Lesson Recap
This week we started to get into the book of 1 Corinthians. In the over all view of the book we learned that Corinth was a major hub, and that it was located on an isthmus that made it a very important area for commerce. It enjoyed great prosperity. Since the city was very cosmopolitan it was subject to any number of vices. In addition, the city was rampant with the worship of Aphrodite, the Greek goddess of love. Paul spent 18 months in Corinth, during which time he established the church there. His first letter was penned in response to unfavorable reports that he had gotten about the church in Corinth.
We looked at church unity, and what it is. We also looked at how do you know when a church has unity, and what destroys it.
This lesson was broken down into the following sections:
1:1-9 Typical Greek letter introduction
1:10-17 Lack of unity in the church
1:18-31 Solution to the problem
Remember that this is a letter that was originally not given chapters and verses, and should be read the same way you read a letter today.
From the greeting (1:1-9) we learn that the author is Paul, and that someone named Sosthenes (Acts 18: 14-17) is with him. We also see that Paul intended the letter to be passed to other churches. Paul also mentions spiritual gifts in verse 7, which is setting the table for something he will cover later.In verse 9 we see two things. First that God is faithful. Second, we see why even Peter has some difficulty interpreting what Paul sometimes means!
In chapter 1: 10-17 Paul addresses the lack of unity in the church. The church was in it's infant state at that time. In that time, it was common for travelers to come through sharing their understanding of a philosophy or religion. It was no different for Christians. New believers were coming from all over, which meant that there was an array of theology going on all the time. This was the problem with the church in Corinth.Paul founded the church in Corinth, so his theology would have been dominant. When others came through preaching their understanding of the faith based on the preaching of Peter or Apollos we can see where conflict would occur. In verse 10, Paul urges them in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. Why would he do that? Because in ancient times names were not just a label, but an expression of a persons nature and character. So in using Jesus' name Paul was reminding the Corinthians of the Lord that they followed, as well as his message and purpose. Focusing on Christ and His purpose helps take the focus off of individual preferences and desires. Uniformity in the church is impossible, but unity is very possible. What is the difference? How do you think you would respond if faced with a contentious church member? How would you try to promote unity? What role do you think members play in promoting unity?
In chapter 1: 18-31 we see Paul's solution! We know that the Greeks were fond of philosophy, or love of wisdom. What is it about the Christian message that the Greeks would have considered foolish? Jews, on the other hand, demanded signs. Throughout the Old Testament God provided many signs so people would believe His messenger. What was it about the Christian message that failed to satisfy the Jews demand for signs? The answers to both questions are found in the crucifixion. Christ crucified was a problem for the Jews because they were looking for a conquering Messiah and not a crucified one. To the Greeks, the crucifixion of Christ was illogical and hopelessly weak. So the only was for Jew or Greek to come to faith was through faith...no work or self merit. So ho do strong convictions about the Gospels truth help promote church unity? It reminds us of our own lack of wisdom and strength, everyone is equal at the foot of the cross, and it helps us keep the main thing the main thing!
In chapter 1: 26-31 we see how focusing on God's work can help promote church unity. Why do you think that some church members elevate themselves over others?
Happy Birthday...
...to Hannah Martin! God's blessings on your special day!
Prayer Requests
- Keep Rusty in our prayers, as he had a mini-vacation in St. Clare's last week due to work related stress issues.
