Textual Study of 1 Corinthians

Grace, Christ, Power and Wisdom of God (Ch. 1 & 2)

Introduction 1:1-3

vs. 1 The messenger of God is called to be a brother to other believers

• Thanksgiving for the Grace of God (1:4-9)
• The cause and the cure for contention (1:10-31) The Christ of God
• The Power of God revealed through the cross 1:18,24; 2:4,5
• The Wisdom of the world contrasted with the Wisdom of God 1:19-2:16

KEY VERSES:

1:5 "enriched by him, in all"

1:6 "the testimony of Christ was confirmed in you"

1:1-2, 9 -11, 30 Fellowship of Jesus Christ our Lord

IN HIS WISDOM

IN HIS RIGHTEOUSNESS

IN HIS SANCTIFICATION

IN HIS REDEMPTION

There is no logical process to attain to the things of God without Spiritual insight, everything is revealed by faith in Jesus Christ.

John 3:3—Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.

I Cor. 1:5, 19; Isa. 29:13, 14 - Their wisdom shall perish without true fellowship

I Cor. 15:33—Evil communications corrupt good manners

Col. 2:3—In whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge

I Cor. 1:18, 24, 2:4, 5 The power of God revealed through the Cross

The simple Gospel is Jesus Christ in the flesh dying on the cross in our place, shedding His blood to make an atonement for everyone that would believe in Him.

I Cor. 15:3—Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures

15:4—"Buried and rose again according to the scriptures"

2:9-16, 10 "But God hath revealed them unto us by His Spirit."

The Temple of God (Ch. 3)

The Spiritual foundation of every believer's life is Jesus Christ.

1Cor. 3:11—For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ.

1Cor. 10:4—And did all drink the same spiritual drink: for they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them: and that Rock was Christ.

The Foundation for a wise man.

Matt. 7:25; I Cor.1:24, 30; 2:6-7, 13; 12:8

The Apostle Paul spoke the wisdom of God in a mystery even the hidden wisdom

A Rock (spiritual) Mat. 16:16-18; I Cor. 10:4

A Word from God.

A Revelation of the Son of God.

The Foundation must be Jesus Christ.

I Cor.3:1; Eph. 2:20; Acts 4:11-12

(Our foundation must not be CULTURE, but CHRIST!)

A Sure Foundation—Isa 28:16 …a sure foundation:

The Head stone of the Corner—Ps 118:22 "the head stone"

Matt. 21:42; Mark 12:10; Luke 20:17; Acts 4:11

S tumblingstone and Rock of Offence Romans 9:33; 10:11; Isa. 8:14

That Spiritual Rock…That Rock was Christ

1Cor 10:4—And did all drink the same spiritual drink: for they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them: and that Rock was Christ.

Jesus Christ Himself being The Chief Corner Stone

Eph 2:20—And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone;

I Peter 2:4-8 A living Stone, (Wise men) as lively stones are built up a spiritual house. (A living Temple) Eph. 2:21-22; 3:5; II Peter 3:2; I Cor. 3:9-16; II Cor. 6:16; Heb.3:1-6

Founded Upon a Rock

Mt 7:24"built his house upon a rock" 25"founded upon a rock"

Upon this rock I will build… Mat.16:18

Prov.10:25 …an everlasting foundation.

Zech. 12:1; Ps. 11:3

Eph. 2:20—And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone;

a. Established, originated, set up, created, started, bring into being, initiate, build.

b. Foundation-source, base, root, origin, beginning, footing, underpinning.

The Foundations to build on and the unity of their dimensions with what is being built. I Cor.10:6,11

1Cor.10:5—But with many of them God was not well pleased: for they were overthrown in the wilderness.

1Cor. 10:12—Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall.

Mat.7:27; Luke 6:49; II Peter 2:20

We have been given the foundations to build on and it is our responsibility to build proportionally and properly. I Cor. 3:13

How does your life square up, straighten up, measure up and size up?

Examine your faith - Test your commitment - Try the spirits.

Spirituality - experience

Reality - true

Eternity-All time has meaning, All of life has Purpose

Morality- goodness

Accountability-confession and responsibility to revelation and key knowledge.

Charity - Love

Digging Deep (See Addendum for"Digging Deep in greater detail)

Luke 6:48—He is like a man which built an house, and digged deep…

This wise builder struck the rock before he laid the foundation. God is not to be found on the surface. You must DIG DEEP.

Diligently digging (search) to know Him.

(1Cor. 11:3; Php 3:10; Luke 16:3)

Digging Deeper to grow more like Him.

(II Tim. 2:15; Hebrews 4:11; II Peter 1:5, 6, 7)

Don't just dig it up, but dig it out!

A man's words expose

his true nature: what he is really like beneath the surface.

what he is down deep within his heart: his motives, desires, ambitions, or the lack of initiative.

his true character: good or bad, kind or cruel.

his mind: pure or impure, dirty or clean, negative or positive.

his spirit, what he believes and pursues: the legitimate or illegitimate, the intelligent or ignorant, the true or false, the good or evil, beneficial or wasteful, Spiritual or carnal.

Dig Deep in prayer that others will know Him

I Cor.11:4,13; 14:15; John 8:43; Jer. 7:28; Mt 13:15; Mat. 12:34; Luke 6:45

Faith sees the invisible, Believes - the incredible, Receives - the impossible.

KEY VERSES:

3:6 "God giveth the increase"

3:9 "For we are laborers together with God"

3:10 "A wise master builder"

3:11 Jesus Christ is the foundation

3:16 "Know ye not that ye are the temple of God" (6:15, 19, 20)

The Builders

God (Father, Son, & Holy Ghost) Heb. 11:10 Mat. 16:18

Noah built an Ark and also an Altar 1Peter 3:20; Gen. 8:20

David (Father) Made Preparation & Solomon (Son) built the Temple 1 Chron. 22:5,14

Nehemiah and his builders Neh.4:18 I Chron.26:26-27

Peter I Pt. 2:5

Paul (I Cor.3:10)

The Church is built up by wise men of the Word, Led by the Holy Ghost. God reveals his Son to us and we build by faith.

II Peter 1:2…but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.

Col 3:16; II Cor. 2:14; Col 1:28

By the teachings of His Spirit - He reveals His Son in us.

Gal. 1:16—To reveal his Son in me… Acts 9:6; John 16:13

He changes us into the same image.

II Cor. 3:18 …changed into the same image from glory to glory… (1Cor. 15:49; Romans 8:29; Col 3:10)

Jeremiah Jer. 1:10—to build, and to plant.

Jer. 1:18 …I have made thee …for I am with thee, saith the LORD, to deliver

Master Builder's Instructions (I Cor. 3:10)(4:15) 10:1-33

1Cor. 10:12—Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall.

1Cor. 10:13—There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.

1Cor. 10:15—I speak as to wise men; judge ye what I say.

The Ministers of God (Ch. 4)

KEY VERSES:

4:2 "It is required in stewards that a man be found faithful"

4:20 "For the kingdom of God in not in word but in power"

The Wickedness in the Church of God (Ch. 5 & 6)

KEY VERSES:

5:7 "Christ our Passover"

(Purge out the old leaven that ye may be a new lump.)

6:3 "Know ye not that we shall judge angels"

The Marriage relationship under God (Ch. 7)

KEY VERSES:

Christian liberties in God (Ch. 8, 9 & 10)

10:12 Our liberty is no excuse for slackness. We must take heed because there is a storm coming.

The Purpose of the Storm is to be tested.

1Cor. 10:13—There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it. 15 -I speak as to wise men; judge ye what I say.

Mat .10:24—The disciple is not above his master, nor the servant above his lord.

4:1—Then was Jesus led up of the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted of the devil.

The Temptation

Sin, World- sensuality-man, Satan

The Test

Man, Satan- 2Co 12:7 the messenger of Satan, God

The Trial

Spirit, Word, God

KEY VERSES:

9:22 "By all means save some"

9:24 "Run that ye may obtain"

10:4 "That rock was Christ"

10:12 "Let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall"

Instructions regarding Church order (Ch. 11)

KEY VERSES:

11:1 "Be ye followers of me even as I also am of Christ"

11:3 "The head of every man is Christ"

Instructions concerning Spiritual gifts (Ch. 12, 13 & 14)

Rules of Unity Ch. 12

Spiritual Gifts

No one ruled by the Spirit of God will ever curse Jesus. 12:3

The Holy Ghost in a person's life will always exalt Jesus, produce morality and unity. Eph 4:3; 4:13

Each gift is necessary for the proper functioning of the Body. 12:12-27

The gifts of the Holy Spirit are given according to the Holy Spirit's will.12:11

There are many members of the one body and all should seek the more excellent way.

We must be growing spiritually and diligently exercising our faith so that God will add to our life more of His Love that we all would be like Him, which is the more excellent way. (12:27-31)

A special gift enabling a Christian to perform a particular ministry in the church. I Cor. 12:4; Rom. 12:4; Eph. 4:4; Heb. 2:4; 1Peter 4:10

Paul gives instructions on the spiritual gifts in 1 Cor. 12:4 - 11, 28 - 30.

Spiritual gifts are gifts and abilities given by the Holy Ghost to be used in the church and in the ministry to reach the world for Christ. People do not always use the gifts in the way that they should be used. Christian believers do not always use their gifts wisely as God wants them used. This happened to the believers in the Corinthian church, and it happens to multitudes of believers and churches in every generation.

The misuse and abuse of God's gifts are the very reasons the whole world has never been reached for Jesus Christ. I Cor. 1:5-9; I Peter 4:10-11

The Gifts of the Spirit are many but only one Holy Ghost There are Nine gifts of the Spirit specifically mentioned in I Corinthians 12:The Word of Wisdom; The Word of Knowledge, Faith, The gifts of Healing, The Working of Miracles. Prophecy, Discerning of spirits, Divers kinds of Tongues, and the interpretation of Tongues.

Paul emphasizes the practical nature of the Spiritual gifts. The Spirit bestows his gifts for the edification of the church, the formation of Christian character, and the service of the community. The reception of a spiritual gift, therefore, brought serious responsibility, since it was essentially an opportunity for yielding yourself in sacrificial service for others and was not self-serving.

The more spectacular gifts such as tongues, healings and miracles necessitate order that would prevent indiscriminate use (1 Cor. 14:40). The spirits of the prophets must be subject to the prophets (vs. 32). Paul clearly insists that those receiving spectacular gifts must remain in order. Speaking in Tongues was not forbidden but encouraged (vs. 39), gifted exposition of the word, instruction in faith, in morals and anointed preaching of the gospel are infinitely superior. The greatest peril lay in overemphasizing the gifts, which tend to exalt the individuals and leads to the loss of the church's awareness of the Spirit's presence and power.

The standard used to judge the relative values of spiritual gifts are: doctrinal (1 Cor. 12:3), moral (1 Cor. 13), and practical (1 Cor. 14).

Spiritual Authority

"Some" have been placed in the church for the proper order to be kept and that people would remain submissive and humble. Without the leading, guiding and directing of the Holy Ghost people will go astray. It takes Holy Ghost filled people that operate in the spirit to govern the church properly.

1Cor. 12:28—And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues.

Apostles. Apostles are Men of God chosen by a Word from God for specific purposes over the church to declare and to do the Will of God. Even when Paul was asked to legislate for the churches he had founded, his authority was not his apostleship but a word from the Lord (1 Cor. 7:10).

Prophets. Prophets stand next in importance to apostles they build up believers in the faith by speaking and teaching the Revealed Word. (1 Cor. 14:6, 26, 30 - 31).

God makes His will known through the prophet Acts 13:1 or a future event will be foretold (Acts 11:28; 21:10 - 11); but the prophet's special gift is the edification, exhortation, consolation, and instruction of the local churches (1 Cor. 14).

Teachers. Carefully distinguished from, the gift of prophecy is the gift of teaching (1 Cor. 12:28 - 29; Rom. 12:7). The prophet proclaims the word; the teacher explained what the prophet proclaims, reduces it to statements of doctrine, and applies it to the situation in which we live. The teacher offers systematic instruction (2 Tim. 2:2) to the local churches. In Eph. 4:11 Paul adds pastor to that of teacher, because no one is able to communicate effectively without loving those who are being instructed. Likewise, to be an effective pastor, one must also be a teacher.

Helpers . The Gift of Helps (1 Cor. 12:28) Helpers; What spiritual gift was signified by "helper" may be gathered from Acts 20:35, where Paul exhorts the Ephesians elders to labor "to help the weak" The deacon was one who ministered to the needy (Acts 6:1 - 6).

The Evangelist. The evangelist is a gift to the church. Timothy is called an evangelist in 2 Tim. 4:5, as is Philip, one of the seven, in Acts 21:The task of preaching the gospel is every believer's responsibility, but Evangelists have been entrusted specifically to encourage and enrich the church as well.. They are to exercise their ministry in the full realization that the power comes from God.

Governments. The Gift of Governments or Administration (1 Cor.12:28; Rom.12:8) Leaders, Directors or elders, who maintain church discipline.

It is absolutely necessary that we follow the leading of the Holy Ghost but If you're not submissive to the God-ordained leadership then you're not submissive to God.

Rules of Love Ch. 13

Love excels spiritual gifts. 13:1-3

Love out lasts spiritual gifts. 4-12

Love is the greatest. 13:13

Love is Greater in quality and longer in endurance.

The value of love 1-3

More than any sound, More than every Gift, More than all sacrifices

The virtues of love 4-7

Long suffering, Kind, Envieth not, Vaunteth not itself, Is not puffed up, Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil;Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth; Beareth all thing, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things.

The victories of love 8-13

8—Charity never faileth:

10—that which is in part shall be done away.

11—I became a man, I put away childish things.

12—then shall I know even as also I am known.

13—And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity.

Rules of Edification Ch. 14

The chief test of any spiritual manifestation is edification. 14:12

Prophecy is superior to tongues. But if you have a weakness yielding your tongue to the Lord, how can you yield your mind, heart, soul and spirit properly to the Lord to Prophesy. 14:1-12

Tongues interpreted edify. 14:22, 26-28

Improper manifestation can repel people from the church. 14:23-28

The Spirit of the prophets is subject to the prophets. 14:32

The things that I write unto you are the commandments of the Lord.

1Cor. 14:40—Let all things be done decently and in order.

1Cor. 14:36—What? came the word of God out from you?

[or came it unto you only?]

Don't abuse the gifts that God gives you by thinking that you are the only teacher and that you have something that no one else has, that God speaks exclusively to you: a truth, insight, revelation, understanding.

Too many think God doesn't speak specially to people and that God doesn't give truth and insight that other's won't receive but He does, just don't abuse it.

LEARN THE TRUTH

LOVE THE TRUTH

LIVE THE TRUTH

Be spiritual and covet the best gifts but don't abuse them by just thinking that you are more spiritual than others.

1Cor. 2:15—But he that is spiritual judgeth all things, yet he himself is judged of no man.

The rules laid down by Paul were commandments from the Lord.

Every prophet and every spiritual person must acknowledge this fact and obey the rules.

There were some in Corinth who had rejected the rules God had given Paul.

They thought their gifts and spirituality placed them above the rules and gave them the right to exercise their gifts as they felt led.

1Cor. 14:37—If any man think himself to be a prophet, or spiritual, let him acknowledge that the things that I write unto you are the commandments of the Lord.

If anyone refuses to accept and follow the rules, then let him remain in his ignorance.

1 Corinthians 14:38

God will take care of him who rebels and continues to act selfishly in ignorance.

1 Corinthians 14:23

(Receive from the Lord to help them also.)

1 Corinthians 14:3

1 Corinthians 14:20

(1Cor. 15:33, 34)

A Spiritual minded man is knowledgeable, Faithful and wise in all his ways. All are edified where the spiritual are obedient.

KEY VERSES:

12:31 "Covet earnestly the best gifts"

13:13 "The greatest of these is love"

14:33, 40 "Let all things be done decently and in order"(God of PEACE)

Errors corrected concerning the resurrection 15:1-58

KEY VERSES:

15:10 "By the grace of God I am what I am"

15:26 "The last enemy that shall be destroyed is death"

15:4 "As we have born the image of the earthly we shall also bear the image of the heavenly"

Instructions concerning stewardship (Ch. 16)

These are the greatest resources that we have in this world and they must not be wasted: Money 16:1-4, Opportunities 5-9, People 10-24.

KEY VERSES:

16:2 "Upon the first day of the week let every one of you lay by him in store, as God hath prospered him"

16:9 "A great door and effectual is opened unto me and there are many adversaries"

16:22 if any man love not the Lord Jesus Christ let him be accursed

There is a deep significance. Failure to recognize Jesus Christ as Lord caused many disorders to creep into their lives. I Cor. 1:1-10; 31; 2:8,16; 3:20; 4:4; 5:4,5; 6:11-14,17; 7:10,11,17; 8:6; 9:1; 10:21; 11:23-32; 12:3; 14:21,37; 15:57,58; 16:10,22,23

Basic Principles in I Corinthians

I Tim. 1:19; Heb. 5:11-14; I Cor. 3:1-4; 15:34; II Peter 1:3-10

Conscience depends on Spiritual knowledge 8:7

The more spiritual knowledge we know and act upon, the stronger our conscience will become.

Knowledge must be balanced by love

I Cor. 1:5; 8:1; 16:14; Eph. 4:5; Phil. 1:9-11; II Peter 1:3,8

The right knowledge is seed for the fruit of God's Love to grow in your heart by faith in the power of God.

For a man to experience the same love of God working in his heart there must first be right knowledge. For every measure of spiritual development there must first be planted a seed of truth.

The strong must care for the weak I Cor. 8:9; Rom. 14-15

Personal rights and privileges must be surrendered for the Gospel's sake 9:1-16

The limits of liberty - The boundaries of freedom - The liberty of limits-

Limits and boundaries are not to confound but to Protect and keep safe.

1Cor. 9:12; 15, 16; Isaiah 57:20; 21; II Cor. 3:17

Authority must be balanced by discipline 9:17-27

The best example is found in the one who practices what he preaches. Implicit obedience to the Word of God is the foundation to direct or correct all others.

Experience must be balanced by caution I Cor. 10:11; Jos.1:7-8

Freedom must be balanced by responsibility 10:23-33

We ought to have consideration not of ourselves only, but of others also.

We must be responsible to say and do the right things at the right times.

Freedom of speech must be fully respectful to other's safety, In 1919, Supreme Court Justice Oliver Wendell Holmes ruled that the First Amendment does not protect a man falsely shouting "fire" in a theater and causing a panic.

Our labor must be ordered by the Word of the Lord I Cor. 15:58

1:19,31; 2:9,13; 9:9,10; 10:6; 15:23,45; Psa. 37:23