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STT: First Corinthians

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First Corinthians is an extremely relevant book for believers trying to live in culture that is contrary and hostile to faith. A careful reading of the two epistles leads many scholars to believe that we have two out of four letters. The letter is intensely personal and Paul's pastoral heart shows through each line.
 
Here are few ideas on how to approach a study of First Corinthians.
 
The book is roughly divided into three sections:
 
  • Paul encourages unity within the church. (1:10)
  • Paul admonishes the church to deal with sin. (5:1)
  • Paul answers a series of doctrinal and practical questions. (7:1) 
 
Perhaps the easiest way to study the book is to watch for each of these topics and keep track of what Paul says about each one. The key transition words to note are "now concerning" (Your translation may use "now regarding" or some similar expression.) Occasionally, Paul uses "I do not want you to be ignorant" (or unaware).
 
Second, the book is filled with quick encouragements and instructions that are worth listing. 
 
Third, some questions to consider:
What are believers' responsibilities to God and to each other?
Do Paul's answers/statements challenge your ideas?
 
 
What is your favorite verse or passage in First Corinthians?
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Who to Ask?

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"…So she went to inquire of the Lord…" Genesis 25:22

Rebekah was pregnant but this was no ordinary pregnancy. She figured since God was the one who had blessed her with the baby (babies, she would soon discover), He should be able to explain what was going on.

I admit, God is not always the first One I turn to when things don't make sense. Usually I call on my husband or my friends. They are good, Godly people who give good counsel, but they don't have the inside knowledge God does.

Some reasons I don't go to God first-

  • He's invisible.
  • He doesn't always answer immediately.
  • I'm afraid my questions are silly.

Some reasons I should get over that-

  • "I have called you by name; you are Mine." Isaiah 43:1
  • "No good thing will He withhold from those who walk uprightly." Psalm 84:11
  • "The secret things belong to the Lord." Deuteronomy 29:29
  • "I have loved you with an everlasting love." Jeremiah 31:3
  • "The prayer [even the dumb questions] of the upright is His delight." Proverbs 15:8

I'll work on this one.

 

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Q: Where Is Your Focus?

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Arrow forwardIf I will that he remain until I come, what is that to you? John 21:22

After Peter received a prophecy from Christ about where his path of following Christ would take him. Jesus plainly told Peter martyrdom awaited him. Out of curiosity, Peter asked about his buddy, John. What's gonna happen to him? Jesus answers the question with a question- what is that to you? Then Jesus says, "You follow me."

It's easy to look around at other believers and measure our life, our effectiveness against what we see. However, that's the wrong scale. Our call is individual and our purpose is ordained by God and uniquely suited to us. No matter what's going on around us, we need to stick to our mission.

So when others have great ministry success, receive recognition, have tremendous fruit to show for their efforts… Don't give in to discouragement. Keep focused on Jesus.

When others fail spectacularly, and bring reproach on the name of Christ… Don't be distracted. Keep focused on Jesus.

 

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Q: Do You Love Me?

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A daring leapSimon, son of John, do you love Me more than these? John 21:15

This question, repeated 3 times, marks a critical moment in Peter's relationship with Jesus. Ashamed at his denial, tentative about taking on the ministry Jesus had for him, afraid of failing again, the last thing Peter wanted to do was answer this question in front of the other guys.

There are volumes of commentary on this exchange. Most agree that Peter's 3 denials warranted 3 public affirmations. There are several good insights as to what the "these" are that Christ refers to each time. However, without hearing the inflection in His voice or seeing His body language, we can't know for certain.

Context gives us a couple of possibilities, though.

Do you love Me more than the comfort of your routine?
Simon Peter had just spent the night fishing. Jesus instructed the disciples to go ahead to Galilee and He'd meet them there. With no sign of Jesus and not sure what to do next, Peter and the others fell back to what was safe and familiar.
Do I love Jesus enough to follow Him into situations that are stressful, or nerve-wracking? Am I willing to walk away from my perceived comfort zone?

Do You love Me more than these guys?
Peter had said, in no uncertain terms, that even if everyone else abandoned Jesus, he never would. Well, he did. Jesus allowed Peter to humiliate himself in front of his most intimate friends.
Do I love Jesus enough to respond in humility when He puts me through a fire or two? Even if my close friends see me fall?

Do you love Me?
Jesus always had a job for Peter, a ministry, a calling, a purpose. Peter's failure never forfeited that. In this moment, in this simple question, Jesus assured Peter, "I still want you. I still have a place for you. But I won't lie. It will be hard. It will stretch you beyond what you think you are capable of. Are you in?"

Lord, You know I love You.

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Q: Do You Have a Question?

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Raise your handsAre you inquiring among yourselves about what I said? John 16:19

 

Mere hours before Jesus' arrest, He gave the disciples one last round of heavy teaching, but not all of it registered. Rather than ask Him, they tried to figure it out for themselves. After all, they didn't want to look stupid…

 

Don't we do the same thing? Don't we ask for advice from everybody around before we ask God and search out His answer? Aren't we positive we can figure things out if we just have a little more time?

 

Two simple truths stand out in this short exchange:

 

1.  Jesus knows our questions. 

In John 16:19, Jesus quotes the very question the disciples were asking among themselves. He knows the deep issues on our hearts, and He knows the foolish lengths we go to in order to hide our confusion. And He knows why we do that- pride, doubt, unbelief…

 

2.  Jesus has the answers.

He is the source, the author of all truth. He has perfect knowledge and understanding and He knows the possibilities and outcomes for each situation we come up against.

 

The catch

 In today's conversation with His disciples, He answered their question in straightforward, plain language. The disciples even remarked, "Now He's talking plainly!"

He doesn't always do that. Sometimes… His answer is "trust Me". 

Jesus promises to provide our every need, not our every want. He will always supply the answers we need. 

 

At Christmas, we are willing to wait to find out what's in those packages under the tree because we trust that they are good, and provided by someone who loves us. It's the same way with the answers God withholds for a time. He loves us, the answers are for our good, but it's not yet time.

Even so, He never says to stop asking.

 

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