Ralph Porter
© 2003
AUTHOR AND DATE
Paul's authorship of 1 Corinthians is seldom challenged.
It is supported by external evidence beginning with Clement of Rome and
never
seriously debated.
Internal evidence also supports Paul as the author since it refers to him by
name (1:1;
16:21).
Paul wrote to the Corinthians from Ephesus.
He was there for three years, from A.D. 52 to 55.
It was probably written shortly before his departure in A.D. 55.
HISTORICAL BACKGROUND
When Paul first went to Corinth, he settled there for about a year and a half.
He went from there to Ephesus, leaving Apollos behind.
After some time passed, Apollos went to Ephesus to see Paul.
Paul sent a letter to Corinth condemning fornicators and announcing plans to
visit them.
He also arranged for a collection to be sent to saints afflicted by the famine.
Later, Paul received news from members of Chloe's house about divisions and
doctrinal
divergences in the church.
Paul sent Timothy from Ephesus but he only got as far as Macedonia.
While Timothy was on his way, Paul received a letter from Corinth telling of
several
problems and asking questions.
It was at this time that Paul wrote 1 Corinthians.
PURPOSE AND THEME
Paul's content in 1 Corinthians has been shaped by the various reports he has
received.
He hopes to resolve the problem caused by divisions in the church as well as
to
answer the questions which have arisen.
Because of its problem-centered structure, the book lacks the unity of theme
found in
others.
Since Paul applies basic principles of Christian living to each area discussed, the
central
theme of practical sanctification is often applied. This is too general.
Although not universally applicable to all sections, the most serious problem in the
church and the central theme deals with their lack of love for one another.
ORGANIZATION
The book is organized around the problems presented.
The most significant problem is the divisions in the church (1:10-4:31).
Several problems concerning discipline are noted (5:1-6:20).
Various disorders in the church are then discussed (7:1-14:40).
Finally, the doctrinal issue of the resurrection is treated (15:1-58).
In typical letter form, these topics are enclosed by the introduction (1:1-9) and
conclusion (16:1-24).
The church that had everything-except love Ralph Porter
|
Introduction
1:1-9 |
Divisions
1:10-4:21 |
Discipline
5-6 |
Disorder
7-14 |
Doctrine
15 |
Personal Matters 16 |
|
Greeting 1:1-3
Thanks- giving 1:4-9
|
Exhortation to Unity 1:10
of Conditions 1:11-12
of Their Concept 1:13-17
Divisions 1:18-4:7
concept of the message 1:18-3:4 False wisdom 1:18-2:5 True wisdom 2:6-3:5
concept of the ministry 3:5-4:7
of the Message 4:8-21 |
Fornication 5 Circum- stances 5:1-2 Sin commit- ted 5:1 Lack of action 5:2 Com- mand 5:3-5 Illustra- tion 5:6-8 Clarifi- cation 5:9-13
6:1-11 Circum- stances lamented 6:1 Suggested corrections 6:2-8 Problem of the courts 6:9-11
the Body 6:12-20 Principle of liberty 6:12 Illustration of abuse 6:13-18 Proper use 6:19-20
|
Concerning Marriage 7 Purpose of marriage 7:1-9 Instruction 7:10-40 For the married 10-24 For the unmarried 25-40
Meat Offered to Idols 8-11:1 Principle explained 8:1-13 Principle illustrated 9 Peril of partici- pation 10:1-22 Principle applied 10:23-11:1
Worship 11:2-14:40 Head covering for women 11:2-16 Lord's supper 11:17-34 Spiritual gifts 12-14 Diversity of gifts 12 Superior- ity of love 13 Exercise of gifts 14
|
Necessity of the Resurrection 15:1-34 Confirm- ation of Christ's resurrection 15:1-11 Conse- quences if Christ be not raised 15:12-19 Conse- quences of Christ's resurrection 15:20-28 Conse- quences if we have no resurrection 15:29-34
Resurrection 15:35-57 Illustration from nature 15:35-41 Interpre- tation of illustration 15:42-49 Instruction concerning living saints 15:50-57
based on the Resurrection 15:58
|
Collection 1-4
Them 5-9
Timothy 10-12
to Steadfast- ness and Love 13-14
concerning Their Teachers 15-18
Greetings 19-21
22-24
|
Ralph Porter
Have you ever tried to buy a present for someone who has everything?
The Corinthian church was that kind of church.
It would be very difficult to pastor such a church because they had it all!
The best teachers had been there
They had heard all there was to hear from the best teachers of their day.
That list included Paul himself! As well as Peter and
Apollos!
How do you follow that act?
Nevertheless, things were not well at Corinth.
Having everything except love isn't enough.
AUTHOR AND DATE
Paul's authorship of 1 Corinthians is seldom challenged.
It is supported by external evidence beginning with Clement of Rome and
never
seriously debated.
Internal evidence also supports Paul as the author since it refers to him by
name (1:1;
16:21).
Paul wrote to the Corinthians from Ephesus.
He was there for three years, from A.D. 52 to 55.
It was probably written shortly before his departure in A.D. 55.
BACKGROUND
Corinth
Commercial center of about 3/4 million people
Wealthy and highly cultured
Known for their intelligence
Known for artistic, cultural inventiveness
Known for licentiousness
Associated with religious worship
Mother-child cult
Temple to Aphrodite with 1000 female slaves of Venus (i.e., prostitutes)
Known for the biennial Isthmian games (second only to the Olympic games)
It's been said that:
Athens worshiped the mind
Corinth worshiped the flesh
When Paul first went to Corinth, he settled there for about a year and a half.
He went from there to Ephesus, leaving Apollos behind.
After some time had passed, Apollos went to Ephesus to see Paul.
Paul sent a letter condemning fornicators and announcing plans to visit them.
He arranged for a collection for the saints afflicted by the famine.
Later, he received news from Chloe's house about divisions and doctrinal
divergences.
Paul sent Timothy but he only got as far as Macedonia.
Then Paul received a letter from the church telling of problems and asking
questions.
It was at this time that Paul wrote 1 Corinthians.
PURPOSE AND THEME
Content is shaped by the various reports received.
Paul hopes to resolve the problem caused by divisions and answer their
questions.
Because of its problematic structure, the book lacks unity of theme.
Since Paul applies basic principles of Christian living to each area discussed, the
theme
of practical sanctification has often been applied.
The most serious problem: their lack of love for one another.
GREETING
1:1-3
As is often the case, the greeting serves as a summary.
Author: Paul is speaking as God's representative
1:1
Paul was called to serve as an
"apostle"--one sent by Jesus Christ.
Paul was called by God.
Recipients: Paul is speaking to them as "set apart ones"
1:2
Paul is writing to full-blooded "Corinthians"
The Corinthian lifestyle had penetrated the church:
Moral pollution & vice
Pride
Philosophical discussions
Great philosophical teachers competing with one another
Pop-mixture of liberty, pleasure and religion, all rolled into one.
Paul is writing to the church
They had been set apart from all this former lifestyle by Christ Jesus
They were called "the set apart ones"--"saints".
They share that calling with all who have called on the name of Jesus--All who
have trusted him are to be set apart ones.
Greeting: Paul wants us to experience the grace and peace of God
1:3
What they were living in daily experience was anything but a practical
outworking of
God's grace and peace.
Imitating the Corinthian lifestyle is far from a demonstration of God's grace.
There is little evidence that God's grace has transformed their lives.
Their divisions, quarrels and problems are far from a demonstration of the
peace that
comes from God.
PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING
1:4-9
In our negative thinking about the Corinthian church we could miss
something
significant.:
This was one great church!
If you were a newcomer to town, you would be delighted to find such a
church.
It was great! It had everything.
You would come to town; look around; and go back to get ready to
move
saying, ". . . and they have a tremendous evangelical church there!"
Their privileges:
They will be unreproveable in the day of judgment
because God is faithful,
--NOT because of themselves.
Paul is grateful because they have received EVERYTHING.
They were enriched in Him
1:4-5
Paul thanks God for them because of the positional truths he is sure are true
of
them.
Paul never questions the genuineness of their profession!
They had received
everything--at least in their heads!
They were enriched in speech--in every word
They were enriched in all knowledge
They knew all the doctrines
* Rich in every way!
Great speakers!
Great teaching!
Good understanding of the Word!
The best teachers had all been there and they drank it up.
They had heard all there was to hear from the best teachers of their day.
That list included Paul himself! As well as Peter and Apollos.
They showed evidence that they were authentic Christians
1:6
Their public testimony was well-known
The witness concerning Christ was confirmed by them.
They were active in evangelism!
* Solid testimony for Christ
They had all the spiritual gifts
1:7a
* All spiritual gifts were evident among them
Their eschatology was right
1:7b-8
They had the right hope.
They probably even had an annual prophecy conference!
* Eagerly awaiting the Lord's return
They knew that He would present them
blameless--irreproachable.
Furthermore, Paul is sure that in spite of present indications,
In the end, God will finish the job
He is faithful 1:9
God did it
He called them
He is faithful
He will finish what He started
What more could you ask for?
Missing from this description is love for one another.
You can have all of the above and still be carnal!
They were lacking love and unity.
All the problems mentioned in the book arose because of one basic lack:
they didn't have genuine love for one another.
WHAT HAPPENS TO A CHURCH WHEN LOVE IS MISSING?
Divisions/personality cults 1-4
Indifference to sin in their midst 5
Legal feuds among brethren 6
Cheating one another 6
Legalistic attitudes about marriage 7
Fights over rights 8-10
Women's lib 11
Hoarding food at potlucks 11
Pride concerning spiritual gifts 12-14
Inability to correct doctrinal confusion 15
No interest in giving 16
Is this study practical for life in the 21st century?
Does it have a message for our church today?
If you have everything they had, but no love, you're just a bunch of noisemakers!
(1 Cor. 13)
It's not worth anything = nothing!
What are we going to do about it?
What does God want you to do about it?
What warning is there in this for us?
What should we do about it?
DIVISIONS 1:10-4:21
The first and most significant problem of the church without love:
Divisions and personality cults
EXHORTATION TO UNITY
1:10
Paul begins by exhorting us to maintain unity in the church.
DESCRIPTION OF CONDITIONS
1:11-12
They have their eye on the messenger, instead of on God who gave them the
message.
CORRECTION OF CONCEPT
1:13-17
Paul corrects their concept of following human leaders in opposition to one
another.
Each leader represents Christ, --NOT himself.
HE is the one who died.
They were baptized in His Name.
The leaders are united in HIM.
Each one has his own calling from the Lord.
Therefore, there should be no cause to divide the church over them.
Everyone should be serving HIM!
BASIS OF DIVISIONS 1:18-4:7
They had two major misconceptions:
Misconception #1: False concept of our message
1:18-3:4
Our message is not a human message
No man could have thought it up
Therefore, no man should be exalted for the message.
God gave the message.
Therefore, He alone deserves the credit for it, --NOT MAN
TWO KEY WORDS:
POWER/weakness WISDOM/foolishness
Their misconception of the message is derived from the concept of philosophy.
They have viewed Christianity as a philosophy that requires human
wisdom to
understand.
False wisdom: Our message is not based on human wisdom
1:18-2:9
The gospel cannot be understood by human wisdom
1:18-2:9
Summary stated 1:18
The Gospel is based on Christ -NOT on human philosophies.
Foolishness of human wisdom
1:19-20
God has declared human philosophies to be foolishness.
Weakness of human wisdom
1:21-25
Human wisdom will NEVER lead men to God.
Election of the simple
1:26-31
Therefore, God has chosen the foolish ones from the world and saved
them so
that HE might receive all the glory.
Message given to Paul
2:1-9
Not another human philosophy
2:1-4
Based on divine power
2:5
Based on divine wisdom
2:6-9
True wisdom: Our message is based on divine wisdom
2:10-3:5
This view leads Paul into the second corrective for their misconception
of the
message of the gospel.
Human nature requires that the message be communicated by a
divine
work.
To understand divine wisdom, man must be taught by the Spirit of
God.
If someone understands the truth of God as taught by a human
teacher, it's
not the human teacher who deserves the credit.
Divine truth is taught by the Spirit of God.
Source of understanding
2:10-11
Only the Spirit of God is able to reveal divine wisdom.
Therefore, the understanding of spiritual truth is dependent on
communication
with the Holy Spirit.
Requirement for understanding
2:12-16
Since we have received the Spirit, we can understand spiritual truth
(12-13)
Those who are in touch with the Spirit are able to understand divine
wisdom
which natural people cannot understand. (14-16)
Obstacle to understanding
3:1-4
Among those who understand the truth there are levels of
understanding.
Because of their spiritual condition, the Corinthians are not being
taught by the
Spirit.
They are similar to those who do not know the Spirit.
In the middle of this discussion Paul explains why they have not
understood
this truth.
He describes four kinds of people.
What were they?
Which one is different?
What's different about him?
He sees things from God's perspective.
He understands what God is doing.
No one understands him.
Spiritual truth is always taught by the Spirit of God.
People are not naturally capable of understanding spiritual truth.
Of the four kinds of people, only one is able to understand the
truth of God.
All the rest see things from the same perspective
--that of the world.
Misconception #2: False concept of our ministry
3:5-4:7
The Corinthians elevate one person above another as messengers of God.
Relationship of the servant to the sender
3:5-8
All of them are only servants.
We cooperate with God but we don't get the credit!
We all share a common goal.
We all want to see the body grow.
God produces the only results worth bragging about--NOT PEOPLE!
Therefore, God alone deserves praise.
Relationship of the servant to the building of God
3:9-15
Paul brought them the gospel and others helped to build them up.
Each servant is accountable to God for his own work.
Relationship of the servant to the temple of God
3:16-17
The church was founded as the means by which God would glorify
Himself in the
world.
Those working in it ought to contribute toward this purpose, and not
defile it.
Relationship of the servant to human wisdom
3:18-23
Within the framework of servanthood, there is no place for boasting.
Each servant must be dependent on God, who deserves all the credit
because He has
provided everything necessary.
Evaluation of the good servant
4:1-5
Therefore, the only legitimate criteria for evaluating the work of a servant
is
faithfulness.
Has the servant used the resources the Master has given him, to the best
of his
ability, for the benefit of his Master?
Summary exhortation 4:6-7
APPLICATION OF MESSAGE 4:8-21
Their pride contrasted to apostles' suffering
4:8-13
His example as a father to his children
4:14-17
His warning concerning the danger of discipline
4:18-21
A number of problems were present in the church.
All are symptoms of the lack of love that characterized the church.
Discipline:
5 Indifference to sin in their midst
Lack of concern for the brother involved
6 Legal feuds
Cheating one another
Disorder:
7 False attitudes about marriage
Self-centered relationships
Legalism
8-10 Fights over rights
They accepted a number of attitudes which the world teaches:
"To each his own!"
"Live and let live!"
"Don't make waves!"
"I have my rights!"
"You have to look out for #1!"
Paul's responses in these situations are not exactly what the world likes to hear.
To the person who understands life from the human perspective --and not from God's
perspective-- they will seem a little "off the wall."
He gives us 4 PRESCRIPTIONS FOR HAPPINESS IN LIFE
If you are in one of the three categories that Paul says sees things from the
human
perspective, you will never understand these prescriptions!
They just don't make sense to natural people! "You can't live that way!"
RX #1 6:7-8
The world says:
"Do unto others before they do unto you!"
"Stand up for your rights!"
"You can't do this to me and get away with it!"
Love says:
It's better to accept the wrong others may do to you than to fight over it!
RX #2 6:19-20
The world says:
"If it feels good, do it!"
"Satisfy your desires. Don't let your hang ups keep you from enjoying life."
"It's only human to respond that way. That's the way we were made."
Love says:
While all things are permissible, not everything is beneficial.
Happiness comes from recognizing that we belong to God and He lives in us.
Live to glorify God rather than to satisfy self.
RX #3 7:3-5
The world says:
"Your body is yours; you decide what you want to do with it."
"You have your rights!"
"When you don't get what you want, make the other one pay!"
You can use your body as a bargaining tool to get your way.
Love says:
Satisfy your mate's needs and your own needs will be satisfied.
RX #4 8:9, 13; 9:12
The world says:
"You have your rights!"
"You're free; enjoy it!"
"Don't let anyone else tell you what to do!"
Love says:
Know what your rights are,
but surrender your rights for the good of others.
Paul introduces three instances where, because of their lack of love for one another,
the church has failed to exercise its proper role in discipline:
FORNICATION
5:1-13
The first problem concerns known fornication in the church.
They have remained silent and failed to discipline the person involved.
Circumstances described
5:1-2
Fornication committed
5:1
Inaction resulted 5:2
Paul condemns the church for their failure to respond appropriately.
Command stated
5:3-5
Because they have failed to act, Paul condemns the man and commands that
when they
gather together, they do the same.
Command illustrated
5:6-8
The command to deliver him to Satan involves separation from the church,
handing
him over to the realm of Satan, the world.
The principle involved in the discipline is illustrated by the purging of
leaven.
As in the feast of unleavened bread, there should be a complete break from
the old way
of life-and from those who practice it.
Command clarified
5:9-13
Paul clarifies the principle of separation, explaining that he means they
should stay
away from those who profess faith in Christ who are guilty of fornication-NOT
unsaved people!
He recognizes that they can't lead unsaved people to Christ, unless they
maintain
contact with sinful people!
LAWSUITS 6:1-11
The second matter concerning discipline in the church is the issue of lawsuits
between
believers.
Circumstances lamented
6:1
They were taking their personal grievances against one another to the civil
courts.
Correction suggested 6:2-8
Reason for correction
6:2-3
Since believers will judge the world and the angels, they ought to be able
to settle
differences between believers.
Suggestions for correction
6:4-7
Better solution 6:4-6
Therefore, they should pick out believers who are wise to resolve such
conflicts
between them.
Best solution 6:7
An even better solution would be for the cheated person to accept the
loss of
something that is rightfully theirs!
Severity of problem 6:8
Rather than sacrifice their own rights for the good of another person, they
are
themselves guilty of offending others.
They are fighting for their rights, and even cheating their brothers and
sisters in
Christ.
Court officials described
6:9-11
To help them become more aware of what they are doing, Paul describes the
lifestyle of
the judges they are taking their problems to.
He then compares them with believers.
These people have little to offer Christians to help us resolve our conflicts.
Thus it would be better to take our problems to the church, rather than to the
civil
courts.
MISUSE OF THE BODY
6:12-20
The final matter concerning discipline involves personal discipline, rather
than
collective discipline.
Paul discusses our attitude toward the use of the body.
The church at Corinth has apparently been influenced by local attitudes
concerning the
body and wants the freedom to use their bodies as they please.
The principle which governs Paul's argument is that the body is the temple
of the Holy
Spirit for a purpose.
It is to be the instrument God uses to reveal His glory.
Principle of liberty
6:12
Because of the purchase of the believer, all restrictions have been removed.
However, the freedom which God has given to people may be perverted or
misused.
Some things are not profitable because a person can be controlled by them,
rather than
by the Spirit and can thus fail to glorify God.
Illustrations of abuse
6:13-18
Paul supplies illustrations of gluttony and sexual abuse, which are misuses
of the
freedom of hunger and sex.
Eating 6:13-14
Sex 6:15-18
Proper use of the body
6:19-20
He warns us to control our bodies so that God may continue to be glorified
by our
actions.
Paul next turns to several specific difficulties and disorders which they asked
him
about.
CONCERNING MARRIAGE 7:1-40
The first specific concern they raise relates to the issue of marriage.
Purpose of marriage
7:1-9
Paul begins by explaining God's purpose for marriage.
Although Paul considers it better not to marry, he acknowledges that
marriage is God's
answer to people's sexual needs 1-2
Because of this purpose for marriage, each partner has a responsibility to
the other.
Both partners have the right to expect their needs to be fulfilled by the
other. 3-5
Since Paul is expecting the persecution to continue to increase, he
encourages God's
people not to marry. 6-7
He recognizes that not all people are able to live like this, because of sexual
desires.
8-9
He does not condemn them for that desire, but suggests that they should
marry.
Instruction about marriage
7:10-40
Paul continues to give instructions concerning marriage for the married
(10-24), as
for the unmarried (25-40).
For the married 7:10-24
Married believers
7:10-11
Paul instructs married believers to remain together or, if they insist on
separating,
they are not to remarry.
They may either stay separated or return to their spouse.
Mixed marriages 7:12-24
Unbeliever wanting to stay
7:12-14
In mixed marriages, the couple should stay together, if the unsaved
person
desires.
In that way the saved person is able to influence the unsaved
person's life and
perhaps bring them to the Lord.
Unbeliever wanting to separate
7:15-16
When the unsaved person no longer wants to stay, they may
separate.
They should not be forced to stay together.
No permission is given to remarry, however-at least not explicitly.
Principle of remaining as God called us
7:17-24
In general, Paul states the same principle for marriage as for the
other areas of
life: God's children should remain as they were when God called them to
salvation.
Married people are better off to stay as they are.
Those who are married shouldn't try to change that.
For the unmarried 7:25-40
Paul also has recommendations for unmarried people.
Unmarried young 7:25-35
Unmarried people can serve the Lord better without the burden of
family
responsibilities.
This is especially true in the midst of affliction.
Therefore, they are better off not to marry.
Parents of virgins
7:36-38
In the special case of a virgin daughter, or perhaps a committed
companion, who
is becoming older, and it is felt they ought to marry, the parent, or companion,
may approve marriage.
This is an acceptable alternative.
Widows 7:39-40
The same is true of a widow who wishes to remarry.
CONCERNING MEAT OFFERED TO IDOLS
8-11:1
The second difficulty Paul discusses concerns meat offered to idols.
The problem arises from their former relationship to pagan practices.
Those who ate accused those who didn't of immaturity.
Those who didn't eat accused those who did of carnality.
Paul never discussed who was right!
Principle explained
8
Paul begins by laying foundational principles.
Both sides of the discussion have logical arguments to defend their view.
The fundamental principle is that genuine love for one another supercedes
knowledge. 1-3
In Christ we have liberty to do as we wish, as long as we submit to the
direction of
the Holy Spirit.
Our spirituality does not depend on our use of-or lack of use of-such
things. 4-6
However, no one should use his knowledge of liberty in Christ to cause
another to
stumble. 7-12
We should be willing to surrender our liberty for the good of our brother.
13
Principle illustrated
9
Paul illustrates this last principle from his own life.
Although he could insist on his rights as an apostle (1-14), he has chosen
to
surrender his rights (15-23), to be acceptable to all and not be an offense to others
(24-27).
Peril of participation
10:1-22
He warns them of the peril we face when we insist on doing what we want,
without
regard for others.
Israel insisted on her own way in the desert and was judged by God.
1-13
Israel thought they were safe because they were God's people, yet
they died
there.
The Corinthians should be careful lest they fall as Israel did.
If we insist on having our way, we will be guilty of idolatry and
subject to
divine judgment also. 14-22
Principle applied
10:23-11:1
Paul concludes this discussion with a practical application to their situation.
We ought to keep our liberty in proper perspective.
23
We ought to use it in a way that will not harm our brother's conscience.
24-30
Top priority should be placed on glorifying God, not on obtaining our
rights. 31
We should imitate Paul's example and do everything possible to avoid
offending
others. 10:32-11:1
CONCERNING WORSHIP 11:2-14:40
The final area of disorder Paul presents concerns worship.
Covering for women
11:2-16
He instructs them concerning the necessity of covering the woman's head.
Basis in divine order
11:2-6
The woman should cover her head in recognition of the order God has
established in
the universe.
He has established a chain of command which begins with God and
passes down
through Christ, then to man, and finally to women.
The woman was to wear the veil as an evidence that she was subject
to her
husband's authority.
Basis in creation 11:7-12
A second reason for wearing the covering is based on the creation.
Man was made in the image and glory of God.
Woman was made in the image of man, and for him.
Therefore, she should cover her head when she comes before the Lord.
Basis in physical characteristics
11:13-16
The final reason the woman should cover her head is based on the
physical
characteristics of man and woman.
On a man, long hair does nothing to attract our attention to the man.
It's not especially beautiful.
The woman's hair, on the other hand, is her glory.
To avoid drawing attention to herself, she ought to cover her
head when
praying or prophesying.
Lord's supper
11:17-34
Paul corrects them for disorders at the Lord's table.
Rebuke 11:17-22
He rebukes them because, rather than draw attention to the Lord's death,
they call
attention to the divisions among them.
While some are gluttonous, others are hungry.
Reminder 11:23-26
Paul reminds them of the institution of the Lord's table and its
significance.
Resultant appeal 11:27-34
He then appeals to them to correct the abuses and to conduct themselves
properly at
the Lord's table.
Failure to respond appropriately will result in divine judgment.
Spiritual gifts 12:1-14:40
The last problem related to their worship is their use of spiritual gifts.
They have placed incorrect emphasis on the gift of tongues.
The believers at Corinth had apparently decided that this was the most
significant
gift of the Spirit.
Paul points out that tongues is only one of the gifts, and not the most
important one
at that.
Diversity of gifts 12:1-31a
Argument from experience
12:1-3
Paul first argues, on the basis of their own experience, that all who
confess Jesus
as Lord do so because they have been led by the Spirit of God.
Tongues is but one of many possible evidences that we have the Spirit
within us.
The recognition of Christ's person is more conclusive and is universal.
Diversity of gifts explained
12:4-11
Spiritual gifts are sovereignly given to all believers by the Spirit of God.
Each gift benefits the whole body.
Diversity of gifts illustrated
12:12-31a
While the gifts are given for the use of the entire body, different men
receive
different gifts according to the will of the Spirit.
All the gifts are necessary for the body to be complete.
While tongues is an important gift, it is not the only gift, nor the most
important
gift.
Superiority of love
12:31b-13:13
The demonstration of love is more important than any gift.
Worthlessness of service without love
12:31b-13:3
Their service for the Lord is worthless if it is not accompanied by love.
Characteristics of love
13:4-7
True love seeks the best for the one loved, without considering the
merit of the
person loved.
Contrast between love and gifts
13:8-12
Although gifts are important, they are only temporary and imperfect,
while
love is perfect and will last forever.
Conclusion
13:13
Rather than seek the gift of tongues, we would benefit more from
pursuing
faith, hope, and love, especially love.
That is the characteristic they have failed to seek previously.
Exercise of gifts 14:1-40
The treatment of the place of tongues in worship is concluded with a
presentation
of the proper use of tongues in the church.
Superiority of prophecy to tongues
14:1-19
To place tongues in proper perspective among the gifts,
Paul
demonstrates the
superiority of prophecy to tongues.
It is better to minister in words that are understandable rather than in
unintelligible sounds.
Purpose of tongues
14:20-25
The purpose of tongues was not use in the worship of the church, but
rather as a
sign for unbelievers.
In that sense Paul speaks in tongues more than they do.
However, it was not intended for use in corporate worship.
No evidence is presented that they were ever used in private
worship
either.
Principles regulating tongues
14:26-35
When tongues are used in corporate worship certain regulations
should be
observed.
Necessity of order and control
14:26-33
They are to be used in an orderly, controlled way, so that they will
edify rather
than distract from worship.
Necessity of women's silence
14:34-35
Women are to remain silent.
This may be an indication that in the worship at Corinth, women
were actively
involved in the use of tongues.
Attestation of authority
14:36-38
Paul points out that those who claim to speak for God will recognize
his
authority and submit to it.
Conclusion 14:39-40
They will not fight over the issue.
Paul has no desire to stop the practice of speaking in tongues, but he
appeals for
order in the use of the gift.
Some important principles to remember:
1. All genuine believers are baptized by the Spirit of God
12:1-3, 13
2. Gifts are abilities given to believers for service within the church
12:4-7
3. The Spirit of God decides what gifts are needed in the church and
distributes them
according to His plan--not ours. 12:4-7, 11, 18
4.
All gifts are important to the body. 12:12, 14-21
5. The less visible parts of the body are more important than the visible.
12:22-25
6. If you must seek a gift, go for an important
one--not the spectacular.
12:28-31
7. Spiritual fruit is more important than spiritual gifts!
12:31-13:13
Love comes first in priority.
Other spiritual fruit receives more emphasis in Scripture than all the gifts put
together.
Don't get hung up on the secondary!
Any spiritual gift used without love is just noise!
Gifts used with an attitude of superiority are pure noise!
To emphasize the spiritual gifts is to emphasize the temporary.
To emphasize love is to emphasize what will never pass away!
8. Understandable communication is preferable to non-understandable
communication. 14:1-19
This is true whether the communication is with God or about God.
9. Tongues were given as a sign for unbelievers--NOT for believers.
14:20-22.
10. Church worship should be orderly and edifying.
14:26-40
The final major issue Paul discusses is doctrinal.
Questions have been raised concerning the resurrection which Paul attempts to
answer.
NECESSITY OF THE RESURRECTION
15:1-34
Paul first demonstrates why the resurrection is necessary.
Confirmation of Christ's resurrection
1-11
The resurrection is an integral part of the gospel.
1-4
The gospel is composed of two essential elements:
Christ's death,
confirmed by His burial;
Christ's resurrection,
confirmed by His appearances to numerous witnesses.
Paul mentions a list of witnesses, the majority of whom were still alive who
provide
irrefutable testimony to His resurrection. 5-11
Consequences if Christ be not raised
12-19
He then demonstrates the necessity of Christ's resurrection by listing the
consequences
for the gospel if Christ had not risen from the dead.
In essence, his message would be meaningless without the resurrection.
Christ's resurrection is as important as His death.
Consequences of Christ's resurrection
20-28
The positive consequences of the resurrection are also presented.
Through Christ, resurrection can come to all people, just as death came on
all people
through the death of Adam. 20-22
The resurrection also gives evidence that others will follow Him, each in
their
proper order.
Consequences if we have no resurrection
29-34
Paul also demonstrates the necessity of the resurrection by listing the logical
contradictions if there were no resurrection of the saints.
While it is not clear how baptism for the dead was used, it is clear that
it is a
meaningless ritual if there is no resurrection.
It seems apparent that those who are denying the resurrection were
practicing it.
29
It would also be illogical for the saints to risk death if there is no
resurrection.
30-32a
They might as well just eat, drink, and be merry.
32b-34
NATURE OF THE RESURRECTION
15:35-57
After demonstrating the necessity of the resurrection, he goes on to teach us
about the
nature of the resurrection.
Illustration from nature
35-41
Paul begins by illustrating how the two types of bodies can differ while still
being
related to one another. 35-41
Interpretation of illustration
42-49
He then interprets that illustration from nature in order to teach us about the
resurrection. 42-49
Instruction concerning living saints
50-57
Having discussed the resurrection of the dead saints, Paul describes the
transformation of those still alive at the Lord's return. 50-57
Either by death or by transformation without dying, both the dead and the
living will
be raised.
EXHORTATION FROM THE RESURRECTION
15:58
The hope of this resurrection or transformation should stimulate us to dedicate
ourselves
to working for the Lord.
The book concludes with several practical and personal matters.
COLLECTION 1-4
Paul instructs them concerning the collection he wants them to gather.
TRAVEL PLANS 5-9
Then he expresses his desire to visit them.
RELATIONSHIP TO CO-WORKERS
10-12
Paul advises them about Timothy's mission.
EXHORTATION TO FAITH AND LOVE
13-14
He exhorts them to steadfast faith and love.
RESPECT FOR LEADERS
15-18
Paul gives them instructions concerning the proper respect which should be
shown for
their leaders.
GREETINGS
19-21
Finally he concludes with greetings and a benediction.
BENEDICTION 22-24