1 Corinthians 12:1-11
…Of Spiritual Gifts
Date: 28-Nov-10
Required Resources: About Spiritual Gifts (comedy).mpg (4min 37sec), “Talents-vs-Gifts”, “The Gifts Defined”
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 spiritual gifts listed in scripture, and the reason for those gifts.
Theme (What central idea does this passage communicate?)
Spiritual gifts are given for the common good
Introduction
Review & Homework:
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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)
2. Order in the Observance of the Lord’s Table (v11:17-34)
Ü 3. About Spiritual Gifts (v12:1-11)
– Indentifying your Spiritual Gift(s) –
4. The function of Spiritual Gifts (v12:12-31a)
5. The rule of using Spiritual Gifts (v12:31b -13:13)
6. Proper use of the sign gifts (v14:1-25)
7. Orderly worship (v14:26-39)
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Homework
- Read 1 Corinthians 12:1-11 and complete a page in your study booklet
- When does a believer receive their spiritual gift(s)? (back up your answer with scripture)
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WHITEBOARD: The area of spiritual gifts is highly controversial in the Christian community. However, there are likely few other areas of doctrine that are MORE VITAL to believer’s and the body of Christ than the exercise of a believer’s spiritual gifts.
¿: What prompted Paul to write about spiritual gifts? [see chap 11-14 summary in 14:39-40]
Show video
Below are a few questions we will try to answer today…
- Why do the spiritual gifts exist?
- How many gifts are there?
- What is the meaning of each gift?
- When do you receive your gift(s)?
- Does everyone get one (or more)?
- What is the difference between a spiritual gift and talents/abilities I was born with?
The Text
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Scripture
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Observation
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DISCERNING
THE
SOURCE
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1 Now about spiritual gifts, brothers, I do not want you to be ignorant.
2 You know that when you were pagans, somehow or other you were influenced and led astray to mute idols.
3 Therefore I tell you that no one who is speaking by the Spirit of God says, “Jesus be cursed,” and no one can say, “Jesus is Lord,” except by the Holy Spirit.
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It is likely Paul is not trying to teach about the existence of spiritual gifts but instead the proper exercise of the gift.
¿: Why is it that in the church today we need to teach the gifts exist?
¿: How were they led astray? How are we led astray today?
Before coming to the Lord, those in Corinth were deceived by false gods. This would have included direct influence by evil spirits and “confirming” signs the spirits were real. In verse 3 Paul gives them a simple test to discern the true from the false spirits.
Test the spirits (cf. 1 John 4:1)
Ü TEST 1 – “Jesus be cursed” – to deny Jesus’ character, nature (divinity/humanness), or His work was claiming He was not who He said He was. This would be a case of a gift being utilized to claim a falsehood. (today that might be those false teachers who deny the deity of Christ)
- this phrase could possibly refer to Deut. 21:22-23 and the fact that Jesus body hung on the cross. The Gnostics denied the humanity of Christ and said that the divinity left the body prior to hanging on the cross. They believed that flesh was inherently evil, therefore Jesus could not have been fully human to be God.
Ü TEST 2 – “Jesus is Lord” – the ‘positive’ test. To say that Jesus is equal to God is refuting Gnosticism.
¿: Why would these tests be necessary?
v3 – God, Jesus & Holy Spirit
Ü the unity of the Godhead as a proof that all must be present in spiritual gifts
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UNITY
OF THE
SOURCE
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4 There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit.
5 There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord.
6 There are different kinds of working, but the same God works all of them in all men.
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Read
“Talents vs. Gifts”
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Unity re-emphasized – Holy Spirit, Jesus & God
Ü the Godhead repeated in reverse order
Ü Unity of source an example is unity in usage
“gifts” – charisma [grk] – a divine enablement
Used 19 times in NT – an example: “gift of salvation” (cf. Ro. 6:23)
Different gifts, different service, different working
- those with same gift may be called to use them completely differently.
- God may not even manifest the results in the same manner for the same gift from the same person.
Ü This seems to say that each gift is unique for a person and is used uniquely for each circumstance – as the Godhead sees fit.
“God works all of them” – Without God the gift cannot even be manifest
Spiritual gifts are NOT natural talents, skills and abilities.
Natural talents, skills and abilities are shared by believers and unbelievers alike.
¿: Can a spiritual gift be used wrongly?
¿: Can I “put on” a spiritual gift, I wasn’t given? How would that work?
¿: When are spiritual gifts given?
Ü [Not before believer (Acts 1:8, 2:1-4); also cf. 1 Tim 4:14; 2 Tim 1:6]
Ü Are spiritual gifts given to us when we receive Christ, or are they cultivated through our walk with God? [Both. Normally, spiritual gifts are given at salvation, but also need to be cultivated through spiritual growth.]
Ü Can a desire in your heart be pursued and developed into your spiritual gift?
The emphasis here seems to be a variety. The Corinthians were all clamoring for the “showy” gifts, possibly neglecting their own God-given gift.
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UNITY
OF
PURPOSE
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7 Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good.
8 To one there is given through the Spirit the message of wisdom, to another the message of knowledge by means of the same Spirit,
9 to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by that one Spirit,
10 to another miraculous powers, to another prophecy, to another distinguishing between spirits, to another speaking in different kinds of tongues, and to still another the interpretation of tongues.
11 All these are the work of one and the same Spirit, and he gives them to each one, just as he determines.
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WHY?
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v7 – Unity of spirit & purpose can be maintained only through diversity of ministry.
Ü Not given for personal enrichment – nor where they given for “private use”
¿: Were these selected by the individual?
¿: If one were discontent in gifting, what’s it say about their relationship with God?
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WHITEBOARD:
WHAT?
Read
“The Gifts Defined”
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Spiritual gifts specifically called out in Scripture:
Cessationism claims that some spiritual gifts eventually ceased to operate (through individuals) early in Christian history. Its counterpart continuationism claims that they still operate today.
¿: What are your scriptural leanings toward these two ideas – and why?
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1 Cor. 12:7-11
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1 Cor. 12:28
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Rom. 12:6-8
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Eph. 4:11
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1 Pet. 4:10-11
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-Wisdom
-Knowledge
-Faith
-Healing
-Miraculous powers
-Prophecy
-Distinguish between spirits
-Tongues
-Interpretation of tongues
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-Apostles
-Prophets
-Teachers
-Workers of miracles
-Gifts of healing
-Helps
-Administration
-Tongues
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-Prophecy
-Serving
-Teaching
-Encouraging
-Giving
-Leadership
-Mercy
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-Apostolic
-Prophetic
-Evangelic
-Pastoral
-Teaching
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-Speaking
-Serving
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Notice appointment of offices also in list
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These lists appears to be categories of gifts
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¿: Are there gifts you feel are not on this list?
¿: Are these lists are inclusive? Why do you think that? [since all were not mentioned in any list, why would I think the combination of lists would include all?]
¿: How important is it to know exactly what the definition of each gift is?
¿: How many times is the Holy Spirit mentioned in v1-11? What is the significance?
¿: Why were the SIGN gifts given? [Confirmatory gifts for establishment of church Heb 2:3b-4] |
Conclusion
Gifts of the Holy Spirit are clearly distinguished from the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22). Jesus predicted the occurrence of false gifts, particularly in the end time (Matthew 24:24, 7:22, 23). Hence while Spiritual gifts are very important for a Christian, the fruit of the Spirit is a better test of the genuineness of a person.
Personal Application:
¿: Can you seek after certain spiritual gifts? [cf. v12:31 seems to indicate that this is possible. You can seek a spiritual gift from God and be zealous after it by seeking to develop that area. At the same time, if it is not God’s will, you will not receive a certain spiritual gift no matter how strongly you seek after it. God is infinitely wise, and He knows through which gifts you will be most productive for His kingdom.]
- No matter how much we have been gifted with one gift or another, we are all called upon to develop a number of areas mentioned in the lists of spiritual gifts: to be hospitable, to show acts of mercy, to serve one another, to evangelize, etc.
Homework:
Talents vs. Gifts
There are similarities and differences between talents and spiritual gifts.
- Both are gifts from God.
- Both grow in effectiveness with use.
- Both are intended to be used on behalf of others, not for selfish purposes. 1 Corinthians 12:7 states that spiritual gifts are given to benefit others and not ourselves. As the two great commandments deal with loving God and others, it follows that one should use his talents for those purposes.
To whom and when talents and spiritual gifts are given differs.
- A person (regardless of his belief in God or in Christ) is given a natural talent as a result of a combination of genetics (some have natural ability in music, art, or mathematics) and surroundings (growing up in a musical family will aid one in developing a talent for music), or because God desired to endow certain individuals with certain talents (for example, Bazeleel in Exodus 31:1-6).
- Spiritual gifts are given to all believers by the Holy Spirit (1 Cor. 12:7)
While one may develop his talents and later direct his profession or hobby along those lines, spiritual gifts were given by the Holy Spirit for the building up of Christ’s church. In that, all Christians are to play an active part in the furtherance of the gospel of Christ.
- All are called and equipped to be involved in the “work of the ministry” (Ephesians 4:11-12).
- All are gifted so that they can contribute to the cause of Christ out of gratitude for all He has done for them. In doing so, they also find fulfillment in life through their labor for Christ.
- It is the job of the church leaders to help build up the saints so they can be further equipped for the ministry to which God has called them. The intended result of spiritual gifts is that the church as a whole can grow, being strengthened by the combined supply of each member of Christ’s body.
To summarize the differences between spiritual gifts and talents:
1) A talent is the result of genetics and/or training, while a spiritual gift is the result of the power of the Holy Spirit.
2) A talent can be possessed by anyone, Christian or non-Christian, while spiritual gifts are only possessed by Christians.
3) While both talents and spiritual gifts should be used for God’s glory and to minister to others, spiritual gifts are focused on these tasks, while talents can be used entirely for non-spiritual purposes.
Recommended Resource: The Wonderful Spirit-Filled Life by Charles Stanley.
The Gifts Defined
There are various opinions as to the number of Spiritual gifts. Many items appearing as spiritual gifts are also required by the Bible of all Christians, such as faith, evangelism and so on.
- The spiritual gift of Faith means faith despite the circumstances, or a particularly strong faith in God.
- All believers are encouraged to share the Good News of Jesus Christ with other people, but the gift of Evangelism could mean a particular gift to reach others.
Some of these gifts are considered by many to the “sign gifts” and are considered to be given for the purpose of providing credentials to the apostles and early believers. They were signs that these were authoritative agents of God in founding the church of God. The sign gifts were also provided to the laity as a confirmation of the spirit. Those that believe the sign gifts are for today – also see them as confirmation of the Holy Spirit.
Ü A test for the SIGN GIFTS would be to determine it’s use for the common good. Note: they are never used for personal edification or desire, although some believe that tongues can be a private prayer language. If the gift is given, is it being used properly?
Message of wisdom: Understanding God’s will and applying it obediently to make skillful and practical application of the truth to life situations.
Message of knowledge: A message, concept, or bit of knowledge that God reveals supernaturally to the recipient. Insight into the mysteries of God’s revelation that cannot be known apart from God’s revelation (Example of use cf. Rev. 22:18)
Faith: Knowing what you hope for, having a conviction about things you cannot see, trusting God in the most difficult and demanding of ways in the face human impossibilities, believing God’s Word, and obeying Him. (Hebrews 11) This is in addition to the “saving” and daily faith every believer is provided.
Gifts of healing: SIGN GIFT – (note plural) The God-given ability to bring or release healing to a person in their body or soul. Paul had this gift (Acts 20:7-12) yet did not use it to heal many recorded (himself, Timothy).
Ü Some say proof this gift has ceased is that no one is walking around healing everyone today.
¿: Is that how it is used in Scripture?
Miraculous powers: SIGN GIFT – The ability to perform supernatural acts. A miracle is defined as defying the natural order of things. At the wedding feast of Cana, the purpose of the miracle was as a sign, not to improve the party. (cf. John 2:11). See also 2 Cor. 2:12. Miraculous acts can be performed without God’s power (cf. Acts 19:14-16)
Prophecy: (½ SIGN GIFT) – The God-given ability to receive a message from God to edify, exhort and comfort the Body of Christ or a believer. To speak the Truth as moved by the Holy Spirit. Most prophesying statements do not contain predictions about the future. An example of use is in 1 Cor. 14:3
Ü Does 1 Cor. 13:8 say it will cease?
Distinguishing between spirits: The God-given ability to know what is from God and what is not from Him. The Divine ability to reveal an evil spirit or influence and bring God’s power (Jesus’ blood) and God’s love (Jesus’ crucifixion and resurrection) in its place. Satan is the great deceiver, the father of lies (cf. John 8:44)
Tongues: (SIGN GIFT) – A gift from God and the ability to speak another language not known by the believer speaking it. The Spiritual gift to speak another language not known by the believer speaking it; to build up the Body of Christ when the message is interpreted.
Interpretation of tongues: (SIGN GIFT) – The God-given ability to make tongues a clear message to all who are present to edify, exhort and comfort the Body of Christ.
—- from other scriptural lists (other than 1 Cor. 12)
Apostle: One sent by God with a holy mission to fulfill; and the strong powers and Spiritual gifts to fulfill the mission — (known by the fruit of the Spirit overflowing). Apostolic ministry involves laying foundation(s).
Prophet: One who speaks, or communicates a message, authoritatively, as moved by the Holy Spirit Himself — (known by their good fruit).
Teacher: Someone able to understand the more difficult things of God and explain them in a way that is easy to understand and live by in daily life.
Helps/Serving: The God-given ability to do for others whatever needs to be done. Divine ability to carry the burdens or tasks of others without seeking notice or earthly reward.
Administration: The God-given ability to understand clearly the immediate and long-range goals of a particular unit of the body of Christ, and to devise and execute effective plans for the accomplishment of those goals.
Encouraging: the ability to motivate Christians to do the works of Christ.
Giving: being blessed by God with resources or time and being able to give them where and when they are needed with a cheerful heart.
Leadership: God-given insight into when something needs to be done, who can do it, how it can be completed, and how to lead those people to get it accomplished.
Mercy: A heart to care for and encourage those who are not able to care for themselves and whom no one else would care for. Knowing who to help and when to help.
Evangelist: Someone who desires that all should come to know the truth that God loves everyone so much that He sent His Son Jesus Christ to live a perfect life, die, and rise again for their redemption, or someone who is gifted to proclaim this message.
Pastor: A word that means ‘shepherd.’ Pastors are gifted to lead, guide, and set an example for other Christians.
Other Spiritual gifts
There is less consensus about other gifts not specifically mentioned in the usual lists of gifts, but that nonetheless seem to be hinted at in Scripture. Some are found in the New Testament such as:
- celibacy (I Corinthians 7:7)
- marriage (I Corinthians 7:7)
- Others are found in the Old Testament such as:
- craftsmanship
- worship (gift of music)
- interpretation of dreams (e.g. Joseph and Daniel)
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:
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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)
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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?
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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
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Scripture
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Observation
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1 Corinthians 11:2-16
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1 Corinthians 11:2
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¿: 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]
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Divine Order
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1 Corinthians 11:3
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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.
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The Question
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1 Corinthians 11:4-6
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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?
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Argument 1
Order of Creation
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1 Corinthians 11:7-9
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“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]
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Argument 2
The Angels
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1 Corinthians 11:10
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“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]
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Equality
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1 Corinthians 11:11-12
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Paul clarifies the relationship of men in women in order show that he is only talking about head coverings. He is not teaching chauvinism.
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Argument 3
Nature
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1 Corinthians 11:13-15
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“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.”
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Argument 4
That’s the way it is
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1 Corinthians 11:16
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“we have no other practice” – all the churches are in agreement on this matter
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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
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:
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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)
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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?)
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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
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Scripture
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Observation
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1 Corinthians 10:14-22
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Understanding idolatry
1 Corinthians 10:14-15
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WHITEBOARD
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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)
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United in Spirit
Example 1
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a. Oneness in the body of Christ
1 Corinthians 10:16-17
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“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.
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United in Spirit
Example 2
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b. Oneness in Israel’s sacrificial system
1 Corinthians 10:18
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“those who eat the sacrifices participate in the altar” – portion for altar, priest & offerer.
All who ate identified themselves with God.
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United in Spirit
Example 3
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c. Oneness with demons
1 Corinthians 10:19-22
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¿: 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”
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1 Corinthians 10:23-26
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All belongs to God
1 Corinthians 10:23-26
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“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.
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1 Corinthians 10:27-30
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Thankfulness without demands
1 Corinthians 10:27-30
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¿: 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.
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1 Corinthians 10:31-11:1
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All to glorify God
1 Corinthians 10:31-11:1
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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)
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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
On November 2, 1815 the man considered the father of modern logic, George Boole was born. In 1848 a paper on the mathematical basis of logic, written by Boole, was published in Mechanics Magazine. Boole is credited with being the first to realize that logic was more closely related to mathematics than philosophy.
Boole founded what would much later be understood as the basis for the field of computer science. All it took was a man named Claude Shannon to understand that Boolean algebra could be applied to an electric circuit in order to solve problems, all based upon whether a circuit was on or off. Out of this spawned the modern digital technology we cannot survive without. Calculators, e-mail, web pages, video games, and even that picture on your phone owe their accomplishments to the mathematics of 1′s and 0′s to solve the most complex of problems.
Al Gore can wax philosophical about his role in the Internet, but we all know better – it wasn’t what philosophy did to logic that gave us the Internet, it was something only mathematics could do.
