1 Corinthians

Lesson Summaries

Michael D. Taylor www.TaylorNotes.Info

CONTENTS

Lesson 1 Called to be Saints ...... 1 Lesson 2 The Need for Unity ...... 4 Lesson 3 True Servanthood ...... 6 Lesson 4 Immorality in the Church ...... 7 Lesson 5 Marriage in the Church ...... 10 Lesson 6 The Limits of Christian Liberty ...... 13 Lesson 7 Men and Women in the Church ...... 14 Lesson 8 The Lord’s Supper ...... 16 Lesson 9 Spiritual Gifts ...... 18 Lesson 10 The Resurrection ...... 21 Lesson 11 Stewardship in the Church ...... 23 Lesson 12 Doing the Lord’s Work in the Lord’s Way ...... 25 SUMMARY OF LESSON MAIN IDEAS ...... 26

NOTE

These lesson summaries are based on the study guide by John MacArthur, “1 Corinthians: Godly Solutions for Church Problems.” Readers are encouraged to get a copy of this study guide and use the following summaries as supplements.

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LESSON 1 CALLED TO BE SAINTS :1-9

MAIN IDEA Before Paul deals with the many problems in the Corinthian church he encourages them by giving them the big picture of their standing before God and his incredible grace.

You are sanctified (hagiazō) in Christ— dedicated to God (1:2) Believers are given a new POSITION The before God (2 Cor. 5:21). believer’s You are called to be saints (hagios)--set aside PAST for God’s purposes (1:2) Believers are freed from the PENALTY of (1:2-4) You have been given grace and peace (1:3- sin (Rom. 8:1) 4)

You have been enriched with utterance -- the ability to speak for God when he wants you to (1:5) Believers are becoming PROGRESSIVELY more holy by growing spiritually and The You have been enriched with knowledge becoming more like Christ (2 Cor. believer’s (logos) -- insights you need to speak effectively 3:18; Rom. 8:29) PRESENT for God (1:5) (1:5-7a) You have been the grace gifts (charisma; Believers are being more and more free charismata) special abilities for building up from the POWER of sin (Rom. 6:14) each other) ---use them until Jesus returns (1:7a)

Jesus Christ will return someday (1:7b) Believers will be made PERFECT—fully The Before God you will be blameless (declared mature (Jas 1:4; 1 John 3:2). believers “not guilty”) on the day of our Lord Jesus Christ FUTURE Believers will be free from the PRESENCE (1:7b-9) God will confirm you (strengthen you inwardly) of sin (Jude 24; Rev. 21:27) until Jesus returns (1:8-9)

THE BOTTOM LINE  In God’s eyes you are sanctified.  In God’s eyes you are being strengthened.  In God’s eyes you are secure.

A. COMMENTS

1. Introduction and “Hello” (1:1-3)

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a) (1:1). Paul introduces himself as an (“sent one”) of Christ Jesus, by the will of God. As such, he cares for the Corinthians because God called him to do so.

2. (1:1) : the former Jewish ruler of the Corinthian synagogue and co-sender of the letter.1

a) “Brother” (Gr. adelphos) is shorthand for “fellow believer” and is an affectionate term that speaks to a kinship relationship. b) (1:2) To the church of God. Paul reminds them that it God’s church, not the church of individual patrons in whose homes the members met. c) Although the Corinthian church likely consisted of a number of smaller house groups, Paul addresses them as a singular “assembly.” d) Many of the homes in which they met were owned by wealthy patrons. e) In the culture of Corinth this meant that those meeting in the patron’s home were to be loyal to the patron.

3. (1:2). “Sanctified.” Meaning to make holy, set apart for God’s purposes. Belonging to God. Same root word for “saint.”

a) A person becomes holy (“saint”) when he or she belongs to God, not from doing certain pious acts or from avoiding certain vices. b) The only way a person can become holy is to belong to God. c) More on sanctification in Lesson 3.

4. (1:3) “Lord” (G. kurios) meaning “master.” To call someone else “Lord” was in conflict with the Greco- Roman world where Caesar was to be called ‘kurios.”

a) Caesar was viewed as the ultimate patron to whom everyone owed their allegiance. b) Caesar gave peace to all citizens so they could live productive lives. c) He built roads and infrastructure d) He encouraged entertainment and sponsored many athletic games. e) By calling Jesus Lord he is saying that Jesus is the ultimate patron, not Caesar. f) (1:3) “Grace and peace.” True grace and peace comes only from Jesus Christ.

5. (1:4) “I thank my God always.” Thanks giving flows from a recognition that a gift is given and a debt of gratitude is owed.

a) Notice the absence of praise & thanksgiving for these believers (cp. Epistle format) b) (1:4) “in Christ” means to be part of the community that belongs to Christ and recognizes his Lordship. c) See 2 Corinthians 5:21 “in him.”

6. (1:5) “enriched in him in all speech and all knowledge.” Paul is using terminology about wealth to remind these church members that even their special abilities such as eloquent speech and knowledge flow from a relationship to Christ.

a) Eloquent speech in the Corinthian culture was often viewed as having superior personal abilities that others often admired. b) Paul here is warning these believers against using eloquent speech and knowledge for self- elevation.

7. (1:6) “even as the testimony of Christ was confirmed in you.” The church was enriched because the members responded to Paul’s proclamation of the gospel, not because of certain members claimed superior speaking abilities and knowledge.

8. (1:7) “so that you come short in no gift.” “Gift” (charismata; lit., “grace gifts). These are special abilities God gives to believers for the purpose of building up each other.

a) Some of the gifts we need to grow spiritually have been given to other members of our church

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family. b) This means we are to rely on one another and use our special abilities (gifts) to strengthen other believers. More on this in Lesson 9.

9. (1:8) “blameless.” The word means free from any accusation. Corinth was known for its many legal charges of all kinds but those who live in God’s community are protected against any ultimate accusation in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ.

a) In Corinth it was quite common for many people to take blame others for something and to take them to trial. b) Trials were abundant requiring about 500 juror for a trial. c) People wanted to be on a jury because it paid well and they were often given bribes. d) Those who are in Christ are declared “not guilty” before God.

10. (1:9) “God is faithful.” The church’s protection does not come from its ability to prove its own worthiness but rather it comes from a faithful loving God.

a) God’s people can rest assured that his love is steadfast (Romans 8:38-39)

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LESSON 2 THE NEED FOR UNITY 1 Corinthians 1:10--3:23

A. MAIN IDEA

The church at Corinth was in trouble because of internal divisions. If not corrected the church would most likely split or possibly cease to exist. Of all the problems in this letter, Paul addresses this one first. It was a serious condition that needed immediate attention! Four underlying problems were weakening this church.

B. PROBLEM NO. 1: MISPLACED LOYALTIES (1:10—1:16)

1. Quarreling (angry arguing) was rampant (1:11).

a) Silly things church members fight over2 b) Some church members left the church because one church member hid the vacuum cleaner from them. It resulted in a major fight and split. c) A dispute over whether the worship leader should have his shoes on during the service. d) A dispute in the church because the Lord’s Supper had cran/grape juice instead of grape juice Fight over whether or not to build a children’s playground or to use the land for a cemetery e) A church argument and vote to decide if a clock in the worship center should be removed. f) Two different churches reported fights over the type of coffee. In one of the churches, they moved from Folgers to a stronger Starbucks brand. In the other church, they simply moved to a stronger blend. Members left the church in the latter example. g) An argument on whether the church should allow deviled eggs at the church meal. h) An argument over who has the authority to buy postage stamps for the church.

2. Cliques formed from loyalties to either Paul, , Cephas, or Christ (1:12).

3. The culture at Corinth placed a high emphasis sophists (impressive persuasive orators) whose goal was to develop a following of loyal admirers. This practice invaded the church at Corinth when cliques (divisions) developed around these four prominent people.

C. PROBLEM NO. 2: MISPLACED WISDOM (1:17-2:16)

1. The believers in Corinth operated solely on human wisdom since human wisdom and knowledge was admired greatly in their culture.

2. But God demonstrated the power of his wisdom by making human wisdom look foolish (1:20) so that humans could not boast in God’s presence (1:29; Job 38:4 ff).

3. Jews, who thought they were wise, tried to trick Jesus by demanding a sign (miracle) from him (1:22).

4. Cultured Greeks felt that true wisdom came only from man’s intellect (1:22).

5. Paul intentionally avoided Greek rhetoric and focused on Christ’s death on the cross so that they would see God’s power at work (1:17; 2:1-5).

6. It is only through the Holy Spirit that man gains godly wisdom (2:10-13).

D. PROBLEM NO. 3: MISPLACED APPETITES (3:1-9)

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1. “People of the flesh” (3:1) refers to appetites (desires) of the sinful nature3 (1 John 2:16).

2. Paul could not give them solid food (deeper spiritual teachings, mature doctrine) because they not ready for it---they were immature and probably had no interest in it (3:1-2).

3. Because of their spiritual immaturity there was jealousy and strife among them (3:3).

E. PROBLEM NO. 4: MISPLACED WORKS (3:10-23)

1. “Each man’s work (ergon) will become manifest, for the Day will disclose it.” (3:13 ESV).

2. Those who caused divisions in the church, thinking they were doing the right thing, will not be rewarded on the Day of Judgment (Rom. 14:10-12; 2 Cor. 5:10).

3. “Revealed by fire” (3:13) and “suffer loss” (3:15) are not referring to losing one’s salvation. It is referring to the loss of God’s blessing and affirmation. A refiner used a fire to heat metal to a molten state; then he skimmed off the dross that floats to the top. In this case the “dross” is referring to doing works for one’s own glory, not for God’s glory.

F. APPLICATION

1. To avoid church divisions be sure to major on the majors and minor on the minors.

2. Ask for God’s wisdom whenever important church decisions are being made.

3. Rehearse the consequences of giving in to harmful fleshly appetites.

4. When doing good works, examine your motives.

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LESSON 3 TRUE SERVANTHOOD 1 Corinthians 4:1-21

A. MAIN IDEA: THE TRULY GREAT PEOPLE DON’T SEEK THEIR OWN GREATNESS.

B. KEY VERSE: “THE GREATEST AMONG YOU WILL BE YOUR SERVANT.” MATTHEW 23:11 NIV

C. POINT NO. 1: TRUE SERVANTS DO NOT SEEK HUMAN PRAISE

“As for me, it matters very little how I might be evaluated by you or by any human authority. I don't even trust my own judgment on this point.” 1 Corinthians 4:3 NLT

1. Paul was not focused on himself and even mistrusted his own ability to see his own worth.

2. He was not out for human praise.

3. Those in his church were focused on public adoration and praise much like the great orators in the city of Corinth.

4. Paul was not a me-oriented person.

D. POINT NO. 2: TRUE SERVANTS DO NOT SEEK WORLDLY WEALTH

“Already you have all you want! Already you have become rich!” 1 Corinthians 4:8 NIV

1. Paul was pointing out that these Christians in Corinth had more than earthly wealth.

2. They had spiritual wealth…. Paul probably had in mind their eternal life, their right standing before God, and his kingdom.

E. POINT NO. 3: TRUE SERVANTS IMITATE THE GREAT SERVANTS

“Therefore I urge you to imitate me.”1 Corinthians 4:16 NIV

1. Paul was not bragging…he was showing that great people are others-oriented, not me-oriented.

2. Paul was willing to sacrifice everything in order to serve others as Christ served us.

3. “To the present hour we hunger and thirst, we are poorly dressed and buffeted and homeless, and we labor, working with our own hands. When reviled, we bless; when persecuted, we endure; when slandered, we entreat. We have become, and are still, like the scum of the world, the refuse of all things. (1 Cor. 4:11-13 ESV)

F. THE BOTTOM LINE

Those who desire to be great in God’s kingdom must be the servant of all (Matthew 20:26)

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LESSON 4 IMMORALITY IN THE CHURCH :1—6:20

A. MAIN IDEA

Harmful cultural practices of sexual immorality and legal disputing were infiltrating and defiling the church.

B. THE SETTING

1. Like our culture today, the people of Corinth were intent on having their own way, rationalizing their sinful habits as being “normal.”

2. Thousands of priestesses devoted to Aphrodite, the Greek goddess of love, came down into the city at night to offer their services as religious prostitutes.

3. To “corinthianize” came to represent gross immorality and drunken debauchery.

4. Even though sexual immorality was rampant in Corinth, incest was shocking to its pagan citizens.

5. The church at Corinth was not only tolerating a case of incest, it was proud of its “inclusiveness.”

6. Before they were saved, members of the church had become so used to arguing, disputing, and taking each other to court that they carried those selfish attitudes into their new lives as Christians.

C. PROBLEM NO. 1 INCEST IN THE CHURCH (5:1-13)

1. The problems (5:1-2): An individual was having an on-going sexual relationship (either married or cohabitating) with his stepmother (his father’s wife). Further, the church embraced such a practice.

a) The clearly declares this as sin (Lev. 18:8; Deut. 22:30; 27:20). b) The woman involved must not be a Christian for she isn’t even mentioned. c) Status of the father is unknown (dead, divorced, away?). d) The verb “has” (5:1, NKJ) is a euphemism for an enduring sexual relationship, not just a passing fancy or a “one night stand.” e) “Sexual immorality” (Grk. porneia) broadly refers to all types of sexual activity outside of marriage, including homosexuality. f) This type of sexual immorality (incest) was shocking even among the pagans of their culture. g) Yet the Corinthian Christians were proud (puffed up, arrogant) of their acceptance of it. h) As bad as the sin was, Paul was more concerned about how the Corinthian Christians seemed to take the sin lightly (“you have not rather mourned” NKJ). i) It wasn’t difficult for a Corinthian to think you could be religious, yet still act any way you pleased when it came to sex.

2. The principle (5:6-8): The presence of a little sin in the church can corrupt the whole church.

a) Your acceptance of this man’s sin is not good. A little leaven leavens the whole lump! b) One bad apple spoils the whole bunch. c) The leaven mentioned isn’t merely yeast, but a pinch of dough left over from the previous batch. A little pinch of dough from the old lump could make a whole new lump of dough rise

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and “puff up.” d) Don’t keep company with sexually immoral believers (or for that matter those believers who are covetous, drunkards or extortioners). e) Paull is not saying Christians are to completely avoid unbelievers who practice these sins—to get as far away from the world as possible. This was the whole spirit behind the monastic movement in the early medieval church.

3. The solution: (5:9-13): Take this unrepentant man away from the fellowship of God’s people.

a) Failure to do so would imply that the immoral practices of the Corinthian culture are acceptable within the church body. b) “Absent in body but present in spirit” meaning Paul didn’t have to be there to exercise his authority. Paul also recognizes this must be done in the name and power of the Lord Jesus Christ. c) “Deliver this man to Satan.” By putting him outside the church, into the world, which is the devil’s domain. d) This punishment is a removal of spiritual protection and social comfort, not an infliction of evil. e) Paul’s command would also serve the important purpose of removing any false feeling of security the sinning man might have among the fellowship of Christians. f) “Destruction of the flesh” (Gr. sarx) is referring to his rebellious flesh (sinful nature), not the destruction of his physical body but to the consequences of his sinful nature. g) The phrase “deliver such a one” is saying, if that’s what he wants, let him go his way and experience the harmful consequences of his actions. This parallels Romans 1:24. h) “That his spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord.” Paul is effectively saying the goal of discipline is restoration, not destruction, and hopefully this man will repent before the Lord Jesus returns. i) See 2 Thess. 3:14-15…”Yet do not count him as an enemy, but admonish him as a brother.” j) We must remember both reasons why it is important to deal with this sinning man—not only for the sake of purity in the church, but also for the sake of the man’s restoration.

D. PROBLEM NO. 2: LAWSUITS AGAINST BELIEVERS IN THE CHURCH (6:1-11)

1. The problem (6:1): Some of the Corinthians had wronged each other in various ways and instead of addressing these problems within the church, they were taking each other before the local magistrates.

a) We are not told what the content of the lawsuits might be, but it is possible that these are lawsuits the results of perceived insults by members of the “parties” within the church. b) Perhaps a member of the Paul group insulted a member of the Peter group, who responded as any good Roman would by making a lawsuit against the offender. c) Imagine a typical argument in a classroom which spills over into Facebook insults which then results in a lawsuit, a counter lawsuit, and a major clash in a court of law. d) As strange as it sounds, this is the sort of thing which happened in the Roman world. The Roman world of the late first century was filled with lawyers. e) These lawsuits were usually politically motivated, between members of the rich and elite class (or want-to-be elite.) f) These lawsuits became opportunities for young orators to show off their rhetorical talents before the elite citizens (the judge, magistrate, jurors, etc.). g) Trials were abundant requiring about 500 juror for a trial. h) People often wanted to be on a jury because it paid well and they were often given bribes.

2. The principle (6:2-4) Grievances between fellow Christians should be resolved within the church.

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a) How can they judge other people and angels effectively if you can’t competently resolve your grievances among yourselves? (6:2-11) b) MacArthur states that Because Christians will assist Christ to judge the world in the millennial kingdom (Rev. 2:26, 27; 3:21) c) If you cannot make sound judgments among yourselves, how can you competently judge

3. The solution (6:5-11). Paul says shame on you for taking your internal grievances to unbelievers.

a) You should know better!

E. PROBLEM NO. 3: SEXUAL IMMORALITY IN THE CHURCH (6:12-20)

1. The problem (6:15-16): The Christians in Corinth were having sex with the prostitutes of Aphrodite.

a) The practice was widespread throughout Corinth---everybody is doing it so it must be OK. b) Dualism? Antinomianism?

2. The principle (6:12): You can do anything you want but not everything is good for you.

a) There is always a harmful natural consequence to sin. b) Liberty (grace) is not license to embrace immorality (Rom. 6:1-2).

3. The solution (6:18-20): Flee, distance yourself from immorality because your body belongs God’s.

a) The person who is joined to the Lord becomes one spirit with him and is to glorify God in his body. b) Sexual immorality does not bring glory to God. c) Cp. Gen. 39:11-12 (Joseph runs from Potiphar’s wife) d) As a Christian your body belongs to God and you are to bring glory to him with your body (6:20).

F. HOW DOES THIS LESSON AFFECT ME?

1. I must recognize that I live in a culture that has lost its moral compass.

2. I must understand that sexual immorality will ultimately bring great harm to me and my church.

3. I must acknowledge that my body belongs to God for his glory.

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LESSON 5 MARRIAGE IN THE CHURCH :1-40

A. MAIN IDEA

God instituted marriage to be the union of a man and a woman as husband and wife, which is to be the foundation for a healthy home and family.

B. SETTING

1. Many Christian marriages in the Corinthian church were being damaged by the sexual immorality of its surrounding culture (homosexuality, polygamy, adultery, fornication, and concubinage).4

2. The Greek philosophy of dualism (spiritual=good, physical = bad) was also distorting Christian marriages by promoting either of two extremes--sexual promiscuity and sexual asceticism.5

3. Some in the Corinthian church had the notion that because of all the sexual sin and marital confusion, it would be better to be single, even more spiritual to be celibate (asceticism). This could lead some falsely pious people to advocate divorce in order to be single. Divorce in the Roman world was quite easy and quite common.

4. Just like the Corinthian culture of Paul’s day, marriage in the U.S. today has become distorted.

a) About 50% of marriages today end up in divorce. The divorce rate among second marriages is even higher.6 b) Marriage is declining in the U.S while cohabitating is increasing. c) The average length of marriage in the U.S. is 8.2 years. d) According to the 2010 Census data, the percent of couples living together outside of marriage has increased 138% between 1990 and 2010. e) Divorce significantly increases health and emotional risks for children. f) Compared with children in married-couple families, children raised in single-parent households are more likely to drop out of school, to have or cause a teen pregnancy and to experience a divorce in adulthood.7

C. PRINCIPLE NO. 1: SEX IS GOOD BUT IT MUST BE EXPERIENCED ONLY BETWEEN A HUSBAND AND A WIFE (7:1-7)

1. V.1. It is good for a man not to touch a woman. Paul is quoting from the letter he received (“which you wrote to me”). This is a reference to sexual asceticism being held by some in the church.

2. Vv.2-6 Husbands and wives must protect each other from sexual temptation and recognize their obligation to take care of each other’s sexual needs. They are co-owners of each other’s bodies.

a) Note: Some in the Corinthian church were misguided by the view that sexual asceticism, like that practiced by the cult of Isis, was to be valued. b) Paul is saying that sex is good but it must be experienced only between a husband and a wife.

3. V. 6 “I say this as a concession.” Paul is saying that if a couple agrees to have a short period of sexual abstinence in order to devote themselves to fasting and prayer, this is ok with him.

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4. V. 7 “I wish that all men were even as I myself.” Celibacy is a particular gift from God that he has received. Paul is not saying he wishes all men were celibate, he appears to be saying that he wishes more had his gift of celibacy (no need for sex).

D. PRINCIPLE NO. 2: REMAIN SINGLE UNLESS YOU CANNOT BE RECONCILED (7:8-11)

1. V. 8 It was not uncommon for some widows in the first-century Roman world to be teen-agers. A widow was expected to remarry within a year, a divorcee within six months in order to produce children who would secure the husband’s inheritance. To remain single is a gift from God in order to focus more on him, but if a single person could not remain celibate, it is better to marry. For this reason, a married Christian should not seek divorce.

a) Note: Even today in Christian circles the pressure on Christian singles to marry or remarry can be extraordinarily heavy. b) Being happily single should be celebrated just as much as Mother’s Day and Father’s Day.

2. V. 11 If a woman has already left her husband (aorist subjunctive), or a husband has already left his wife, they should remain single to keep the door of reconciliation open.

E. PRINCIPLE NO. 3: BELIEVERS ARE NOT TO DIVORCE NONBELIEVERS (7:12-16)

1. Instructions concerning divorce8

Scriptures Situation Command 7:10-11 Considering divorce? Don’t! And if you do, don’t marry again because reconciliation is always possible.

7:12-14 A Christian who has a non- Don’t leave them simply because they are not a Christian spouse Christian. You may win them for Christ.

7:15-16 A Christian whose non- Let them go. You’re free to consider the marriage Christian spouse leaves them dissolved.

7:39-40 Widow (or widower) Free to marry any Christian of the opposite sex; though OK to stay single.

2. V. 12 “But to the rest I, not the Lord, say…” Paul is not saying this is only his opinion, he is simply admitting he does not have a Jesus saying that deals with the marriage relationship between a believer and a nonbeliever. His words still had the authority of an apostle.

3. Vv. 12-13 Believers are not to divorce unbelievers.

4. V.14 The phrase “…the unbelieving husband is sanctified by the wife…” is probably alluding to the fact that because the believing spouse is blessed by God, the unbelieving spouse will reap some of these blessings of having a faithful, moral Christian wife, and exposure to the gospel. He is not saying the unbelieving spouse is automatically saved by being married to a believing spouse. The same goes for the children.

5. V. 15 Paul has no authority over the actions of the nonbeliever. He can tell the believer not to initiate the divorce, but if the nonbeliever decides to divorce, the believer is not required to resist the action.

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F. PRINCIPLE NO. 4: ABOVE ALL ELSE LIVE TO PLEASE GOD (7:17-40)

1. Vv. 18-19 Becoming uncircumcised9 (surgically) or circumcised is unnecessary—just live to please God, that’s what is important.

2. Vv. 36-38 The meaning of these verses is debatable among scholars and difficult to translate. Most likely Paul is saying that engaged couples (“virgin” = fiancée?) who face strong sexual passions should go ahead and get married.10

3. Finally. Paul reminds them not to get bogged down with the affairs of this life…your highest priority is living to please God.

G. OTHER BIBLICAL PRINCIPLES OF MARRIAGE

1. Marriage as God designed it is between one man and one woman for life (Genesis 2:18, 22).

2. Marriage is the combining of two distinct individuals into a new entity, a new family (Genesis 2:23–24).

3. Marriage is witnessed by God Himself as He makes two people one (Malachi 2:13–15).

4. Divorce was not an option in God’s original design (Matthew 19:7–10). Later, divorce was granted on the grounds of:

a) Infidelity on the part of a spouse (Matt. 19:9). b) Death of a spouse (Rom. 7:2). c) An unbelieving souse leaves the marriage (Rom. 12:18).

5. Marriage is a small glimpse of Christ’s intimate, loving relationship with His bride, the church (Ephesians 5:31–32).

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LESSON 6 THE LIMITS OF CHRISTIAN LIBERTY :1—11:1

DEFINITION Christian liberty can mean that Christians are freed in respect to such activity that is not expressly forbidden in the Bible.

A. PRINCIPLE NO. 1: I MUST PUT MY CHRISTIAN LIBERTY BELOW THE NEEDS OF OTHERS (CHAPTER 8)

1. Some behaviors are neither right nor wrong…some are gray (1 Cor. 8:4-6)

a) Examples: Eating meat offered to idols, drinking wine with dinner, practicing yoga, going to movies, getting tattoos, inter-racial dating, eating too much, favoring one political party over another, wearing makeup, remarriage after divorce, styles of music, playing the lottery, covering the head when attending church, naming children after traditional gods, etc. b) Scripture does not always give us clear direction for some of these issues.

2. In those gray areas I must be sensitive to how my Christian liberty affects weaker believers. (1 Cor. 8:7)

a) Issues that are “gray” become less of a problem as Christians grow in the knowledge of God’s Word. b) As Christians grow spiritually their preconversion habits will be seen in a different light. c) If we insist in having our rights when they may offend our “weaker” believers, divisions will occur. d) Until the “weaker” believer matures we are to avoid offending them.

3. I must put aside my Christian liberty if it causes my brother to stumble. (1 Cor. 8:9, 13)

a) Genuine love for growing believers is more important than insisting on our personal rights. b) We must recognize that not all Christians grow at the same rate.

B. PRINCIPLE 2: I MUST PUT MY CHRISTIAN LIBERTY ASIDE IF IT HINDERS THE GOSPEL (CHAPTER 9)

1. My Christian liberty is not to hinder the progress of the gospel. (1 Cor. 9:12) “but endure all things lest we hinder the gospel of Christ” (1 Cor. 9:12 NKJ)

2. I must identify with those who are weak so I might win them for Christ. (1 Cor. 9:18-23)

C. PRINCIPLE 3: I MUST NOT BE ARROGANT ABOUT MY CHRISTIAN LIBERTY (CHAPTER 10)

1. I must acknowledge that I cannot live the Christian life in my own strength. (1 Cor. 10:12-13; 22)

2. Though I have the right to do anything, not everything is good for me. (1 Cor. 10:23-24)

3. The well-being of others is more important than my own well-being. Let no one seek his own, but each one the other's well-being. (1 Cor. 10: 24 NKJ)

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LESSON 7 MEN AND WOMEN IN THE CHURCH :2-16

Main Idea In the Corinthian church, cultural practices of head coverings and hair lengths were distorting the understanding of Christian headships and were causing divisions.

A. PRINCIPLE NO. 1

Just as Jesus has placed himself under the authority of the Father, a husband is to place himself under the authority of Jesus Christ, and the wife under the authority of her husband (11:2-3)

1. 11:2 –“Traditions” were most likely the stories about and the teachings of Jesus (cf. 11:23-26; 15:1-7)

2. 11:3-“Head” = authority. The husband is under Christ’s authority and as such he is held responsible for the welfare of his wife and children.

3. 11:3- Even though Jesus Christ placed himself under the authority of the Father it does not mean he is inferior in essence to the Father.

B. PRINCIPLE NO. 2

In the Corinthian culture either covering the head or not covering the head could ______Principle No. 1 (11:4-12)

1. 11:4 – In the Corinthian culture men often covered their heads by pulling their toga over their head. In the Roman culture leaders in pagan rites covered their heads so many Christian men also covered their heads as an act of “piety.” But for a Christian man to cover his head suggested a reversal of roles where he would be under his wife’s authority.

2. 11:5-6 – In the Corinthian culture a woman’s long was viewed as being very sexy. For a woman then to pray or speak in the Corinthian church with her head uncovered was to imply she was immoral. In this culture, cutting off the hair, or shaving it off completely was a punishment designed for public humiliation of adulterous wives.

3. 11:7 – Though men and women were both created in God’s image, man’s role uniquely reflects the glory of God. Man is therefore not to cover his head.

4. 11:8-12. The words “man” and “woman” would be better translated “husband” and “wife” in this context

5. 11:10 – “Because of angels” Paul is most likely referring to invisible heavenly beings (6:3; Heb. 1:7) who are present with the Corinthian when they worship (Psa. 138:1).

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C. PRINCIPLE NO. 3

In the Corinthian culture ______could also symbolically distort Principle No. 1 (11:13-16)

1. 11:14 – In the Corinthian culture a man with long hair was viewed as being effeminate, or even homosexual. A man would then be viewed as being disgraced. 2. 11:13-16 – Paul now gives three appeals to remove any remaining doubt about his teaching: Common sense (11:13), nature (11:14-15), and Christian custom (11:16).

D. SUMMARY

These issues pertained to the Corinthian culture and are not directly applicable for today. However, the Christian husband is to acknowledge that he is under Jesus’ authority (headship) and the Christian wife is to recognize that she is under the husband’s authority (headship).

1. This passage is not saying that women are inferior in God’s eyes. 2. The roles of men and women are different in function and relationships, but not in spirituality or importance. 3. Men and women are complementary in every way in life, but particularly in the Lord’s work do they function together as a divinely ordained team. 4. Women are equal to men in the world, in the church, and before God. He created both for his glorious purposes.

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LESSON 8 THE LORD’S SUPPER 1 Corinthians 11:17-34

A. MAIN IDEA

Paul is addressing the serious abuse of the Lord’s Supper by the Corinthian Christians.

B. NAMES

1. Lord’s Supper (1 Cor. 11:20).

2. Communion (commonness, oneness with Christ).

3. Eucharist (Greek for “giving thanks”).

C. SCRIPTURES RELATED TO LORD’S SUPPER

The accounts of the Lord’s Supper are found in Matthew 26:26-29; Mark 14:17-25; Luke 22:7-22; and John 13:21-30.

D. HOW THE LORD’S SUPPER WAS BEING ABUSED

1. They were eating in an unworthy manner (11:27).

a) The early church love feasts11 (cf. Jude 12) usually closed with the observance of the Lord’s Supper. b) The worldly carnal church at Corinth had turned those sacred meals into gluttonous, drunken revelries (11:17-21). c) They were selfishly hogging the best food, and not waiting for one another to share in all the plates on the buffet. d) The rich people brought ample food and drink for themselves but refused to share, letting their poorer fellow believers to go away hungry.12

2. They were not concerned about the unity of the church body (11:18-19).

a) The love feast and communion celebration had become so perverted that it was a sinful, selfish mockery. Unworthy! b) Unworthy= with an unrepentant heart, a spirit of bitterness, or any other ungodly attitude. c) The word “communion” means commonness, but this practice resulted in divisions within the church (11:18). d) We may ask what it means to partake of the bread and the cup “in an unworthy manner.” S. Michael Houdmann states that it may mean to disregard the true meaning of the bread and cup and to forget the tremendous price our Savior paid for our salvation. Or it may mean to allow the ceremony to become a dead and formal ritual or to come to the Lord’s Supper with unconfessed sin. e) In keeping with Paul’s instruction, we should examine ourselves before eating the bread and drinking the cup.

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3. They were failing to recognize their misconduct (11:30-31)

a) When believers do not properly judge the holiness of the celebration of communion, they treat with indifference the Lord himself—his life, suffering, and death. b) The offense was so serious that God put the worst offenders to death, an extreme but effective form of church purification.13 God dealt with intentional, calculated sin in the church by taking the physical life of the sinner.14 Christians are to admit their sins, turn from them, and ask God’s forgiveness.

E. RELATIONSHIP TO PASSOVER

1. Jesus chose to transform the Passover feast into a new institution to mark his coming substitutionary death for the nation.

2. Just as the Passover’s blood functioned as a shield against God’s wrath, so in the new age (‘the last days’) Jesus’ blood would serve the same purpose.

3. His actions indicated that the death of the Passover lamb was about to become unnecessary because ‘Christ our Passover is sacrificed for us” (1 Cor. 5:7.15

4. The Passover, in this sense, could never be repeated (Matt. 5:17).

F. HOW IT TO BE OBSERVED

1. It is to be done often by Christians (1 Cor. 11:26).

2. It is to be done with reverence (1 Cor. 11:27, 29).

3. It is to be done with self-examination (1 Cor. 11:28).

4. It is to be done with other Christians (1 Cor. 11:33).

G. CONCLUSION

1. “The Lord’s Supper” is to be treated with the highest respect as a very special memorial as we look back at His death for our sins.

2. Jesus told His disciples that he would not eat of the elements again until that day when he drinks it new with them in his Father's kingdom (Mt 26:29). We are to look forward to the day when we will enjoy the Lord’s Supper with Jesus in his kingdomAnd the angel said to me, "Write this: Blessed are those who are invited to the marriage supper of the Lamb.” (Rev. 19:9 ESV)

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LESSON 9 SPIRITUAL GIFTS :1—14:40

A. WHAT ARE SPIRITUAL GIFTS?

Spiritual gifts are abilities that are empowered by the Holy Spirit and used in any ministry for the purpose of building up the body of Christ, the church.

B. SPIRITUAL GIFTS ARE NOT

1. Always the same thing as natural talents and abilities

2. Supernatural manifestations

3. The “fruit” of the Holy Spirit. (Gal. 5:22-23)

4. All exclusively internal to the church body

5. Intended to bring glory to the believer

C. PERSONAL BENEFITS

1. You experience the joy of knowing that God is working through you in a special way

2. You realize that you are an instrument in the hands of God

3. You become part of the whole, like the many gears in a well-oiled machine

4. You become a contributor to the building-up process of the church

5. You discover that you have a unique way of edifying others, and glorifying God

D. SEVEN PRINCIPLES OF SPIRITUAL GIFTS

1. Principle #1: There is diversity and purpose in spiritual gifts

2. Principle #2: We are accountable to Christ for the use of our spiritual gifts

3. Principle #3: You need other believers and other believers need you

4. Principle #4: Every believer has at least one gift

5. Principle #5: They are to be discovered

6. Principle #6: Unity of the church body results from their usage

7. Principle #7: Gifts are manifested in varying degrees of strength

E. TYPES OF SPIRITUAL GIFTS

1. The Bible does not lock us into tight restrictions as to the number of spiritual gifts, or even their

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definitions.

2. The four major lists of 23 gifts are found in :3-8, 1 Corinthians 12:1-11, 27-31,and Eph. 4:11- 12, 1 Peter 4:9-11 but there are other passages that mention or illustrate gifts not included in these lists.

3. Remember you may have many gifts.

F. TEN PITFALLS TO AVOID

1. Not being aware of the nature and need for spiritual gifts.

2. Selecting a gift without seeking God’s choice.

3. Comparing your giftedness to others.

4. Being too reluctant to use your God-chosen gift.

5. Placing more of an emphasis on using your spiritual gift than on your personal daily relationship with Christ.

6. Not using your gift to benefit others because you don’t like what you see in them.

7. Putting personal needs above the needs of others.

8. Failing to be persistent when opposed by the enemy.

9. Neglecting to remain dependent on the Holy Spirit for power.

10. Neglecting to pray about the use of your spiritual gift.

G. HOW TO DISCOVER YOUR SPIRITUAL GIFT(S)

1. Make yourself neutral. Avoid predetermining what you believe your gift might be

2. Ask God to reveal his appointed gift to you

3. Explore your desires. God not only appoints but he provides the motivation and desire to serve

4. Experiment with possible ministry areas to see if that is what God would have you to do

5. Look for confirmation from others. When this happens, give all credit to God

6. Remember, discovery may take time so be patient and let the Lord lead you

H. THINGS TO REMEMBER

1. You may have a gift mix, or a combination of gifts that may be used concurrently or sequentially. At different times in your life you may find the Holy Spirit using different gifts through you.

2. Ask yourself “is this effort in some way, either directly or indirectly building up the church body”?

3. Check your gift motives against I Corinthians 13:1 to make sure they are always exercised in the love of God.

4. Don’t be surprised if the gift God gives you results in a new ministry of the church.

5. Use the gifts with the strength God provides you (Romans 12:3; I Peter 4:11)

6. You will glorify God when you use them.

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7. You will discover that you have a unique way of edifying others.

8. You become a contributor to the building-up process of the church.

9. You will experience the joy of knowing that God is working through you in a special way.

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LESSON 10 THE RESURRECTION

A. MAIN IDEA: BUT BECAUSE CHRIST WAS PHYSICALLY RESURRECTED, BELIEVERS WILL ALSO BE RESURRECTED AND GIVEN NEW PHYSICAL BODIES.

In Corinth many people believed that when a person died they simply ceased to exist; others believed the afterlife was a shadowy existence in the underworld.

B. OUTLINE

1. The Resurrection of Jesus Christ (vv. 1-11)

a) Jesus Christ died but physically rose from the dead (vv.1-4) b) He was seen by many people after his resurrection (vv. 5-11)

2. The Resurrection of the Dead (vv. 12-34)

a) Christ’s resurrection is proof that the dead will also be resurrected (vv. 12-19) b) Jesus Christ was the first person to be resurrected in this way (vv. 20-23) c) Jesus will eventually destroy death itself and reign supreme (vv. 24-28) d) To believe otherwise is foolish (vv. 29-34)

3. The Resurrection Body (vv. 35-58)

a) God will give you a new physical body (vv. 35-38) b) This new body will be different from your present body (vv. 39-44) c) Our present body is like Adam’s, our new body will be like Christ’s (vv. 45-49; cf. Phil 3:20-21)

1 Corinthians Our present (Adam-like) body Our future (Christ-like) body 15:42 It will die It will never die

15:43a Sown in sin Raised in sinless glory Sown in weakness Raised in power 15:43b (physical/moral weaknesses) (physical and moral strength) Spiritual body 15:44 Natural body (consistent with the character of Holy Spirit) 15:47 From the dust From heaven

d) We will get this new glorified body when Jesus returns (vv. 50-56) e) Ok, now live with the good news of Jesus Christ’s victory over death (vv. 57-58)

C. PROBLEM VERSES

1. Soul sleep? (15:18, 20). No, the souls of dead believers do not sleep (remain unconscious) until Christ returns. “Asleep” is just a euphemism for death.

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2. Baptism for the dead? (15:29). It is not saying people could be baptized as proxies for departed loved ones, since baptism does not save anyone (Mormonism). This verse most likely refers to those who by being baptized showed that they had joined the Christian ranks to take the place of those who had died (martyred?), and therefore could be said to have been baptized for (“for”=taken the place of) those who had died.

D. APPLICATION

1. Let’s get this Good News out there!

2. Learn to look beyond the struggles of this life…live for eternity!

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LESSON 11 STEWARDSHIP IN THE CHURCH :1-4

A. MAIN IDEA: GIVING MONEY TO YOUR CHURCH IS PART OF WORSHIP AND TO BE DONE CHEERFULLY

B. OUTLINE

1. Take a collection for the saints (16:1)

a) Most likely in response to a letter from Corinth b) The collection was for the needy Christians in (see Acts 24:17)

2. Put some money aside beforehand (16:2)

a) Do this regularly on the 1st day of the week (Sunday) b) Give in proportion to your prosperity

3. Pick several members to take it to Jerusalem (16:3)

a) This ensures no misuse of the money b) A letter shall be included

4. I’m will to go with those individuals to Jerusalem (16:4)

a) The choice is up the them b) Paul would lead the group to Jerusalem

C. THREE KEY PRINCIPLES OF GIVING

1. Christian giving is an act of worship (16:2)

a) It was done on the 1st day of the week, Sunday, when they met to worship b) This is giving by the church to the church for the church

2. Christian giving should be done in accordance with our means (16:2)

a) “As he may prosper” (16:2; 2 Cor. 9:12) b) The more you have the more you can give (Luke 12:48b) c) Christian giving is not based on a fixed percentage

3. Christian giving is to be done cheerfully (2 Cor. 9:7)

a) Because we love the Lord b) Because it has eternal value (Matt. 6:19-21)

D. APPLICATION

1. Consider using the 80-10-10 method

a) 80% to live on

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b) 10% for savings and retirement c) 10% giving to the church

2. Ask God for wisdom about how much to give (Jas. 1:5)

a) Can I give more and still meet my financial obligations? b) Is my giving being managed properly by my church? c) Can I give to other para-church organizations while supporting my own church?

3. Keep your “return-on-investment” in mind

a) Is my money-management having an eternal value? b) Is my money being used to build up fellow believers? c) Is my money being used to bring in others to God’s kingdom?

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LESSON 12 DOING THE LORD’S WORK IN THE LORD’S WAY 1 Corinthians 16:5-24

A. MAIN IDEA: DOING THE LORD’S WORK IS TO BE DONE OUT OF GENUINE LOVE FOR HIM AND YOUR FELLOW BELIEVERS

B. OUTLINE

1. Paul’s Plans for Travel (16:5-11)

a) I’ll visit you for a short while on my way to b) Great opportunities but also great opposition in Ephesus c) When Timothy arrives treat him with respect

2. Paul’s Final Instructions (16:12-18)

a) Apollos will visit you later b) Be on your guard for opposition and do everything in love, which is the Lord’s way c) Encourage Stephanas and his friends for their devotion to the Lord’s work

3. Greetings to you (16:19-24)

a) Greetings from these other churches and friends b) May those who oppose the Lord’s work be accursed

C. PRINCIPLES

1. Expect opposition to the Lord’s work

2. Respect younger church leaders as much as the older leaders.

3. Everything you do for the Lord is to be motivated by genuine love.

D. APPLICATION

1. ENCOURAGE: Identify and implement ways you can encourage your church leaders, especially those who are in full-time service.

2. EXAMINE: Make it a continual practice to examine your motives when serving others and serving the Lord.

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SUMMARY OF LESSON MAIN IDEAS

Lesson 1: As believers you are saved from the penalty of sin, being made more and more free from the power of sin, and someday you will be free from the presence of sin.

Lesson 2: Avoid harmful divisions with the church and always seek to bring unity among believers.

Lesson 3: The truly great people don’t seek their own greatness.

Lesson 4: Harmful cultural practices of sexual immorality and legal disputing will defile the church body.

Lesson 5: God instituted marriage to be the union of a man and a woman, which is to be the foundation of a healthy home and family.

Lesson 6: Christian liberty means that Christians are freed in respect to those things not expressly forbidden in the Bible, while being sensitive to fellow believers who may have a weaker conscience.

Lesson 7: In the Corinthian church, cultural practices of head coverings and hair lengths were distorting the understanding of Christian headships and were causing divisions.

Lesson 8: Be careful not to abuse the Lord’s Supper by practicing it in an unworthy manner.

Lesson 9: Every believer is to discover and use his/her own God-given special ability for building up other believers in the church body.

Lesson 10: Because Christ was physically resurrected, believers will also be resurrected and given new physical bodies.

Lesson 11: Giving money to the church is part of worship and it is to be done cheerfully.

Lesson 12: Doing the Lord’s work is to be done out of genuine love for him and others.

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BIBLIOGRAPHY

Chester, Tim and Steve Timmis. Everyday Church: Gospel Communities on Mission. Wheaton: Crossway (Good News Publishers), 2012.

Dever, Mark. 1 Corinthians 1-9: Challenging Church. Purcellville, VA: The Good Book Company, 2012.

Jensen, Irving L. Jensen's Survey of the . Chicago: Moody Publishers, 1981.

MacArthur, John. 1 Corinthians: Godly Solutions for Church Problems. Nashville: Nelson Books, 2007.

—. The MacArthur Bible Commentary. Nashville: Thomas Nelson Publishers, 2005.

Mounce, William D. Mounce's Complete Expository Dictionary of Old and New Testament Words. Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 2006.

Smallman, William. First Corinthians: Order in the Church. CreateSpace, 2017.

T., Alexander Desmond, et al. New Dictionary of Biblical Theology: Exploring the Unity and Diversity of Scripture. Downers Grove: Intervarsity Press, 2000.

Vang, Preban. 1 Corinthians: Teach the Text. Grands Rapids: Baker Books, 2014.

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END NOTES

1 During Paul’s first visit to Corinth, Sosthenes was beaten by the crowd when the Roman official (Gallio) refused to bring charges against Paul by the Jews. Sosthenes probably became a Christian.

2 http://thomrainer.com/2015/11/twenty-five-silly-things-church-members-fight-over/

3 (Mounce 259)

4 (MacArthur, The MacArthur Bible Commentary 1577)

5 Sexual promiscuity was viewed by those who felt that because only the spirit is good, one is free to do whatever one wants to do with the body. Ascetics felt that severe self-denial (celibacy) brought one to a higher spiritual level of devotion.

6 American Psychological Association

7 Kids Count Data Center,

8 (Dever 84)

9 Since the days preceding the Maccabean Revolt, 2nd Century BC, some Jews had sought to remove their mark of circumcision to find greater acceptance in the Hellenistic world. (Vang 108)

10 (Vang 244)

11 A love feast or agape feast was a fellowship meal eaten by Christians in the early church. There is biblical evidence for the practice of these communal meals, during which Christians gathered not just for the sake of sustenance and socializing, but for the sake of fellowship (Acts 2:46–47; 1 Corinthians 11:17–34). The term love feast appears in the Bible in the book of Jude. GotQuestions.org

12 (MacArthur, The MacArthur Bible Commentary 1589)

13 (MacArthur, The MacArthur Bible Commentary 1590)

14 GotQuestions.org.

15 (T., Rosner and Carson 751)

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