I

CORINTHIANS

Member’s Book
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Leaders and Members’ Basics

www.TheLAMBofCA.com
House Church Training Materials for Central Asia
See page 47 for the full curriculum

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Table of Contents
How to Read and Study this Book ............................................................ 5
DIVISIONS IN THE CHURCH...............................................................7
The Believer’s Struggle .............................................................................. 9
The Reason for the Letter .........................................................................10
Greetings: Our Position in Isa .................................................................. 11
Having our Eyes on Men..........................................................................12
Isa – Our Wisdom and Power...................................................................13
Two Spirits and Two Men ........................................................................14
Six Pictures of a Worker............................................................................15
DISORDER IN THE CHURCH............................................................ 17
Immorality in the Church .........................................................................19
More about Church Discipline ................................................................ 20
Disputes in the Courts ..............................................................................21
Immorality and Freedom ......................................................................... 22
Advice on Marriage .................................................................................. 23
“Mixed” Marriages .................................................................................. 24
Should I Remain Unmarried? .................................................................. 25
DIFFICULTIES IN THE CHURCH .................................................... 27
The Problem of Questionable Things..................................................... 29
The Example of Isa.................................................................................. 30
The Example of Paul ................................................................................31
Sacrificing our Privileges ......................................................................... 32
Dangers of Sin and Demons .................................................................... 33
The Believer’s Freedom ........................................................................... 34
The Matter of Covering............................................................................ 35

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PUBLIC WORSHIP AND THE RESURRECTION..........................37

The Lord’s Supper.................................................................................... 39
We Belong to Each Other ........................................................................ 40
We Need and Affect Each Other ..............................................................41
Using Gifts in Love .................................................................................. 42
Principles of Spiritual Worship ................................................................ 43
The Resurrection...................................................................................... 44
The Collection for Jerusalem ................................................................... 45

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How to Read and Study this Book

Greetings. As you start your study of “First Corinthians,” you will
see that the book can be read in one month. The book has 28
chapters, which are divided into 4 units. As you study, let us call your
attention to three parts of the book, which are as follows:
Meditation: At the beginning of each unit, you will see two verses
on which to mediate and apply to your life during the week.
Personal Thought Questions: There are seven chapters in each
unit. You can read a chapter a day or as many as you feel you have
time. Usually, there are questions near the end of each chapter about
which you will want to think and pray.
Discussion Guide: At the end of each unit, you will find
questions for church or small group discussion. These will help you
and your church better evaluate what you have learned during the
week. One method is for one person to read a question then have the
group discuss the question.
As disciples of Isa Masih, we want to be complete, equipped for
every good work. God has “prepared in advance” good works for us
to do (Ephesians 2:10). These are His good works, which He
continually works in and through us. However, in order to do any
good work, we must know God’s Holy Word and apply His Word in
our lives. “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching,
rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of
God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work” (2 Timothy
3:16-17).
No matter how much we know about God’s Word, if we do not
apply what we learn, Scripture will never benefit our life. The
Scripture is “God-breathed.” We are to read it, memorize it, meditate
upon it, and use its teachings to guide our conduct.
You will want to read First Corinthians in your Bible as you study
this book. The Letter of First Corinthians has 16 chapters. If you will
read at least four chapters each week, you will read the entire letter as
you study the book. May God bless you.

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DIVISIONS IN THE
CHURCH

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Meditate upon and apply these Scriptures to your life this week:

1. 1 Corinthians 1:18 – “For the message of the cross is foolishness

to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the
power of God.”

2. 1 Corinthians 2:12 – “We have not received the spirit of the world
but the Spirit who is from God, that we may understand what God
has freely given us.”

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The Believer’s Struggle

The believers in Corinth struggled with the sin and corruption that
surrounded them in their environment. They felt pressure to adapt.
They knew Isa had saved them, but what did that salvation mean?
How should they view idols? What should they do about marriage and
women in the church? Moreover, what should they do about the gifts
of the Spirit? Immorality and spiritual immaturity had damaged the
church of Corinth.
Paul heard about their struggles and wrote this letter to help them
solve their problems, heal their divisions, and answer their questions.
He confronted them with their sin and their need for repentance and
commitment to Isa. Practically, Paul faced many difficult problems as
he wrote this letter. For example, there were divisions, lawsuits, and
immorality. He needed God’s wisdom as he wrote this letter, just as
we need His wisdom in dealing with various problems in our own
churches.
First Corinthians is important both theologically and practically.
Theologically, Paul presents many truths dealing with Isa’s crucifixion
and resurrection, and the Holy Spirit’s ministry in spiritual gifts.
Practically, the letter demonstrates Paul’s concern for the church and
provides principles for us to follow as we deal with problems in our
own churches.
Many of God’s creatures blend in with nature to aid in their
survival. In a very natural way, they fit in and adapt to their
environment. However, followers of Isa are different. We are “new”
creatures, born from above, and changed from within. We have values
and life-styles that often confront the world and clash with its morals.
True believers do not blend in or conform, but the Lord transforms
them as He renews their minds (Romans 12:2).
First Corinthians calls upon all of us to be careful not to “blend
in” to the world around us. We must not accept its values and life-
styles. Rather, we must live Isa–centered, blameless and loving lives
that touch people around us. As we study First Corinthians, let us
examine our own lifestyle. Can you detect any ways in which you are
“blending in” to the world around you? How can you correct this?

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The Reason for the Letter

In the Book of Acts, Luke wrote, “After this, Paul left Athens and
went to Corinth” (Acts 18:1). Bible scholars say that Paul visited
Corinth on his “second missionary journey” (about 50 AD).
In Corinth, the apostle made friends with two Jewish tent-makers,
Aquila and Priscilla, and “…he stayed and worked with them” (Acts
18:3). Each Sabbath he reasoned with the Jews, trying to persuade
them to follow Isa. After “…Silas and Timothy came from Macedonia,
Paul devoted himself exclusively to preaching, testifying to the Jews
that Isa was the Masih” (Acts 18:5). Crispus (the synagogue ruler)
believed and Paul baptized him and his family (Acts 18:8 and 1
Corinthians 1:14). God gave Paul special encouragement to stay in
Corinth and he remained there in the city for a year and a half (Acts
18:9-11) before going on to Ephesus.
Luke continued, “Paul stayed on in Corinth for some time. Then
he left the brothers and sailed for Syria, accompanied by Priscilla and
Aquila” (Acts 18:18). He left behind a church richly gifted in spiritual
things (1 Corinthians 1:4-7), but greatly influenced by the worldliness
and wickedness of the city itself.
On Paul’s third missionary journey, he worked in Ephesus for
three years (Acts 20:31). During this time, Paul learned [probably from
friends in the church] that the spiritual conditions in the church of
Corinth had greatly deteriorated. While in Ephesus, he likely wrote a
letter [mentioned in 1 Corinthians 5:9 which we do not have] warning
the Corinthian brothers not to associate with immoral and wicked
“believers.”
From members of Chloe’s house (1 Corinthians 1:11), Paul learned
that the Corinthian church had divided into factions. He had received
a letter (1 Corinthians 7:1) requesting his advice and guidance on
certain questions of interest to the church. A delegation composed of
Stephanas, Fortunatus, and Achaicus may have brought these
questions to Paul (1 Corinthians 16:17). Based on the reports and the
request, Paul then wrote 1 Corinthians from Ephesus and sent it to the
church.
What seemed to be Paul’s reasons for writing this letter?

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Greetings: Our Position in Isa

Paul began by greeting the believers and reminding them of their
wonderful position and blessings in Isa Masih. Paul does this before he
reproves them for their sin, for they were not living a life worthy of
their calling (Ephesians 4:1). Paul wanted the Corinthians to know
their position in Isa. Moreover, he did not want them to ignore or
misuse the spiritual blessings that God had given them. Let us examine
the greeting of 1 Corinthians 1:1-9.
First, God had called and sanctified (set apart) them – they were
His elect people – the assembly, the church. Second, God had given
them His grace and peace. Grace means that God gives us what we
do not deserve; mercy means He does not give us what we do deserve.
This grace and peace comes through Isa by faith.
Third, God gave the Corinthian believers various spiritual gifts.
They had not ignored their gifts, but had misused them. [Paul
discusses gifts in more detail in 1 Corinthians 12-14]. It was evident
that the Corinthian brothers and sisters were wonderfully blessed with
spiritual gifts, especially the gifts dealing with speech (1 Corinthians
14:26). Moreover, God had enriched them with knowledge. Yet, with
all their gifts and knowledge, they lacked love (1 Corinthians 13:1-3)
and did not get along with each other. Spiritual gifts do not take the
place of love.
Fourth, God had given the believers hope. Paul wrote these
words to them: “He will keep you strong to the end, so that you will
be blameless on the day of our Lord Isa Masih. God, who has called
you into fellowship with His Son Isa Masih our Lord, is faithful”
(1 Corinthians 1:8-9). However, the Corinthians were not waiting
hopefully, expecting Isa to come again. Though now we are sinful on
earth, God will present us as blameless in heaven when Isa comes for
us. May we keep our hope fixed on Him.
Paul wanted the Corinthian believers to realize their position and
blessings in Isa. That was the purpose of the greeting. He did not
excuse their sin, but rather wanted to encourage them to live their lives
in a manner pleasing to God. In your opinion, what did Paul
emphasize in his greeting to the believers in 1 Corinthians 1:1-9?

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Having our Eyes on Men

In 1 Corinthians 1:10, Paul begins his discussion of sin in the
church. First, he wrote about divisions in the church. It seems that the
sad news of the divisions had come to him first from Chloe’s
household and then later from the three brothers who visited him
(1 Corinthians 1:11 and 16:17).
There were divisions in the church (1 Corinthians 3:3, 11:18, and
12:25), even at the Lord’s Table (1 Corinthians 11:20-34). Paul begs
them to be “perfectly united” (1 Corinthians 1:10). In Greek, “united”
is a medical word meaning the setting of a bone that was broken or
out of joint. When believers divide, the body of the Masih suffers – it
is like a “broken” bone.
Paul gave the reason for the division: having our eyes on men
instead of on the Masih. They trusted in men’s wisdom and boasted
about men (1 Corinthians 2:5 and 3:21). Moreover, they compared one
with another and took pride in one man over another (1 Corinthians
4:6). Later, Paul proved that this was a sign of carnality – they were
still “babes” in Isa (1 Corinthian 3).
According to 1 Corinthians 1:12, the church had four groups:
„ One group followed Paul – these may have been mostly
Gentiles, because he was the apostle to the Gentiles.
„ Another group followed Apollos the orator (Acts 18:24-28)
– they probably enjoyed his wonderful speaking.
„ The third group followed Peter – probably Jews who wanted
to follow the apostle to the Jews (Galatians 2:7)
„ The fourth group followed the Masih – they tried to prove
their spirituality above the others by rejecting human leaders.
Paul explained that we cannot divide the Lord. We are part of one
body (1 Corinthians 12). Isa Masih died for us and we are baptized in
His name. Paul was thankful that he did not baptize many of them,
because then the division in the church might be worse (1 Corinthians
1:14-17). Paul practiced water baptism, but usually his co-workers
baptized the converts – Paul’s commission was to preach the gospel.
Meditate on Philippians 2:3-5 as “medicine” against division.

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Isa – Our Wisdom and Power

The Corinthian believers were divided because they had mixed the
gospel with worldly wisdom, and they gloried in men. Satan had
confused them about the true meaning of the gospel.
In 1 Corinthians 1:17-31, Paul contrasted the wisdom of the world
with God’s wisdom. He told how God sent him to preach the gospel
only, not the gospel plus philosophy. Paul knew he must guard against
mixing anything with the Gospel, for “…the message of the cross…is
the power of God” (1 Corinthians 1:18).
In 1 Corinthians 1:19-20, Paul quotes from Isaiah 19:12 and 29:14.
God does not need the wisdom of the world and one day He will
destroy it. With all its “wisdom,” the world did not find God or
salvation. When we trace human history, we discover that as man
gained more knowledge, he had less real wisdom, especially about
spiritual matters. [Read Romans 1:18-32.] God’s plan is so simple that
man thinks it is foolishness. God saves those who believe His Word
about His Son.
The Jews looked for miraculous signs and the Greeks searched for
wisdom. However, God did not use signs or wisdom – He made
salvation available through the crucified Lord. Thus, Paul said “…we
preach Masih crucified: a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to
Gentiles” (1 Corinthians 1:23). The Jewish idea of the Masih was far
different from Paul’s gospel. Moreover, the Greeks thought his
message was contrary to their philosophies and thus foolish. Paul
reminded the believers that there were not many wise or noble people
among them (1 Corinthians 1:26), but God still saved them. In fact,
God deliberately hid His truth from the “wise” and revealed Himself
to the humble.
Paul knew his gospel was God’s power and wisdom to those
whom God has called. We do not need man’s wisdom or power. Isa is
our wisdom, our righteousness, our redemption, and we are in Him
(1 Corinthians 1:30). To try to “add” to Him or to His sacrificial death
is to rob the cross of its power. If we take our eyes off Isa and start
trusting in, and glorifying man, then there will be divisions and the
church will lose its power.
Do divisions result from relying upon man’s wisdom?

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Two Spirits and Two Men

In 1 Corinthians 2, Paul wrote about two spirits and two kinds of
men. First, let us discuss the “two spirits.” The “spirit of the world”
refers to satan and his demons – the other spirit is “the Spirit who is
from God” (1 Corinthians 2:12).
Satan is the evil spirit working in the world (Ephesians 2:1-2). He
gives men “wisdom” that blinds their minds and leads them away from
God’s truth. Thus, man rejects the Bible and Isa and the need for
salvation through His death. This ignorance led men to crucify the
Masih. Today, men still renounce and reject the Savior.
The Spirit who is from God teaches us about God. Paul refers to
Isaiah 64:4 (1 Corinthians 2:9), saying that God has prepared
wonderful blessings for us today. God reveals these blessings through
His Spirit (1 Corinthians 2:10). Just as man’s spirit knows what others
do not know, so God’s Spirit knows the mind of God. God reveals
truths to us through His Word and His Spirit. Thus, we understand
Biblical inspiration as — “words taught by the Spirit” (1 Corinthians
2:13). The Bible is God’s Word, given by His Spirit. We can trust
either God’s Word or men’s words.
Then Paul writes about two men – natural and spiritual. The
natural (unsaved) man belongs to the world. He does not receive the
things of God because he has no spiritual discernment. The Spirit does
not live within him. His spirit is dead (Ephesians 2:1) and the things of
God are foolishness to him. The Greeks, who loved philosophy,
thought the gospel was foolish (1 Corinthians 1:23). Their philosophy
could not explain a Savior dying on a cross or a loving God. Their
gods did not care about man’s problems. The Greeks could not
believe God came to the earth in human flesh.
However, a spiritual man has discernment. God gives him true,
spiritual wisdom. Worldly people have much knowledge, but no
spiritual wisdom. The spiritual man has “the mind of the Masih” (1
Corinthians 2:16). The Spirit, through the Word, helps him think as Isa
thinks. He understands the things of God that the natural man cannot.
How amazing – we born-again believers possess the very mind of
God.
Does 1 Corinthians 3:1-4 teach about a third man?

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Six Pictures of a Worker

In 1 Corinthians 3 and 4, Paul described a worker of the Gospel
and told us what he does. Paul gave six pictures of God’s worker,
three in each chapter. Let us examine these pictures.
First, he is a servant (1 Corinthians 3:1-5). For 18 months, Paul
served in Corinth, feeding people the Word and encouraging them.
However, there were problems. The believers were very immature.
Like babies, they could not eat solid food – deeper truths of the Word
(Hebrews 5:11-14). Paul had to give them milk. Second, he is a farmer
(1 Corinthians 3:6-9). The local church is like a farm or a field, where
the leader is the farmer. The seed is God’s Word and the hearts of the
people are the different kinds of soil. God needs many workers on His
farm. One prepares the soil and another plants seed. One pulls up
weeds and another reaps the harvest. However, all work together and
share the harvest.
Third, he is a builder (1 Corinthians 3:10-17). God used Paul to
lay the foundation, which was Isa. Apollos built on that, and others
followed. Paul warned us to be careful how we build. Each believer is
a living stone in the temple. Our lives and work determine if we are
building with gold and silver, or with wood, hay, and straw. Fourth, he
is a steward (1 Corinthians 4:1-2). He owns nothing, but manages his
master’s wealth. His responsibility is to be faithful. Thus, we are to be
faithful to our Master and Lord. He will judge us according to our
faithfulness.
Fifth, the worker is “a spectacle” (1 Corinthians 4:9-13). The
readers understood this picture. Upon returning from war, a victorious
general led his captured nobles and generals in a parade. At the very
end, he displayed the captive soldiers, and then threw them to wild
beasts in the arena. Paul compared himself to those captives. He gave
up everything for Isa and suffered much. In the sixth and final picture
(1 Corinthians 4:14-16), Paul is a spiritual father. He had led these
believers to Isa. We are born into God’s family through the Spirit
(John 3:6) and the Word (1 Peter 1:23), but God uses people to share
the gospel with us. Through Paul’s hard work, he helped build a
church in Corinth.
How do these pictures apply to your personal life?

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Discussion Guide

1. In your house church group meeting, discuss this question: Is it

difficult to discuss problem situations openly and lovingly in our
church? If the answer is “yes,” why is this true? How can we solve
this problem? Please pray before you begin discussion.
2. Read Acts 18:1-18. Discuss with your group the probable sequence
of events that led to Sosthenes (Acts 18:17) becoming the ruler of
the synagogue after Crispus (Acts 18:8). Do you think that Crispus
faced persecution? Notice Paul’s greeting in 1 Corinthians 1:1.
3. With your house church group, discuss this question: If we better
understand our position in Isa Masih as believers, will this help us
to more effectively use our spiritual gifts? Read 1 Corinthians 1:1-9
and try to give biblical reasons for your answers.
4. If possible, ask your church group to do a role-play showing the
four groups that were in the Corinthian church. Discuss the
possibility that similar divisions could happen in your fellowship.
What can your church do to prevent those kinds of divisions?
5. Discuss this question with your house church group: Why does
preaching with words of human wisdom rob the cross of its power
(1 Corinthians 1:17)? Look at 1 Corinthians 1:26-29 and Acts 4:13
and discuss this question: Why did God choose the foolish, the
weak and the humble to accomplish His plan?
6. Discuss with your group the practical differences between spiritual
wisdom and worldly wisdom. Who is the source of each? As a
believer, how does this affect your life and the life of your church?
Find other Scripture verses about the two kinds of wisdom.
7. With your other group members, do a role-play of the six pictures
of the gospel worker (1 Corinthians 3-4). If possible, ask other
people to watch and see if they can guess each particular role.
After the role-play, discuss the six pictures and the importance of
each one as your church grows and matures.

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DISORDER IN THE
CHURCH

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Meditate upon and apply these Scriptures to your life this week:

1. 1 Corinthians 5:6 – “Your boasting is not good. Don’t you know

that a little yeast works through the whole batch of dough?”

2. 1 Corinthians 6:19 – “Do you not know that your body is a temple
of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from
God? You are not your own.”

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Immorality in the Church

In 1 Corinthians 5, Paul deals with another problem: immorality in
the church. The leaders had refused to deal with this awful sin. Paul
did not want the matter to ruin the testimony of the church. He
explained why the church must use loving but firm discipline and deal
with the offending member.
Discipline was for the brother’s good, as well as for the good of
the church. It was also for the “good of the world.” To positively
influence the world, the church must be “salt and light” (Matthew
5:13-16). We are not surprised if non-believers live in sin. However,
the world expects believers to be different. The church must influence
the world, not vice-versa.
Church discipline is not like a police officer arresting someone.
Rather, it is like a father disciplining his son. The goal is to help him,
to show God’s love in bringing him to repentance. If brothers or
sisters openly sin, it hurts them as well as Isa and the church. This
brother was having an immoral relationship with his father’s wife
(Leviticus 18:8). Probably, she was not a believer, or Paul would have
asked the church to deal with her also. The brother openly lived in sin
with a non-believer and the church did not care. Some even seemed
“proud” of the matter.
Paul judged the man and instructed the church to remove him
from the fellowship. Although Isa commanded us, “Do not judge”
(Matthew 7:1), this does not mean that we close our eyes to sin. We do
not judge another believer’s motives, but we must judge the actions of
God’s people.
Paul asked the church body, not just the leaders alone, to discipline
the man, because the matter was already public. If the man did not
repent, Paul told the church to “…hand this man over to satan…” (1
Corinthians 5:5). This does not mean to send him to hell, for no
church can do that. Rather, it means to cut him off from fellowship.
Then he must live in the world controlled by satan (John 12:31). The
purpose of discipline is to bring the sinner to repentance that God
might save him on the Day of Judgment.
Why would the church be “proud” of this matter? Were they
trying to develop an attitude of “grace” toward sin?

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More about Church Discipline

At times, the church must exercise discipline toward members
who have sinned. However, the church must discipline carefully,
honestly and lovingly. Before exercising discipline, the elders/leaders
must scripturally confront the person. The elders of the church must
be firm, bold, and honest. They must know the facts. They should be
gentle, and speak words that reflect Isa’s love. They should use
discipline only if all else fails. They must follow-up with the person,
remembering that the purpose of discipline is to help people, restore
them, and not hurt them.
Paul wanted to protect and strengthen the church of Corinth. Just
as we would not open the door of our home to a robber, we would
not allow sin into the fellowship of the church. Paul wrote, “Your
boasting is not good. Don’t you know that a little yeast works through
the whole batch of dough?” (1 Corinthians 5:6)
Paul used the Old Testament principle of “purging” the evil from
their midst (Deuteronomy 19:19, 21:21 and 22:20-24). He also used
the Passover meal to show his point. As the Hebrews prepared for
their exodus from slavery in Egypt, God commanded them to make
bread without yeast because they did not have time to wait for it to
rise. Moreover, yeast was a symbol of sin, so God commanded them
to remove it from their houses (Exodus 12:15 and 13:7). Isa is our
Passover Lamb, the perfect sacrifice for our sin. We must have
nothing to do with past sins (the “old yeast”). Therefore, we must not
allow the yeast of sin to grow in our lives and in the church. It will
cause trouble and shame.
Finally, leaders must protect the spiritual welfare of the church.
The Bible warns about believers whom we should not permit in the
church. Carefully read the following passages: Matthew 18:15-17,
2 Thessalonians 3:6-15, 1 Timothy 1:18-20, 2 Timothy 2:17-18, and
Titus 3:9-11. Church discipline is a testimony to the world and a
warning to the whole church, that God expects His children to be
different from the world. To approve sin is to deny the very sacrifice
of Isa Masih on the cross.
Do you know of times when your church has practiced proper
Scriptural discipline?

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Disputes in the Courts

In 1 Corinthians 6, Paul discusses two more problems in the
Corinthian church. The first was lawsuits among believers. Probably
the Greeks (Gentiles) were the guilty parties, for the Greeks were very
involved in courts and law. Each Greek city had its courts and councils
and sometimes a son would sue his own father. The basic problem
was worldliness (1 Corinthians 3:1-4). When believers are immature
and not growing, they cannot get along with one another. They lack
spiritual discernment to settle and solve personal problems.
Paul did not condemn legal courts, since God institutes the
government for our good (Romans 13:1-7). However, believers must
not expose their problems and disputes before unbelievers. An
unsaved judge does not have the spiritual understanding to deal with
spiritual matters (1 Corinthians 2:14-16). Because the believers in
Corinth had brought lawsuits against their fellow church members,
they had ruined the testimony of the church and disgraced the Lord’s
name.
Therefore, how should believers settle personal differences? First,
they must have the right spiritual values. The church is going to judge
the world and the angels (1 Corinthians 6:2-3). Knowing this makes
our earthly disputes seem rather insignificant. Today, many believers
have corrupted values. Things of the world (especially money) are
more important to them than God’s glory.
Second, believers must quietly settle their disputes according to
the principles of Matthew 18:15-17 and 1 Corinthians 6:5. Third, if
brothers cannot agree, then they should invite other spiritual believers
to help them decide. These spiritual believers should examine the
matter and give their counsel.
It is better for a believer to lose money or worldly possessions
than bring shame on God’s Name. In the Sermon on the Mount, Isa
spoke about this attitude (Matthew 5:38-42). However, the believers in
Corinth were so worldly that they lacked spiritual wisdom. Paul
wanted them to settle their disputes among themselves and “…love
each other deeply…” (1 Peter 4:8).
Why do we often NOT follow these three steps listed above?

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Immorality and Freedom

In 1 Corinthians 6, Paul again discussed problems of immorality.
Paul did not excuse their sins, but he understood the reasons. Corinth
was a large city in the Roman Empire, known for its immorality. Many
visited Corinth for immoral purposes. The worship of Aphrodite [the
love goddess] was simply prostitution in the name of religion. The
Aphrodite temple that was the center of their worship had about 1000
“priestesses,” who were prostitutes.
Though some believers tried to excuse their sin, Paul refuted them.
Born again people will go to heaven in spite of their sins. However,
the new birth brings a new nature and a new desire. The believer still
has the ability to sin, but not the desire. Paul listed the awful sins of
their past, and reminded them of Isa’s work for them- “And that is
what some of you were. But you were washed, you were sanctified,
you were justified…” (1 Corinthians 6:11).
Freedom from the law is not freedom or permission to sin.
Freedom does not mean I am free to do as I please. Rather, I am free
to please Isa. “Freedom to sin” is actually terrible slavery. Our bodies
belong to Isa (1 Corinthians 6:13-17). If we live in sin, that sin will
destroy us and God will someday judge us.
A Corinthian slave could free himself by depositing money with
the priest at the local pagan temple. When he had paid enough to buy
his freedom, he would take his master to the temple. The priest would
give the master the money and declare that the slave was now “free”
and belonged to that temple’s god. Isa paid the price to free us from
sin with His own blood. Now, our bodies belong to God and we must
honor Him (1 Corinthians 6:20). We honor Him in the way we care
for the body, the way we dress the body, the places we go, and the
deeds we do in the body.
Sexual sins are sins against Isa (who bought our bodies), against
the Spirit (who indwells our bodies) and against ourselves
(1 Corinthians 6:18). Single believers should read and meditate on
Proverbs 5:1-23, 6:20-35 and 7:1-27, which warn against sexual sin.
Married believers should meditate on warnings against breaking
marriage vows (1 Thessalonians 4:1-8 and Hebrews 13:4).
What makes a person sexually immoral in your culture?

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Advice on Marriage
First Corinthians 7 deals with problems of marriage and the home.
In this chapter, Paul begins to answer the questions that the
Corinthians asked in the letter they wrote to him (notice the phrase
“now about…” in 1 Corinthians 7:1, 8:1, 12:1 and 16:1).
Remember that Corinth was a very immoral city. There were no
standards for the home. Moreover, Paul was dealing with problems
that we may not face in the same way today. In addition, it was a time
of persecution (1 Corinthians 7:26). Paul discusses three groups of
believers in 1 Corinthians 7. Here and in the following two chapters,
we shall look at these three groups.
In 1 Corinthians 7:8, Paul writes, “Now to the unmarried and the
widows I say…” This is the first group: the unmarried and the
widows. Paul begins his counsel to the unmarried by saying that
believers should not think they are unspiritual if they are single.
Likewise, they are not spiritual simply because they are married. Some
churches teach that celibacy is a more devoted way of life than
marriage, but Paul teaches otherwise. Celibacy is honorable, but so is
marriage (Hebrews 13:4). God gave Paul the ability to live without a
wife and Paul wished others had the same self-control. However, he
wrote, “…Each man has his own gift from God” (1 Corinthians 7:7).
[Refer also to Matthew 19:10-12.]
There are certain reasons to marry. One is to keep away from
sexual sin. If a believer cannot control himself, then he or she ought to
marry. “…It is better to marry than to burn with passion”
(1 Corinthians 7:9). However, a marriage based only on physical
attraction will not endure. In 1 Corinthians 7:2, Paul clearly taught that
we have only one wife or one husband: “…Each man should have his
own wife, and each woman her own husband.”
The husband and wife must be unselfish concerning marital
privileges. We must not give satan an opportunity to tempt our mate.
The result might be tragic. Refusal to have sexual relations in marriage
is not a mark of spirituality. It can be a cause of conflict. Paul wanted
Christian marriages to be fulfilling, as well as a privilege and a blessing
from God.
In your culture, do you consider it “better” to be married?

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“Mixed” Marriages
In 1 Corinthians 7:10-24, Paul addresses the second group which
is: believers married to unsaved people. According to God’s Word,
a believer should only marry another like-minded believer
(1 Corinthians 7:39 and 2 Corinthians 6:14-18). However, some of the
Corinthians became believers after they had married. What should they
do? Should they leave their unsaved mates? What should the believer
do if an unsaved mate wants to leave?
Paul’s advice is clear: remain in the home and try to bring the lost
person to Isa. If the unsaved mate is willing to live with you, stay and
be a good witness. You might win the unsaved mate. The children
from such a marriage are not “unclean” [or, illegitimate] (1 Corinthians
7:14). This was the case if an Old Testament Jew married a Gentile.
Their children were not accepted into the covenant. God’s Word here
does not teach that the children born are saved. It simply means that
the believing mate “sets apart” [sanctifies] the unsaved that he or she
may receive God’s blessings.
God blesses the lost because of the saved. However, if an unsaved
mate refuses to stay in the home, then the believer must let the mate
depart. God has called us to peace. Does the abandoned wife or
husband have the right to remarry? The ideal situation is to seek
reconciliation (1 Corinthians 7:10-11). However, 1 Corinthians 7:15
seems to teach that abandonment breaks the marriage relationship and
therefore gives the faithful partner the right to divorce and remarry.
Isa Masih taught that unfaithfulness breaks the marriage bond and
is grounds for the innocent party to remarry. Keep in mind that Paul is
not commanding separation, but only permitting it in certain cases.
Ideally, the believer patiently bears the burdens and seeks to win the
lost mate. (See 1 Peter 3:1-12 for further counsel)
Finally, when a person becomes a believer, his place in society
does not change. In 1 Corinthians 7:17-24, Paul tells the Corinthians
not to try to “undo” their situation, but to remain in their calling and
allow Isa to make changes as He desires.
Are there some kinds of “mixed marriages” that your culture does
not accept?

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Should I Remain Unmarried?

In 1 Corinthians 7:25-40, Paul addresses the third group, which is:
those who are contemplating marriage. “I have no commandment
from the Lord” (1 Corinthians 7:25) simply means that Isa gave no
specific teaching on this subject as He did about divorce (notice 1
Corinthians 7:10, where Paul refers to Isa’s teaching). Keep in mind
that in those days the parents arranged marriages for their children.
This practice exists in many parts of the world today. Paul gave several
facts for people to consider who are thinking about marriage. He also
gave advice to parents.
First, marriage is a serious matter and believers were facing
difficult times. These difficulties must not cause the married to
divorce. Moreover, the unmarried must realize that if they marry they
“…will face many troubles in this life…” (1 Corinthians 7:28). Godly
living means that there will be troubles and persecutions.
Second, those who do not marry have more time to serve Isa
Masih. One reason why Paul remained unmarried was so that he might
devote himself completely to the service of Isa. His calling was
difficult and he did not want a wife and family to suffer because of the
Lord’s demands on him. If believers wanted to fruitfully serve God,
then they had to realize that marriage involves many cares and
demands (1 Corinthians 7:34-35).
Third, Paul warned the parents of young girls that they must be
convinced in their own minds about giving their daughters to be
married (1 Corinthians 7:38). He did not give them rules, but warned
them that they must be convinced in their own hearts. They must not
merely give their daughters in marriage because of what others were
doing or in trying to be “spiritual.”
Fourth, Paul wrote a final word of advice to believing women that
marriage could not be broken – it is permanent. Even some believers
have the idea that, “If our marriage does not work out, we can get a
divorce.” Paul said this is not true. When a believing woman marries,
she “…is bound to her husband as long as he lives” and he “…must
belong to the Lord” (1 Corinthians 7:39).
How would you advise a young person about marriage and serving
God?

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 I CORINTHIANS

Discussion Guide

1. Some Bible scholars do not think the immoral man that Paul
mentioned in 1 Corinthians 5 was a believer. Discuss this issue
with your group. Divide into two parts, and have a “debate.” Use
any other Scripture you think may be appropriate.
2. Discuss with your church group the five Scripture passages listed
near the bottom of page 20 (“More about Church Discipline”).
Discuss some practical ways to exercise church discipline with
grace and love.
3. Discuss these questions with your church group: In our culture,
how do we normally settle disputes? Would public knowledge of a
dispute between believers ruin our church’s testimony? How?
4. Discuss the idea that true freedom is the freedom to serve and
please Isa Masih. Does your group agree that “freedom to sin and
do as I please” is really the worst kind of slavery?
5. Discuss these questions with your house church group: Do we as a
church body sometimes subtly pressure single believers to marry?
Do we adequately counsel the man and woman before they marry?
What else might we do to help newly married believers?
6. Divide into two groups and debate this question: Does Paul’s
teaching of 1 Corinthians 7:15 allow a believer to divorce and
remarry if his (or, her) spouse has left? Try to use other Scriptures
in your debate.
7. If possible, divide into four groups and each group take one part
of Paul’s advice on page 25. Defend your part to the other three
groups. Tell why, in your culture, if you were counseling a young
person about marriage or a parent about their daughter’s marriage,
your part is the most important of the four.

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DIFFICULTIES IN
THE CHURCH

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 I CORINTHIANS

Meditate upon and apply these Scriptures to your life this week:

1. 1 Corinthians 9:19 – “Though I am free and belong to no man, I

make myself a slave to everyone, to win as many as possible.”

2. 1 Corinthians 11:26 – “For whenever you eat this bread and drink
this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until He comes.”

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The Problem of Questionable Things

In 1 Corinthians 8, 9, and 10, Paul wrote about the church’s
question concerning meat offered to idols. This was a serious problem
to them, especially since the church was composed of both Jews and
Gentiles. Moreover, the Jewish believers were anxious to avoid any
contact with pagan idolatry.
The situation was this: people slaughtered most of the meat in
Corinth at the temples. The priest kept part of the meat, but they used
the rest for private feasts or for selling in the market. In fact, sacrificial
meat sold at a cheaper price, making it that much more attractive to
the poor believers. If a friend or neighbor invited a believer to a
festival meal, it was likely that a priest had dedicated the meat to an
idol. Should the believer participate in the meal? Would some demonic
power be present in the meat and injure the believer? Would eating
such meat defile the believer?
Here is the problem before us: Since Isa has set us free from the
Law, do we have the right to live any way we please? We know from
Scripture that many things are wrong. However, even we believers
disagree about some problems. In 1 Corinthians 8-10, Paul outlines
the basic principles that should govern our lives when it comes to
questionable things.
In 1 Corinthians 8, Paul uses the example of Isa and states that if
love controls us, then we will not offend others (Matthew 17:24-27).
In 1 Corinthians 9, Paul uses himself as an example. He points out that
it is not necessary for believers to use their rights in order to be happy.
Paul laid aside his privileges and rights in order to serve the Masih.
Finally, he uses the example of Israel (1 Corinthians 10) to warn
believers about sins, particularly those arrogant sins connected with
idolatry and immorality.
In the next two chapters, we will particularly look at the two
examples of Isa Masih and the apostle Paul. First, we will look at the
way the Lord lived and what He taught. From Isa’s life, Paul gave us
some principles to follow in discerning right and wrong about certain
matters.
Think of some questionable problem with a brother. Are you
willing to lay aside your rights and privileges for his sake?

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The Example of Isa

Some Corinthian believers were “puffed up.” They were not
walking in love. Some were strong in the faith and mature. However,
others were weak and lived legalistically. Paul wrote, “…Knowledge
puffs up, but love builds up” (1 Corinthians 8:1). The man who thinks
he knows everything, but does not walk in love really knows nothing.
Paul wanted them to know the Word, yet he warned against pride. We
must balance love – love for God and our brothers – with knowledge.
We must not judge or reject one another (Romans 14:4-12).
The weaker believers did not understand freedom in Isa. They
lived in slavery to many rules and rituals (Colossians 2:16-23). Paul
clearly stated that idols are not real, and meat offered to idols does not
hurt us (1 Corinthians 8:8). However, not all believers understood this.
Some did not realize that food itself is not sinful (Romans 14:14), and
that meat and drink do not make anyone a stronger believer. The
weaker believers had weak consciences and if they saw a believer
eating meat that had been dedicated to a pagan god, it offended them.
This confused the weaker Corinthian believers. If they followed their
strong brother’s example, for them it would be sin (Romans 14:23).
We grow strong in grace and knowledge through reading and
obeying the Word. The mature brother understands the truth, and the
truth sets him free (John 8:32). He sees knowledge as a tool for
building, not a weapon for fighting. Unbelievers who are around this
mature believer (who has a strong conscience) will not affect him.
Therefore, does a strong believer limit his freedom because of a
weak brother’s immaturity? That is a good question. Believers must
live differently and do everything possible not to offend others. Even
if it does not hurt us, our actions must never hurt someone else. This
principle does not “limit” us – rather it allows us to be a blessing to
others and to win the lost to Isa.
Isa’s words in Matthew 17:27 show this: “So that we may not
offend them.” This is a wonderful principle to follow – we put Isa’s
love into daily life. Isa died for the weaker brother. Therefore, we must
not cause them to sin. Paul said that it is better to not even eat meat
than to make others fall (1 Corinthians 8:13).
Can you “limit” your freedom so that you will not offend others?

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The Example of Paul

In 1 Corinthians 8, Paul used the example of Isa. He stated that we
should do nothing that would offend other believers, especially weaker
ones. In 1 Corinthians 9, Paul points to himself as an example of one
who had privileges, but for the gospel’s sake, did not use them. He
gave up even the privilege of marriage, not wanting to use his
privileges in a way that would hinder the gospel. Paul used the example
of his financial support to prove his point.
While in Corinth, Paul worked and took no support from the
church. However, he could have claimed that privilege of financial
support. He had seen the risen Lord and the risen Isa called him to
apostleship. His ministry in Corinth proved his apostleship. Peter and
the other apostles received support from the churches and their wives
traveled with them as they ministered. If other servants had these
privileges, then so did Paul.
In 1 Corinthians 9:7, Paul wrote about a soldier, a farmer, and a
shepherd. Soldiers receive supplies and wages from their government.
Farmers eat fruit from their vineyards. Shepherds get milk and meat
from their flocks. Then should not a church support its elder? Paul
gave a basic principle: if others bless us with spiritual things, we
should bless them by sharing material things (1 Corinthians 9:11
and Galatians 6:6).
Paul then referred to Deuteronomy 25:4 (1 Corinthians 9:9). The
farmer made his oxen walk on the sheaves in order to separate the
grain from the chaff. Here, and in 1 Timothy 5:18, Paul used this law
to show the principle stated above. If oxen benefit from their work,
should not God’s servants benefit from their spiritual work?
Finally, the Law allowed priests to share in the sacrifices from the
altar (1 Corinthians 9:13-14). They took hides from burnt offerings,
flesh (except the fat) from the sin and trespass offerings, most of the
meal offering, the breast and shoulder of the peace offering, and
various other firstfruits, tithes, and offerings. As the priest served, the
people gave to him. Though Paul did not use his rightful privileges, Isa
said, “…the worker deserves his wages” (Luke 10:7). Believers should
support those who serve them in the Lord.
Does your church partially or fully support the elder/pastor?

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Sacrificing our Privileges

We have explained that, though Paul had privileges as a gospel
worker, he did not use them (1 Corinthians 9:12, 15). In the latter part
of 1 Corinthians 9, Paul gave several reasons to further explain why.
First, he wanted to make the gospel free. He preached the
gospel voluntarily and rejoiced at the privilege. Paul said that even if he
did not preach voluntarily, he still had to preach the gospel, because
God had committed a trust to him (1 Corinthians 9:17). The principle
is that we must not do anything that would reflect badly on the free
offer of salvation.
Second, Paul wanted to bring many people to the Lord.
Though Paul enjoyed freedom as a worker, he became the servant of
all men that he might bring some to Isa. He did not lower his
standards, but he laid aside his privileges. He tried to understand those
who needed the Lord and enter into their experiences. He was a Jew,
so he used this as a key to the Jewish heart. He was a Roman citizen,
so this was a key to the Gentiles. He was “…all things to all men…”
(1 Corinthians 9:22). Paul served others so that he might lead some to
know Isa. He gave up many privileges for the sake of the lost.
Third, Paul wanted a lasting reward. To set aside his privileges
meant discipline and hard work (1 Corinthians 9:24-27). His
illustration was a familiar one. They held the Isthmian Games (like the
Olympics) near Corinth. The athletes trained hard to win. If they could
give up their rights in order to win a fading olive-leaf crown, certainly
believers can lay aside privileges to win an eternal crown. Only one
athlete could win each event at these Games, but all believers can win
Isa’s approval.
Paul’s fear of being disqualified (1 Corinthians 9:27) speaks about
his service, not his salvation. Winning the race will not save him. He
runs the “race” because he is a believer (Philippians 3:12-14 and
Hebrews 12:1) – Isa has already saved him. The word “disqualified”
is translated “not pleased” in 1 Corinthians 10:5. Paul compared
himself to an athlete who trains hard so that he can run the race and
get the prize. He wanted to please the Lord. He was not afraid of
losing his salvation but of losing his reward for faithful service.
Have you sacrificed much in order to please the Lord?

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Dangers of Sin and Demons

In 1 Corinthians 10, Paul points to Israel’s history as he finishes
the section on meat offered to idols. He knew that some believers in
Corinth thought they were very wise and need not worry about
temptation or sin. Thus, he used sarcasm as he called them “wise”
people (1 Corinthians 10:15). However, Paul warned them, “…be
careful that you don’t fall!” (1 Corinthians 10:12). Though God is
faithful and provides a way of escape, the believer must beware of
temptation (1 Corinthians 10:13). Paul now explains two dangers.
First, Paul warned them about the possible danger of falling into
sin (1 Corinthians 10:1-13). Paul used Israel to picture the temptations
and sins of God’s people. Israel in the Old Testament is different from
the New Testament church, but there are similarities.
For example, Paul compared Israel’s passing through the sea and
under the cloud to the believer’s experience of baptism. Just as
believer’s baptism identifies the believer with Isa Masih, so Israel’s
“baptism” identified the people with Moses.
God delivered Israel from Egypt by the blood of the lamb just as
Isa’s sacrifice on the cross has delivered believers from sin. God
divided the sea to let the Israelites through, thus separating them from
slavery in Egypt. The resurrection of Isa has separated the believer
from the world and from slavery to the sinful nature.
Second, Paul warned the Corinthians about the danger of
fellowship with demons (1 Corinthians 10:14-22). Idols are not real
(1 Corinthians 8:4), but satan uses them to lead people astray.
Deuteronomy 32:17 shows one can worship demons through idols.
We have fellowship with Isa when we take the cup and the bread.
Hebrew priests had fellowship with God when they feasted on the
sacrifices from the altar, and an idolater has fellowship with demons at
a pagan feast. Satan has a counterfeit church and gospel, and a
counterfeit “supper.” Wherever there are idols, there will be demons.
Believers cannot sit at the Lord’s Table one day and at a table of
demons the next day (1 Corinthians 10:20-21).
In what areas of your life do you need to be very careful or else
you may fall into sin (1 Corinthians 10:13)?

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The Believer’s Freedom

As the apostle Paul closed his discussion on meat offered to idols
(1 Corinthians 8, 9, and 10), he repeated the principle that he gave
earlier: do nothing to weaken your brother’s conscience or cause him
to sin. Yes, believers are free and everything is lawful, but not
everything edifies. We must not use our rights to tear down God’s
work. Paul gave us four practical guidelines in 1 Corinthians 10:23-33.
First, we should live to please others, and not to please
ourselves (1 Corinthians 10:23-24). Believers must remember that
although all things (foods, etc.) are permissible for us, not all things are
beneficial for us. Many things do not build up those around us.
Second, we walk in faith and do not worry about everything
that we eat (1 Corinthians 10:25-27). The believer who always asks
questions about foods will be a poor testimony to the lost. Paul told
the Corinthians to buy their meat in the market without asking
questions. All food comes from God and is good for us, and satan
cannot hurt us through meat (1 Corinthians 8:8). If invited to a feast in
an unsaved friend’s house, ask no questions. However, if another
person tells you the meat came from a pagan altar do not eat the meat.
It is better to be hungry than cause a weaker brother to stumble.
Third, we live for God’s glory, even if it means that we must
sacrifice (1 Corinthians 10:28-32). Some may ask, “Why is my strong
conscience judged by another’s weak conscience? If I have given
thanks, what harm is there in meat?” The answer is this: regardless of
what we do – eating, drinking, or anything else – we do it for God’s
glory. We do not live to please ourselves. From the world’s viewpoint,
it may seem strange to bow to a weaker brother. However, this is what
glorifies the Lord. If we cause a weak brother to sin, then we disgrace
the name of Isa.
Fourth, we live to bring the lost to Isa (1 Corinthians 10:33).
The Lord expects His church to lead the lost to Him. If we live for
that purpose, there will be few questions about conduct. The worldly
believer worries about how far he can get involved with the world.
However, if we seek to build His church and lead the lost to Him, then
we put “first things first” and glorify the name of our Lord, Isa Masih.
Study and compare Romans 14:23 with 1 Corinthians 10:25-28.

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The Matter of Covering

First Corinthians 11:1-16 is about the woman’s covering. Let us
look at this in the context of the situation in Corinth. Head coverings
became a problem because two cultures clashed. Jewish women
covered their heads in worship. They thought that a woman, in public,
with an uncovered head, was immoral. However, Greek women
worshiped without head coverings. Paul wanted unity and order in the
church. To understand this passage, we must know two principles.
In 1 Corinthians 11:3, Paul mentioned the principle of headship.
In the phrase, “…the head of the woman is man…” “Head” means
“source.” God created man first, and the woman gets her existence
from man, as man does from the Masih and the Masih from God.
Next is the principle of submission. Submission is not inferiority
– God created all people in His image with equal value. Man is not
superior to woman. God made a way for the man and woman to work
together. Isa Masih, although equal with God the Father, submitted to
Him to carry out the plan for salvation. Likewise, although equal, the
wife submits to her husband because of their marriage and family.
Submission is by choice, not by force.
In 1 Corinthians 11:9-11, Paul wrote about the lines of authority
(not superiority) that God created. God created men and women with
complementary characteristics. “Because of the angels, the woman
ought to have a sign of authority on her head” may mean that the
woman covers her head as a sign that she is under the man’s authority.
This covering can be a scarf or her long hair (1 Corinthians 11:15)
“…For long hair is given to her as a covering.”
In this passage, the Word teaches us to look and act in ways that
are honorable in our culture. Long hair may be appropriate on men.
However, in Corinth, it reminded one of male prostitutes at the pagan
temples. Likewise, women with closely cut hair reminded people of
prostitutes. Paul wanted the women in Corinth to keep their hair long,
so that they could be good witnesses for Isa. Covering or not covering
does not mean obedience from the heart. God wants us to obey these
principles from our hearts – not just outwardly.
In your culture, how does a woman show respect for her husband?

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Discussion Guide
1. Divide into two groups and discuss this question: Because Isa has
set us free from the Law, do we have the right to live any way we
please? Have one group answer “yes” and the other “no.” Each
group should look for Scripture to defend its answer.
2. Discuss these questions with your group: Is our church full of love
or knowledge? Do we properly balance love for the Lord and our
brothers with knowledge of the Word? How can we effectively
guard against becoming “puffed up” with knowledge?
3. Discuss with your house church group this question: Which is
better, to provide financial support for our elder/leader, or expect
him to support himself fully? Discuss both the advantages and the
disadvantages of church support and use appropriate Scripture.
4. Discuss how your house church members can become “all things
to all men” so that you might lead some to know Isa as Lord and
Savior. Discuss the practical application of this Scripture in your
own culture and in your own city (1 Corinthians 9:22).
5. Discuss these questions with your house church group: How is
satan working in our area? In what ways would we identify his
counterfeit “gospel” and his counterfeit “supper”? [Note: There
may actually be a “church of satan” in your country.]
6. Discuss this situation with your group: In our city, a non-believing
friend invites me for a meal at his home. He says that he dedicated
the food to the honor of Abraham who offered Ishmael to God
and the Lord provided the ram. What would you do or say?
7. With your house group, discuss the issues of head coverings and
length of hair in your culture. Discuss the issue if a church
“requires” coverings or a certain length of hair. Is this scriptural? If
possible, divide into two groups and “debate” these issues.

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PUBLIC WORSHIP
AND THE
RESURRECTION

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Meditate upon and apply these Scriptures to your life this week:

1. 1 Corinthians 12:26 – “If one part suffers, every part suffers with
it; if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it.”

2. 1 Corinthians 13:13 – “And now these three remain: faith, hope

and love. But the greatest of these is love.”

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The Lord’s Supper

Isa began the Lord’s Supper on the night of the Passover meal
(Luke 22:13–20). Passover celebrated freedom from Egyptian slavery,
and the Lord’s Supper celebrates deliverance from sin by Isa’s death.
In 1 Corinthians 11:24, Isa said, “This is my body.” The bread and
the wine symbolize Isa’s body and blood. In 1 Corinthians 11:25, what
is the “new covenant”? In the old covenant, people approached God
only through the priest and the sacrificial system. Isa’s sacrificial death
resulted in a “new covenant” (or, agreement) between God and man.
Now we can approach God and communicate with Him.
Israel entered into this covenant after the exodus from Egypt
(Exodus 24). The old covenant pointed to the coming of the Masih.
The new covenant completed the old covenant and fulfilled everything
the old covenant looked forward to (Jeremiah 31:31-34). Now, we
“…proclaim the Lord’s death until He comes (1 Corinthians 11:26).
In Corinth, the Lord’s Supper had lost its significance. When the
believers took the Supper, there was disorder. Paul wrote, “…there are
divisions among you…” (1 Corinthians 11:18) and there was even
drunkenness as they took the Lord’s Supper (1 Corinthians 11:21). The
church often had a “love feast,” a fellowship meal, together with the
Lord’s Supper. However, at Corinth, the rich came with much food
while the poor had a very little. This was such a disgrace. If we do not
love one another, we can never receive God’s blessings.
Thus, the Lord’s Supper was no longer a blessing to the church at
Corinth. It did “…more harm than good” (1 Corinthians 11:17). They
abused it and God judged them. God had allowed sickness and death
in the church because they took the Supper in an “unworthy manner”
(1 Corinthians 11:27-30). They needed to repent, put their faith in Isa,
and love Him and His people. Simply, they needed to examine
themselves before they took the Lord’s Supper (1 Corinthians 11:28).
If we do not repent and judge our sins, God will judge us.
However, if believers will repent and seek Isa, the Supper will be a
blessing. Paul closed by asking the believers to “…wait for each other”
(1 Corinthians 11:33). We walk in love and humility (Philippians 2:3-5).
Do you take time before the Supper for repentance and prayer?

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We Belong to Each Other

In Corinth, members used spiritual gifts selfishly and cared little
for the health or ministry of the whole body. The members had an
abundance of spiritual gifts (1 Corinthians 1:4-7), but they lacked godly
character. Gifts are not the mark of godly character or maturity. The
church members had wonderful gifts – yet they were worldly.
In 1 Corinthians 12, Paul discussed spiritual gifts in light of these
many problems — division, immorality, lack of spiritual growth and
confusion in the meetings. He explained the work of the Holy Spirit in
the body of Isa Masih and taught the believers that we belong to
each other. Let us look at four reasons why we belong to each other.
First, we share the same confession (1 Corinthians 12:1-3).
Rome required its citizens once a year to put incense on an altar to
Caesar and say, “Caesar is Lord.” No true believer could call anyone
but Isa “Lord,” so this was a test of a person’s salvation. It is only by
the Spirit that we can confess Isa as Lord (Romans 10:9-10).
Second, we serve the same God (1 Corinthians 12:4-6). The
church, like our body, has much diversity. The members of our
physical body differ, yet they all work together for our health. In the
spiritual body of the church, we all possess gifts from the same Spirit,
serve the same Lord, and share in the workings of the same Father.
Third, we seek to build the same body. Paul listed some
spiritual gifts and showed that God gives them for the benefit of the
church, not for our enjoyment. We must distinguish between the Gift
(the Spirit Himself, received at salvation) and spiritual gifts. Moreover,
spiritual gifts are not natural abilities. Paul wrote that each believer has
the Gift and at least one spiritual gift (1 Corinthians 12:3, 7).
Fourth, we share the same baptism (1 Corinthians 12:13). The
baptism of the Spirit is the placing of believers into the body of Isa at
the moment of salvation. The Spirit baptized many Jews into the body
at Pentecost (Acts 1:5 and 2:4), and then baptized many Gentiles into
the body at Cornelius’ house (Acts 10:44 and 11:15-16). Whenever a
sinner trusts Isa, the Holy Spirit baptizes him into the body of the
Masih. The Spirit places each believer into the body as He wills.
Can someone’s natural ability and spiritual gift be the same?

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We Need and Affect Each Other

Some Corinthian believers who possessed gifts that were more
spectacular looked down on other members as being “less spiritual.”
Yet Paul taught that each member of the body is essential to the life,
health, and growth of the church. God uses every member to build the
body. No one can say to his brother, “I don’t need you.” In fact, those
parts of our body that seem least important may do the most good.
“There should be no division in the body” (1 Corinthians 12:25).
However, it is not enough just to avoid division. We must care for
each other and build up the church. In the human body, the pain of
one member affects the whole body. This is also true in the body of
Isa. If one believer suffers, we all suffer. If one member grows strong,
we all receive help. Thus, each one must become as strong as possible.
Ephesians 4:16 says that every part of the body helps it grow. We
must remember God’s method for strengthening the body. He has
chosen spiritual leaders, given them spiritual gifts, and placed them in
the body as He wills. Among others, Paul mentioned apostles and
prophets. The apostles were special messengers who took the Gospel
to the lost, established churches and delivered God’s Word. Prophets
were preachers who spoke as directed by the Spirit. They preached and
spoke God’s will directly to the church, using the Old Testament
Scripture. The New Testament, of course, came later.
Apparently, some believers at Corinth abused the gift of tongues
and caused confusion in their services (1 Corinthians 14:23).
Moreover, they looked down on others who did not have this gift, but
Paul said we do not all have the same gifts (1 Corinthians 12:29-30).
The gift of tongues is not a mark of spiritual power or character.
Believers whom Paul called “worldly — mere infants in the Masih”
possessed this gift (1 Corinthians 3:1).
We truly need one another in the church. The Spirit indwells all
believers and we are members of Isa’s body. There can be unity even
where there is not uniformity. Isa never prayed for uniformity in His
church, but for the same kind of unity that exists between Him and
His Father (John 17:20-23). We should pray for that and do all we can
“… to keep the unity of the Spirit…” in the church (Ephesians 4:3).
What can you do personally to build unity in your church?

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Using Gifts in Love

In 1 Corinthians 13, Paul continues about spiritual gifts, but
emphasizes that gifts without grace are nothing. The Corinthians used
their gifts with a competitive spirit and this divided the church.
Spiritual gifts should build up the church but instead they had hurt it.
The fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23) is more important in a
believer’s life than the miraculous gifts of the Spirit. We must not seek
gifts and experiences, but rather seek holiness and godly character.
“Love” is not simply emotion. Paul used the word agape. This is
sacrificial love. Paul listed some spiritual gifts (1 Corinthians 12:8-10)
and said that, without love, they are nothing. Tongues, without love,
are mere noise, like a clanging cymbal. Prophecy without love makes
the prophet nothing. Paul did not lessen the gifts, but said they will
not have a good effect on anyone unless the believer has love. We can
even sacrifice our body, but without love, this is nothing. Love is the
measure of all things.
In 1 Corinthians 13:4-7, Paul writes that love is patient and kind; it
is not jealous, proud, or boastful. True love wants good for others – it
is unselfish. Godly love shows no irritation, and it does not keep
account of evil done against us. It does not delight in evil, but it
rejoices with the truth. With Isa’s love in us, we can persevere with a
strong faith and hope. Love gives us the power to endure. Then, Paul
emphasizes that love is eternal (1 Corinthians 13:8-13). The
Corinthians were immature and sought temporary things only, such as
gifts. However, godly character with love is eternal and lasts forever.
The city of Corinth was famous for its metal mirrors, so Paul
used that as a final picture. One saw only a dim reflection of himself in
those mirrors, just as today we cannot perfectly see the Lord. We only
see Him “dimly.” However, when Isa comes, we shall see Him and
know Him even as He fully knows us.
Through love, we draw near to God and to one another. We
practice the truth in love. The body, “…builds itself up in love”
(Ephesians 4:16). All believers share this ministry. Faith, hope, and
love last forever. Love is the greatest, for “God is love” (1 John 4:8).
Here we see a picture of Isa who perfectly reveals God’s love to us.
Substitute the word “Isa” for “love” and read 1 Corinthians 13.

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Principles of Spiritual Worship

Some Corinthians thought the gift of tongues was a mark of
spirituality and that believers were not spiritual if they did not have this
gift. However, Paul taught that all spiritual gifts should build up the
church. They are not just for our enjoyment. In 1 Corinthians 14, Paul
wrote about speaking in tongues: First, it is a gift from God. Second, it
is a desirable gift although it is not necessary for salvation. Third, it is
less important than prophecy and teaching (1 Corinthians 14:4-5).
Speaking in tongues may bless the speaker, but Paul emphasized
prophecy (preaching), which benefits the whole church.
Public worship must edify the whole church. Tongues, without
interpretation, will not help the church. The key to understanding is 1
Corinthians 14:18-19. Paul himself spoke in tongues. However, in
church meetings, he wanted his words to edify everyone. He wrote
that tongues were a sign for unbelievers, but the way the Corinthians
were speaking in tongues was not good. Some did not understand and
unbelievers thought the people were crazy.
God gave tongues as a sign to the Jews (fulfilling Isaiah 28:11-12).
There are four incidents of tongues in Acts. In Acts 2, tongues are
evidence to the unbelieving Jews at Pentecost. In Acts 8, they show
the believing Jews that the Spirit had come upon the Samaritans. In
Acts 10, they show that the Spirit had come upon the Gentiles. Finally,
Acts 19 shows that the twelve Ephesian men had received the Spirit.
In 1 Corinthians 14:22-26, Paul wrote that all worship – singing,
preaching, gifts, etc. – must edify the worshippers. In a meeting, if
unsaved people hear the Word through prophecy, they will
understand, know that God is present, and repent. Moreover, if a
person speaks in tongues, there must be interpretation.
Therefore, in 1 Corinthians 14:27-28, Paul gave rules about
tongues in a public meeting. There must be interpretation and only
two or three may speak, one at a time. Paul did not forbid the practice
of tongues. However, the church meeting must be orderly. Likewise,
prophets must edify the church and speak properly. If a speaker
becomes unintelligible, it is proof that the Spirit is not speaking. “For
God is not a God of disorder but of peace” (1 Corinthians 14:33).
Do you think preaching is more important than tongues? Why?

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The Resurrection
The Greeks did not believe in bodily resurrection. When Paul
preached the resurrection, the Athenians ridiculed him (Acts 17:32).
Isa’s resurrection is a historic fact proved by the Gospel, the many
witnesses after His resurrection, and Paul’s conversion. The
resurrection of Isa Masih is the center of our Christian faith. He
rose from the dead and we know He is God. Because he rose, He
defeated death and forgave our sins. Thus, we know that He lives and
will raise us to new life in Him (1 Corinthians 15:1-19).
In 1 Corinthians 15:20-28, Paul writes about the “Two Adams.”
Through the first Adam, sin and death came into the world. The Last
Adam conquered death and is now the firstfruits of a great harvest that
will come. Isa is the “Last Adam” (1 Corinthians 15:45). He will
reverse the wrongs of the first Adam. When Isa returns, the dead in
Him will be raised (1 Corinthians 15:23). He will put all things under
His feet, including death. Thus, to deny the bodily resurrection of the
dead is to deny the future kingdom of God. Paul says spending time
with those who deny bodily resurrection will harm good character.
In 1 Corinthians 15:35-49, Paul showed that there is no life apart
from death. The planted seed dies and bears fruit. The fruit, though
from the original seed, is different. The resurrectioned body will have
its own glory. It is not the same body, but there is continuity between
the buried body and the resurrectioned body. The body laid in the
grave will decay, but the resurrectioned body will not decay. It will
have power and glory and will bear the image of the heavenly.
Isa now has a resurrected and glorified body. His resurrectioned
body proves Paul’s doctrine. The believers recognized Him, so there
was continuity between the two bodies. He passed through locked
doors; He ate fish (Luke 24:36-43); He invited the disciples to touch
Him. He had the same body, yet in some way a different body.
In 1 Corinthians 15:50-58, Paul closes in victory. Isa has removed
death’s sting from the believer. Death has no victory, as one day Isa
will raise us up in resurrection power. The Greeks were lost, without
hope after death. Inscriptions on their tombs reveal that death was
their great enemy. However, we believers in Isa have life and hope!
In your culture, what do people believe about life after death?

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The Collection for Jerusalem

In 1 Corinthians 16, Paul gave instructions about the offering for
the poor saints in Jerusalem. Although his instructions deal with
“famine relief” for the poor in Jerusalem, the principles that he gave
apply to us today. The churches in Paul’s day followed the same
biblical pattern and principles. Let us examine five basic principles.
First, the church should be the center of giving. The churches
met on the Lord’s Day and brought their offerings to the Lord. Paul
did not want individuals to send their offerings to him personally. He
wanted the church to give an expression of its love for the poor Jewish
believers. Church members owe it to the Lord to give their tithes and
offerings to His church. It is not wrong to give personal support to
workers (Philippians 4:15-16), but giving to people must not replace
our faithfulness to the church.
Second, giving is regular. Paul encouraged them to bring the
money weekly, if possible. Some people receive pay weekly, others
monthly. Paul did not want their tithes and offerings to accumulate in
their homes. Systematic, regular giving helps spiritual growth. Third,
giving is for everyone, not just for the rich. In 2 Corinthians 8:1-4,
Paul says that the saints in Macedonia gave generously out of their
poverty – this is the biblical model for giving. The brother who can
give but does not give faithfully is a thief. He robs God and robs other
believers (Malachi 3:7-12). Moreover, he robs himself of blessings.
Fourth, giving is proportionate (1 Corinthians 16:2). The tithe
was a minimum standard for Old Testament giving. This standard
should also apply to New Testament believers. People tithed long
before God gave the Law (Genesis 14:20 and 28:22), so one cannot
argue that tithing is legalistic. Fifth, believers must handle money
carefully. Paul was careful, wanting others to help him, so no one
could accuse him of stealing. It is good for a church to keep records.
The church’s finances must always be a good testimony to the lost.
Paul closed by signing his name (1 Corinthians 16:21), proving that
the letter was authentic. “Grace” was always Paul’s key word. He
finished, not in judgment, but with, “My love to all of you in Masih
Isa” (1 Corinthians 16:24). What an example – He loved them dearly.
Do you regularly give tithes and offerings on the Lord’s Day?

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Discussion Guide
1. Discuss these questions with your house church group: If an
unsaved person wants to take the Lord’s Supper, what should we
tell him? Can a person who has not received baptism take the
Lord’s Supper? Why is baptism an important prerequisite?
2. With your group, read Galatians 5:22-23 about the fruit of the
Spirit. Discuss these questions – In Corinth, why had the gifts of
the Spirit flourished but the fruit had not grown very much? Why
is the fruit of the Spirit so important to church growth?
3. With your group, discuss these two questions: What are some
practical ways to demonstrate that we all need each other? Do our
cultures and our traditions influence the way we look at spiritual
gifts and why we think some are more important?
4. Discuss this question with your house church group: How does
godly love give a believer the power to endure? Then, discuss
some practical ways that believers can develop sacrificial, godly
love in their lives. Discuss these ways in teams of 2 or 3 people,
then share your ideas with the whole group.
5. Some scholars say that speaking in tongues is a “private” gift.
Others argue that all spiritual gifts must edify the whole church.
Divide into two groups and “debate” this question. Have the
whole group discuss Paul’s rules concerning tongues in the church
meeting (1 Corinthians 14:27-28).
6. The Greeks taught that the soul was in prison in the body and was
set free at death. They did not believe that a body could exist after
death. Discuss with your house church group your culture’s beliefs
about death, burial, and resurrection. Are there any “folk legends”
about resurrection? What special things are done at funerals that
might tell you what the culture believes about death?
7. Does your church have a weekly practice of receiving tithes and
offerings? Do you give from these offerings to support the Lord’s
work in your area and around the world? Prayerfully discuss these
questions with your house church group. For further Scriptures,
read Malachi 3:7-12, Matthew 23:23 and 2 Corinthians 8:1 – 9:15.

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For Further Study and Training in Righteousness

Doctrine Bible
2. Pastoral Letters
1. Servant Leadership
(1 - 2 Timothy, Titus)
3. Personal Evangelism I
4. Romans
(The Camel Method)
5. Personal Evangelism II
6. Theology of Genesis
(Chronological Storying)
7. Believer’s Lifestyle 8. 1 Corinthians
9. Spiritual Warfare 10. Ephesians
11. Church Planting 12. The Gospel of John
13. Doctrine of the
14. Acts 1 – 12
Holy Spirit
16. Acts 13 – 28
15. Bible Interpretation
(The Ministry of Paul)
17. Doctrine of Salvation 18. Exodus
20. The Journeys of Jesus
19. The Godhead
(Synoptic Gospels)
21. Spiritual Disciplines 22. Galatians
23. Old Testament Survey 24. Hebrews
25. Stewardship 26. Psalms
27. Personal Evangelism III

A program of:
CASALT: Servant and Leadership Training
August 2005

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