Paul wrote his first letter to the church in Corinth. While 1 Corinthians contains a message of love, it was not delivered lovingly. He corrects and challenges the Church to quit living in the world, and start living for God. He is the only one that we are to impress, not the world. Paul directs believers to treat everyone with love. Our goal is to let God’s light and His love to shine brightly. We are not to be hypocritical, nor are we to cause other believers to stumble by placing temptations in their path. Before we move on to 2 Corinthians, take a moment and think through a few things. Does my life shine a light for God? Do my actions cause harm to my heart or to anyone else’s heart? Am I loving my neighbors? I hope that I can be a loving example to everyone.
Passage:
1 Corinthians
Discovered:
- Written by Paul to church in Corinth
- Do not fight – for everyone is to follow Christ – be united in Him
- Paul’s job was to teach the gospel
- God chooses the weak so that we can not boast in ourselves, but in His glory
- Paul taught of Christ without lofty speech – wanted God’s power to stand by itself, not by worldly persuasion.
- We received the Holy Spirit, so we now understands what He shows us – focused on Christ
- The Church still held onto the ways of the world – divided, we can plant seeds and water, but only God provides the growth.
- We will be held accountable for what we build in His name – be sure it honors Him (We belong to God)
- Do not judge others, but know that our actions are judged by God and we need to impress Him, not the world
- Paul condemns the Corinthians for allowing sexual immorality within the Church
- Those within the Church should face discipline for their immorality – hold them accountable
- Disputes between believers should within, not by unbelievers – they don’t understand the Word of God
- Sex unites us with the person so by doing it outside of marriage, it becomes an attack on our body, treat your body like the temple it is for the Holy Spirit
- Within marriage, husbands and wives should not deprive the other – each given authority over the other
- If you are single – it is good. If you are married – it is good – enjoy the season
- Husbands and wives are not to divorce each other
- God has called us to live uniquely assigned lives – we are to keep the commandments so do not fret about your current situation
- God paid for us, so don’t become a slave to man (sell yourself)
- Do not be afraid to live life: single, married, mourn or rejoice as long as the focus is on God, not the world
- Regarding food from idols – it does not matter to God, but don’t do it if it causes someone to stumble
- Paul is an apostle for he has seen Christ
- Just as farmers eat their crops, pastors who preach the gospel should be supported by their flock
- Paul had the right to ask for support, but he and Barnabas worked for a living – allows him to tailor his message for all
- Just as Hebrews were disciplined in the desert for chasing idols, we will be too.
- You cannot share with God and with demons
- While under Christ’s law, things may be lawful, but not good for your heart or your neighbor’s heart.
- don’t take actions that would cause an unbeliever to think you hypocritical or cause a believer to stumble
- Head of man is Christ, head of wife is husband, head of Christ is God
- Men are not to cover their heads/have long hair, while women are to have long hair, pray with a covered head.
- Honoring the Lord’s supper – bread is my body broken and wine is my blood – it is communion, not a feast
- There is one Spirit, one God but many gifts that look different, serve differently
- We are all part of the body of Christ – no part is indispensable, all are to be honored.
- Without love, any efforts are futile – it is patient, kind, doesn’t envy, is not rude, arrogant, demanding or bully.
- Love never ends and is the greatest of hope, faith and love.
- When speaking in tongues-should be an interpreter and prophesy should build up a church (prophesy > tongues)
- When you gather, there should be orderly worship (2-3 tongues, then 2-3 prophesy)
- Women are to be silent during services – question their husbands at home to learn
- Reminder: Christ died for our sins and rose on the 3rd day
- Without resurrection, beliefs are in vain – but if Christ has risen from the dead, so will we. It is a hint of what is to come.
- We receive an earthly body but when we are raised from the dead we receive a spiritual body (imperishable)
- Upon death, we sleep and in a twinkling of an eye, we awake changed
- Death is swallowed up in victory through Christ
- Once a week, they were to collect a private collection for the poor – give privately
- Paul said he would visit after Macedonia and hoped to stay through the winter
- They were instructed to accept Timothy
- Be watchful, stand firm in faith, act like men, be strong. Do everything in love.
- Gave thanks for Stephanas, Fortunatus, and Achaicus’s visit and sent wishes from church in Asia.
Help me to remember:
do everything in love and out of love for You.
Lord, I ask that . . .
I use my gifts to honor You, to choose a life that brings You into focus.
Heavenly Father, I am thankful for . . .
my husband, and my family, for the season of life you have given me.
