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Fri 19 Nov 2010

The Order and Ordnance of Communion

Posted @ 6:00 am      {Click to post comment} 
Category: Studies
 
1 Corinthians 11:17-34
The Order and Ordnance of Communion
Date: 21-Nov-10
Required Resources:
Purpose (Why am I teaching this lesson? What effect did the writer expect it to have on the recipients?)
The purpose of this lesson is to inform as to the importance and joy of the Lord’s Table.

Theme (What central idea does this passage communicate?)
Dishonoring God in the Lord’s Table

Introduction

Review & Homework:
Outline
A. Salutations & Reminders (v1:1-1:9)
B. Divisions within the church (v1:10-4:21)
C. …of conduct unbecoming a believer (v5:1-13) {church discipline}
D. Dealing with offenses in The Body (v6:1-11)
E. The bondage of sexual sin (v6:12-20)
 – Now For The Matters You Wrote About –
F. Marriage, Divorce & Singleness (v7:1-40)
G. Christian Liberty (v8:1-11:1)
H. Order in Worship (v11:2-14:39 )
    1. Submission to established order (v11:2-16)
    Ü 2. Order in the Observance of the Lord’s Table (v11:17-34)
Homework
  • Read 1 Corinthians 11:17-34 and complete a page in your study booklet
  • Come prepared to explain what The Lord’s Table means to you personally.

Read text
¿: What was the occasion when Jesus broke the bread and drank the cup?
Ü Tell me about the occasion behind the feast of the Passover.

The Text
Scripture
Observation
1 Corinthians 11:17-22
THE ABUSE

17 In the following directives I have no praise for you, for your meetings do more harm than good.
18 In the first place, I hear that when you come together as a church, there are divisions among you, and to some extent I believe it.
19 No doubt there have to be differences among you to show which of you have God’s approval.
20 When you come together, it is not the Lord’s Supper you eat,
21 for as you eat, each of you goes ahead without waiting for anybody else. One remains hungry, another gets drunk.
22 Don’t you have homes to eat and drink in? Or do you despise the church of God and humiliate those who have nothing? What shall I say to you? Shall I praise you for this? Certainly not!

“divisions among you” – divisions were addressed in chapters 1-4 – from the context of the passage, might this have been class divisions?
Ü A commemoration of Christ’s’ selfless act had become an experience of selfishness.  Someone goes in want and someone else has excess.

“to some extent I believe it” – could Paul be saying, “It seems exaggerated but from what other abuses I’ve already heard about, I have to believe there’s truth in what I hear?”
Ü Reputation precedes the facts

v19 seems to say that without “abusers” those that obey God wouldn’t stand out.
¿: Do you think Paul is saying there MUST be “abusers”? (cf. Matt 18:5-7; 13:24-30)
Ü The approved ones in God’s flock are tried in hardship and come out shining!  Only these saints should be entrusted to leadership positions. (cf. 1 Tim 3:8-10)

¿: From v21 does this sound like the Lord’s Table as we know it today?
Ü In the early church the Lord’s Table was remembered in conjunction with a communal feast, called the “Love Feast” or “Agape Feast” (cf. Jude 1:12)

¿: What did Paul TWICE say he felt about their behavior? [no praise - v17, 22]
¿: What summary value statement did Paul make? [meetings do more harm than good - v17]

Ü When coming before the Lord’s Table Christians should leave all racial prejudice, sexual prejudice, class pride, and any idea of superiority behind.
¿: What truth is this statement based on? [In the Lord, all are equal]
¿: What if another believer (or my spouse) wronged me (and I can’t get over it)?
1 Corinthians 11:23-26
THE ORDNANCE

23 For I received from the Lord what I also passed on to you: The Lord Jesus, on the night he was betrayed, took bread,
24 and when he had given thanks, he broke it and said, “This is my body, which is for you; do this in remembrance of me.”
25 In the same way, after supper he took the cup, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood; do this, whenever you drink it, in remembrance of me.”
26 For whenever you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes.































READ
v24-25 in KJV
“what I also passed on to you” – Paul was reminding of what he’d already told them.

It is likely these words were recorded before the gospels were penned.
(Matthew=60-85AD;  Mark=55-70AD;  Luke=60-75AD; John=100-115AD;  1 Corinthians=52-54AD)

The Passover meal began with the host’s pronouncing a blessing over the first cup of red wine and passing it to the others present.  Four cups of wine were passed around during the meal.  After the first cup was drunk bitter herbs dipped in a fruit sauce were eaten and a message was given on the meaning of Passover.  The the first part of a hymn, the Hallel (which means “praise” and is related to hallelujah, “praise ye the Lord”), was sung.  The Hallel is comprised of Psalms 113-118, and the first part sung was usually 113 or 113 and 114.  After a second cup was passed, the host would break and pass around the unleavened bread.  The meal proper, which consisted of the roasted sacrificial lamb, was eaten.  The third cup, after prayer, was then passed and the rest of the Hallel was sung.  The forth cup, which celebrated the coming kingdom, was drunk immediately before leaving.  It was the third cup that Jesus blessed and that became the cup of Communion. [The MacArthur New Testament Commentary: 1 Corinthians; John MacArthur; 1984; pg 271]

After the meal, before they went out they sang a hymn (cf. Matt. 26:26-30)

What we celebrate as the Lord’s Table was taken from a portion of the Passover meal.

Ü Transubstantiation (Roman Catholic) – teaches that the bread and wine are literally changed into the body and blood of Christ.

Ü Consubstantiation (Lutheran) – teaches that the true body and blood of Christ are in, with, and under the bread and wine.
¿: Where either of these true at the time Christ instituted the meal?

¿: What is the key difference of v24, 25 between KJV and modern xlations/WHY? [KJV is based on manuscripts not deemed as accurate by modern scholars]
¿: Does it make a difference? (John 19:31-36; Psalm 34:20)

“for you” – ¿: What is the significance of these words?

¿: Why unleavened bread?
Ü Unleavened bread was a sign of the haste in leaving Egypt.  Christ’s body is our deliverance.
¿: Why wine?
Ü Wine was a symbol of the blood on the doorposts which signaled the angel of death to pass over a household.  Christ’s blood redeems us from death.

¿: How often does our church partake?
¿: How often should the church partake? [There was no prescribed frequency.]

“until he comes” – this is our hope and joy… The Lord’s Table is remembering in vivid detail what Christ did for ME.  IT IS a time of joy in the knowledge of His promised coming.
1 Corinthians 11:27-32
THE ADMONITION

27 Therefore, whoever eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty of sinning against the body and blood of the Lord.
28 A man ought to examine himself before he eats of the bread and drinks of the cup.
29 For anyone who eats and drinks without recognizing the body of the Lord eats and drinks judgment on himself.
30 That is why many among you are weak and sick, and a number of you have fallen asleep.
31 But if we judged ourselves, we would not come under judgment.
32 When we are judged by the Lord, we are being disciplined so that we will not be condemned with the world.

¿: In the context of this passage, what was the unworthy manner which Paul says they are partaking?

¿: Read v29 and v32 in KJV, what are the significant differences? [it’s a good practice to compare various translations when trying to discern the meaning of a passage]

¿: What was the judgment many were under?
¿: Do you think this applies to us today?  What about judgment in other areas within the body?

“judged ourselves, we would not come under judgment” – honest confession – ask God to reveal sin in us, especially in this context of relationships.  Judging ourselves means sin is acknowledged and confessed.  Apologies and reconciliation are made at the time, if possible.
1 Corinthians 11:33-34
THE PRESCRIPTION

33 So then, my brothers, when you come together to eat, wait for each other.
34 If anyone is hungry, he should eat at home, so that when you meet together it may not result in judgment. And when I come I will give further directions.

Conclusion
Personal Application:
  • Do you view the Lord’s Table as a somber event?  Why and why not?
  • In light of the abuses of the Corinth, how do you think Christ intended it?

Homework:
  • Read 1 Corinthians 12:1-11
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Fri 12 Nov 2010

Submission to Order

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Category: Studies
1 Corinthians 11:2-16
Submission to Order
Date: 14-Nov-10
Required Resources:
Purpose (Why am I teaching this lesson? What effect did the writer expect it to have on the recipients?)
The purpose of this lesson is to understand how God’s design for submission fits within the Body today.

Theme (What central idea does this passage communicate?)
Submission to Divine order

Introduction
Review & Homework:
Outline
A. Salutations & Reminders (v1:1-1:9)
B. Divisions within the church (v1:10-4:21)
C. …of conduct unbecoming a believer (v5:1-13) {church discipline}
D. Dealing with offenses in The Body (v6:1-11)
E. The bondage of sexual sin (v6:12-20)
 – Now For The Matters You Wrote About –
F. Marriage, Divorce & Singleness (v7:1-40)
G. Christian Liberty (v8:1-11:1)
H. Order in Worship (v11:2-14:39 )
  Ü1. Submission to established order (v11:2-16)
        a. Reminder of foundational teaching (v2)
        b. The Devine order (v3)
        c. The Question (v4-6)
        d. Argument 1 – Order of creation (v7-9)
        e. Argument 2 – The angels (v10)
        f. Equality in the Lord (v11)
        g. Argument 3 – Natural way (v13-15)
        h. Argument 4 – Accepted order (v16)
Homework
  • Read 1 Corinthians 11:2-16 and complete a page in your study booklet
  • Come prepared to discuss:
    Ü whether woman should or should not cover their heads in church (and when)
    Ü why is this passage even in scripture?

Whiteboard: High level review of book to place context

In this next segment (v11:2-14:39) of the letter, Paul discusses various issues of order when the body assembles to worship. Interestingly he begins by talking about women’s head covering during worship and ends with a discussion of women speaking during the service.

Remember, this section of the book is addressing issues raised by the church in Corinth

Read text
¿: Is this instruction for today?  Why/why not?
¿: What is the danger in saying the specific admonition in this passage IS NOT for today?
¿: If we say that a woman covering her head was only cultural, why not say the same about how the Bible defines marriage, after all aren’t fundamental Christians alienating themselves by their stance?

We need to exercise caution in this passage as there is a tendency to say “that doesn’t apply to me.”  If we assert that Paul inserted his own beliefs into the teaching, then we deny the inspiration of the entirety of Scripture.  The slippery slope is that this makes the believer judge of which scriptures apply.

Whiteboard: dissect text
v2 (application from fundamental teaching)
Divine order
THE QUESTION
Arguments 1-4 to determine the principle
Finally –  covering the head as situation at the time

The Text
Scripture
Observation
1 Corinthians 11:2-16
1 Corinthians 11:2

¿: Does this praise seem out of place?
¿: Why did Paul say this as he introduced the section? [maybe the following was not core teaching while he was with them but it’s application could be drawn from Paul’s teaching]
Divine Order
1 Corinthians 11:3

Paul spells out the Divine order of creation.  In this order even Christ submitted to the will of the father (Luke 22:41-42) and some day angels will submit to believers (1 Cor. 6:3). This principle is not just to husbands and wives, it extends throughout society.

There is no implication of superiority, as we see later in the passage.  It’s simply a matter of order.  There are many cases in the workplace, in church leadership, in the government where those in charge are not more knowledgeable or even more skilled – the essential quality is to maintain & acknowledge God’s design for societal order.
The Question
1 Corinthians 11:4-6

In Paul’s day women’s hair was a common object of lust.  Women were expected to cover their hair.  To fail to cover their hair was thought to provoke male lust as a bathing suit is through to provoke it in some cultures today.  Upper-class women, eager to show off their fashionable hairstyles did not practice it.  Thus Paul needed to address culture clash in the church between upper-class fashion and lower-class concern for sexual propriety being violated. [The IVP Bible Background Commentary: New Testament; Keener; 1993; pg475]

v5 – Roman law provided for shaving a woman’s head when caught in adultery.

“prays or prophesies” – (cf. Tit. 2:3-5 for more on woman’s role in speaking in body)
   Prophesy = speaking under divine inspiration = truth-telling
  Ü praying is talking to God, prophesying is talking to men about God
   ¿: Do these verses exclude women from praying or prophesying?

*in light of the “everything is permissible” philosophy of the church, could it be that the women were flaunting the custom of the day?
   ¿: If this were true, do you think it was right or wrong to tell them to cover their heads?
   ¿: For this to even be a question raised to Paul, what might have been the heart attitude of those not covering their head?

¿: When do these verses apply? [when woman prays and prophesies]

Secular history of this time in the Roman empire teaches us that there was a feminist movement and women would take off their head covering to be like a man and exhibited other signs of protest, such as moving into traditionally males jobs, neglecting family obligations and even wearing male clothing.[The MacArthur New Testament Commentary: 1 Corinthians; John MacArthur; 1984; pg 256]

The idea of head covering could have been a local custom of those in Corinth.  A custom based upon the “order of society.”  In essence this passage may be saying that “in your culture this practice acknowledges the God-ordained order of things; therefore do not abolish the custom since it reminds of what God instituted.(v10)”

¿: Does this mean there was something wrong with wearing clothing of choice or taking an occupation normally occupied by another gender? [no, the issue would be whether it’s spawned by a rebellious heart]
¿: Do any of us want to identify with those who are rebellious?
  Ü Remember the meat sacrificed to idols.  It’s not whether we can that matters it’s about the message we communicate to others.

¿: If it’s permissible not to cover the heart – assuming a right heart – why would Paul under inspiration of the Holy Spirit say to do it?
Argument 1
Order of Creation
1 Corinthians 11:7-9











“glory of God” – Gen. 1:27 – man was created from the dust of the ground, woman from man.
“glory of man” – woman was an ally of man; complimentary role (cf. Prov. 12:4)

Cf. Gen. 2:18-24 – The order of creation was man then woman.  Woman was not created inferior to man but with gifts and abilities which complemented and completed man.  The “order of creation” argument was not to subjugate woman but to show divine order.  Men and women are different both physically and in societal roles.

Both were created in the image of God.  Woman being created from man is a direct reflection of man – the glory of man.

¿: Are these verses cultural only (in reference to order of relationship)? [no, they go back to creation]
Argument 2
The Angels
1 Corinthians 11:10




“because of the angels”  - could mean:
(somehow the angels are involved – Matt. 18:10; 1 Cor. 4:9; Eph. 3:8-10; 1 Tim. 5:21)

  Ü would bring the wisdom of God into disrepute
  Ü angels lusting after women (cf. Gen. 6:1-3)
  Ü some believe refers to angels involved in divine worship would be offended by a breach in the order of things
  Ü some believe refers to angels one day subordinating to believers, including these woman; therefore the woman need to show proper respect in their wise choices today to show that they can submit to authority – angels might be tempted by bad example
  Ü maybe this is as simple as viewing angels as spectators in the story of humanity. They saw what happened in the garden and do not want to see it again

“sign of authority”
   ¿: What does this mean?
   ¿: Does “sign of authority” help (or confuse) our discerning this passage? [I believe it’s the key verse in understanding this passage – this thought contains the central idea]
Equality
1 Corinthians 11:11-12

Paul clarifies the relationship of men in women in order show that he is only talking about head coverings.  He is not teaching chauvinism.
Argument 3
Nature
1 Corinthians 11:13-15

“very nature of things” – normally men grow facial hair, women have long hair, men short; Paul was saying “look around, doesn’t it make sense from what we’re seen of the way things are.”
Argument 4
That’s the way it is
1 Corinthians 11:16

“we have no other practice” – all the churches are in agreement on this matter

Conclusion
Personal Application:
  • What did Paul expect to happen in Corinth?
  • What do you think this instruction to those in Corinth?
  • What is expected of us today?

  • Regardless whether Paul is saying “cover your head” for all generations/cultures it’s not the outward sign that counts – the outward should be there as a sign of the inward
  • Ü ¿: If you DO NOT believe covering your head applies today – do you think there should be an outward sign of acknowledgement of God’s order?

Homework:
  • Read 1 Corinthians 11:17-34
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Fri 5 Nov 2010

To God be the Glory

Posted @ 6:00 am      {Click to post comment} 
Category: Studies
1 Corinthians 10:14-11:1
“To God be the Glory”
Date: 7-Nov-10
Required Resources:
Purpose (Why am I teaching this lesson? What effect did the writer expect it to have on the recipients?)
The purpose of this lesson is to create a sense of purpose in the Christian life that rises above self-centeredness

Theme (What central idea does this passage communicate?)
The Christian life is about God’s glory, not personal satisfaction

Introduction
Review & Homework:
Outline
A. Salutations & Reminders (v1:1-1:9)
B. Divisions within the church (v1:10-4:21)
C. …of conduct unbecoming a believer (v5:1-13) {church discipline}
D. Dealing with offenses in The Body (v6:1-11)
E. The bondage of sexual sin (v6:12-20)
F. Marriage, Divorce & Singleness (v7:1-40)
G. Christian Liberty (v8:1-11:1)
        1. The rule of love (v8:1-13)
        2. The rule in action (v9:1-27)
        3. The rule abused (v10:1-13)
    Ü 4. The rules intent (v:10:14-11:1)
                  a. Understanding idolatry (v14-22)
                  b. All belongs to God (v23-26)
                  c. Thankfulness without demands (v27-30)
                  d. All to glorify God (v31-11:1)
Homework
  • Read 1 Corinthians 10:14 thru 11:1 (yes, the passage does cross over into the next chapter – remember chapter divisions were not added until the middle ages and are not always an accurate indicator of change of subject)
  • Complete a page in your study booklet – find a title that sums up this passage
  • Ü Come to class prepared to tell us what the difference is between this passage and 1 Cor. 8:1-13 (did Paul say the same thing twice?)


POP QUIZ – How does Chapter 8 differ from this last half of chapter 10? – True or False?
  • In chapter 8 Paul emphasized that in order to build up a brother, the rule is love
  • He said that idols were nothing
  • He said that in “questionable/gray areas” there was freedom
  • He said that in “morally neutral” issues that it’s OK as long as I don’t cause the brother with a weaker conscience to stumble
  • This means I AM ALLOWED do whatever I want as long as it doesn’t violate a fellow believer’s conscience or violate God’s law [false, see principles laid out in v10:14-11:1]

Before Paul’s teaching on the evils of idolatry, notice he says FLEE.
¿: Why not teach the “why” followed by “therefore?” [evil is not to be rationalized]

The Text
Scripture
Observation
1 Corinthians 10:14-22
Understanding idolatry

1 Corinthians 10:14-15

















WHITEBOARD
Cf. Isa 44:12-20 – an idol is nothing

“flee from idolatry” – does not say to study it, to become better acquainted with it, or to trifle with it in any way
Ü Idolatry includes much more than bowing down or burning incense to a physical image.  Idolatry is having a false god – any object, idea, philosophy, habit, occupation, sport, or whatever that has one’s primary concern and loyalty or that to any degree decreases one’s trust in and loyalty to the Lord [The MacArthur New Testament Commentary: 1 Corinthians, John MacArthur, 1984, pg232]
Ü Romans 1:20-21 says that man (us) knew God but did not give Him what was rightfully his.
Ü Job expressed his heart about what God deserves (Job 31:24-28)
Ü Jonah knew God. Jonah had an idol which came before God  (Jonah 2:8)
¿: What was Jonah’s idol which was the source of his rebellion against God?

¿: Name some things you do which decrease your trust and loyalty for God. [when we act as if He can’t meet our needs – or that in our effort I will meet my own needs, covetousness, etc., etc.]

Ü An idol can even be something set up in the name of God, but that diminishes Him. Examples: a church, a ministry, even the Scriptures (a specific translation, or denial of the whole of God’s Word by choosing only the parts we want – for instance clinging fast to rebellion against laws we don’t like when God says obey the rulers in authority over us)
United in Spirit
Example 1
a. Oneness in the body of Christ

1 Corinthians 10:16-17

“cup of blessing” – the third and last cup of the Passover meal – blessing was said over it.  Taking the cup is saying we are all participants in the benefits of Christ.

During communion our oneness with Christ means we are one with each other.
United in Spirit
Example 2
b. Oneness in Israel’s sacrificial system

1 Corinthians 10:18

“those who eat the sacrifices participate in the altar” – portion for altar, priest & offerer.

All who ate identified themselves with God.
United in Spirit
Example 3
c. Oneness with demons

1 Corinthians 10:19-22

¿: Paul says you cannot drink the cup of demons and the Lord (v21), what does he mean?
¿: v21 doesn’t make sense – didn’t Jonah do both? (worshipped God & hated the Assyrians)
¿: What about {whiteboard list}, can’t I do both?

¿: Does an idol have power?

The point: “participation with is identification with”
1 Corinthians 10:23-26
All belongs to God

1 Corinthians 10:23-26

“Everything is permissible”—but not everything is beneficial. “Everything is permissible”—but not everything is constructive. (v10:23 – context of food sacrificed to idols)
   compare
“Everything is permissible for me”—but not everything is beneficial. “Everything is permissible for me”—but I will not be mastered by anything. (v6:12 – context of sexual sin)

It is possible the phrase “everything is permissible” was a common preaching point for Paul while he was in Corinth

¿: Is Paul saying he can do whatever he wants? [no, he’s talking about things which are morally indifferent]
Two tests:
Ü Is it permissible for me?
Ü Will it be good for others?
¿: What do you give up for the sake of others?

Applies to dress, food, drink, standards of living, speech, and entertainment

“The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it” – Ps 24:1 commonly used among the Jews as a thanksgiving at the table.  The point in this context is that what the Lord make IS GOOD.
1 Corinthians 10:27-30
Thankfulness without demands

1 Corinthians 10:27-30

¿: In v28, do you think the “man who told you” is a believer or unbeliever?  Why?
Ü Why do you think most commentators seem to think v28 is about the “weaker” believer? [conscience]
¿: Agree of disagree that an unbeliever does not have this kind of conscience?
¿: What are other reasons for an unbeliever to make such a statement? [bragging, trying to trip the believer]

¿: How does the teaching compare to questions of conscience with believers in chapter 8?

A question would be: “Is a piece of meat so important that I should cause such an offense to another?”
¿: What about {whiteboard list}?

v30 talks of giving thanks for the meat being eaten while at the same time wounding another’s conscience, or having another condemn you.  This is contradictory to the way a Christian should conduct his life.

The point: Give thanks for our liberty, then express our liberty by choosing not to offend.
1 Corinthians 10:31-11:1
All to glorify God

1 Corinthians 10:31-11:1

Ü Principle # 1 of Christian living… In what I am doing now, can I bow my head and ask the Lord to magnify Himself through my actions? (Col 3:17)

Ü Principle # 2 of Christian living… As much as is possible with me, am I living at peace with my fellow man?  (Ro 12:18)  (Paul is referring to the needless offense he is not speaking of things which violate principle # 1)

Ü We cannot add to God’s inherent glory.  He is what He is.  He always was and always will be.
Ü We can ascribe glory to God: confession of sin, trusting God, bearing fruit, thanking Him, suffering for Christ, being content, praying, spreading the Word.

The point: There is nothing too mundane in life to not give glory to God

All to the glory of God, no needless offenses to fellow man whether believer or unbeliever (1 Pet. 2:11-19)

Conclusion
Personal Application:
  • Christians have no business in idolatrous behavior but “the meat in the market” is like all other meat – it is legalism to make something of it… unless something is made of it for you, then abstain.
  • ¿: In what areas do I do what is permissible and yet find it does not bring glory to God?

Homework:
  • Read 1 Corinthians 11:2-16 and complete a page in study booklet
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Fri 29 Oct 2010

Lessons Learned?

Posted @ 6:00 am      {Click to post comment} 
Category: Studies
1 Corinthians 10:1-13
Lessons Learned?
Date: 31-Oct-10
Required Resources: You Never Let Go.mp3 – Matt Redman & lyric sheets
Purpose (Why am I teaching this lesson? What effect did the writer expect it to have on the recipients?)
The purpose of this lesson is to encourage participants to evaluate their “freedoms in Christ” in light of biblical examples.

Theme (What central idea does this passage communicate?)
Freedom is not license

Introduction
Review & Homework:
Outline

A. Salutations & Reminders (v1:1-1:9)

B. Divisions within the church (v1:10-4:21)
C. …of conduct unbecoming a believer (v5:1-13) {church discipline}
D. Dealing with offenses in The Body (v6:1-11)
E. The bondage of sexual sin (v6:12-20)
F. Marriage, Divorce & Singleness (v7:1-40)
G. Christian Liberty (v8:1-11:1)
        1. The rule of love (v8:1-13)
        2. The rule in action (v9:1-27)
    Ü 3. The rule abused (v10:1-13)
                  a. A rich history (v1-4)
                  b. A warning from history (v6-10)
                  c. An application of history (v11-13)
        4. The rules intent (v:10:14-11:1)
Homework
  • Read 1 Corinthians 10:1-13 and complete a page in your study booklet.
  • 1 Corinthians 8 opens up with Paul saying, “Now about food sacrificed to idols.”
    1 Corinthians 10:31-33 ends this section by saying, “So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it for the glory of God.”
    Why does Paul sandwich a history lesson in this section?

¿: Who enjoyed history in school?  Why/why not?  Do you feel it’s an important subject?  Why/why not?

Review book outline to date (purpose: place this passage in it’s surrounding context as well as the book)
   The first half of 1 Cor. 8 dealt with food sacrificed to idols.
   The second half of chapters 8 dealt with how my liberty can affect others.
   Chapter 9 dealt with Paul’s example of how he used his liberty.
   Chapter 10 deals with how my liberty (abused) can affect me.

After release from bondage, Israel experienced severe discipline for their actions of rebellion against the God who delivered them.  The focus of this lesson is to take a look at history for ourselves and see what learnings we can glean.

The Text
Scripture
Observation
1 Corinthians 10:1-4
A rich history
1 Corinthians 10:1-4
From homework “words or phrases repeated”?
Repetition: All… all… all… all… most…(in v5)
¿: What is Paul’s point in this?

¿: “For” refers back to? [being disqualified for prize -1 Cor. 9:27]
¿: What were the direct blessings of God which the Israelites experienced?
¿: What does it mean to be baptized into Moses? [under the leadership of, and acknowledged authority of Moses]

Ex. 12:28-32, 40-41 – Freed from bondage after 430 years

Under the cloud
   Ex. 13:21-22 – The cloud guided their way out of Egypt
   Ex. 14:19-20 – The cloud protected them
   Num. 9:15-22 – The cloud continued throughout 40 year journey in wilderness
Passed through the sea
   Ex. 14:21-31 – Passed through on dry ground (people trusted in God)
Food
   Ex. 16:2-4 – Manna    
   Num 11:4-5; 18-21; 31-33 – provided meat
Drink/Rock
   Ex. 17:1-7 – Water from rock at Horeb
   Num. 20:7-11 – Water from rock at Meribah

Paul draws a comparison between salvation of Israel and salvation through Christ
Ü “under the cloud” – identified w/God
Ü “through the sea” – separated from Egypt
Ü with God’s deliverance also comes provision
1 Corinthians 10:5-10
A warning from history
1 Corinthians 10:5-10

Paul’s message here is that issues the Corinthians were dealing with were no different than ancient Israel had to contend with after their deliverance.

Scattered over desert
   Num. 14:26-35 – Lord disallows from entering promised land after spies return
Compare to 1 Cor. 9:24-27 – disqualified for the “race”

Sin
Specifics
Idolatry (v7)
Idolaters – Ex. 32:1-8
Immorality (v8)
Sexual immorality – Num. 25:1-9
Ü 23,000 vs. 24,000 unknown why different except that Paul specifies “in one day” – it could be that the other 1,000 died later or they were the members of the priesthood
Trying God (v9)
Even in the midst of blessing (refer back to Num. 11 w/ blessing of quail Numbers 11:31-34 -Kibroth Hattaavah = “graves of lust”)
Killed by snakes – Num. 21:4-9
Complaining (v10)
Destroying angel
   Num. 16:1-5; 16-35 – Koreh’s followers swallowed by the ground
   Num. 16:41-50 – those who grumbled about Koreh, struck down with plague

¿: Do you think there’s any significance that all these are tied to food? [possible because greater passage is tied to food, maybe sensual indulgence]
1 Corinthians 10:11-13
An application of history
1 Corinthians 10:11-13

Paul gave more than a history lesson, these were examples and warnings

Could it be that some in Israel’s past (and Corinth) WERE NOT looking for a way out, instead a way to indulge?
Ü Indulging the flesh is careless, foolish and may “disqualify” us from the race.

“what you can bear” –
¿: Who causes us to sin? [self, the flesh not satan]

“a way out so that you can stand up under it”
¿: Does he say we can escape?
¿: What does he promise to provide?
Ü Endure via: prayer (Mk. 14:38), trusting (this promise), focus on Christ (Heb. 12:2-4)
v13
Listen to the words of “You Never Let Go – Matt Redman

Conclusion
Personal Application:
  • “If you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don’t fall”
    ¿: How does this admonition apply to you today?
  • ¿: How were the temptations of the Israelites different than what you face today?

Homework:
  • Read 1 Corinthians 10:14-33
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Fri 8 Oct 2010

A Life of Love

Posted @ 6:00 am      {Click to post comment} 
Category: Studies
1 Corinthians 9:1-27
“A Life of Love”
Date: 10-Oct-10
Required Resources:
Purpose (Why am I teaching this lesson? What effect did the writer expect it to have on the recipients?)
The purpose of this lesson is to challenge the viewpoint on exercising personal “rights” in relation to believers and non-believers

Theme (What central idea does this passage communicate?)
True love in action

Introduction
Review & Homework:
Outline
A. Salutations & Reminders (v1:1-1:9)
B. Divisions within the church (v1:10-4:21)
C. …of conduct unbecoming a believer (v5:1-13) {church discipline}
D. Dealing with offenses in The Body (v6:1-11)
E. The bondage of sexual sin (v6:12-20)
F. Marriage, Divorce & Singleness (v7:1-40)
G. Christian Liberty (v8:1-11:1)
       1. The rule of love (v8:1-13)
  Ü 2. The rule in action (v9:1-27)
                  a. Paul’s Validation of Apostleship (v1-3)
                  b. Rights of an Apostle (v4-6)
                  c. Rights Justified (v7-12a)
                  d. Rights Refused (12b-18)
                  e. Self-Denial (19-23)
                  f.  Self-Discipline (v24-27)
        3. The rule abused (v10:1-13)
        4. The rules intent (v:10:14-11:1)
Homework
  • Read 1 Corinthians 9 and complete page in study booklet
  • Picture yourself in this scenario.  You are employed for a small company and your co-workers have a weekly routine of heading to the local pub to socialize and wind down from the week.  You have never joined them and have gently let them know that because you’re a Christian you feel you’d rather be with your family than socializing in this way.  One day you are approached by one of them and asked to join them at the pub because they have some questions about your faith and how you seem to deal with the issues of life differently.  They are insistent that you meet them “on their turf.”
  1. How do you respond?
  2. How do you respond once you find out that most of them profess to be believers?

Read 1 Corinthians 8:13 – “Therefore… I will never eat meat again…” Paul’s lead-in to his personal example of foregoing his personal rights.
 
Having called those more mature Christians to give up their rights (1 Cor. 8), Paul now shows how he is a living example of his teaching.  In 1 Cor. 8:1-3 Paul set out the “Rule of Love” as the guiding principle.  Now he shows “how to love.”
 
The Apostle Paul spent about 1½ years in Corinth founding and building the church; giving them a solid foundation.  The Isthmian Games occurred in Corinth every 2 years.
        How likely do you think it was that Paul attended the games?
        Do you think it was an activity his new brothers would want to share with him?
        Can you picture the excitement and hype…  the Super Bowl is coming to town and you can be at the game, not reading about it in the newspaper?
        Do you think there was excitement?  Do you think Paul would get caught up in it?
 
The Questions
¿: How would Paul have responded to the pre-game/half-time/post-game sacrifices to the false gods?
¿: How do you think Paul would have responded to the fact that all athletic events were in the nude?
 
 
In 1 Corinthians 7 we saw that the advice to the question(s) posed by the church was to find contentment where God had placed you in life.  Sure, it’s OK get married if you desire, it’s OK to gain your freedom if you have a chance BUT WHEREEVER you are, find contentment.
 
In 1 Corinthians 9 this idea is merged with the concept of “love rules over knowledge” (1 Cor. 8) to show that if I am born in America — in the most technological society that has ever existed, in the middle of a culture that values everything contrary to what God says is valuable – among people who reject any notion of God — that that’s where HE wants me.  Whether you have obnoxious neighbors, are dissatisfied with your government, or you’re unhappy with the viewpoint of your church and those “carnal Christians” or “over-zealous legalists,” you are where God has placed you.  I believe His desire is for you to find contentment in that.  Only once you find contentment can God begin to fully use you for the work he has laid out for you.
 
Maybe He’s put you in a “church of legalists” to be salt to them.  Maybe he’s put you into a church were it doesn’t seem you’re brothers and sisters take God seriously specifically so you can be a light.  Consider that wherever or whatever situation you are in life that God has placed you there.
 
As long as you do not violate God’s express will, live in freedom, allowing your life to minister to ALL.  Let’s look at what Paul has to say…

The Text
Scripture
Observation
1 Corinthians
9:1-3
Paul’s Validation of Apostleship

1 Corinthians 9:1-3

Paul affirms that his position as an apostle, therefore he was a “knowledgeable Christian” (v8:1-3)

Begins with 4 rhetorical questions to be answered “yes,” the last was a powerfully true statement that was answered by the personal results of Paul’s ministry.
1 Corinthians
9:4-6
Rights of an Apostle

1 Corinthians 9:4-6

¿: What rights does Paul call out in v4-6?

¿: Do you think Paul knew he could have asked for help while in Corinth?  Why do you think he instead chose work as a tentmaker (Acts 18:3) rather than be supported and be able to devote even more time to spreading the gospel? [possible reason: so it wouldn’t appear to be from a motive of profiteering]
1 Corinthians
9:7-12a
Rights Justified

1 Corinthians 9:7-12

# 1 – Common workers (soldier, the vintner and the shepherd) are supported

#2 – God laid the principle out in the Mosaic law
“Is it about oxen that God is concerned?” – from Deut. 25:4.  Note that the context of Deut 25:4 is human relationships.

#3 – Just reward for exchange of goods/services = spiritual seed for monetary support

#4 – Other received support

¿: Based upon these principles, “how much” compensation do spiritual workers deserve? (Cf. 1 Tim. 5:17-18)
1 Corinthians
9:12b-18
Rights Refused

1 Corinthians 9:12-18

¿: How would Paul not exercising (or exercising) his “right” help or hinder the gospel?

“those who work in the temple get their food from the temple”
The temple sacrificial system taxed 10% to support the tribe of Levi.
¿: What does this verse teach us about those who are in full time ministry?

“Lord has commanded” – Christ’s teaching when he sent the 72 out (Luke 10:7)

“compelled to preach”
¿: Does this have the idea of unwilling?
¿: What is Paul saying in v16-17?
Ü Cf. Jer. 20:9 (Jeremiah ‘compelled’)

Paul is talking of preaching the gospel… chapter 9 is in the greater context of meat sacrificed to idols (chapters 8 & 10)
¿: Who is Paul talking about reaching? [lost & brothers/sisters]

¿: What are the differences in reaching the lost [1 Pet. 3:15]?  And the “weaker” Christian[1 Cor. 8:1]?

Ü Our lives need to be lived as a testimony to unbelievers AS WELL AS believers.
1 Corinthians
9:19-23
Self-Denial

1 Corinthians 9:19-23

“a slave to everyone” – Cf. Mark 10:42-44

Even though Paul became all things to all men, he did not submit himself to the law.

“to the Jews I became… to those not having law I became”
Ü Paul refused to have Titus circumcised (Gal. 2:1-3)
Ü Paul was willing for Timothy to be circumcised (Acts 16:3)
Ü Paul was willing to join in Jewish purification rights (Acts 21:17-26)

¿: Did Paul have a double-standard?  Why do it for one group and not the other?
¿: What would Paul do (or not do) for the Judaizers?  Why/why not?

“to the weak I became weak” – be sensitive to the ‘over-scrupulous’

¿: How do you think Paul dealt with issues of personal conscience and his heart of reaching the lost?

¿: How could this apply to you if a fellow believer “demanded” certain behavior? [not to submit to “bigoted legalists” but to submit for the sake of a “weaker conscience,” which is different]
1 Corinthians
9:24-27
Self-Discipline

1 Corinthians 9:24-27

¿: Is Paul saying only one person gets the prize? What is he saying?
¿: What is the prize?

Every move of Paul’s was carefully calculated “so as to win the race”

¿: Was Paul saying he (or anyone else) could lose his salvation (evaluate in light of greater context of chapter 10)?

An athlete tells his body what to do instead of letting his body tells him when to eat, to rest, and to exercise.

Conclusion
Personal Application:
  • What is the purpose of the law? [to show men they can’t measure up]
  • If that was the purpose of the law, why not discard it? [guidelines for how God desires us to live]
  • ¿: When it comes to our Christian life, what should lead us – our desires or living up to what/where we’ve been called?
  • Principle: Men will do out of love what they will not do from threat.  Love means meeting others where they are at physically, emotionally or spiritually – not compromising our conscience but putting aside our PREFERENCES.
 
Homework:
  • Read Romans 14 – small group study
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Fri 1 Oct 2010

Unloving Knowledge

Posted @ 6:00 am      {Click to post comment} 
Category: Studies
1Corinthians 8:1-13
“Unloving Knowledge”
Date: 3-Oct-10
Required Resources: The MacArthur New Testament Commentary: 1 Corinthians
Purpose (Why am I teaching this lesson? What effect did the writer expect it to have on the recipients?)
The purpose of this lesson is to stir to thought how to mentor a believer who holds to legalistic values.

Theme (What central idea does this passage communicate?)
Don’t cause the weaker brother to stumble.

Introduction
Review & Homework:
Outline
A. Salutations & Reminders (v1:1-1:9)
B. Divisions within the church (v1:10-4:21)
C. …of conduct unbecoming a believer (v5:1-13) {church discipline}
D. Dealing with offenses in The Body (v6:1-11)
E. The bondage of sexual sin (v6:12-20)
F. Marriage, Divorce & Singleness (v7:1-40)
G. Christian Liberty (v8:1-11:1)
      Ü 1. The rule of love (v8:1-13)
                  a. Spiritual Knowledge (v1-3)
                  b. The Truth of the Matter (v4-6)
                  c. Some are less knowledgeable (v7-13)
        2. The rule in action (v9:1-27)
        3. The rule abused (v10:1-13)
        4. The rules intent (v:10:14-11:1)
Homework
  • Read 1 Corinthians 8 and complete a page in your study booklet
  • Name FIVE things which Christians do today that are questionable among other believers. [alcohol, smoking, card playing, gambling, make-up, dancing, movies, music, boycotting companies which support anti-Christian activities, television, political involvement, Halloween, Christmas, honor the Sabbath]

{said for shock value} This chapter is about eating meat sacrificed to idols, therefore it does not apply to us today so we’re going to skip it.

Homework – Five questionable things Christians do today

Read The MacArthur New Testament Commentary: 1 Corinthians, pg 189 beginning at ¶3 & 4 “Two common extremes are often followed in regard to doubtful things…”

In Christians striving to be all God wants them to be, gray areas of conduct have existed since the church has existed.  In Acts 15 we read of the first church counsel to help resolve gray areas of the day.
    • Was circumcision required? (15:1)
    • Abstain from food polluted by idols, sexual immorality, meat of strangled animals, blood (15:20)

    The questions answered in chapters 8-10:
      • The acceptability of buying and eating meat from a sacrificial animal (v8)
      • The acceptability of attending a meal of celebration in the idols temple (v10)
      • The acceptability of eating this meat as an invited guest in a friend’s home (chapter 10)

      Read Text

      Idolatry was such a part of the culture that Christians, who had no idols in this very polytheistic society, were considered atheists.  For those coming out of this culture there was a 2-fold reason for abstaining:
              1) offered to deities
              2) removed demons that could attach themselves meat and be ingested

      ¿: Who is this text written to? [the stronger, more knowledgeable brother]
      ¿: Who has the responsibility?

      The Text
      Scripture
      Observation

      Spiritual  Knowledge

      1 Corinthians 8:1-3

      “Now about food sacrificed to idols” – Paul now answers another question from the church in Corinth, but first an essential parenthetical statement on spiritual knowledge.

      The “knowledge” of the mature allowed them to eat meat as they pleased, they knew it was nothing.  BUT knowledge is not Paul’s guideline.  He states a principle for living which will be epitomized in chapter 13.
      ¿: What does Paul mean by “love”?  What does this love look like in this circumstance?
      ¿: What is the “knowledge” Paul speaks of? [knowledge of spiritual things]

      ¿: Why does he make the statement that “knowledge puffs up, but love builds up?”

      Ü A Christian must not only determine what is lawful for himself but what is best for others. Don’t look at your freedom, look at their need.

      ¿: What is the meaning of verse 3?
      “known by God” = has the favor of God

      The Truth of the Matter

      1 Corinthians 8:4-6








      Fact 1: An idol is nothing at all
      Fact 2: There is only one God
      Fact 3: Even if there “small gods” –believers only follow the true God & Lord

      Cf. Psalm 115:4-8 (idols are nothing)

      Eating food sacrificed to these idols was like getting counseling from a tree.

      “God, the Father, from whom all things came” – The Father is the source
      “Lord, Jesus Christ, through whom all things came” – because of Christ we can enjoy

      Some are less knowledgeable

      1 Corinthians 8:7-13
      v7-8
      “defiled” –
      ¿: What does it mean by defiled? [make unclean, tainted]
      ¿: What can be the result of a “defiled” conscience?

      If there were a state function and a sacrifice were made, the choicer parts of meat for sold in the public marketplace.  There was typically no way to determine if the meat you were buying was offered or not.  (The Jewish people had their own meat market to prevent inadvertently eating such meat.)

      ¿: How can an act that is morally or spiritually neutral be a sin?

      This principle Paul makes in v7 is that if, due to my lack of spiritual understanding, I feel it is wrong… and I partake… my conscience is hardened.  Someone encouraging me to do what is against my conscience will actually cause me move away from the Lord – even though what they’re encouraging me to do really is OK.
      ¿: How is this true?
      v9
      “stumbling block”
      ¿: What does this mean?
      Cf. Romans 14:13-23 – Don’t put a stumbling block in your brothers way

      The conscience is defiled (v7) because of being emboldened to do what is against their conscience (v10) now they do not heed their conscience/destroyed (v11).
      v10
      ¿: In v10, is Paul condoning eating in an idols temple (by implication eating the food offered to idols in the idols temple)?

      “A weak conscience” can be seen in the stages of growth of a believer.
      Stages of the Christian Journey
      1. “Discovery and recognition of God”  - childlike freshness
      2. “Time of learning & belonging” – feels safe & secure
      3. “The productive life” – serving God in their giftedness
      4. “The journey inward” – deeply inward, almost always unsettling, beliefs are tested, questioning, doubting, painful – culminates in a “wall” experience and a coming face-to-face with God
      5. “The journey outward” – new perspective on self, learning to embrace a flawed self and comprehending God can do the same
      6. “The life of love” – characterized by losing self to find self.  Outwardly this “looks” like stage 3 but motivations have completely changed.  A deep peace in the middle of the storms of life
      v11
      “destroyed” – ¿: What is Paul saying here? [About that which God was building within that person]
      v12-13
      If my conscience condemns it and I commit it, then I have sinned.  (Cf. Romans 14:23)
      If my brothers conscience condemns it and I cause him to do it, I have sinned (v12)
      “Anyone who knows the good he ought to do and doesn’t do it sins.” (James 4:17)

      ¿: In these verses, who is sinning?

      In the context of this passage the one with a “weak conscience”:
      • was not a person stuck in bigoted legalism – we are NEVER admonished to give into such demands
      • it was that sincere believer that had rejected their former life and all that went with it.  For the sake of this person, in the process of maturing them, the mature believer would abstain from things which would cause a hindrance.

      Conclusion
      Personal Application:
      ¿: What does a “weak conscience” look like?
      [everything is off-limits OR everything is ok]

      ¿: Why is it that a “mature conscience” has more freedom (liberty) than a weak conscience?
      [like a child growing up – some things have to be off limits because it is not understood how they can hurt you ex: ”Don’t touch the stove”]

      ¿: What is the difference between a “strong conscience” and one given to license?
      [because I can doesn’t mean I should; does it build me, others or the kingdom up?; does it bring glory to God?]

      Homework:
      • 1 Corinthians 9
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      Fri 24 Sep 2010

      Contentment is Contained in Call

      Posted @ 6:00 am      {Click to post comment} 
      Category: Studies
       
      1 Corinthians 7:17-40
      “Contentment is Contained in Call”
      Date: 26-Sep-10
      Required Resources: The Message excerpt from 1 Corinthians 7:17-40 MP3
      Purpose (Why am I teaching this lesson? What effect did the writer expect it to have on the recipients?)
      The purpose of this lesson is to re-focus the participant’s life-focus from areas of striving to an understanding of the temporalness of this life.

      Theme (What central idea does this passage communicate?)
      Contentment in all situations.

      Introduction

      Review & Homework:
      Outline
      A. Salutations & Reminders (v1:1-1:9)
      B. Divisions within the church (v1:10-4:21)
      C. …of conduct unbecoming a believer (v5:1-13) {church discipline}
      D. Dealing with offenses in The Body (v6:1-11)
      E. The bondage of sexual sin (v6:12-20)
      F. Marriage, Divorce & Singleness (v7:1-40)
        1. Marriage and divorce (v1-16)
            a. Marital Relations (v1-7)
            b. To marry, divorce or unequally yoked? (v8-16)
      Ü 2. Contentment with what God has called (v17-24)
        3. Advantages of singleness (v25-40)
      Homework
      • Read 1 Corinthians 7:17-40 and complete page in study booklet.
      • Share your most thought-provoking title for this section
      • Of all the systems of governments man has created, which is the best and why?

      LISTEN to text in The Message
      ¿: What do you suppose is the underlying question Paul is answering?

      WHITEBOARD – Write the ‘underlying question’ on the board to modify as lesson progresses.

      The Text
      Scripture
      Observation
      READ
      1 Cor. 7:17-24
      ¿: What message did these verses communicate?
      ¿: How does this answer the ‘underlying question’?
      1 Corinthians 7:17-24
      Contentment with what God has called

      1 Corinthians 7:17
      v17
      “place in life” – calling [grk] or assignment

      ¿: Do you think believers have a tendency to want to change the world around them?
      ¿: Name some of those things. [government, laws, life status]

      1 Corinthians 7:18-19
      v18-19
      Although this language may be strictly figurative it is easy to see how Paul could be speaking of physical alteration of the body either to:
      • Fit in – via surgery to look the same
      • Stand out as different – by intentionally looking unlike friends/family
      - Either way it could be potentially wrong to separate from the world or to work on the outward appearance as a sign of believerhood.

         In Greek culture exercise was in the nude, the Roman bath was a meeting place, etc.  Circumcision was the law of the Jews and popular among the surrounding peoples but under Roman influence it was increasingly less popular.
         It was not uncommon for Jews of the day to undergo a surgical operation to appear ‘less Jewish’ in order to fit into society.  A Jews religious beliefs were very ‘apparent’ in the culture.   As a direct result of this increasing tend within the Roman empire to hide the sign of circumcision, the Jewish rite was altered leaving less for the surgeons to work with.

      ¿: Why would Paul NOT be advocating becoming circumcised or uncircumcised to show the world that either:
      1. Christians are different (becoming uncircumcised), or
      2. Christians are not saved because of effort (becoming uncircumcised)?

      Paul’s point was to remain in whatever state they were in.

      If a man was under the law at time of his salvation don’t seek to obliterate that which was. Simply move forward in that call.  God is concerned with the inward and not the outward.

      The Christian life is forward looking.  Once God reveals something to a man, He does not intend for us to live in the “what has been.”  The revelation of today is for today, not to beat ourselves up over (or try to change) yesterday.

      ¿: What should one do if they are living in sin/wickedness when called? [Paul is dealing with things not wrong in and of themselves]
      ¿: How would you sum up “keeping God’s commands”?

      Contentment with what God has called – REPEATED

      1 Corinthians 7:20-24
      v20-24
      Household slaves were freed after 7 years.  It is possible that at this time up to 50% of the population were slaves.  If they were currently a slave, Paul makes it clear that when their obligation ended they were free to change states.

      ¿: Is Paul saying one MUST free themselves of slavery if they can?

      We should not be preoccupied with changing our outward circumstances.
      Although we should do ministry, as believers our job IS NOT social reform.
      John 18:36 – Jesus said, “My kingdom is not of this world. If it were, my servants would fight to prevent my arrest by the Jews. But now my kingdom is from another place.”
      Luke 19:10 – For the Son of Man came to seek and to save what was lost.”
      Likewise, we should not be preoccupied with our personal “social reform;”  our eyes should be kingdom focused.

      The Gospel does not seek to destroy governments, society or value systems… rather it seeks to change people producing, as a by-product, better governments, societies and value systems.

      Bottom-line: each man, in God, should be in the place in which he is called.
      Verses 17-24 are not about circumcision or slavery, it’s about contentment, about not trying to be something or someone else!
      READ
      1 Cor. 7:25-38
      ¿: What message did these verses communicate?
      ¿: How does this answer the ‘underlying question’?

      ¿: Which is better, being single or married?  From external evidence of the Roman Catholic church, which seems to be better?

      Society places a VERY high value on marriage.  “It’s better, faster, stronger…” but it seems when it comes to singles the context is always around “helping them cope.”

      ¿: What does this say about our view of singleness vs. God’s view?
      I Corinthians 7:25-38
      Advantages of singleness

      1 Corinthians 7:25
      v25
      “virgins” – male and female who have not been married.  Paul is not stating that this is uninspired; again he refers to no direct teaching from Jesus during His earthly ministry.

      1 Corinthians 7:26-28
      v26-28
      Whiteboard
      1st reason a state of singleness was advantageous
      “because of the present crisis” – could be xlated “because of the impending crisis”
      1 Cor. 4:8 intimates a state of well-being.  No specific crisis mentioned.

      Paul possibly refers to a question about a crisis expressed by the Corinthians

      “troubles” – pressure, pressed together [grk]

      1 Corinthians 7:28-31
      v29-31
      Whiteboard
      ¿: What is Paul advocating here?
      ¿: Are these things bad?
      Cf. Luke 14:26 – “hate his father and mother… he cannot be my disciple”

      2nd reason a state of singleness was advantageous
      A freedom from the concerns of this life and instead a commitment to eternal matters.

      “this world in its present form is passing away” – Marriage, sorrow, rejoicing, possessions, and pleasure – all of it as we know it will one day be replaced by something better.

      1 Corinthians 7:32-35
      v32-35
      Whiteboard
      3rd reason a state of singleness was advantageous
      Undivided attention to the Lord

      “to be devoted to the Lord in both body and spirit” &
      “married woman is concerned about the affairs of this world”
      ¿: Does this mean the unmarried state is more holy?
      ¿: Does this mean the unmarried are more worldly?

      1 Corinthians 7:36-38
      v36-38
      See other translations.  These verses can either be translated as:
      • referring to a man and his betrothed or
      • a man and his daughter

      Or an interesting alternate translation is:
      “[There is] no foundation in the text [that this refers] to keeping his daughter’s [virginity, instead it refers to a man to keep] his own virginity, or rather his purpose of virginity.”  (Adam Clark’s Commentary on the Bible)

      1 Corinthians 7:36-38 (Darby)
      36 But if any one think that he behaves unseemly to his virginity, if he be beyond the flower of his age, and so it must be, let him do what he will, he does not sin: let them marry.
      37 But he who stands firm in his heart, having no need, but has authority over his own will, and has judged this in his heart to keep his own virginity, he does well.
      38 So that he that marries himself does well; and he that does not marry does better.

      ¿: In the context of this passage, what do you think these verses are saying?
      READ
      1 Cor. 7:39-40
      ¿: What message did these verses communicate?
      ¿: How does this answer the ‘underlying question’?
      I Corinthians 7:39-40
      The Proper View of Marriage

      1 Corinthians 7:39-40
      v39-40
      “must belong to the Lord” better translated as “in the Lord”
      • another believer AND
      • in the will of the Lord

      “In my judgment”, “in my opinion”
      ¿: Is Paul speaking on his behalf, or the Lords?

      Conclusion
      Personal Application:
      ¿: How does this passage change or support your thinking about how you conduct your life?

      Homework:
      • 1 Corinthians 8
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      Fri 17 Sep 2010

      The Duty of Singleness and Marriage

      Posted @ 6:00 am      {Click to post comment} 
      Category: Studies
      1 Corinthians 7:1-16
      “The Duty of Singleness and Marriage”
      Date: 19-Sep-10
      Required Resources:
      Purpose (Why am I teaching this lesson? What effect did the writer expect it to have on the recipients?)
      The purpose of this lesson is to cultivate a deeper appreciation for where God has called each in life, fully understanding that with calling come gifts, privileges and responsibilities.

      Theme (What central idea does this passage communicate?)
      Whether marriage or singleness – it’s a gift from God which should be viewed in light of it’s responsibilities as well as privileges.

      Introduction

      Review & Homework:
      Outline
      A. Salutations & Reminders (v1:1-1:9)B. Divisions within the church (v1:10-4:21)
      C. …of conduct unbecoming a believer (v5:1-13) {church discipline}
      D. Dealing with offenses in The Body (v6:1-11)
      E. The bondage of sexual sin (v6:12-20)
      F. Marriage, Divorce & Singleness (v7:1-40)
      Ü 1. Marriage and divorce (v1-16)
      a. Marital Relations (v1-7)
      b. To marry, divorce or unequally yoked? (v8-16)
      2. Contentment with what God has called (v17-24)
      3. Advantages of singleness (v25-40)
      Homework
      1. Read and complete a page in your study booklet for 1 Corinthians 7:1-16

      2. Research the history of marriage.  Bring interesting tidbits to include such ideas as:
      • the purpose of marriage
      • the origins of marriage
      • what the marriage relationship has looked like over the millennia
      • arranged marriages
      • polygamy
      • Marriage contracts
      • Vows to remain single
      • and just about anything else you think will be interesting

      Thus far Paul has talked about divisions in the church, church discipline, lawsuits and most recently something unique about the sin of sexual immorality in all its forms, all in the context of alarming reports he had heard.

      Now he begins to address questions the church had asked of him.  He begins by talking about a cause for divisions in the home by bringing up the “topic of the day,” sex.  Paul is evidently countering a serious misunderstanding regarding the physical relationship between a husband and wife.

      Today we’ll explore aspects of the most intimate relationship God has created and its place within the context of marriage.  We’ll also look at the breaking of the marriage relationship, remaining single, and marriage to an unbelieving spouse.

      Marriage:
      IS FOR
        • Partnership – “not good for man to be alone” – cf. Gen. 2:18
        • Procreation – “be fruitful and multiply” – cf. Gen. 1:28
        • Pleasure – “rejoice in the wife of your youth” – cf. Prov. 5:18; Song of Songs
        • Picture of Christ – “…two one flesh.  This is a profound mystery” – cf. Eph. 5:31-32
        • Purity – “marriage bed kept pure” – cf. Heb. 13:4

        ROMAN LAW and CUSTOMS (4 states of marriage)
          • Man & woman slave could be allowed by master to live together for only as long as the master desired
          • Common law (live together for > 1 year)
          • Father sold daughter
          • Similar to modern day marriage – was typically only done by nobility
          Ü Divorce common and a man and woman may have been married 20 times or more

          JEWISH VIEWS
            • Marriage was expected (it seems to have been a requirement to be on the Jewish ruling council).
            • Singleness was frowned upon because of God’s command to be fruitful and multiply
            • A wife accepted marriage in one of three ways (normally all three, but only one was required to be binding):
                  1. Nominal amount of money (typically lowest denomination) – low enough that it would not be considered “purchase” but instead a symbolic gesture of acceptance by woman.
                  2. Contract
                  3. Sexual relationship
                  • A marriage contract, called a ketubah, spelled out the terms of the marriage (like a prenuptial)
                  • Marriage was not solely, or even primarily, for procreation
                  • Both spouses had martial obligations
                  • No civil or religious ceremony was required since it was a private contract
                  • Financial promise (purpose was provision in case of divorce or death – equal to 1 to 2 years wages) – not a purchase of wife!  Served as a constant reminder that divorce would be costly.

                  READ text
                  ¿: What topic(s) are discussed in this passage?
                  ¿: What do you think is the underlying question(s) that Paul was asked?

                  The church in Corinth was probably comprised of all combinations of marriages, divorce situations and singles.  A number of people were abstaining for sex in order to steer clear of immorality in any form.

                  The Text
                  Scripture
                  Observation
                  1 Corinthians 7:1-7
                  MARITAL RELATIONS

                  1 Corinthians 7:1-2
                  v1-2
                  “Now for the matters you wrote about” – Up to this point Paul was responding to the distressing reports of others.

                  “to marry” = “to touch a woman” [grk] = “fasten oneself to” – compare to other xlations
                  ¿: From the context of the passage which phrase would you use, and why?

                  ¿: Is Paul advocating celibacy? [affirms it vs. advocating that it’s the best]
                  ¿: Is Paul stating that the purpose of marriage is to prevent fornication?

                  1 Corinthians 7:3-5
                  v3-4
                  In the secular world it was tradition on the wedding day to declare to the bride that when her husband committed adultery it was not a sign that he did not love her, but simply a way of gratifying his passions.

                  Physical relations were not just a privilege and pleasure, they were also a duty.  Paul clearly states that it is not optional.
                  ¿: Does this seem outdated?  Especially in this culture of “rights to my body?”
                  ¿: How does reviewing 1 Cor. 6:15-17 inform your views of a holy God-sanctioned union within marriage? (do you think something happens at a spiritual or emotional level in addition to the physical act?)
                  v5
                  “Do not deprive” – interestingly the NASB translates as “stop depriving”
                  ¿: What difference does this make?

                  Some Jewish teachers of the time wanted to formulate laws on the maximum time to abstain from marital relations – ranged from 1 week to 2 weeks.  Paul clearly left this up to the couple’s discretion.

                  Paul makes it clear this IS NOT to be a unilateral decision.

                  Conditions if they must abstain:
                  1) mutual consent
                  2) agreed timeframe – in advance
                  3) in order to devote themselves to prayer

                  It is clear from this verse sex was not only given for procreation, but also for recreation

                  ¿: How would this help prayer?
                  Ü What types of prayers might be significant to warrant? [serious sin, God-given burden, grief; cf. Exodus 19:9-15]

                  ¿: What are some possible reasons the Corinthian believers may have been abstaining from sex? [the last days; or the sexual relationship was not in keeping with holiness]

                  Unless it is by mutual consent, for a specific prayer need and for a brief period of time, sexual abstinence can become a tool of satan.  It is never to be used for spiritual superiority or as a means of intimidation or manipulating one’s spouse.  Physical love is to be a normal and regular experience shared by both marriage partners alike, as a gift from God. [John MacArthur; The MacArthur New Testament Commentary: 1 Corinthians; 1984; pg 158]

                  1 Corinthians 7:6-7
                  v6
                  “this as a concession” –
                  ¿: What is THIS referring to, allowing abstinence for a time or allowing sex because of lack of self-control?

                  Paul is permitting, not requiring these periods of abstinence, he was not recommending this as a course of action
                  v7
                  Paul wanted no stigma attached to the single state, in fact Paul thought it was excellent

                  Accept the gift Gad has given.
                  Don’t try to exercise a gift God has not given – it will fail.
                  1 Corinthians 7:8-9
                  STAYING SINGLE?

                  1 Corinthians 7:8-9
                  v8-9
                  Paul advocates that the proper place to exercise “passion” was only within the context of marriage

                  ¿: How can someone know if they are to be celibate or not?  Paul answers with a test… if they lack self-control God did not gift them in this.

                  “unmarried” = agamos [grk] meaning “not married”  This word is only used 4 times in NT.  All in this chapter.  It is difficult to determine exact meaning…
                  Ü The question is: what is meant by unmarried?  (single only or does it include widow(er)s and divorce?)
                    • v8 says “unmarried AND widows” therefore does not include widow(er)s
                    • v34 says “unmarried AND virgins” therefore does not include virgin
                    • v11 says “must remain unmarried” therefore can mean divorced
                    Ü Therefore it seems possible that unmarried might mean divorced (note he launches into divorce immediately after this, adding more credence).
                    • ¿: Could Paul’s instruction be only for “previously” married groups?
                    • If this is the case, this could imply Paul was married at one time?
                    1 Corinthians 7:10-11
                    BECOMING SINGLE?

                    1 Corinthians 7:10-11
                    v10-11
                    “not I, but the Lord” = Paul is saying this came directly from the teaching of Christ

                    Christians should not divorce but be reconciled

                    ¿: Besides irreconcilable differences, why else might believers want to divorce? [devote themselves fully to the Lord]
                    1 Corinthians 7:12-16
                    UNEQUALLY YOKED

                    1 Corinthians 7:12-16
                    v12-13

                    “I, not the Lord” – Paul is NOT saying this is ‘less inspired’ – he is saying Christ’s earthly teaching did not touch directly on the subject.

                    ¿: How do you reconcile this with 1 Cor. 6:15? (wouldn’t being unequally yoked be like uniting in immorality?)
                    v14
                    Under Roman law the children went to the father in a divorce.  As Christian wife would lose the ability to influence her children in godliness

                    ¿: In this context, what does sanctify mean? (Can a believer “save” members of their family?)

                    Any blessings of God to the Christian would affect the entire family
                    v15
                    “not bound” = free to remarry
                    v16
                    It’s not a guarantee that spouse will be saved

                    Conclusion
                    Personal Application:
                    ¿: How does this passage inform your understanding of how to respond if you or someone else is:
                    Ü Single (and unhappy with that situation)
                    Ü Widowed
                    Ü Divorced (or headed toward)
                    Ü Married (or moving into)

                    Homework:
                    • Read 1 Corinthians 7:17-40
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                    Fri 10 Sep 2010

                    Saving Ourselves for The Lord

                    Posted @ 6:00 am      {Click to post comment} 
                    Category: Studies
                    1 Corinthians 6:12-20
                    “Saving Ourselves for The Lord”
                    Date: 12-Sep-10
                    Required Resources: Gods-Chisel video; The MacArthur New Testament Commentary: 1 Corinthians
                    Purpose (Why am I teaching this lesson? What effect did the writer expect it to have on the recipients?)
                    The purpose of this lesson is to motivate the class to set aside ungodly actions and replace with ones that honor God.

                    Introduction
                    View ‘God’s Chisel’ skit

                    Review & Homework:
                    Outline
                    A. Salutations & Reminders (v1:1-1:9)
                    B. Divisions within the church (v1:10-4:21)

                    C. …of conduct unbecoming a believer (v5:1-13) {church discipline}
                    D. Dealing with offenses in The Body (v6:1-11)
                    Ü E. The bondage of sexual sin (v6:12-20)
                    1. Does it have eternal advantage? (v12-14)
                    2. Uniting with the Lord (v15-18)
                    3. Honoring the price paid (v19-20)
                    Homework
                    • Complete page in study booklet for 1 Corinthians 6:12-20
                    • Explain what it means when Paul says, “All other sins a man commits are outside his body, but he who sins sexually sins against his own body.” (1 Corinthians 6:18)

                    In these verses Paul addresses the issue of rampant sexual immorality in Corinth while introducing several topics to be covered in more detail in subsequent chapters.
                      • Liberty (v12) is expanded upon in a general way in chapters 8-10
                      • Christians relationship to food (v13) is opened up in chapter 8
                      • Resurrection (v14) is later expanded upon in chapter 15
                      • The body of Christ (v15) analogy is used throughout chapter 12
                      • Sanctity of the sexual relationship and marriage (v16) occupies the discussion on chapter 7

                      Throughout the epistles Paul often speaks of freedom in Christ.  This passage challenges us to use our liberty to enhance, not exploit, Christian ethics.

                      The Text
                      Scripture
                      Observation
                      1 Corinthians 6:12-14
                      DOES IT HAVE ETERNAL ADVANTAGE?

                      12 “Everything is permissible for me“—but not everything is beneficial. “Everything is permissible for me”—but I will not be mastered by anything.
                      13 “Food for the stomach and the stomach for food“—but God will destroy them both. The body is not meant for sexual immorality, but for the Lord, and the Lord for the body.
                      14 By his power God raised the Lord from the dead, and he will raise us also.
                      v12
                      “Everything is permissible for me” – a possible saying in the liberated society of ancient Corinth.

                      ¿: Is this statement true of the believer?

                      Two principles are outlined here.
                      • I can do anything I want (of things which are morally indifferent) but not everything will give me advantage
                      • Some things may be lawful, yet they may enslave me

                      Philosophers used various tests for whether a person should do an act, such as lawfulness, permissible or profitable.  Many philosophers excused relieving their sexual appetites with prostitutes or by publicly stimulating themselves, explaining they were in complete control of their own emotions.  [Craig S. Keener; The IVP Bible Background Commentary: New Testament; 1993; pg 464]

                      ¿: Paul talks about “permissible” and being “mastered” in the same sentence, in what way can freedom be slavery?
                      v13
                      “Food for the stomach and stomach for food” – a common way to argue by analogy that sex is for the body and the body is for sex.  Paul also uses the stomach metaphor in Philippians 3:19.

                      Much Greek philosophy considered everything physical, including the body, to be basically evil and therefore of no value.  What was done with or to the body did not matter.  Food was food, the stomach was the stomach, and sex was sex.  Sex was just a biological function like eating, to be used just as food was used, to satisfy their appetites.  The argument sounds remarkably modern.  [John MacArthur; The MacArthur New Testament Commentary: 1 Corinthians; 1984; pg 146]
                      Don’t live as if the greatest thing in life is to gratify your appetites.

                      When God created our human body it is certain He never intended it be used for wickedness and impurity.  He planned that it’s use would bring glory to Himself.

                      God is interested in the welfare of our body and it’s use.  (Cf. Romans 12:1)
                      v14
                      The Greeks did not believe in the resurrection of the flesh, therefore we are done with any use for the body at death.

                      God’s design for our bodies does not end at death.  He has immortal purposes.  We will not be disembodied spirits for all eternity.  Our spirit and soul will be reunited with our body.
                      1 Corinthians 6:15-18
                      UNITING WITH THE LORD

                      15 Do you not know that your bodies are members of Christ himself? Shall I then take the members of Christ and unite them with a prostitute? Never!
                      16 Do you not know that he who unites himself with a prostitute is one with her in body? For it is said, “The two will become one flesh.”
                      17 But he who unites himself with the Lord is one with him in spirit.
                      18 Flee from sexual immorality. All other sins a man commits are outside his body, but he who sins sexually sins against his own body.
                      v15
                      “Do you not know” – 3x (6 times in chapter 6)
                      ¿: What does this tell you about the importance of how we treat our body?
                      v16
                      Cf. Gen 2:24 – union of man to wife.  The Jewish belief was that marriage was sealed by the union of husband and wife – and also broken with the union to another.

                      In the pagan culture prostitution was often considered a useful deterrent to adultery.
                      v17
                      God is joined with the believer.
                      Ü Jeremiah 50:5 “They will bind themselves to the Lord”
                      Ü Hosea 4:17 “Ephraim is joined to idols”
                      Ü Zechariah 2:11 “Many nations will be joined with the Lord”
                      v18



















                      HOMEWORK
                      “Flee from” – don’t dabble, don’t loiter near, don’t leave slowly!
                      Ü Genesis 39:12 – Joseph & Potiphar’s wife – Joseph did not even leave time for discussion or explanation
                      “Sexual immorality” – porneia [grk]
                      Ü often translated fornication
                      Ü has a narrow meaning and a more broad meaning (most common in scripture)
                        • narrow meaning = sexual relations between unmarried people
                        • broad meaning = any unlawful sexual union to include adultery, sodomy and any other unions
                        Ü from the context, it is very likely that the broad meaning is to be accepted (relations with a prostitute)

                        “All other sins” – ‘other’ is not in the original language
                        ¿: Why do you think the NIV/NASB/ESV translators added ‘other’?

                        v18 IS NOT referring to sins which directly harm the body because drugs, alcohol and gluttony are in that class and yet not addressed.  Therefore it seems as if something is specific about sexual sin.


                        Review HOMEWORK – Explain what 1 Corinthians 6:18 means.


                        Read The MacArthur New Testament Commentary: 1 Corinthians, pg 151 beginning at ¶5 “Paul does not elucidate …”

                        Commentator’s opinion on “All [other] sins a man commits are outside the body”
                        There are two basic camps.
                        1. Those who believe this is yet another slogan the Corinthians were familiar with
                        2. Or those who believe this is a statement of teaching

                        Ü If this IS NOT a slogan then Paul is saying there are two types sin (sexual and non-sexual).  Therefore:
                        1. even bodily sins like gluttony or drunkenness are not “against the body”.
                        2. sexual sins do something to the body that we don’t full understand

                        Ü If this IS a slogan then Paul is using the Corinthian saying to refute their thinking – the widespread Greek belief that the body was simply flesh and of no real value.  Therefore:
                        1. what I do is of no account
                        2. sex of any kind, in any context, is purely a physical act and nothing more – like brushing teeth or putting on shoes

                        To view this passage as:
                        Ü A teaching (non-slogan) requires the addition of “other” for clarification and leaves open an explanation of what exactly Paul is referring to
                        Ü A slogan see the statement after “but” as a refutation of that belief.  However, this leaves open why Paul hones in on this sin “class” as he makes the important point of uniting members of Christ is a prostitute.

                        Proverbs 9:17-18 warns us of the deceitful pleasures of sexual sin and the path in which it leads.

                        In context, this verse could deal with more than sin.  Paul may be giving us insight into spiritual union with God (as well as another person).
                        1. The body is sacred
                        2. God will resurrect our physical bodies
                        3. Defiling the body by joining in an unholy union is akin to uniting sin to God (actually bringing it into His presence)

                        The mystery of the two becoming one could be a concept called Soul Ties. Although not mentioned directly in scripture we see the results of un-holy soul ties in scripture.  When the “two become one flesh” something happens in the spiritual/emotional realm.  This much can be observed.

                        Note Song of Solomon “Do not arouse or awaken love until it so desires” (cf. Song 2:7, 3:5, 8:4)
                        ¿: What does the phrase mean?
                        ¿: Why does she repeat it?

                        There are those that consider sex to be generally evil – they are as skewed in their perspective as those that see no evil with any sex.  God created sex and He created it good.  In it’s intended context it is beautiful and wonderful.  Sin has tainted everything in this world and sex is not exempt.  We need to be careful not to throw out the baby with the bathwater.
                        1 Corinthians 6:19-20
                        HONORING THE PRICE PAID

                        19 Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own;
                        20 you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your body.
                        v19
                        Cf. 1 John 3:24 “he lives in us”

                        Our body is not our own
                        v20
                        What we do with our body needs to honor God

                        Conclusion
                        Personal Application:
                        • ¿: If we should guard our bodies for eternal purposes in regards to sexual sins, how them should we treat it when it comes to drugs & alcohol, food, exercise, movies, entertainment, etc.?

                        Homework:
                        • 1 Corinthians 7:1-16

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                        Fri 3 Sep 2010

                        I Want What’s Coming to Me

                        Posted @ 6:00 am      {Click to post comment} 
                        Category: Studies
                         
                        1 Corinthians 6:1-11
                        “I Want What’s Coming to Me”
                        Date: 5-Sep-10
                        Required Resources: 1 Corinthians 6:1-11 – Application worksheet
                        Purpose (Why am I teaching this lesson? What effect did the writer expect it to have on the recipients?)
                        The purpose of this lesson is to challenge thinking, and thereby affect behavior, of how as brothers and sisters in Christ we ought to deal with one another when it comes to disputes within the body of Christ.

                        Introduction

                        Review & Homework:
                        Outline
                        A. Salutations & Reminders (v1:1-1:9)
                        B. Divisions within the church (v1:10-4:21)
                        C. …of conduct unbecoming a believer (v5:1-13)
                        Ü D. Dealing with offenses in The Body (v6:1-11)
                        1. A Christian’s Position (v1-6)
                        2. A Christian’s Philosophy (v7-8)
                        3. A Christian’s Personality (v9-11)
                        Homework

                        • Read 1 Corinthians 6:1-11 and complete a page in your study booklet.
                          As you are reading keep in mind how quick it us to judge those we read about in this section.  Think about a time when you were wronged by another believer.  How did you handle it?  How did you WANT to handle it?
                        • Read the following scripture.  Write down the idea you think is being communicated for each of these verses.  Record recent instances where this advice would have helped.
                          {this is the content 1 Corinthians 6:1-11 – Application worksheet}
                          Proverbs 18:17-21 (NIV)
                          17 The first to present his case seems right, till another comes forward and questions him.
                          18 Casting the lot settles disputes and keeps strong opponents apart.
                          19 An offended brother is more unyielding than a fortified city, and disputes are like the barred gates of a citadel.
                          20 From the fruit of his mouth a man’s stomach is filled; with the harvest from his lips he is satisfied.
                          21 The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit.

                        The legal situation in Corinth was probably much as it was in Athens, where litigation was a part of everyday life.  It had become a form of challenge and even entertainment.

                        One ancient writer claimed that, in a manner of speaking, every Athenian was a lawyer.  When a problem arose between two parties that they could not settle between themselves, the first recourse was private arbitration.  Each party was assigned a disinterested private citizen as an arbitrator, and the two arbitrators, along with a neutral third person would attempt to resolve the problem.  If they failed, the case was turned over to a court of forty, who assigned a public arbitrator to each party.

                        Interestingly, every citizen had to serve as a public arbitrator during the sixtieth year of his life.  If public arbitration failed, the case went to a jury court composed of from several hundred to several thousand jurors.  Every citizen over thirty years of age was subject to serving as a juror.  Most citizens were regularly involved in legal proceedings of one sort or another, either party as a lawsuit, as an arbitrator, or as a juror. - [John MacArthur; The MacArthur New Testament Commentary 1 Corinthians; 1984; pg 136]


                        The Text
                        Scripture
                        Observation
                        1 Corinthians 6:1-6
                        A Christian’s Position

                        1 Corinthians 6:1-6
                        v1
                        “before the ungodly” – not referring to the morally unrighteous, instead to the spiritual standing

                        In the Roman world judges were always chosen from the well-to-do

                        Among the elite of first-century society it was quite acceptable to institute civil proceedings before a magistrate and jury on trivial matters in order to establish one’s social and political superiority over others.  [New Bible Commentary; Wenham, Motyer, Carson, France; pg1169]

                        ¿: Do you think Paul was concerned that they would not get a fair trial in the public courts, since those courts were run by pagans?
                        v2
                        “Do you not know” – points out truths that should have prevented the problem in the first place (previously used in v3:16; 5:6, 6:2, 6:9 – 6 times in this chapter alone and only 3 times in NT outside this letter)
                        In the Roman world the socially inferior could not even sue the upper class

                        ¿: What do you think this indicates about their belief that disputes could be settled within the church?
                        Ü they did not lack ant gift (cf. 1 Cor 1:2-7)
                        v3
                        “judge angels” – in the Jewish tradition the righteous would judge the nations.  It would believed that angels ruled over nations and that this judgment would extend to the angels. (cf Dan 10:1-14)

                        ¿: What are our qualifications to judge angels?
                        Ü Angels will be judged (Jude 6, 2 Peter 2:4,9), Christ will judge (John 5:22), we will reign WITH Christ

                        “things of this life” – normally refers to property matters – could refer to adultery as well.
                        v4-5





                        Whiteboard
                        The NIV and KJV translate this as an imperative, other translations as a rhetorical question.

                        KJV
                        NASB
                        ESV
                        NET.
                        4 If then ye have judgments of things pertaining to this life, set them to judge who are least esteemed in the church.
                        4 So if you have law courts dealing with matters of this life, do you appoint them as judges who are of no account in the church?
                        4 So if you have such cases, why do you lay them before those who have no standing in the church?
                        4 So if you have ordinary lawsuits, do you appoint as judges those who have no standing in the church?

                        ¿: What standing does the ungodly have in the church?
                        ¿: Regardless of translation, what is the thought that is conveyed?
                        v6
                        ¿: When two believers have a public dispute what does that:
                        Ü say about our worldview?
                        Ü do to our testimony?
                        1 Corinthians
                        6:7-8
                        A Christian’s Philosophy

                        1 Corinthians 6:7-8
                        v7
                        Paul makes it very clear they were entirely wrong in this action.  Which is better, to do what they were doing or be cheated?
                        v8
                        “brothers” – Paul is using this label to drive the point home.  Who would do wrong to their family?

                        ¿: If you were to paraphrase Paul’s words in verse 7 & 8, how would you say it to emphasize the meaning?

                        ¿: Is there justice in what Paul says here?
                        Ü See Matthew 18:21-35 (parable of unforgiving slave)
                        Ü A Christians primary concern should not be to protect his possessions or his rights but to protect his relationship with his Lord and with his fellow believers.
                        Homework
                        1 Corinthians 6:1-11 – Application worksheet
                        1 Corinthians
                        6:9-11
                        A Christian’s Personality

                        1 Corinthians 6:9-11
                        v9-10
                        At the time of this writing, Nero was about to marry the boy Sporus, which was only unusual for the Roman emperor in its formality.  Wickedness was commonplace throughout the Roman world.

                        This is not a list of sins which would indicate a loss of salvation or inability to be saved.  These are sins which are typical of the lost.  This list is given as an admonition not to be like that from which we were rescued out of bondage.

                        ¿: Can believers be dominated by these sins?
                        ¿: If so what does that indicate? [a life of disobedience to God’s ways]

                        ¿: When it comes to these sins what’s the difference when a believer does them or the world does them? [when a non-believer commits sin there is no understanding about how this displeases God]
                        ¿: How should a brother/sister sinning against me inform my actions? [they’re not my enemy – even if it feels like it]
                        v11
                        Paul reasons from who they are positionally to appeal to their sense of how they should live.

                        It makes no difference what we were before we were saved.  But it makes a great deal of difference what our behavior is like after salvation.  Our life should correspond to our position.

                        We are:
                        • Washed: made a new creation (cf. Ti 3:5)
                        • Sanctified: made holy inside (cf. John 17:17)
                        • Justified: new standing (cf. Ro 10:10)

                        If is no longer OK to act like their former selves.  They were saved from that life!


                        Conclusion
                        Personal Application:
                        ¿: Do you think there are times when Christians must go to public court?  If yes, when?

                        ¿: What do you do if one or more parties refuse “in house” mediation?

                        Homework:
                        • Read 1 Corinthians 6:12-20 and complete page in study booklet


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