues and prophecy:
<PRE>
 (1) They must edify the church. 14:26
 (2) Use tongues ONLY in an ORDERLY way. 14:27-28
 - two or three only
 - one at a time only
 - must be interpreted, or keep quite.
 (3) Use prophecy ONLY in an ORDERLY way. 14:29-33
 - two or three only
 - prophets must judge each other's validity
 - prophets refrain from interrupting each other.
 *because all will be heard eventually(31)
 *prophets control their gift, and are
 not controled by their gift.(32-33)
</PRE>
The real instructions of this passage are found in verses 20 and 33!
Be inexperienced in malice, but mature in understanding!
God does not author confusion, but peace!
The first is what God expects of us! The second is what we may expect of God! God has not created confusion by giving gifts and prompting speach. People create confusion by malicious disputing, pride, impatience to be heard, shameful public displays and self-importance.

Now, let's deal with the two verses that get the most attention out of these 40 verses! Yes, women are told to keep quiet in church! Internal evidences help us understand why.
Who are told to keep quiet?
verse 28, tongues without interpretation
verse 34, women (v.35 specifies married women)
Why are these women singled out?
verse 34, apparantly unsubmissive (to husbands?)
verse 35, apparantly shamefully speaking out
Other contextual indicators.
public services were disorderly, "maddening" - verse 23.
public services were confused, - verse 33.

The Apostle Paul never teaches that women are second-class citizens in the church. He does teach that women are to be submissive (not abused, used, or devalued by their husbands) to their husbands who are to love them as Christ loves the church. Where has scripture given indication of any gender-specific spiritual gifts? The facts show that the primary problem Paul addresses in chapter 14 is the disorderly expression of prophecy and tongues, and that some married women played a part in that disorderliness.

THE CONCLUSIONS ON SPIRITUAL GIFTS:
1 CORINTHIANS 14:36-40

Paul summarizes his teaching as:
Authoritative
verse 36: addresses a certain PRIDE at Corinth, that they thought of their prophetic gifts were the source of better or original truth from God than what Paul delivered to them! It has been assumed by some that true prophecy has ceased to exist, and assumed by others that current prophets may add revelation not recorded in the Bible! Here is my understanding of scripture on this:
<PRE>
 (1) Prophecy still exists, especially in regard to
 verses 24 and 25. There, God speaks to His
 prophet what secrets lay in the heart of an
 unbeliever.
 (2) Current prophets cannot add any new revelation
 of Jesus Christ not known to those who
 knew Jesus as His apostles, hence verse 36.
 (3) True prophets cannot contradict or even
 disagree with the teachings of the apostles,
 as indicated in verse 37! Those who are
 ignorant of these things are so by choice!
 - verse 38.
</PRE>
Contained In Three Simple Statements:
Verses 39 and 40 list three orders!
(1) - Seek to prophesy.
(2) - Do not forbid the use of tongues.
(3) - Use prophecy and tongues and every other gift decently and in order!



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1 Corinthians 15
This chapter contains the last of Paul's corrections of the ten errors that were creeping into the Corinthian church. The other problems were rooted, in some form, in a lack of love for each other! This last error was not widely believed by them, but was disturbing their peace in the Lord and weakening their work for the Lord (which is the point of verse 58). The use of "some among you say and "some man will say" in verses 12 and 35 shows that only a few were teaching the error. Perhaps it is the same error as taught by Hymenaeus and Philetus in 2 Timothy 2:17-18.

The value of this chapter to believers who witness to the lost cannot be measured. Intelligent unbelievers stumble over the resurrection. Many believers themselves neglect this truth, accepting it more as a point of unprovable faith rather than of inarguable fact! Learn this chapter well, and your own witness for Christ will become much more convincing.


<PRE>
"SINCE CHRIST LIVES" 1 Corinthians 15:1-11
</PRE>
These first 11 verses are thought by some to be the earliest CREED of the Christian faith. It is more likely an early example of the teachings of the Gospel in its condensed form. It is to be understood and followed precisely because of its foundational nature.

Verses 1 - 2 show how important and foundational the resurrection is. It is what Paul preached and taught everywhere. It is foundational to salvation! (Romans 10:9-10) This is exactly what Christ Himself taught Paul after Paul's conversion.

Verses 3 - 4 Give us the facts concerning Christ's resurrection. Simply stated,
(1) He died as predicted by Old Testament Scriptures.
<PRE>
 Scriptures written hundreds, and thousands, of years
 before Christ's birth foretold particulars of Christ's death!
 Too many specifics for it to be an accident that Jesus
 fulfilled them ALL.
</PRE>
(2) He was buried.
<PRE>
 This fact is related to finalize the fact of His death!
 He was obviously, certified, DEAD!
</PRE>
(3) He rose from the dead on the third day!
<PRE>
 Again, as predicted by Scriptures that were written
 multiple hundreds of years before He was born.
</PRE>
Verses 5 - 7 Lists five of at least ten appearances by Christ after His resurrection and before His ascent into heaven. Witnesses! Peter saw Him alive! All of the twelve saw Him alive! More than 500 saw Him alive at one event! James, Jesus' brother, saw Him alive! All the apostle saw Him alive! And lastly, Paul saw Him alive! In fact, there is NO EVENT OF HISTORY that has as much historical documentation as the resurrection of Jesus Christ.
Verses 8 -10 are parenthectical remarks by Paul concerning his place in relation to the twelve original apostles. He refers to himself as far beneath the others because he persecuted believers. The grace of God brought Paul from spiritual death (still born, aborted) into a life of grace-powered labor for Christ!
 Verse 11 Paul closes his factual re-teaching of the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

<PRE>
"WE SHALL ALSO LIVE" 1 Corinthians 15:12-34
</PRE>
It Is Absurd To Disbelieve Our Future Resurrection. verses 12-19
- verse 12 -
Some argue that resurrection is impossible. Yet Christ was documented dead, buried, and resurrected! Unbelievers must PROVE the Christ did not rise from the dead! History PROVES that He did! Our faith is founded upon fact. Unbelievers must base their opinions upon their faith that resurrection is impossible!
- verses 13-19 -
A belief that resurrection is impossible denies the proven resurrection of Jesus! It completely destroys the Christian Faith! There is no Christianity without the resurrection of Christ. If resurrection is impossible, then the witnesses, the empty tomb, are liars. Also, if Christ, who paid for our sins by His death, was not released from death, then neither can we be released from death. Death is the penalty for sin! Our sins would still bind us. Christ's death is meaningless without His resurrection! And we would remain eternally LOST!
The Future Resurrection Of Believers Is Necessary To The Gospel! verses 20-34
NOW, Christ IS alive! This statement is current and eternal. Christ lived (past), died (past), and now lives (present). There are several reasons for believers to be assured of personal resurrection, all based on the fact of Christ's resurrection.
<PRE>
(1) - Christ is the first-fruits - verses 20-22.
 In Adam, all die. In Christ, all live. This reminds
 us of Romans 5:12-21. Our life shall be like His,
 eternal!
(2) - Christ is the owner - verse 23.
 Christ was raised first. Now all who are His will
 be raised at His coming, His return to earth!
(3) - Christ is ruler! - verses 24-28.
 Human authority will be defeated. Satan will be
 defeated. Death will be defeated! Paul's first
 readers understood He referred to unbelievers'
 resurrection to judgement!
(4) - Baptism for the dead would be pointless - verse 29.
 There are more than 30 variant interpretations of
 this verse. Not enought information, no other mention.
 Consistancy with all other scripture must guide us.
 Best ancient and modern commentators support the idea
 that a living Christian was baptized for a dead but
 unbaptized Christian.
(5) - Facing death for Christ would be pointless - verses 30-32.
 Why live in jeopardy or face persecution if there
 is no resurrection?
(6) - Moral restraint would also be pointless - verse 32.
 Why should we deny our appetites if there is no
 reward for doing so or punishment for license?
</PRE>
Paul sternly admonishes them, and us, to pay attention! Evil communications (bad doctrine) has a corrupting affect on behavior! We act on what we believe! Paul rebukes them again (cf.14:36-37) for thinking they know more and differently than their teacher, Paul.

<PRE>
"IN A NEW BODY" 1 Corinthians 15:35-57
</PRE>
As is Paul's common method, he teaches by answering questions. Verse 35 gives the questions he answers through the end of the chapter. The questions are centered around the "HOW" of the resurrection. What kind of body is it? Illustrations give us an idea of the similarities and differences between our old body and our resurrection body.

FIRST ILLUSTRATION - SEED AND PLANT - verses 37-38

SECOND ILLUSTRATION - EARTHLY SPECIES - verse 39

THIRD ILLUSTRATION - TERRESTRIAL AND CELESTIAL - verse 40

FOURTH ILLUSTRATION - CELESTIAL BODIES - verse 41

GRAND EXPLANATION OF THE ILLUSTRATIONS - verses 42-44
Corruption vs Incorruption
Dishonor vs Honor
Weakness vs Power
Natural vs Spiritual

BACK TO THE FUTURE - verses 45-49
BACK to the Adam vs Christ comparison! Adam was given life. Christ is the giver of life! AS we have been natural, after Adam, we will be spiritual, after Christ! This earthly body is perishable and not suited for an eternal heavenly life! We will be raised, but our bodies MUST be changed!

THE MYSTERY! - verses 50-57
There are two ways which God will make this change!
(1) - By way of death and resurrection.

(2) - By way of translation!

<PRE>
"PAUL'S EXHORTATION" 1 Corinthians 15:58
</PRE>

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This chapter is a collection of items of business that must be completed. Do not think that makes its instruction weak. Valuable information and concepts of giving to the needs of other christians are presented here. Valuable historical and logistical information is given concerning Timothy, Apollos, and Paul's travels. Five concluding admonitions are given. Especially note that Paul plugs "LOVE" one more time. A stunning statement is made concerning how "addicted" the Stephanas family is to serving believers! Personal salutations reveal the closeness and importance of the bond between believers. This communion is interrupted by Paul's strongest warning to those who do not Love the Lord. "Anathema maranatha" or, "Let that one be accursed when the Lord comes." So, even this usage shows that LOVE is the key to solving the problems the Corinthian believers faced!


SUPPORT FOR NEEDY CHRISTIANS - verses 1-4

These verses refer to the needs of persecuted and poverty stricken christians in Palestine and Jerusalem. Various historians have assumed several reasons for this poverty. We know of the extended famine that consumed that land around the time of the persecutions. However, those Jerusalem believers were the practitioners of community property! Either they had abandoned that practice or had run out of property! How should Gentile believers respond?

Paul has already DIRECTED others to start a collection.
Paul directs them to be systematic, regular, consistent.
Paul directs ALL to participate. No one is excused!
Paul directs them to give proportionate to their income.

Paul is careful to NOT indicate when he is coming. He says "whenever I may come". More will be collected by systematic giving rather than a one time gift. Also, christian beneficence is to be a matter of principle and practice rather than impulse.

REPORTS CONCERNING PAUL, TIMOTHY, & APOLLOS - verses 5-12

ABOUT PAUL - Paul will go to Corinth by way of just passing through Macedonia. He did not want to just pass through Corinth, but spend the winter there. Acts 20:3 indicates he spent three months in Greece, probably at Corinth.
VERSE NINE - is full of encouragement for us today.
Do you see the wide door of opportunity opened?
Do you see it is to effective service, great and promising?
Do you see the many adversaries?
The facts are that any effective ministry given by God will also be opposed by many adversaries...but we know who will win the contest!

ABOUT TIMOTHY - Logistics. Timothy had been sent to Corinth over land. The household of Chloe had reported to Paul after Timothy's departure. Paul sent this letter (1 Corinthians) by sea, expecting it to arrive in Corinth before Timothy did! Paul instructs them to see to it that no one despises Timothy probably due to his youth.

ABOUT APOLLOS - Paul urgently encouraged Apollos to go to Corinth, perhaps to help settle the problems of chapters 1 - 4 in person. Apollos was also very busy with ministry in Ephesus, but would come when he could!

THE FIVE ADMONISTIONS - verses 13-14

<PRE>
BE ALERT
 Be on guard against errors, as indicated in this letter
STAND FIRM
 "The Faith" doctrine! truth! gospel!
PLAY THE MAN!
 Courageous defense of the Gospel!
BE STRONG!
 Grow in strength!
DO EVERYTHING IN LOVE!
 All of that sharpness of mind, firmness and courage
and strength MUST be launched from love, guided by
love! Remember that this is the defining principle
of this letter. It is the mark of followers of Christ.
</PRE>

STEPHANAS FAMILY - verse 15

Various renderings and usages of the word "tasso" include appoint , ordain , set , determine , addict. This family voluntarily appointed themselves to serve the Body of Christ. This amazing word, "service", is defined as follows:

1) service, ministering, esp. of those who execute the commands of others
2) of those who by the command of God proclaim and promote
religion among men
2a) of the office of Moses
2b) of the office of the apostles and its administration
2c) of the office of prophets, evangelists, elders etc.
3) the ministration of those who render to others the offices of
Christian affection esp. those who help meet need by either
collecting or distributing of charities
4) the office of the deacon in the church
5) the service of those who prepare and present food

and applied to Martha in Luke 10:40 and to the work of the first deacons in Acts 6.

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