By Charles Box, Walnut Street Church of Christ, P.O. Box 551, Greenville, Alabama 36037 USA
 

We Preach Christ Crucified
– First Corinthians One –

   Paul wrote his first letter to Corinth during his third missionary journey. (Acts 19:1-41) It was likely written in about 57 A.D. Corinth, the chief city of Achaia, was a city of wealth and extravagance. The church had been established in Corinth during Paul's second missionary journey. (Acts 18:1-18) Luke wrote, "...and many of the Corinthians hearing believed, and were baptized." (Acts 18:8)

   Different groups of people had brought confusion into the church. Bad news concerning the situation at Corinth had been brought to Paul by the household of Chloe (I Corinthians 1:11), and in a letter the brethren sent to him. (I Corinthians 7:1)

   The purpose for our learning the truth is so that we can be saved. We also learn the truth so that we might know how to lead others to Christ, as well as helping our brothers and sisters on this earth with the struggles of the flesh.  In this great epistle Paul deals with some of the difficulties facing the church of God at Corinth.

   The fellowship of the Son of God – I Corinthians 1:1-9: Paul was chosen by God to be an  apostle of  Christ Jesus.  God used  him to write several New Testament books. Sosthenes was a brother that also had a part in the writing of First Corinthians. We met Sosthenes in Acts 18:17 where the bible says, "Then all the Greeks took Sosthenes, the chief ruler of the synagogue, and beat him before the judgment seat. And Gallio cared for none of those things."

   This letter was written to God's church in Corinth. The church of God is people that have been set apart by calling on the name of the Lord in humble obedience. Paul's desire was that these brethren be blessed with God's grace and peace. God had enriched these people both to understand and to speak of salvation in Christ. The wisdom and knowledge to live the best life are placed within the word of God. Paul used the word of God as the final authority to solve the problems in the church at Corinth. We should follow His example.

   Those that wait for the second coming of Christ will not miss out on any blessing. At the second coming physical bodies will be raised and the righteous will become incorruptible. God will preserve you for His heavenly kingdom even if you are on life's other side. When you die your soul returns to God for His keeping. "Then shall the dust return to the earth as it was: and the spirit shall return unto God who gave it." (Ecclesiastes 12:7) It is essential that we become blameless in order to prepare for eternity.

   The unity of the Son of God – I Corinthians 1:10-17: God called on His people to be united. (Ephesians 4:4-6) If unity is to be achieved we must get back to the Bible and do things exactly God's way. Sadly there were "contentions" among Christians at Corinth. Paul loved these brethren and was heart broken over their divisions. Their divisions had to do with their favorite preachers. But Paul wanted it known for the ages that it is in Christ and He alone that salvation can be found.

   Paul did not want the church made into a denomination. He did not want them saying he baptized into his own name. He was thankful that he had only baptized a few at Corinth, "Lest any should say that I had baptized in mine own name." Paul never baptized in any name except that of the Lord Jesus. He did not have to have the honor of doing the physical baptizing himself. What mattered to Paul was not who did the baptizing but that the gospel was preached without using big words that would make the cross of Christ lose its power. He wanted people to be able to learn, believe and obey the truth.

   The preaching of the Son of God – I Corinthians 1:18-24: The message of the cross and redemption by blood seems foolish to many that are lost. Satan lost the battle and sin was defeated by the death of Christ. Jesus Christ paid the only price that could be paid to bring unto sinful man redemption and that price was His own blood. It may sound foolish to men but God said, "I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and will bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent." This is a quote from Isaiah 29:14.

   God has shown us that the wisdom of this world is foolishness. How can you tell the wise from the foolish? True wisdom comes from God and His truth. God was wise and decided not to allow the people of this world use their wisdom to learn about Him through the gospel. Sadly the preaching of the cross is counted by many to be foolishness because of human wisdom.

   "Jews ask for miracles, and Greeks want something that sounds wise." Jesus gave the sign seekers only one sign. Jesus said, ..."there shall no sign be given to it, but the sign of the prophet Jonas: For as Jonas was three days and three nights in the whale's belly; so shall the Son of man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth." (Matthew 12:39-40) The sign was that Jesus was in the tomb for three days and at the end of those three days He arose. This is the gospel. Paul said, "We preach Christ crucified, unto the Jews a stumbling block, and unto the Greeks foolishness." (I Corinthians 1:23) We preach Christ because He is both "the power of God, and the wisdom of God."

   The wisdom of the Son of God – I Corinthians 1:25-31: When you discuss the most foolish thing that God could ever think or do it is greater than man's best. The, "weakness of God is stronger than men." God in His wisdom set forth the plan of salvation through the blood of Jesus. This simple plan of blood redemption seems foolish to the world, but it in fact provides man's only hope. Common people with honest hearts gladly received the gospel. The mighty of the world often reject it. Jesus can use ordinary men and women that are committed to Him to accomplish great things.

   God has chosen the things that seem to be foolish to the world to confound those that think they are wise. It is hard for the worldly to accept salvation by a cross. It is difficult for the world to believe that such spiritual changes could be brought on by an amazingly simple message. God can take what the world considers worthless, useless and nothing at all and use it in a powerful way. He can use the small, insignificant and the weak. This keeps people from bragging to God about what they have done. Through Christ's righteousness we are redeemed to be part of the body of Christ. So therefore, "if you want to brag, do what the Scriptures say and brag about the Lord."

   Will you appreciate Jesus enough that you will receive Him as your Lord and Savior NOW? To become a Christian you must hear the gospel (Romans 10:17), believe in Jesus (John 8:24), repent of sins (Acts 17:30), confess Christ as Lord (Acts 8:37), and be baptized to be saved. (I Peter 3:21). After baptism use your life to spread the glorious gospel of Christ!

Knowing Christ And Him Crucified
– First Corinthians Two –

   In I Corinthians chapter two Paul explained the plain and simple nature of his preaching at Corinth. He did not appeal to them through the excellence of speech or of wisdom. He proclaimed to them the testimony of God. In very uncomplicated and forthright terms He preached Christ and Him crucified. He did not want their faith to stand in human wisdom, but in the power of God

   Paul had communicated to the Corinthians a treasure in the truest sense. "But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him." (1 Corinthians 2:9) The point of this statement is that God had prepared great things in Christ for those that love Him. The "deep things" of God involve the message of salvation by the cross. A failure to understand the wisdom of the message of the cross can only mean a failure to connect to God through Christ. Paul knew that by revelation he had, "the mind of Christ."

   Jesus Christ, and Him crucified – I Corinthians 2:1-5: When Paul preached the gospel at Corinth he did not use big words or try to sound wise. He spoke to them about salvation in everyday language that they could understand. A good preacher can take the message of salvation through Jesus and make it so that little children can understand. Paul used such simplicity in preaching because he was "determined not to know any thing among the Corinthians, save Jesus Christ, and Him crucified."

   Our Heavenly Father loved us enough to overthrow the diabolical work of Satan at the cost of the death of His Son, Jesus. The purpose for Christ coming to earth and being crucified was so that sinful mankind could be brought back to God. This purpose is clearly stated in Hebrews 2:14. "Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil."

   At first when Paul was at Corinth he was weak and trembling with fear. He was going through struggles of the flesh that every man feels. He said when he preached he simply allowed the Spirit of God to use him to show the power of the Almighty. He desired that they have faith because of God's power and not because of human wisdom.

   We speak the wisdom of God – I Corinthians 2:6-8: Paul acknowledged that he did use wisdom in speaking to the spiritually mature. However it was not "the wisdom of this world." The wisdom of the world will soon disappear and it will bring salvation to no one. Your life will be a waste if you allow someone with human wisdom to do your thinking for you. The mature children of God will be led by the wisdom of God revealed in His written word.

   God made a decision, before the world began, that if sin entered the word man could be saved though the gospel, that message that was for generations a hidden mystery. God's patience and His long-suffering is seen as He through the many passing years brought about an arrangement whereby the lost would have an opportunity to hear the word of God, obey that message from the heart and come to salvation. The Devil does his best to bring about total disregard for this salvation message. The world never seems to understand that in the sacrificial death of Jesus that Satan was defeated and now sins can be forgiven.

   Things freely given us of God – I Corinthians 2:9-12: The benefits of the gospel are beyond what could ever be imagined in this life and in the life to come. Paul described gospel benefits saying, "But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him." (I Corinthians 2:9) We have all the benefits of the gospel in this age and an inheritance that is waiting for us in the world to come. Included in these blessing are peace, contentment, joy, love and a wealth that we simply cannot comprehend. We must not allow our sins and our poor choices to carry us away from God's great blessings.

   The many unseen things of the gospel have been revealed through God's Spirit to the apostles. They in turn wrote those things down in our Bible so that we might know both the mind of God and the promises of God. The Holy Spirit has revealed the mystery of the deep things of God through the apostles. The only way that we could possibly know the mind of God was through revelation. "It is not possible to measure the arm of God with the finger of man."  

   God has given His Spirit to His people. "And we are his witnesses of these things; and so is also the Holy Ghost, whom God hath given to them that obey him." (Acts 5:32) Those that have the Spirit of Christ do not think the same way that the people of the world think. Those that have the Spirit of God recognize how blessed they are by God. They study God's word and follow His teaching to enjoy true peace. When you allow the Holy Spirit to work in your mind through the word of God you will find truths that will help you in everyday life.

   But we have the mind of Christ – I Corinthians 2:13-16: Paul wanted the Corinthians to know that the words that he spoke to them were Spirit inspired words. They were not words that he thought up by human wisdom. The only words that could be used by Paul and the other apostles, in delivering eternal truth, were those words given directly by inspiration of Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit inspired these words comparing spiritual things with the spiritual words.

   Inspiration for writing the word of God was not given to every man. God selected a certain few men and filled them with the Holy Spirit. There are others that think they are teaching the word of God, however they are only teaching the traditions of men. They are not setting forth that message given by inspiration of the Holy Ghost.

   These men inspired with the Holy Spirit could discern God's revealed truth from the words of men. The wisdom of the flesh does not determine with certainly what is right and what is wrong. The spiritual or inspired man had a discernment of truth that was not possessed by uninspired men. The inspiration of God allowed these men to "have the mind of Christ" or to understand what Christ was thinking. Paul was led by the Holy Spirit to write the instructions to help the Corinthian church. These same instructions now provide direction for our lives.

   Jesus died so that you can go to heaven. Will you obey Him NOW? To become a Christian you must hear the gospel (Romans 10:17), believe in Jesus (John 8:24), repent of sins (Acts 17:30), confess Christ as Lord (Acts 8:37), and be baptized to be saved. (I Peter 3:21). After baptism use your life to glorify God!

For All Things Are Your
– First Corinthians Three –

   One of the problems among the Christians at Corinth was that of being "carnal." Paul knew that by that time the Corinthian Christians should have become spiritually mature. However, he still had to "speak unto them as unto carnal, even as unto babes in Christ." (I Corinthians 3:1) The word "carnal" means "pertaining to the flesh, or fleshly desires. To be carnal means that your flesh and the word of God are at odds and the flesh is always winning out, because you are allowing it to win!

   This chapter addresses the divisions that were separating these brethren into groups that identified themselves with men. Paul rebuked them for allowing the names of preachers to divide the Lord's church. They were carnal being guilty of envying, strife, and divisions. "Strife" means fighting among themselves with words. No wonder Paul called them "carnal!" They were acting like they were of the world.

   Paul told them that the preachers they were dividing over were actually in harmony and that they worked together. He wanted them to know that the preachers were nothing more than ministers. These preachers all built upon the same foundation, that of Jesus Christ. (I Corinthians 3:11) He wanted it understood that it is wrong  to  make  divisions  in  the  body  of Christ. They were admonished to take care not to divide and destroy the church because it is the temple of the Holy Spirit. Later Paul will say that the body of each Christian is the temple of the Holy Spirit.

   The brethren were carnal – I Corinthians 3:1-4: When Paul wrote this epistle the brethren were acting like people of this world. They were acting like babies as far as their faith is Christ was concerned. Division had caused them to be so weak spiritually that they were unable to receive the meat of God's word. Paul had to treat them like spiritual babies and give them milk and not strong spiritual food.

   The focus of these brethren was on their own desires instead of on the spiritual plan of God for salvation and the church. The milk of the word is beautiful, but we need the meat of the word in order to have our spiritual armor. The carnal nature of these brethren led to envy, strife, and divisions, instead of to spiritual strength. Envy is "a feeling of discontent and resentment aroused by and in conjunction with desire for the possessions or qualities of another." Strife is "bitter conflict; heated often violent dissension." Division is "the state of having been divided." Some were saying they followed Paul. Others said they followed Apollos. The people of the word divide themselves and quarrel with one another. Christians should not act this way.

   The preachers are servants – I Corinthians 3:5-10: Apollos and Paul were merely servants or ministers that had helped these brethren have faith. Paul had no desire for preachers to receive special honor. He had planted the spiritual seeds, Apollos watered them, but God gave the increase. Paul established the church in Corinth. Apollos came after the church was established and watered the seed that Paul planted. God blessed their efforts and gave an increase.

   The blessings that came to the brethren at Corinth came by the Lord of glory, not by the one that delivered the gospel message to them. What matters is not the one that planted or watered, but God who made the plants grow. Any increase that comes to the church comes from God. It does not matter who does the planting or the watering for we are all one in Christ. (Galatians 3:26-28) The fact that Christians are one in Christ produces mutual love and respect for each other. Each servant will be rewarded according to his labors. (Revelation 14:13)

   The church should just work together for God. We are God's garden and God's building. We are co-workers together with God. Paul laid the foundation at Corinth and others like Apollos built thereon. "But let every man take heed how he buildeth thereupon."

   The foundation is Christ – I Corinthians 3:11-15: Christ is the foundation, and we are to be careful that we build in a scriptural and spiritual way on Him. He is the only foundation upon which you can build for eternity. He is the chief corner stone for the church and for our salvation. (Ephesians 2:20) Many attempt to build on such temporary foundations as "gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, or stubble." "The church should be built of true Christians, the proper material; and not of worldly-minded hypocrites, or of those who estimate the oracles of God as on a par with the philosophies of men. The day of judgment will reveal the true character of all who are in the church."

   Those that build on Jesus must be genuine in their faith and service. The foundation that we have built upon will be tested by fire on the Day of Judgment. "The fire will try every man's work of what sort it is." We must do the work of God and diligently seek to please Him in all that we do. We must see that He gets the glory for all the increase. We will be rewarded if our building is standing after being tested at the judgment. You may put forth the effort to win a person to Christ only to have that person turn from the Lord. Your reward would in some way have been greater if they had remained faithful but what they do will not affect your salvation.

   The Temple is the church – I Corinthains 3:16-23: As members of the church we should be spiritual people because the church of Christ is the Holy Temple of God. His Spirit dwells in this temple. God will destroy anyone that defiles His Temple or church by being carnal, causing division or by becoming unfaithful. Paul urged Christians to be more humble by saying, "Let no man deceive himself. If any man among you seemeth to be wise in this world, let him become a fool, that he may be wise." Pride is how Satan fell and it also causes many to fall today. We should stop bragging about what any person has done because Jesus is our rock and the very foundation upon which we must build.

   Paul reminded these brethren that "All things are yours." (1) Paul, or Apollos, or Cephas are yours as servants that have taught you the gospel. (2) The world is yours to live in, to conquer and to enjoy. (3) Life is yours as a daily gift from God and as a proving ground for eternity. (4) Death is yours to terminate the sorrows of this life and to usher you into life's other side. (5) Things present are yours in that you can enjoy all the benefits of the gospel. (6) The "things to come" that are yours include judgment, eternity and heaven itself. True Christianity allows us to rise above denominationalism because there is only one Savior, One Father and One Holy Spirit.

   Will you appreciate Jesus enough that you will receive Him as your Lord and Savior NOW? To become a Christian you must hear the gospel (Romans 10:17), believe in Jesus (John 8:24), repent of sins (Acts 17:30), confess Christ as Lord (Acts 8:37), and be baptized to be saved. (I Peter 3:21). After baptism be spiritual in your daily living!

A Steward Must Be Found Faithful
– First Corinthians Four –

   Here Paul gave some very specific instructions as to how he, the other apostles of our Lord and other ministers of the gospel should be looked upon. Even though apostles and gospel preachers are to be loved and appreciated by the people to whom they have brought the gospel they are only to be looked upon as servants. Preachers or ministers of the gospel are stewards of God and it is their responsibility to be found faithful.

   Paul wanted it understood that an apostle or the preacher is not what is important. However, the honorable work of delivering God's message is a great work. He fully understood that his task was to please God in his preaching and his work. With our focus on God our hearts will stay humble; men that overly value themselves or other men soon fall because of their pride.

   Many temptations and problems come to those that value themselves to highly. They reject the gospel and the apostles or preachers that delivered it unto them. They begin to pass pre-mature judgments that man has no right to be involved with. A sinner snatched from destructtion by the grace of God is not in a position to pass prideful judgment on anyone. The good in our lives is goodness received from God.

   The apostles had suffered greatly in order to bring the gospel to the world. This suffering and shame was endured in order that many might be begotten through the gospel. These men suffered poverty and contempt that the gospel might reach the masses of humanity. Even though these brethren were cast off by the world they were precious to God because they were His faithful stewards. Paul should have been looked upon with respect by the Corinthians. He was their spiritual father. There were problems in the church at Corinth that just had to be corrected. Paul sent Timothy to try to help them deal with these matters. He also planed a visit himself if the Lord willed it to be so. His desire was to come in love and correct the problems; he could use the rod of correction as Peter did with Ananias if necessary. However, that was not his desire.

   A challenge concerning preachers – I Corinthians 4:1-6: First Corinthians four is a contrast between the "faithful" and the "faithless" stewards of God. Paul said that he, his fellow apostles and other gospel preachers were "ministers of Christ, and stewards of the mysteries of God." They were not great men that the church should divide over. They were merely inferior servants under Christ doing His appointed work. They were "stewards of the mysteries of God." The "Mysteries of God" refers to the doctrine of salvation for the world by the precious blood of Jesus.

   As the church divided over preachers they would pass their judgment on the various men involved. Some of their judgment would likely be unfavorable because these brethren did not seek their own glory; instead they sought the glory of God and the salvation of lost souls. Paul did not choose to be involved with man's self appointed judgment; rather he was willing to leave himself in the hands of God for judgment. Paul was not conscience of any evil in his life yet he was well aware that final judgment must be left to God.

   Paul said that although he knew nothing that he was guilty of he could not pronounce him innocent before God. He knew that he had to leave that matter with the Almighty. The faithful apostles would have praise from God at judgment because they stood as faithful stewards. Paul did not directly use the names of those causing the division at Corinth. Instead he used the name of Apollos and his own name in order that the brethren could get an understanding of the harm done by division.

   A caution against sinful pride – I Corinthians 4:7-13: The faithless stewards were acting like they were the source of the good things they possessed. These faithless stewards were filled with destructive pride. In sarcasm Paul rebuked them saying, "Now ye are full, now ye are rich, ye have reigned as kings without us: and I would to God ye did reign, that we also might reign with you." (1 Corinthians 4:8)

   In contrast with the pride and position of the faithless steward the faithful steward was made a "spectacle to the world." The godly steward was looked upon as a fool. (I Corinthians 4:10) He was often physically weak. (I Corinthians 4:10) He was despised by the world. (I Corinthians 4:10) The faithful steward was hungry, thirsty and without proper clothing. (I Corinthians 4:11) At times the faithful steward was treated harshly and was homeless. (I Corinthians 4:11) These great stewards of God did backbreaking labor and even blessed their enemies. Through all of this they were looked upon as the world's garbage. (I Corinthians 4:12-13) God had another view of them. He saw them as "Faithful Stewards."

   A charge regarding their spiritual father – I Corinthians 4:14-16: Paul wrote these things to the Christians at Corinth to remind them that he was their father in the faith. He had led them to the Lord. He did not write to shame them but to warn them. They were his beloved, spiritual children. Paul cautioned the brethren not be drawn aside to pretend apostles from those that had actually shared the gospel with them. Many were trying to teach or instruct the Corinthians that had no parental feeling for them.

   Paul instructed the Corinthians, "be ye followers of me." Paul called on these brethren to mimic or imitate him as he claimed them as spiritual children. He lived for God and he likewise wanted them to live for God. 

   A command for Timothy to come – I Corinthians 4:17-21: Paul sent Timothy unto them that they might learn how to imitate him. Their imitation of Paul simply meant that they followed the way of Christ. Timothy was Paul's son in the faith and his closest co-worker. What Paul expected of the church at Corinth was the same that he had expected from all the churches that he had helped to establish. The Word of God is the same for all mankind where ever they are, in whatever generation they live.

   Some of the teachers at Corinth were acting very haughty because they did not believe Paul would revisit Corinth. Paul wanted to put to the test those that claimed to be teachers sent from God. If they were what they claimed to be they would be able to verify their teaching with powerful signs. Teachers sent from God were able to demonstrate the truth of their message by miracle. Paul could come to them with the gentleness of a father or he could come with the rod. We see, from the cases of Ananias and Sapphira that the apostles had the power to inflict awful punishments on the disobedient.

   Will you appreciate Jesus enough that you will receive Him as your Lord and Savior NOW? To become a Christian you must hear the gospel (Romans 10:17), believe in Jesus (John 8:24), repent of sins (Acts 17:30), confess Christ as Lord (Acts 8:37), and be baptized to be saved. (I Peter 3:21) The new life is Christ is a glorious and hopeful life!

Dealing With The Disorderly 
– First Corinthians Five –

   First Corinthians chapter five states implicitly that if you as a Christian, are living a wicked, depraved, or degenerate lifestyle then you are living in the wrong kingdom. You are in the devil's kingdom if you are living that kind of life. The church at Corinth faced the very grievous problem of a man living sexually with his father's wife! 

   Sadly every Christian in Corinth knew about this wickedness that had infected the church. This matter had become common knowledge. This was an evil so great that even none Christians would avoid it. It had become a great scandal against the church of our Lord. God had given a principle in Deuteronomy 27:20 that this man was violating. He had said, "Cursed be he that lieth with his father's wife; because he uncovereth his father's skirt. And all the people shall say, Amen."

   Instead of dealing with the situation the brethren at Corinth were filled with pride.  They ought to have been troubled over it; they should have been mourning, but instead, what were they doing? They were indulging their own pride. They had become vainly self-confident by their own "spiritual purity." Paul wanted to know why they had not mourned enough to take care of  the problem  before now.  In the church, acts of discipline should always take place with a spirit of mourning that there has to be any discipline at all, not with a spirit of pride, anger, or revenge. There should be deep grief on our part that there is the occasion for it, and, of course, only a spirit of tender compassion for the one that has offended God.

   The need for church discipline – I Corinthians 5:1-2: There was a terrible sin that was destroying the church at Corinth. Paul said, "It is reported commonly that there is fornication among you, and such fornication as is not so much as named among the Gentiles, that one should have his father's wife." Paul said this sin was so evil that even the heathens would not allow it to happen or participate in it. The nature of the sin was horrible. A brother in Christ was living in sexual immorality with his own mother or his stepmother.

   The man and the woman involved in the sin were to be blamed for their evil. Likewise the entire church was to be blamed for the complacency with which they had looked upon such a horrible sin. The sin of a brother committing fornication with his father wife was shocking to Paul. He was even more shocked by the attitude of the church toward this matter. He said, "Ye are puffed up, and have not rather mourned, that he that hath done this deed might be taken away from among you." (I Corinthians 5:2) Due to their own pride and spiritual indifference the church at Corinth had not removed this brother from its fellowship.

   The command to practice discipline – I Corinthians 5:3-5: Paul told the church that they should call a special meeting and deal with this matter. "For I verily, as absent in body, but present in spirit, have judged already, as though I were present, concerning him that hath so done this deed, In the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, when ye are gathered together, and my spirit, with the power of our Lord Jesus Christ, To deliver such an one unto Satan for the destruction of the flesh, that the spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus." (I Corinthians 5:3-5)

   Observe these truths about what should take place: First, notice that God had given the local congregation authority to practice discipline. It was to be done "In the name of our Lord Jesus Christ." They had the authority of Christ Himself to withdraw from this offending brother.

   Second, the offending brother was to be delivered unto Satan for the destruction of the flesh. This had happened to Ananias and Sapphira. They died in Jerusalem for the sin of lying to God. (Acts 5) At best "The sinful man was delivered to Satan, to suffer physical affliction, to bring him to repentance and turn out for the good of his soul."

   The reason for church discipline – I Corinthians 5:6-8: The first purpose of church discipline is the salvation of the offending brother. God still wants this brother saved. Another reason for discipline is to keep the sin from spreading in the church. Paul said, "Know ye not that a little leaven leaveneth the whole lump? Purge out therefore the old leaven, that ye may be a new lump, as ye are unleavened. For even Christ our passover is sacrificed for us. Therefore let us keep the feast, not with old leaven, neither with the leaven of malice and wickedness; but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth."  (I Corinthians 15:6-8)

   The idea was that the spiritual cancer must be cut out in order to keep it from spreading. They must do that in order to continue in Christ, the Christian's passover. They were to purge out the sin just as the Jews were to purge out the leaven from their houses before that Passover. They were to literally engage in the service of God by putting away evil from the church.

   The extent of church discipline – I Corinthians 5:9-13: The church had authority to practice discipline only among its members. Paul is not talking about the church dealing with fornicators of the world. He said, "I wrote unto you in an epistle not to company with fornicators: Yet not altogether with the fornicators of this world, or with the covetous, or extortioners, or with idolaters; for then must ye needs go out of the world. But now I have written unto you not to keep company, if any man that is called a brother be a fornicator, or covetous, or an idolater, or a railer, or a drunkard, or an extortioner; with such an one no not to eat. For what have I to do to judge them also that are without? do not ye judge them that are within? But them that are without God judgeth. Therefore put away from among yourselves that wicked person." (I Corinthians 5:9-13)

   The church must practice discipline among its members. It has an obligation to withdraw its fellowship from those that cannot be reached with more moderate approaches. It is imperative that the conduct of the church be such that “the name of God and the doctrine be not blasphemed.” (I Timothy 6:1) Yet, the we have not done well in the practice of consistent church discipline. Is it any wonder that the church is weaker today than it has been in decades? Withdrawing fellowship from a sinful brother is not an act of revenge against those that have fallen from the faith. It is an act of love designed to restore the fallen brother and it is also an act designed to protect the church from his sinful practice.

   Will you appreciate Jesus enough that you will receive Him as your Lord and Savior NOW? To become a Christian you must hear the gospel (Romans 10:17), believe in Jesus (John 8:24), repent of sins (Acts 17:30, confess Christ as Lord (Acts 8:37), and be baptized to be saved. (I Peter 3:21). After your baptism use your life to be an honor to God and to help build up the church.

Legal And Moral Problems    
– First Corinthians Six –

   In the church at Corinth there was a brother that had his father's wife. Paul instructed brethren to practice church discipline to resolve that issue. There were also other inconsistencies among the people of God in Corinth. Many of the problems that Paul dealt with sprang from the Corinthian's lax view of sin. Among other things that were going on at Corinth Christians were taking their personal disputes into Roman courts and hurting their influence as children of God.

   Paul knew that Christians should be able to resolve conflict among brethren rather than taking the matter before heathen courts. He said it would even be better to suffer wrong than to disgrace the Lord's name before heathens. Christians should make the best judges because they have the wisdom to judge righteous judgment. (John 7:24) Paul wondered if there was not one godly man at Corinth that could be trusted to judge in these matters that were dividing brethren. He was not saying that the church should establish "Christian courts." Rather he felt that there should be some godly brother that could arbitrate in the matter and resolve it without the law suits.

   The expression "Know ye not" or "Do you not know" is found six times in I Corinthians chapter six.  Paul wrote:  (1) "Do you not know that the saints will judge the world?" (I Corinthians 6:2), (2) "Do you not know that we shall judge angels?" (I Corinthians 6:3), (3) "Do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God?" (I Corinthians 6:9) (4) "Do you not know that your bodies are members of Christ?" (I Corinthians 6:15) (5) "Or do you not know that he who is joined to a harlot is one body with her?" (I Corinthians 6:16), and (6) "Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit..." (I Corinthians 6:19) Each of these thoughts were things the brethren should have already known

   Legal problems at Corinth – I Corinthians 6:1-6: The Christians at Corinth not only were dealing with the problem of division and incest there were also legal problems. The brethren had legal matters against one another and were taking their cases before the ungodly and irreligious courts of that land. A church has serious problems when its members believe that they are more likely to get justice from unbelievers than from their own brethren.

   These brethren had already lost and the church had lost even before the judge rendered his verdict. These were people that professed to love one another. Their suing each other was a shame and a defeat to the church and to everyone involved. This was a disgrace to God because, "God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints." (I Corinthians 14:33) All they were doing was to invite the ridicule of the ungodly. Surely there were some godly brethren in the church that could judge in this matter and things be resolved with love! The least esteemed in the Church were better able to judge these matters, than unbelievers.

   Wrong though they were right – I Corinthians 6:7-8: Paul wanted it understood that their going to law before unbelievers was contrary to the spirit of Christianity. These brethren were utterly wrong or at fault for doing so. Even if they were right in their positions they were wrong in trying to settle these matters before unbelievers. Paul said, "There is utterly a fault among you, because ye go to law one with another. Why do ye not rather take wrong? why do ye not rather suffer yourselves to be defrauded?" (I Corinthians 6:7)

   The spirit that Abraham manifested when dealing with Lot should be our spirit in dealing with our brethren. He would suffer wrong before he would live in such a way that unsaved people would have no respect for him and for his God. (Genesis 13) Christians are taught to do everything within their power to live peaceably with others. In Romans 12:17-19 Paul wrote, "Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men. If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men. Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord." Why not just allow God to take care of those matters?

   Christians belong to God – I Corinthians 6:9-14: Those that are saved are changed people. Before their conversion some of the Corinthians had been, "fornicators, idolaters, adulterers, effeminate, abusers of themselves with mankind, thieves, covetous, drunkards, revilers, and extortioners." Now the blood of Christ had cleansed them, and they were set apart to a life of godliness. They were Christians and consequently they needed to live and act like Christians. Christians cannot continue in those sinful practices of their past life. That "old man" has died and been buried.

   Our society need to read this list of sins again. Sexual immorality heads the list of sins. The first four sins named were fornicators, adulters, effeminate, and abusers of themselves with mankind. The "effeminate" and "abusers of themselves with mankind" are those that practice homosexual activities. A woman with another woman is also a sinful practice. (Romans 1:26-27) Christians have been washed, sanctified and justified. They now belong to God and cannot live in sin. Our body belongs to the Lord and we cannot use it for fornication. We likewise must be careful to abstain from anything that might cause a brother to stumble.

   Christians are the body of Christ – I Corinthians 6:15-20: God has purchased Christians with the precious blood of Jesus Christ. (I Peter 1:18-19) We have been bought with blood, therefore we belong to God. In view of that great truth we should glorify God in our bodies. Our actions must be governed by the fact that we are joined to the Lord. Paul did say that all things are lawful, but many lawful things are unwise because of the control they take over you. The Christians simply cannot be joined to sinful practices or things that control his life. The only control over our life must be the Lord.

   Christians must flee fornication. "Flight" is often the best way to deal with temptation. Redemption by the blood of Jesus does not lead to freedom from sin but it must lead to faithfulness to God. Our bodies are the temple of the Holy Ghost. We often talk about stewardship of our money. We must also remember that we are stewards of our fleshly body. We belong to God and we must glorify Him in our bodies. We are His. We have been bought with a price. It is impossible to glorify God in an immoral body. I Peter 1:16 should be the guiding principle for all our living. "Be ye holy; for I am holy." (I Peter 1:16)

   Jesus died so that you can go to heaven. Will you obey Him NOW? To become a Christian you must hear the gospel (Romans 10:17), believe in Jesus (John 8:24), repent of sins (Acts 17:30), confess Christ as Lord (Acts 8:37), and be baptized to be saved. (I Peter 3:21). After baptism use your life to glorify God, not to please self!

Principles Governing Marriage
– First Corinthians Seven –

  In First Corinthians seven Paul answered some of the matters about which these brethren had questioned him. (I Corinthians 7:1) The Holy Spirit used Paul to write about both married life and single life. In studying this chapter we must be careful to observe that part of what was written grew out of what Paul called the "present distress." (I Corinthians 7:26)

   First Corinthians seven begins with the words "It is good for a man not to touch a woman." (I Corinthians 7:1) This was not a statement Paul made but rather the statement he was responding to. They had asked Paul if it is best for people not to marry. Paul's view was that because of the present distress that these brethren would be better off not to seek a change in their marital status. However, Paul viewed marriage as God-ordained and perfectly appropriate for Christians.

   Paul also dealt with the difficult question of divorce. He said that Christians should stay married. He especially taught that a Christians should not divorce their unbelieving spouses. A Christian can have a sanctifying influence on the family. Paul proved that changing your status concerning circumcision or slavery does not change your spiritual  status.  In these areas Paul wanted it understood that it was not a choice between good and evil but between good and better.

   Concerning the married life – I Corinthians 7:1-9:  Paul was questioned as to whether people should even marry at all. He begins, "Now I will answer the questions that you asked in your letter. You asked, "Is it best for people not to marry?" (1 Corinthians 7:1) Corinth was a city with a high divorce rate and a very low moral standard. These new Christians had to be taught that they were to only have sexual relations within the boundaries of marriage. Others that were trying to be very spiritual had to learn that you can be spiritual and at the same time have physical relationships with your spouse.

   Celibacy was not a command of God. He had said, "be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth." (Genesis 1:28) Marriage is the answer to the problem of immorality. Paul wrote that "to avoid fornication, let every man have his own wife, and let every woman have her own husband." (I Corinthians 7:2) In our age of open immorality Paul's instructions still fit, let each man have his own wife, and let each woman have her own husband.

   Marriage is to be a permanent relationship. We must put the "till death you do part" back into marriage. Marriage is not to be a polygamous relationship. Marriage is a wonderful partnership where mutual needs are met. (I Corinthians 7:3-4) Paul realized that celibacy is not for everyone. "I say therefore to the unmarried and widows, It is good for them if they abide even as I. But if they cannot contain, let them marry: for it is better to marry than to burn." (I Corinthians 7:8-9) Paul saw that being single has some advantages but that being single is not for everyone.

   Concerning behavior for the married – I Corinthians 7:10-16: Paul instructed people to stay married. He said, "Let not the wife depart from her husband." (I Corinthians 7:10) Christians may have problems but they have to be committed to each other and to their marriage. The church has to be a place where hurting families can find help. We must remember the words of the Lord, "What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder." (Matthew 19:6) Inspiration also said, "But and if she depart, let her remain unmarried, or be reconciled to her husband: and let not the husband put away his wife." (I Corinthians 7:11) Sadly divorce might be unavoidable for some Christians. In the case where no adultery is involved the only two possibilities are restoration of the broken marriage or remaining single.

   Some Christians are married to unbelievers. The Bible warns against Christians marrying non-Christians. We should marry only those that will help us get to heaven. At Corinth there were some that were already married and only one became a Christian. This created many differences. If the unbeliever is willing to stay the believer should not seek a divorce. There are some cases were the unbeliever may chose to leave the believer. "A brother or a sister is not under bondage in such cases: but God hath called us to peace." (I Corinthians 7:15) I do not take this to mean that he or she is now free to remarry. Rather the believer is free from the responsibility of destroying the marriage. The goal of the believer should be to save the marriage and the soul of the unbelieving spouse.

   Concerning God's call – I Corinthians 7:17-24: The Bible teaches that we should be content in whatever situation we are in. Paul said, "As the Lord hath called every one, so let him walk. And so ordain I in all churches." (I Corinthians 7:17) Whatever your circumstances may be you should learn to be content. "It is possible to be a Christian within any social strata. You do not have to be poor to be a Christian. You do not have to be rich to be a Christian. You do not have to be single or married, free or a slave to be a Christian."

   It does not make you less spiritual to be either circumcised or uncircumcised. The same is true about married or unmarried. If you are married you can serve God faithfully; if you are un-married the same is true. If you are free you can serve as a faithful Christian; but a slave can also serve God. Let us remember that God is in control of every situation. Let us approach life from the standpoint that God can use me where I am! Every Christian is valuable because we are bought with a price; the precious blood of Jesus.

   Concerning being single or remarried – I Corinthians 7:25-40: The present distress lead Paul to believe that being single was preferred to marriage at that time. There was sever persecution and being single would make it easier to deal with such. Those that are single need to be content and to realize that they can render a great service to God. The single person misses lots of joy, but also misses some pain. Divorce, disappointment and death of a mate do not have to be dealt with by singles. Jesus did not tell everyone to marry or to remain single and neither did Paul. Happiness depends upon your relationship with God, not upon your marriage status.

   Inspiration also deals with the matter of remarriage of widows. (I Corinthians 7:39-40) Marriage is to last until the death of the spouse. When you are single you have the choice to marry or stay single. When you marry you no longer have that choice. If remarriage is a part of their life the Christian widow or widower should only marry another Christian.

   Will you allow Jesus to control you life whether you are single or married? To become a Christian you must hear the gospel (Romans 10:17), believe in Jesus (John 8:24), repent of sins (Acts 17:30), confess Christ as Lord (Acts 8:37), and be baptized to be saved. (I Peter 3:21). After baptism be devoted to God in your daily living!

Things Offered Unto An Idol
– First Corinthians Eight –

   Paul knew that some brethren in Corinth had knowledge. Knowledge used the right way is a good thing. The Corinthians were so full of pride that they did not properly use knowledge; especially concerning the eating of meats sacrificed to idols. These brethren had allowed themselves to become worldly. Often the worldlier one becomes the prouder he seems to be. Paul said their knowledge had puffed them up. (I Corinthians 8:1) Charity or love builds up the body of Christ. Pride puffs up and destroys the body.

   Love will always consider what is fitting and proper, not only what lawfully may be done; as in the situation concerning eating things sacrificed to idols. If a man has knowledge but no love in his heart he is still useless in spreading the Gospel! If we want to be accepted by God we must lovingly obey! This love must manifest itself in the way we deal with our weak brethren. If we love as we should we will not want to be a stumbling block.

   Today we understand that an idol is nothing at all. It is just a piece of wood, rock or metal. Idols are nothing in the world, since there is only one God! Christians are not only in Christ but they are likewise in the one true God. (I Corinthians 8:6) The reason Paul gave emphasis to not eating meat offered to idols was that it might cause some weak brother to believe that an idol was really something, instead of nothing. Eating meat offered to idols would not commend you to God nor would it make you a worse person. However, we must be very careful concerning our example least we destroy one for whom Christ died.

   Knowledge puffs up – I Corinthians 8:1-3: In their letter to Paul the Corinthian brethren had asked him about meat that had been offered to idols. Paul said this was a subject that everyone had some knowledge about. The problem with that is that knowledge makes us proud of ourselves and puffs us up with pride. In contrast with how knowledge puffs up love edifies and makes us helpful to others. To edify means to build up or strengthen, especially in morals or religion.

   Corinth was a city where many sacrifices were made to idols. The flesh of the animals was not burned. It was just used in ceremonies and then sold in the market for meat. The question that arose was whether it was right for Christians to eat this meat that had been sacrificed to idols. Some Christians said that it did not matter because an idol was nothing anyway. Sadly those that had this knowledge often became puffed up. This became a discouragement to the weaker brethren. Those that knew the truth about idols should have been much more loving in their attitudes and actions. They did not know the love of God, for had they have know it there would have been a much greater impact on their daily living.

   An idol is nothing – I Corinthians 8:4-6: Paul and the knowledgeable brethren understood that none of the idols were alive. They could say nothing and do nothing. These heathen idols have no divinity in them. They were just a stick of wood or a piece of rock. Paul taught and believed that there is but one true and living God. (I Corinthians 8:4) For though there be many that are called gods and lords; none of them really are gods or lords.

   The amazing truth is set forth that we have only one God. He created everything, and we must live for Him. We have but one Lord and that is Jesus Christ. Everything was made by Him, and it is by Him that life was given to us. This is true of both physical life and spiritual life. He is the one Mediator between God and men.    

   Causing a brother to stumble – I Corinthians 8:7-10: Some brethren at Corinth had not gained enough spiritual knowledge to know that an idol is nothing at all. They had turned to the Lord but they still had some respect for the gods they had previously worshipped. So when they or others ate meat offered to idols they were bothered by their weak conscience. Paul does not say that eating idol meat was unlawfulness. It would be within the realm of Christian freedom. However, the misuse of this freedom might destroy a weaker Christian. If he eats the meat he feels guilty and thinks he has in some way again become idolatrous in worship. We do well to remember that one must have a clear con-science in order to please God.

   Paul said certain food did not make a Christian either closer to or farther away from God. He said, "for neither, if we eat, are we the better; neither, if we eat not, are we the worse." (I Corinthians 8:8) Eating idol food or refraining from doing so has nothing in either action to commend a person to God. One brother that has good understanding is not bothered at all by eating in an idol's temple. It is just like going into a restaurant to eat. But suppose a person with a weak conscience sees him and decides to eat food that has been offered to idols. By eating his conscience is encouraged to do something that he feels connects him to idol worship. The actions of the stronger Christian carried the weak brother back to idol worship.

   I will eat no flesh – I Corinthians 8:11-13: We must deny ourselves even concerning what is lawful rather than to cause a weak brother for whom Christ died to stumble. What happened is this; the weak brother saw the brother with knowledge eating in the idol's temple. This encouraged him that the action might be right and so he ate. But now he feels guilty. He is in danger of perishing because he has defiled his conscience. Hear the words of I John 3:20-21, "For if our heart condemn us, God is greater than our heart, and knoweth all things. Beloved, if our heart condemn us not, then have we confidence toward God."

   If you lead a follower of Christ into sin by the misuse of your spiritual freedom, then you are guilty of sinning against the Lord. Injuries done to our fellow Christians are injuries done to Christ. (Matthew 25:40-45) This is especially true concerning babes in Christ or weak Christians. Paul was so serious in not wanting to cause a brother to sin that he said, "if I hurt one of the Lord's followers by what I eat, I will never eat meat as long as I live." The meat that he referred to was the meat that had been offered in sacrifice to idols. Paul would willingly deny himself any particular food rather than to lay a stumbling block in a weak brother's way. The stumbling block would be the occasion for a brother to sin by following his example, without a clear understanding of right or wrong.

   Will you appreciate Jesus enough that you will receive Him as Lord and Savior? To become a Christian you must hear the gospel (Romans 10:17), believe in Jesus (John 8:24), repent of sins (Acts 17:30), confess Christ as Lord (Acts 8:37), and be baptized to be saved. (I Peter 3:21). After baptism be spiritual in your daily living!

Proper Use Of Christian Liberty
– First Corinthians Nine –

   The matters under discussion in First Corinthians chapter nine are a continuation of the principles governing the eating meat that had been sacrificed to idols. Some brethren at Corinth thought it was wrong to eat meat sacrificed to idols while others believed that it was perfectly acceptable with God to do so. Some were certain that the meat offered to idols was somehow contaminated by the pagan gods. Others believed that the meat was not contaminated at all because an idol is nothing. They knew that there was only one true and living God. These brethren had become so proud of their knowledge that they were very unloving in action toward the weaker brethren.

   Paul was certain that the strong brother had the freedom or right to eat the meat. He was just as certain that the knowledgeable brother must practice love and abstain from anything that would cause a weak brother to stumble. Christian liberty cannot provide a reason to act unloving. Paul used himself as an example of this principle. As an apostle he had certain rights. However, out of humility he often gave up those rights in order to help the weak. This principle would help win both Jews and Gentiles or those on all spiritual levels.

   Paul had certain rights – I Corinthians 9:1-6: The brethren at Corinth knew and understood that Paul was an apostle of the Lord Jesus Christ and that he had been taught by the Lord Himself. The Corinthian Christians owed their very salvation to Paul and the existence of this church was proof of his apostleship. It was Paul's obedience as an apostle that had brought him to Corinth initially. He said, "If I be not an apostle unto others, yet doubtless I am to you: for the seal of mine apostleship are ye in the Lord." (I Corinthians 9:2)

  As an apostle Paul had certain rights. However, he had been willing to forego many of those rights in order to save all kinds of people. He came to the people at Corinth and to others, "To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me." (Acts 26:18) The knowledgeable brethren at Corinth objected to giving up their right to help others. Paul offered proof that he had been doing that very thing for a long time and that they with love should do the same.

   Paul restricted his rights – I Corinthians 9:7-14: By way of comparison Paul said he had a right to support from the church. He also said he had a right to be married and to have his wife travel about with him supported by the church. He said Peter and some of the other apostles and even the brothers of the Lord Himself did the same. Some see no labor at all in the work of the ministry. They think of it as a very easy life. But Paul said the solider, vinedressers and herdsmen all benefit from their labors. He said the Law of Moses likewise taught, "You shall not muzzle an ox when it is treading out the grain."

   Paul also said that those that are employed in the Temple service got their food from the Temple. Those that serve at the altar share in the sacrificial offerings. "Do ye not know that they which minister about holy things live of the things of the temple? and they which wait at the altar are partakers with the altar?" (I Corinthians 9:13) In the same way those men got their living from Temple service the Lord said that those that preach the gospel should live by the gospel. Paul proved that he had the right to be supported by the church, but at Corinth he deliberately chosen not to exercise that right.

   Paul was a servant of all – I Corinthians 9:15-23: Paul had many rights that he willingly gave up in order to preach the gospel and to win lost souls. He wrote, "But I have used none of these things: neither have I written these things, that it should be so done unto me: for it were better for me to die, than that any man should make my glorying void." (I Corinthians 9:15) Paul used his right to give up his rights in order to save souls. He felt compelled to preach the gospel and sacrifice any right that he might have to win the lost.  He said, "I do for the gospel's sake, that I might be partaker thereof with you." (I Corinthians 9:23) Paul willingly gave up his rights to gain the reward.

  Paul felt a duty to preach the gospel. There is absolutely nothing wrong with feeling that God has given you a job to do and that you must do it. This sense of duty drives you to serve God. Paul felt that it was his duty to preach. Therefore, he preached the gospel of Christ without charge at Corinth because he did not want to abuse his power or rights in the gospel. Paul experienced the joy of sharing the gospel with cost at Corinth. He was giving them something precious without asking for anything in return. Paul made himself a slave of all men that he might win some. He said, "I have become all things to all men, that I might by all means save some." This unselfish attitude should be our approach to Christian living.

   Paul ran the race well – I Corinthians 9:24-27: Paul understood that there was a race to run or a fight to win. In this section of scripture he gave a second reason for practicing self-restraint. The first reason had to do with the saving of the other person. This reason has to do with the saving of ourselves. If we misuse our spiritual rights we could end up "disqualified." Paul pictured life as a race where we each need to learn self discipline. People run races on earth to win a perishable prize. Christians run to obtain an imperishable one, a prize that endures for eternity. The desire of Paul was to run in such a way as to be pleasing to God. He was always ready to give up his freedoms if they interfered with him being able to do what was best for the cause of Christ.

   Paul did not want to become a "cast away." He knew that it was possible to be disqualified. This is what motivated him to press on in his work and it also motivated him to sacrifice his rights to save others. Our aim like him should always be to see how much of our life we can give over to God. Paul gave up his liberty in Christ in order to help others and to avoid disqualification. It is much better for a strong Christian to limit his liberty than to cause his weak brother to stumble. There are times when it might be wrong to do what is right. You can not hurt another person spiritually by doing something that is right within itself, like eating meat offered to idols. "Winning the spiritual race doesn’t depend upon how fast you run.  It is determined by HOW you run."

   Will you appreciate Jesus enough that you will receive Him as your Lord and Savior NOW? To become a Christian you must hear the gospel (Romans 10:17), believe in Jesus (John 8:24), repent of sins (Acts 17:30, confess Christ as Lord (Acts 8:37), and be baptized to be saved. (I Peter 3:21). After baptism be spiritual in your daily living! We must be willing to give up any personal right for the sake of the souls of others and for our soul.