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This study of the First Epistle to the Corinthians is based on the pattern of correction set forth by Paul in his letter to Timothy noted at 2 Timothy 4:2. The Corinthian church was out of order and Paul dealt with them with love and holiness. He encouraged Timothy to be prepared to correct the brethren when necessary looking forward to their heartfelt repentance and turning unto the Lord. 2 Timothy 2:24-26.

Introduction to the First Epistle to the Corinthians

I. Faithful in service. Acts 16:6 – 18:4

A. Following the Lord. Acts 16:6-11
B. Faced with opposition. Acts 16:12 – 17:34

1. Imprisoned in Philippi. 16:12-40
2. Created an uproar in Thessalonica. 17:1-9
3. Pursued to Berea. 17:10-14
4. Opposed in Athens. 17:15-34

C. Fearful in Corinth. Acts 18:1-4

1. The city of Corinth.

a. “40 miles Southwest of Athens, Corinth was the capital of the province of Achia and had a population of 500,000. Julius Caesar, recognizing the importance of the Isthmus as a military and mercantile position, sent thither a colony of Italians, who were chiefly freedmen. This new establishment rapidly increased by the mere force of its position. Within a few years, it grew from nothing to an enormous city”. Coneybeare and Howson, pg 326, The Life and Epistles of St. Paul.

b. Crossroads of travel and commerce for all points. It boasted of two seaports, one on each side of the isthmus.

1). It was not a centre of intellectualism, like Athens, but was a trading centre with a cosmopolitan population.
2). The city was overseen by the goddess Aphrodite, the Greek goddess of love. The temples were full of prostitutes and the city had a thriving night life.
3). The city had a stadium which hosted contest every two years and was second only to the Greek Olympics.

2. The family that God led Paul to reside with.
3. The faithful witness. Acts18:4
4. The record of his emotional condition at this time. 1 Corinthians 2:1-3

D. Faithful is the Lord.

1. Note that God did not deceive Paul about his ministry. Acts 9:10-16
2. God promised to be with him throughout his ministry. Acts 18:9,10;
2 Timothy 1:7-12; 4:6-16
II. Founding the church at Corinth. Acts 18:5-18

Paul had arrived in the city of Corinth and took up residence with Acquila and Priscilla. He worked with them in their tent making business. He was immersed in the Jewish community and shared the Gospel as he had opportunity.

A. The profanity of the Jews. 18:5,6
B. The Preaching to the Gentiles. 18:7-11
C. Protected by the Lord. 18:12-17
D. Parting from the church. 18:18

Outline

I. Salutation. 1:1-9

A. Identification. 1:1-3

1. The writer. 1:1

a. Paul set forth his authority as a Apostle.

1). The Apostles were a special group of men that were given authority by Jesus Christ.
Matthew 10:1-5
2). The call of Paul as an Apostle was unusual and was recognized by the other Apostles. 1 Corinthians 15:7-9

a). Note Paul’s defence of his office as noted in Galations 2:8
b). Note Peter’s recognition of Paul’s ministry. 2 Peter 3:15,16

b. Paul set forth that his call was of the Lord and not of man. 2 Corinthians 10:7-13
c. Paul set forth his authority to encourage the people to listen and to obey.

2. The recipients. 1:2,3

a. Institutionally. 2a “…the church of God which is at Corinth…”
b. Individually. 2b,3 a saved membership.

1). They are set apart by God. Ephesians 2:8,9
2). They are set apart in Christ. 2 Corinthians 5:17
3). They are set apart with others. Romans 12:5; 2 Corinthians 1:21

B. Appreciation – of God’s grace. 1:4-8 He gave God thanks on their behalf.
Note Psalm 19:7-11

1. His Word. 1:5a “utterance” Refer to Ephesians 3:8
2. His Wisdom. 1:5b “knowledge”
3. His Witness. 1:6,7 Refer to 2 Corinthians 3:2; Colossians 2:8-10; Hebrews 10:14
4. His Will. 1:8

C. Declaration of God’s purpose. 1:9

II. Division 1:10-4:21

A. Admonition to unity. 1:10-3:23

1. Exhortation. 1:10 Based on their obedience to the Lord Jesus Christ.

a. They speak the same things
b. They be in agreement.

1). “…perfectly joined together…” To mend a net, to put back into place (dislocated joint).
2). They be single minded. Philippians 2:1-5

What did the Lord Jesus Christ say about what was on His mind?

a). He revealed His purpose. To accomplish the will of God.

Mark 10:45 For even the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.
John 4:34 Jesus saith unto them, My meat is to do the will of him that sent me, and to finish his work.
John 6:38 For I came down from heaven, not to do mine own will, but the will of him that sent me.
Matthew 8:20 And Jesus saith unto him, The foxes have holes, and the birds of the air have nests; but the Son of man hath not where to lay his head.

b). He revealed His plan. According to the Word of God.

Hebrews 10:7 Then said I, Lo, I come (in the volume of the book it is written of me,) to do thy will, O God.
John 5:46 For had ye believed Moses, ye would have believed me: for he wrote of me.

c. Their being single-minded would result in their submission to God’s –

1). Will. Their submission would be in accordance to His –
2). Word Their submission to His Word would result in their –
3). Walk Romans 12:1,2

Mark 8:34 And when he had called the people unto him with his disciples also, he said unto them, Whosoever will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.

2. Explanation. 1:11 – 3:20

a. The report. 1:11 Reliable report of their contentions.
b. The reproof. 1:12-3:20 They had no reason to be divided.

1). They could not claim special affinity through –
a). Salvation. 1:12,13a One way of salvation. “I am the way, the truth…”
b). Baptism. 1:13b-16 Ephesians 4:1-6
c). Intellectual superiority. 1:17-31 Colossians 2:8
d). Eloquence. 2:1-5
e). Message. 2:6-16 Refer to Acts 13:26-33

Note: The Apostles and preachers were united (in Christ) in their ministry unto Him.

2). They could not claim special knowledge. 3:1-20

Note: The people could not claim Apollos’ message carried more authority than Paul’s. Paul and Apollos were both bringing forth God’s message. The difference was in their personalities and this is the work of the flesh.

The Corinthians had no –

a). Spiritual discernment. 3:1-11

(1). Indicated by their immaturity. 3:1-4
(2). Indicated by their insincerity. 3:5-11 (They did not really know their teachers)

b). Spiritual discipline. 3:12-20

They were not concerned with continuing the work as begun by Paul, building on the right foundation (3:10,11). Refer to I Timothy 4:13-16; and
Romans 16:17,19 Paul warned them of the –

(1). Discord in their service. 3:12

(a). Faithful service. Gold, silver, precious stones.
(b). Foolish service. Wood, hay, stubble.

(2). Day of reckoning. 3:13
(3). Difference in rewards. 3:14,15
(4). Danger of rebellion. 3:16,17 Refer to Revelation 2:13-15
(5). Deception of worldly wisdom. 3:18-20

3. Edification. 3:21-23 Refer to 1 Corinthians 1:10

a. Reject personality cults.
b. Regard life to be in Christ. Refer to Galations 2:20
c. Recognize that in God there is unity in all things. There is no place for division.

B. Argument for the ministry. 4:1-21

Leadership is not a popularity contest. Believers must accept the leader that God has given them. If they refuse, they are fighting against God. It is God that directs the leadership. The church should be united and supportive of their leader. There should be no division in the church over leadership. If this issue was not settled, they would be prone to division by following personalities instead of God’s man. For example: “I want Paul, Peter, Apollos, Silas, Timothy, Titus… Exactly what they were doing! In order to understand Paul’s position in this exhortation we should look at the example of the Lord Jesus Christ –

1. Establishing one’s authority while submitting to a higher authority is perfectly reasonable and is illustrated by the Lord Jesus Christ. Refer to the following statements –

John 4:34 Jesus saith unto them, My meat is to do the will of him that sent me, and to finish his work.
John 6:38-40 For I came down from heaven, not to do mine own will, but the will of him that sent me. And this is the Father’s will which hath sent me, that of all which he hath given me I should lose nothing, but should raise it up again at the last day. And this is the will of him that sent me, that every one which seeth the Son, and believeth on him, may have everlasting life: and I will raise him up at the last day.
John 8:29 And he that sent me is with me: the Father hath not left me alone; for I do always those things that please him.
John 12:49 For I have not spoken of myself; but the Father which sent me, he gave me a commandment, what I should say, and what I should speak.
John 14:31 But that the world may know that I love the Father; and as the Father gave me commandment, even so I do. Arise, let us go hence.
John 17:4 I have glorified thee on the earth: I have finished the work which thou gavest me to do.
Refer also to Matthew 3:13-15.

2. Note that while Jesus was humble and submitted to the Father, He has no difficulty in establishing His position of leadership –

John 14:6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.
John 1:43 The day following Jesus would go forth into Galilee, and findeth Philip, and saith unto him, Follow me.

3. Paul wrote this letter to this church for many reasons – his desire to see the church glorify God, His love and care for he people, but also he wrote because it was his responsibility to do so. God had sent him out as the apostle to the Gentiles and he was responsible to God to teach the people. Paul exhorted them to support and follow their God appointed leadership by –

1. His acknowledgment of his position. 4:1
He expected people to see him as –

a. A servant of Christ. ‘Minister – under rower’.
b. A steward over men.

1). Manager over a household.
2). This household is of faith. ‘mysteries’ – the revelation from God.

2. His accountability was to God. 4:2-5
A leader is to be –

a. Faithful to God. 4:2
b. Fearless before men. 4:3,4
c. Finds approval from the Lord. 4:5

3. He was acceptable in his service. 4:6-15
Unashamed and unassuming service unto the Lord.

a. Paul rebuked them for –

1). Their self-aggrandizement. 4:6-8
2). Their popular opinion. 4:9,10

b. Paul reviewed the apostle’s lifestyle. 4:11-13

4. His authority was established. 4:14,15
5. His appeal to them to submit. 4:16-21

a. Follow his leadership. 4:16,17
b. Fear his presence. 4:18-21 The adversaries could either –

1). Answer to him. 4:18,19
2). Submit to him. 4:20,21

III. Disregard. 1 Corinthians 5:1 – 6:20
Note: Paul may have to visit them with a rod after all. Look at what they were allowing.

Paul exhorted the church to turn from their disregard for –

A. Morality. 5:1-6

1. The sinful actions of a church member. 5:1
2. The shameless acceptance of the church. 5:2
3. The sentence to be executed. 5:3-6

a. He accepted the responsibility. 5:3 ‘If you will not, I will!’
b. He established his authority. 5:4
c. He instructed their actions. 5:5
d. He rebuked their apathy. 5:6

B. Sincerity. 5:7,8 They lived lives of compromise.

1. The church is to be holy. “As ye are unleavened…”
2. The church compromised with sin, disregarding sincerity and truth.
3. The church was called to repentance. Refer to 1 John 1:9

C. Purity. 5:9-13

1. He corrected their assumptions. 5:9,10

a. They received the command. 5:9
b. They rejected the command. 5:10 They could claim that it was not practical.

2. He commanded their obedience. 5:11-13

D. Integrity. 6:1-8 There was a –

1. Lack of trust. (They believed they could not receive a fair hearing in the church)
2. Lack of love. (They could not forgive wrong instead of taking it to the public court. Refer to –

Romans 12:17 Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men.
Romans 12:19 Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.
1 Thessalonians 5:15 See that none render evil for evil unto any man; but ever follow that which is good, both among yourselves, and to all men.

3. Lack of honesty. 6:8 Defrauding one another

E. Sanctification. 6:9-11

1. Consequences of sin. 6:9a
2. Catalog of sin. 6:b,10
3. Cleansing from sin.

a. From its penalty.
b. From its power
c. From its presence – temptation. 1 Corinthians 10:13

4. They disregarded sanctification –

a. They openly sinned.
b. They defrauded their brothers.
c. They excused their actions. “So, sue me”!

F. Holiness. 6:9-20

1. Their argument. 6:12,13a That fleshly appetites are normal and should be satisfied.
2. The answer. 6:13b-20 Holiness is the standard that must be met.

We see that as believers we have the responsibility to have a high regard for morality, sincerity, purity, integrity, sanctification, and holiness.
We have been bought with a price, the blood of the Lord Jesus Christ, and should walk worthy of the vocation wherewith we have been called.
Has the Word of God revealed a fault in your life today? Go to God in prayer and with a sincere heart ask forgiveness, determining to please God with your life.
Are you saved? If not, approach God with a repentant heart, asking for forgiveness and calling out for salvation.

IV. Difficulties. 7:1 – 10:33

Some wrote Paul seeking answers to the difficult circumstances they faced as believers. They were “new creations in Christ”, but were living in their same cultural environment. They wanted to know how to live as believers in an unbelieving world.

A. Domestic issues. 7:1-40

1. Paul replied to their questions. 7:1-24
Should they –

a. Enter into a marriage relationship. 7:1-9
b. Endorse divorce. 7:10,11
c. End marriage with an unbeliever. 7:12-16
d. Encourage external rites. 7:17-19
e. Embrace their position in life or should they seek a change. 7:20-24

2. Paul’s conclusion on these issues. 7:25-40
Their situation demanded careful considerations.

a. Discussion of their circumstances 7:25-28

b. Difficulties they face. 7:29-36

1). Urgency of the work. “…time is short…” 7:29
2). Transient nature of the world. “…the fashion of this world passeth away…” 7:30,31
3). Divided interest. (husbands and wives) 7:32-35
4). Personal needs. 7:36

c. Decisions to consider. 7:37-40

1). Unmarried. 7:37,38
2). Married. 7:39,40

B. Deliberation of believer’s liberty. 8:1- 10:33

1. Practice of liberty according to knowledge. 8:1-13

a. The necessity of knowledge and love. 8:1-3
b. The acknowledgement of common understanding. 8:4-6
c. The admission that there are some that doubt. 8:7,8
d. The realization that knowledge without love is destruction. It is worse than worthless!

2. Personal example of the practice of liberty. 9:1-27 Paul sets forth his –

a. Position. 9:1-6 He testifies of his authority.
b. Provision. 9:7-14.

1). The rights of men. 9:7
2). The rights of ministers of the Word of God. 9:8-14

c. Practice. 9:15-23
d. Purpose. 9:24-27 To win his race.

What is the thought?

1. At times it is important to give up personal rights in order to help someone that may not have learned what you have learned.

2. At times it is important to give up a personal right to keep people from misunderstanding you or your motives. Paul wanted the people to know that he was honest. He had very little personal history with these people so he tried harder. May be in Jerusalem it would not have been a problem, but here – he was different both culturally and nationally. He was a Jew from Jerusalem. He gave up rights to establish a testimony! He care more for the salvation of others than his own rights.
Some in the church were self-seeking and cared only for themselves. They saw Paul as a threat and they started rumours about him. Paul is setting the record straight and is encouraging believers to care for the souls of men.
What about you?

3. Practical examples. 10:1-22

a. Lessons from Israel. 10:1-14

1). Their identification. 10:1-4 (all) They were identified by their –

a). Covenant. “Abraham”
b). Call. Exodus 3:10 “that thou mayest bring forth my people…”
c). Confession. Exodus 19:3-8

2). Their insolence. 10:5-10 Lust, idolatry, tempting, murmur (complaining).
3). Their punishment. “Overthrown, fell in one day, destroyed”
4). The illustration we receive from them. 10:11-14 Be single minded –

a). The warning –

(1). James 1:8 A double minded man is unstable in all his ways.
(2). Amos 3:3 Can two walk together, except they be agreed?
(3). 2 Corinthians 6:14-16 Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness? And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel? And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people.
b). The way – 1 Peter 5:6; Romans 12:1,2

b.  Lessons from Communion  10:15-21

1). Church 10:15-17
2). Israel 10:18
3). Gentiles 10:19,20
4). Communion is exclusive! 10:21

4. Principles applied in daily life. 10:22-33

A. The commitment. 10:22-24
B. The command. 10:25-30
C. Conclusion. 10:31-33

We need to understand this truth – we do not please men by accepting their doctrine – you will just become a hypocrite in their eyes. You please by being right, by being consistent, by loving their souls, caring for them, and seeking their salvation. You may not please them at first, but if you are consistent, they will see that you care and they will see that God loves them. This means putting God first in our lives and giving ourselves unto Him.
Romans 12:1,2

V. Disorder. 11:2 – 14:40

Paul turned now to correct the attitudes of the people involved practices that they had incorporated into their assembly. There was disorder in the church regarding –

A. Authority. 11:2-16

1. Appreciation for their respect. 11:2
2. Addressing their misconduct. 11:3-16

Paul developed his argument by teaching the proper order of authority and then correcting their conduct. His instructed them in Godly –

a. Order. 11:3 Refer to Ephesians 5:18-33
b. Conduct. 11:4-15

Mona Charen, a…columnists, gave this assessment of the women’s movement: “In dispensing its foils, women’s lib has given my generation high incomes, our own cigarettes, the option of single parenthood, rape crisis centers, and free love. In return, it has effectively robbed us of one thing upon which the happiness of most women rest. .. men.”
God said in his word that there are two institutions in which the man is to be the leader. One is the home, and the other is the church. Friend that is not chauvinism, that is not sexism, that is not fundamentalism, that is Bible. Now having said that ladies, let me reiterate a previous statement. This does not mean and it does not imply that women are inferior to men. I don’t know where we get this idea.
I heard of a man that walked into the library one time looking for a book. It seemed like he couldn’t find it. So the librarian walked over and said, “May I help you?” He replied, “Yes ma’am, I am looking for a book. Can you tell me what section it’s in?” She said, “What’s the title?” He said, “The title is Man, the Superior Sex.” She said, “That’s in the fiction section.”
I can tell you right now that women are not inferior to men and men are not superior to women. But the feminists out there just hate the statement that the man is the head of the woman.
Let me share an insight with you. The real problem that the feminist has, is not with men. That is not her problem. Her real problem is not with the “white, chauvinist male.” The feminist’s real problem is with God. Here’s why. Feminists have it figured out. If they don’t have to submit to men in God’s specified areas, according to his word, then neither do men or women have to submit to God. So, if they get rid of this idea of submitting to men, then they can get rid of this idea of submitting to God, because this was God’s idea from the beginning.
It is not coincidental then, that Gloria Steinem, who is the glorified head of the women’s liberation movement, made this statement about twenty years ago: “By the year 2000 we will, I hope, rear our children to believe in human potential, not God.” Their problem is not with me. Their problem is not with a male. Their problem is not with sexism. Their problem is not with chauvinism. Their problem is with the authority of God.
Vol. 6, Journal for Biblical Manhood and Womnanhood

Though there is much dispute about the practice of headcoverings in Corinthians, two things are clear: (a) men did not wear them and women did, and (b) the headcovering was a sign of distinction between men and women.
Bibliotheca Sacra, Vol. 148

1). The man. 11:4
He is to be the leader, in submission to the Lord.
The woman is to be under submission to the man.
2). The woman. 11:5-15

a). Women in ministry. 11:5a Note the examples in Scripture –
Ladies that led ladies-

(1). Miriam – Exodus 15:20,21
(2). Elisabeth – Luke 1:40-45
(3). Mary – Luke 1:46-56

Note that propriety is required even in the company of ladies only

b). Women in submission. 11:5b-15

c. Correction. 11:16 Submission of both the men and women.

B. The Lord’s Supper. 11:17-34

Explain the ordinances – Baptism Romans 6
Lord’s Supper Luke 22:15-20, see also 1 Corinthians 10:21

1. Paul rebuked their careless practice in taking the Lord’s Supper. 11:17-22
Instead of communion, they were partial. Notice –

a. Their conduct – divided. 11:18,19

Romans 16:17 Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them.

1 Timothy 5:21 I charge thee before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, and the elect angels, that thou observe these things without preferring one before another, doing nothing by partiality.

Notice the Lord’s impartiality – you will see performance, not preference. (abilities) Matthew 24:15 5 talents, 2 talents, both told “Well done thou good and faithful servant…”

b. Their contempt. 11:20-22

1). For doctrine. 11:20 Refer to 2 Timothy 3:16,17
2). For brethren. 11:21,22 Refer to James 2:1-7; and to John 13:1-5, 12-17 (Jesus instructed believers to have a servant’s heart) Luke 22:24-27

2. Paul reminded them of the correct purpose of taking the Lord’s Supper. 11:23-34

a. Reminds the believer of Jesus Christ our Lord. 11:23-26
“…in remembrance of me…”
b. Reverence for the Lord and His ordinance. 11:27-32
c. Respect for the brethren in worship of the Lord. 11:33,34

Paul is continuing to teach the church the importance of obedience and unity. The Lord proclaimed this truth in Matthew 22

Matthew 22:35-39 Then one of them, which was a lawyer, asked him a question, tempting him, and saying, Master, which is the great commandment in the law? Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.

Is this you today? Do you love the Lord with all of your heart and with all of your soul and with all of your mind? If not, this morning go to the Lord in prayer and tell Him that you want Him to be first in your life. He cannot be first unless you are His child – are you saved?

C. Service. 12:1 – 14:40

1. Introduction of the argument for order in the service.

a. His exhortation. They needed correction. 12:1
They had invited the world into the church. The danger – this leads to worldly-

1). Worship.

Prepared to worship – come with purpose.
Practice of worship – serious minded
Promise of worship – life, keeping our promises

2). Lifestyle.

The results of the ‘come as you are’ mindset. The testimony of believers –
Jacob had God on his mind but his family did not have Him in their hearts. He built an altar but they did not prepare themselves for worship! They met the world as they were and reaped the terrible results. Jacob learned the lesson that a casual heart leads to careless living. Genesis 33:17-34:1; 34:30; 35:1-5
Jacob, because of his casual attitude in leading his family, was responsible for the defilement of his daughter, the disgraceful actions of his sons, and the destruction of Shechem.
Jacob instructed his family to separate themselves from the things of the world and separate themselves unto the Lord. They were on their way to worship the Lord and they prepared their hearts and their dress accordingly.

b. His explanation. 12:2,3

1). The spirit of the world. 12:2

a). They had been separated from God. “Gentiles”
b). They had been superstitious.

(1). Sacrificing to idols.
(2). Submitting to false teachings and to evil priests.

God has warned men about the spirit of this world from the beginning. Note just a few passages – Genesis 4:3-7; Jeremiah 10:1-5; Mark 1:24; 5:6,7; 1 Corinthians 10:19-21.

2). The Spirit of God. 12:3

a). He will never deny Jesus. 12:3a
b). He will always testify of Jesus. 12:3b

(1). Note the testimony of God the Father and God the Spirit to God the Son, Jesus of Nazareth – Matthew 16:16-18; John 16:13,14; Acts 13:45; 18:6
(2). Note the rejection of the testimony of the spirit of this world. Acts 16:16-18.

2. Instruction for order in the service.

Paul acknowledged the ministry of the Holy Spirit through them, yet divisions were seen in their –
-Allegiance (Paul, Apollos, Cephas, Christ)
-Attitudes (Disdain for the poor)
-Actions – (Misuse of the spiritual gifts)
He corrected their misunderstanding and misuse of that ministry. He instructed them in the –

– Purpose of the ministry of the Holy Spirit. 12:4-31
– Power in the ministry of the Holy Spirit. 13:1-13
– Practice of the ministry of the Holy Spirit. 14:1-40

a. We will begin by looking into the purpose of the ministry of the Holy Spirit. 12:4-31

I thought it would help us to have better understanding of what he is speaking of if we read the illustration that he uses and then review the text. Read 12:15-26 Now, let’s look at –

1). The administration of the gifts. 12:4-14 The Holy Spirit is –

a). Supported in His action. 12:4-6 Note the –

(1). Source. The Spirit, The Son, and The Father. Note the –
(2). Service. Gifts, administrations, operations.
The overall ministry in the church – different parts which make the whole – toward this end we see that the Holy Spirit is –

b). Singular in His purpose. 12:7-14

(1). To perfect the church. 12:7 Refer to Ephesians 4:11-13
(2). To provide that which the church needed to accomplish His purpose. 12:8-14
They did not have the completed revelation of God as yet.

(a). The provisions. 12:8-10

[1]. The word of wisdom – the right decision. I Kings 3:12,28; Proverbs 2:11,12
[2]. The word of knowledge – the right information.
[3]. Faith – the encouragement to act.
[4]. Power – healing, miracles – confirmation of the truth. Acts 14:3; Ro. 15:18
[5]. Prophesy – proclaiming God’s Word, written or personally revealed.
[6]. Discernment – knowing and verifying proclamation.
[7]. Tongues – languages, Preaching the foreigners.
[8]. Interpretation – making known to all what was being said.

(b). The purpose 12:11-14. To manifest unity!!

2). The illustration of the body. 12:15-26
3). The exhortation to obedience. 12:27-31

The purpose of this ministry is to promote and produce unity in the church according to the revelation of God. Paul instructed them in this purpose by replacing ignorance with knowledge. They needed to be where God wanted them to be, doing what He wanted them to do. It is the same for us today.

b. Power in the ministry of the Holy Spirit. 13:1-13

Matthew 22:36-40 Master, which is the great commandment in the law? Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.

Paul spoke of the Pharisaical attitude of the people who were promoting themselves through their ministry in the church. Refer to 3 John 7,10
He explained to them that ministry must be motivated by love. Without love, the ministry had no power.
Love is –

1). Prerequisite. 13:1-3

a). People’s estimation –

(1). The Greeks focus was on what men knew (Intellect) wisdom of the world
(2). The Romans focus was on what men could do (Power)

b). God’s estimation – Paul’s focus was on what men were (Character)

(1). The gifts from God were real.
(2). The motives of the men were wrong.
1 x 0 = 0; 1million x 0 = 0 and –
Spiritual gifts exercised with fleshly motives = 0

c). Prerequisite is love!

Ephesians 5:2 And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savour.

Refer also to Leviticus 1:9 and Amos 5:22,23. 1 Corinthians 3:11-15

2). Pure. 13:4-7 The explanation. Love –

a). Encourages patience. It does not react in anger. 13:4
b). Acts in and responds with kindness. Refer to 2 Timothy 2:24-26
c). Is not jealous. It does not seek another’s hurt.
d). Does not seek to elevate self. Advancement at the expense of others.
e). Has no pride.
f). Does not have to be ashamed. 13:5
g). Is not selfish. Refer to Ephesians 4:28
h). Is not provoked into ungodly response.
i). Does not attribute evil to others.
j). Does not find pleasure in evil, but delights in truth. 13:6
Refer to 2 Timothy 2:2-5 – the world does not exhibit love!
k). Seeks man’s good. “…love thy neighbor as thyself…” 13:7
l). Provides security. “I will never leave thee nor forsake thee…”
m). Encourages another’s success.
n). Is a help through any situation – encourages repentance.

The members at Corinth were ministering, but they were using the gifts of God to promote themselves and their group. They were carnal (fleshly) believers, using God’s service for their own benefit. They had spiritual gifts but fleshly motives. Paul instructed them in the right way that they could measure themselves and turn from their error.

Read Colossians 3:12-17 and note the “bond” of love.

3). Permanent. 13:8-13 Paul declared unto them –

a). The permanence of love. 13:8a
b). The provisional nature of the gifts. 13:8b-12
c). The presence of eternal attributes. 13:13

(1). The gifts of God were provisions for service, to be used by the believer (recipient).
(2). The attributes are part of the believer’s nature, defining who he is.
Unbelievers do not have this love. John 5:39-42

(a). The believer was to exercise the gifts through the attributes of his nature.
(b). The Corinthians had a new nature, 2 Corinthians 5:17, but they were not living accordingly. They were living as they had been, according to the flesh.

Paul also told the Ephesians and Colossians about this new life –

Ephesians 4:1-3 I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called, With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love; Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.

Colossians 1:10 That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God;

(3). The attributes as part of the new nature result in a man of – faith, hope, and love.
Faith provides action, hope provides direction

With faith, God is the object of that faith. Hebrews 12:2. Hope also has God as its object. 1 Peter 1:21; Romans 5:1,2. Love not only has God as its object, but love is also an attribute of the nature of God. We cannot say “God is faith” or “God is hope”, but we do know that God is love. This is why Paulstates that the greatest of these is charity (love). It is the very essence of God’s nature.
Now, what is a man of –

(a). Faith Those that have trusted God for –

[1]. Salvation Ephesians 2:8,9; Romans 10:9-14
[2]. Living. Hebrews 11
-”by faith Noah…prepared an Ark to the saving of his house.”
-”By faith Abraham, when he was called to go out into a place which he should after receive for an inheritance, obeyed…”
-”By faith Moses, when he was come to years, refused to be called the son of the Pharaoh’s daughter, Choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season..”

(b). Hope. Those that keep their focus on God.

Hebrews 6:18-20 That by two immutable things, in which it was impossible for God to lie, we might have a strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold upon the hope set before us: Which hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and stedfast, and which entereth into that within the veil; Whither the forerunner is for us entered, even Jesus, made an high priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec.

[1]. Hope keeps us prepared for the journey.

1 Peter 3:15 But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:

1 John 3:2-3 Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is. And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure.

[2]. Hope gives us patience in the journey. Colossians 1:3-6

(c). Love The man that loves –

[1]. Wants to spend time with God. Reading God’s Word and prayer.

John 14:15 If ye love me, keep my commandments.

John 21:15 So when they had dined, Jesus saith to Simon Peter, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me more than these? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my lambs.

[2]. Wants to obey God in everything.

The manifestation of the Spirit is seen in His outwork in believer’s lives. Galations 5:22,23

c. Practice of the ministry of the Holy Spirit. 14:1-40

Paul counselled them that love must be the essence of their ministry, and in desiring the ministry of the Holy Spirit, their priority should be prophesy. 14:1 He explained the reasons for this by –

1). Reviewing their practice. 14:2-19 His –

a). Comparison of languages and prophecy. 14:2-5 Their practice –

(1). Personal promotion. 14:2,4a Paul’s recommendation –
(2). Preaching to edify. 14:3,4b 1 Timothy 4:12,13; 2 Timothy 4:2

(a). Edify Refer to Romans 15:1,2
(b). Exhort
(c). Encourage

(3). Practical advice – they should be seeking to prophecy. 14:5

b). Considering, through reason, the results of their actions. 14:6-11

(1). He used a rhetorical question to help them understand this truth. 14:6
(2). He then illustrated his argument with commonly known instruments.

(a). Musical instruments 14:7 orderly notation
(b). Military instruments. 14:8 commands for action

(3). He compared their speaking with the meaningless sounds. 14:9,10
(4). He concluded his argument by stating these actions result in confusion. 17:11

c). Charge to them to edify the church 14:12-19 Refer to Ephesians 4:1-12

(1). The Proposal – give themselves to the building up of the church. 14:12
(2). The Plan – have men ready to interpret to the church. 14:13-15
(3). The Problem – without interpretation, the message is not understood by all. 14:16,17
(4). The Presentation of God’s message in a clear manner, easily understood by all is the goal! 14:18,19

2).  Revealing their purpose.      14:20-25  The –

a).  Insistence that they mature.  14:20

b).  Intended purpose of tongues and prophecy.  14:21,22

(1).  Tongues were a sign gift from God.   14:21,22a   Refer to Isaiah 28:11,12

(a).  They drew attention.  Acts 2

(b).  They demonstrated –

[1].  Unity.  Acts 10; 11:1-4, 13-18

[2].  Doctrine.  Acts 19:1-8; Refer to 18:20

(c).  They declared the majesty of God –

Acts 2 “…wonderful works of God…”

Acts 10  “…magnify God…”.

1 Corinthians 14:13-17  “praying, singing, giving of thanks”

(2).  Tongues were a sign gift for man – unbelieving.

(a).  Jews at – Jerusalem (Acts 2); Capernaum (Acts 10,11); Ephesus (Acts 19).

(b).  Foreigners in Corinth.  Supernatural communication in their own languages.

(3).  Prophecy 14:22b  Not for unbelievers, but for believers.  Why?  Refer to 14:3

c).  Irrefutable conclusion.  14:23-25

(1).  Confusion would result if only tongues were spoken.  The majority would not                            understand.  14:23

(2).  Conviction would result if all prophesied.  The majority would hear and repent.                        14:25

3).  Reproving their conduct.         14:26-35

a).  Their practice questioned.  14:26

b).  The procedure established.  14:27-32

(1).  Tongues.  14:27,28

(2).  Prophecy.  14:29-32

c).  The principle stated.  14:33

d).  The participation of women prohibited.  14:34,35

4).  Restoring order.                     14:36-40

a).  The reprimand.  14:36-38

(1).  Reconcile with the truth.  14:36,37

(2).  Reject those that refuse.  14:38

1 Timothy 6:3-5  If any man teach otherwise, and consent not to wholesome words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which is according to godliness; He is proud, knowing nothing, but doting about questions and strifes of words, whereof cometh envy, strife, railings, evil surmisings,   Perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, supposing that gain is godliness: from such withdraw thyself.

b).  The rule to follow.  14:39,40

VI.  Deception.  15:1-58

A.  He Reminded them of the Gospel message     1 Corinthians 15:1-4

      This is the foundation truth of salvation revealed to man by God.

    1.  The death of Jesus Christ.  15:3

      a.  His death was by appointment.  A time

        1).  The time of His birth was appointed. Galations 4:4

“But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law,”

Refer also to Philippians 2:5ff

        2).  The time of His ministry was appointed.  Malachi 3:1

“Behold, I will send my messenger, and he shall prepare the way before me: and the Lord, whom ye seek, shall suddenly come to his temple, even the messenger of the covenant, whom ye delight in: behold, he shall come, saith the LORD of hosts.

“

        3).  The time of His death was appointed. Daniel 9:26;

John 13:1

  “Now before the feast of the passover, when Jesus knew that his hour was come that he should depart out of this world unto the Father, having loved his own which were in the world, he loved them unto the end.”

      b.  His death was by arrangement.  A place

        1).  He was to go to the city of Jerusalem.  Luke 9:51

“And it came to pass, when the time was come that he should be received up, he stedfastly set his face to go to Jerusalem,”

Refer to Matthew 16:21

        2).  He was to be taken outside of the gates of the city.  Hebrews 13:13

“Let us go forth therefore unto him without the camp, bearing his reproach.”

        3).  He was to die on a tree.  Genesis 3:15

“And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel.”

           Refer to Matthew 20:18,19

      c.  His death was admitted.  Matthew 27:62,63

      d.  His death was accepted by God.  (satisfied)  Isaiah 53:10,11

    2.  The burial of Jesus Christ.  15:4a

      a.  His burial was according to custom. Deut. 21:22,23

“And if a man have committed a sin worthy of death, and he be to be put to death, and thou hang him on a tree: His body shall not remain all night upon the tree, but thou shalt in any wise bury him that day; (for he that is hanged is accursed of God;)…”

                             (Galations 3:13  “Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree:”)

      b.  His burial was according to prophecy.  Isaiah 53:9    (Refer to Matthew  27:57-60)

“And he made his grave with the wicked, and with the rich in his death; because he had done no violence, neither was any deceit in his mouth.”

      c.  His burial was acknowledged by witnesses.  Mark 15:45-47

“And when he knew it of the centurion, he gave the body to Joseph. And he bought fine linen, and took him down, and wrapped him in the linen, and laid him in a sepulchre which was hewn out of a rock, and rolled a stone unto the door of the sepulchre.  And Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of Joses beheld where he was laid.”

    3.  The resurrection of Jesus Christ.  15:4b

      a.  His resurrection was announced. Mark 16:6

“And he saith unto them, Be not affrighted: Ye seek Jesus of Nazareth, which was crucified: he is risen; he is not here: behold the place where they laid him.”

      b.  His resurrection was authenticated by witnesses. 15:5-8

      c.  His resurrection answered man’s question “If a man die, shall he live again?”

          Job 14:14

This is the key to the message of the gospel – the resurrection of Jesus Christ.  Please listen carefully to the message preached Paul at Athens Greece and  notice the people’s response.      Acts 17:22-32.  We live because He lives!

  B.  He reviewed his personal testimony.  15:8-11

The resurrection of Jesus Christ resulted in –

1.  A changed life.  15:8-10      He testified that –

a.  He was last.  15:8  (Mercy).

1).  His salvation was unexpected.

a).  Note the account given in Acts 9:1-6

b).  Note other unexpected meetings with the Lord.

(1).  The Ethiopian.  Acts 8  A Gentile convert to Judaism reading the Scriptures                              while traveling in the desert.

(2).  Cornelius.  Acts 10       A Roman captain spending time in prayer.

(3).  The Philippian jailor.  Acts 16  Persecuting the servants of God.

2).  His salvation was unbelievable.  “…born out of due time…”  He uses the word which               describes a premature birth with the child born dead.  Dead, with no opportunity to                   live, yet God, in His great mercy, gave him life!

Titus 3:3-5; John 5:24; 1 Corinthians 1:27-31

He testified to the mercy of God in his life!

b.  He was least.  15:9     (Forgiveness)

1).  He respected his calling  –  to be an apostle.

2).  He remembered his past.  Acts 7:54-57; 8:1-3; 22:3-9

3).  We rejoice in God’s forgiveness.

Titus 2:13,14; 3:3-7; 1 John 1:7

He testified of God’s forgiveness in his life!

c.  He laboured.  15:10  (Grace)

1).  He acknowledge its power.  15:10a

a).  By grace he was saved.  Ephesians 2:8,9

b).  By grace he served.   Ephesians 2:10

2).  He accomplished its purpose.  15:10b  “…by the grace of God I am what I am…”

Note Paul’s exhortation to others to follow in this grace –

Ephesians 4:1

I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called,

Colossians 1:10

That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God;

1 Thessalonians 2:12

That ye would walk worthy of God, who hath called you unto his kingdom and glory.

Hebrews 12:1-2

Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.

2 Timothy 4:7-8

I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.

He testified to God’s grace in his life!

2.   A consistent ministry.  15:11

C.  He rebuked the deceitful teachers.  15:12-19

Even in the beginning years of the church, the writers were correcting false teachers.                Note –

2 Timothy 2:16-18

  But shun profane and vain babblings: for they will increase unto more ungodliness. And their word will eat as doth a canker: of whom is Hymenaeus and Philetus;  Who concerning the truth have erred, saying that the resurrection is past already; and overthrow the faith of some.

2 Peter 2:1-3

  But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction. And many shall follow their pernicious ways; by reason of whom the way of truth shall be evil spoken of.  And through covetousness shall they with feigned words make merchandise of you: whose judgment now of a long time lingereth not, and their damnation slumbereth not.

1 John 2:18-19

  Little children, it is the last time: and as ye have heard that antichrist shall come, even now are there many antichrists; whereby we know that it is the last time. They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would no doubt have continued with us: but they went out, that they might be made manifest that they were not all of us.

    1.  They denied the possibility of the resurrection.  15:12  Paul reminded them that –

a.  The resurrection had been proved.  15:1-10

b.  The resurrection had been proclaimed.  15:11   Paul rebuked them because –

c.  The resurrection had been denied by some of their teachers.  15:12

How could they come to this conclusion?  Unbelief was promoted through the                          common philosophy and religion of their day.

1).  The Sadducees, the religious party of the High Priest of the Jews, did not believe in                  the supernatural, including the resurrection.

2).  The Greek religions nor philosophies believed in the bodily resurrection.

Acts 17:31-32

  Because he hath appointed a day, in the which he will judge the world in righteousness by that man whom he hath ordained; whereof he hath given assurance unto all men, in that he hath raised him from the dead.  And when they heard of the resurrection of the dead, some mocked: and others said, We will hear thee again of this matter.

        3).  Those following ‘dualism’ did not believe a perfected spirit could be rejoined to a                     fleshly body believing that the flesh is sinful.  Gnostics.

4).  They did not understand how a corrupted body could be brought back to life.

These thoughts are still prevalent in our day.  For example –

Mormonism – they deny the unique deity of Jesus Christ.

Unitarians – they deny the deity of Jesus Christ.

Christian Science – deny the deity of Jesus Christ, deny the reality of matter.

Scientology (Dianetics) science fiction, deny the deity of Jesus Christ

Jehovah’s Witnesses – deny the deity of Jesus Christ.

2.  They denied the power of the resurrection.  15:13-19   No resurrection means –

a.  Jesus Christ remains among the dead.  15:13

The  testimony of all those at the tomb must be proved false –

1).  The testimony of those present at His burial.  John 19:38-42; Matthew 27:59-61

2).  The testimony of the Apostles Peter and John  John 20:2-9

3).  The testimony of the Priest and Pharisees that secured the tomb.

Matthew 27:62-66; 28:1-4; 11-15

b.  Jesus’ Gospel is not true.  15:14-16

The witnesses are bearing a false testimony –

1).  Verbal  John 20:14-16

2).  Visual  John 20:19,20

3).  Physical  John 20:27-29;  Luke 24:36-43

Refer to John 1:14; Acts 22:6-10; 1 John 1:1,2

c.  Jesus cannot save the lost.  15:17-19  The promises of Jesus would be empty –

No grace, no mercy, no hope.  Only a carnal religious life!

John 6:44

  No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him: and I will raise him up at the last day.

John 5:24-29

D.  He reaffirmed the truth of the resurrection.  15:20-34

1.  Proof of man’s resurrection.  15:20-22

a.  Adam’s transgression.

Romans 5:12

  Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned:

      b.  Jesus Christ’s atonement.

Romans 5:15

  But not as the offence, so also is the free gift. For if through the offence of one many be dead, much more the grace of God, and the gift by grace, which is by one man, Jesus Christ, hath abounded unto many.

      c.  Believer’s assurance.  Acts 17:31; 10:41-43; 2 Timothy 1:9,10

2.  Plan of man’s resurrection.  15:23

a.  Jesus Christ “the firstfruits”.  15:23

b.  Saints of the church age.  1 Thessalonians 4:16

c.  Tribulation and Old Testament saints.  Revelation 20:3-5

Daniel 12:2

  And many of them that sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt.

Isaiah 26:19

  Thy dead men shall live, together with my dead body shall they arise. Awake and sing, ye that dwell in dust: for thy dew is as the dew of herbs, and the earth shall cast out the dead.

      d.  Unsaved of all ages.  Revelation 20:5, 11-14

3.  Power of man’s resurrection.  15:24-28

With the culmination of this age, Jesus will submit His positions as Advocate and Judge          unto the Father and the Trinity will be in perfect unity, not only by their nature but also            in their roles.   Refer to John 13:3; Matthew 28:18-20

4.  Provides encouragement to live for the Lord.  15:29-34

a.  Be obedient.  15:29

b.  Be faithful.  15:30-32

c.  Be holy.  15:33,34

Note: Have we followed the admonition of the Lord to be obedient, faithful, and holy?

E.  He revealed the events of the resurrection.  15:35-50

Paul answered the questions of the false teachers –

1.  How are the dead raised up?  15:35a, 36

a.  The teachers contended that at death, the body corrupted and could not live again.

b.  Paul countered that if the body did not die, the man could not live.

He used an illustration from daily life – the hope  and expection of the farmer.

c.  God blessed sinful man with the death of the body.

1).  Man plants the body of the earth, that body being suited for earthly life only.

2).  Man receives a body prepared for eternal life in Heaven.

3).  Man would be cursed in living forever in this body of death.  (pain, sickness,                            suffering forever)  Actually the future of those in unbelief. John 3:17,18

2.  With what body do they come?  15:35b, 37-50

a.  Related to, but different from that which was planted.  15:37

b.  Related to its environment as it has pleased God to create all things.

1).  The example of the original creation.  15:38-41  Refer to Genesis 1:31

2).  The expection.  15:42-44

The resurrection of the body will evidence a change from –

a).  Death to eternal life.   John 5:24

b).  Corrupted to glorious.

Romans 7:18

  For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not.

          c).  Weakness to power.  Ecclesiastes 12:1-7

d).  Flesh to spirit

2 Corinthians 5:1

  For we know that if our earthly house of this tabernacle were dissolved, we have a building of God, an house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens.

      c.  Resurrected from earthly to spiritual  15:45-50

1).  Prepared for eternal life in the presence of God.

John 14:1-3

  Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.

Philippians 3:20-21

  For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ:  Who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body, according to the working whereby he is able even to subdue all things unto himself.

        2).  Patterned after His own.     15:49  “…bear the image of the heavenly.”

a).  He could be touched.

Matthew 28:9

  And as they went to tell his disciples, behold, Jesus met them, saying, All hail. And they came and held him by the feet, and worshipped him.

          b).  He could be recognized.   Answeres to the difficulties they had –

(1).  The disciples were perplexed, confused.  Luke 24:17-21

(2).  The disciples were surprised.  Luke 24:36-39

(3).  The disciples were mourning.  John 20:11-15

(4).  The light was dim.  John 20:14,15

(5).  The figure was obscure due to distance.  John 21:4

Note that He would be wearing different clothing as the soldiers had taken His.

Note also that following these moments of confusion, He was physically recognized.

Acts 1:3

  To whom also he shewed himself alive after his passion by many infallible proofs, being seen of them forty days, and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God:

God will give a body to each believer at the resurrection, a body prepared for eternal life with Him.

1 John 3:1-2

  Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not. Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is.

Are you going to be with Him?  15:50  Or will you be like the man in Hell that Jesus spoke of – Luke 16:22-24?  Today, please come to the Saviour for salvation.

  F.  He rejoiced in the resurrection.  15:50-57

1.  The principle stated.  15:50   Requires being suited to the environment.

We must have –

a.  An incorruptible spirit.  Refer to John 3:3-8

1).  God revealed man’s need.

a).  Nicodemus had a religious outlook and lifestyle, but he had a dead spirit.

b).  Nicodemus needed to be spiritually made alive.

His spirit was not fit for the kingdom of God.

2).  God provided life through the work of the Holy Spirit. 1 Peter 1:18-23

Titus 3:4-6

  But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared,  Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost; Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour;

James 1:18

  Of his own will begat he us with the word of truth, that we should be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures.

2 Corinthians 5:17

  Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.

           We must have –

b.  An incorruptible body.  15:50

c.  Provides freedom from conflict.   The resurrection solves our –

1).  The present condition.

Galatians 5:17

  For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would.

Romans 8:10

  And if Christ be in you, the body is dead because of sin; but the Spirit is life because of righteousness.       and it introduces –

        2).  The future condition.

Romans 8:11

  But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you.

Revelation 21:4

  And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.

Threefold work of salvation –

1.  We are saved

John 5:24

  Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life.

2.  We are being saved

Galatians 2:19-20

  For I through the law am dead to the law, that I might live unto God. I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.

3.  We are going to be saved

Romans 13:11

  And that, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep: for now is our salvation nearer than when we believed.

Our salvation is complete!!

    2.  The promise.  A mystery explained.  15:51-54    The promise is –

a.  Inclusive, all believers of this age, the living and the dead.

Refer to 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18

b.  Imminent.

1).  In accordance to God’s plan of this age.  Refer to 2 Thessalonians 2:1-12

2).  In relation to His plan for Israel. Catching away precedes  Matthew 24:32-42

Be watching for Him –

Titus 2:12-13

  Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world; Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ;

      c.  Instantaneous.  15:52

d.  Eternal.  15:53,54   There is no possibility of sin, transgression as there is no law.

3.  The praise.  15:55-57    1 John 4:17,18

G.  He reasoned with the people to serve the Lord.  15:58

VI.  Directions in ministry  16:1-12

A. The prepartion of ministry to –

1.  The saints in need.  16:1-4

a.  Being responsible to give –

James 2:14-16

  What doth it profit, my brethren, though a man say he hath faith, and have not works? can faith save him? If a brother or sister be naked, and destitute of daily food, And one of you say unto them, Depart in peace, be ye warmed and filled; notwithstanding ye give them not those things which are needful to the body; what doth it profit?

      b.  Being willing to give-

Ephesians 4:28

  Let him that stole steal no more: but rather let him labour, working with his hands the thing which is good, that he may have to give to him that needeth.

Romans 15:25-27

  But now I go unto Jerusalem to minister unto the saints. For it hath pleased them of Macedonia and Achaia to make a certain contribution for the poor saints which are at Jerusalem. It hath pleased them verily; and their debtors they are. For if the Gentiles have been made partakers of their spiritual things, their duty is also to minister unto them in carnal things.

      c.  Being prepared to give – 2 Corinthians 8:7-16; 9:1-5

d.  Being prudent in giving – determining the legitimate recipient.

1).  Widows, members of the church, in need.  1 Timothy 5:3-10

2).  Pastors.  1 Timothy 5:17,18. 1 Thessalonians 5:12,13  Labour!

3).  Evangelist missionaries   Philippians 4:10-17

4).  Benevolence.  Ephesians 5:1-11

1 John 3:16-18

  Hereby perceive we the love of God, because he laid down his life for us: and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren. But whoso hath this world’s good, and seeth his brother have need, and shutteth up his bowels of compassion from him, how dwelleth the love of God in him? My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth.

  2.  Paul.  16:5-9

a.  His plan to visit them.  16:5-7

Acts 20:3

  And there abode three months. And when the Jews laid wait for him, as he was about to sail into Syria, he purposed to return through Macedonia.

      b.  His present ministry.  16:8,9 Refer to Acts 19:9-23

3.  Timothy.  16:10,11

B.  The plans of Apollos. 16:12

Paul’s instructions on giving focus on the heart.  He is speaking of finances and hospitality, but the motivation to be involved is what he is speaking to.

VIII.  Conclusion 16:13-24

A.  Remarks  16:13-18

1.  Exhortation.  16:13,14   Paul exhorted the church to be –

a.  Watchful

1).  Diligent, living for the Lord, looking for His return.  Mark 13:34-35

2).  Vigilant, prepared for danger.

Ephesians 6:11

  Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.

James 4:7

  Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.

1 Peter 5:6-9

  Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time: Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you. Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world.

      b.  Steadfast    1 Corinthians 15:58

“keep on becoming steadfast” Robertson’s Word Pictures

John 7:16

  Jesus answered them, and said, My doctrine is not mine, but his that sent me.

Romans 16:17

  Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them.

2 Timothy 4:2-4

  Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine. For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.

      c.  Courageous    Courageous and strong are terms used of one going into battle.

Joshua 1:6

  Be strong and of a good courage: for unto this people shalt thou divide for an inheritance the land, which I sware unto their fathers to give them.

1 John 4:18

  There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love.

      d.  Strong  Ephesians 6:10-13    Be strong as well as courageous!

Rely on the strength of the Lord.  1 Samuel 17:45-57 “Thou comest to me with a sword, and                with a spear: but I come to thee in the name of the Lord of Hosts, the God of the armies of                   Israel, whom thou hast defied.  This day will the Lord deliver thee into my hand…”

e.  Loving

John 13:34

  A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another.

Refer to Colossians 3:12-17

2.  Examples in the faith  16:15,16

a.  A submissive faith.  They were saved

b.  An active faith.  They were serving

c.  A respected faith.  They should be followed.

2 Timothy 2:1-2

  Thou therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also.

    3.  Expression of gratitude.  16:17,18

B.  Regards 16:19-21

C.  Reproof   16:22  His final word of warning – Repent for the Lord is coming!

Anethema – doomed to destruction.

Maranatha – Our Lord Comes

D. Benediction  16:23,24

Some of the work of God in Corinth through His Word can be seen through the Scriptures –

Acquila and Priscilla were saved through the ministry of Paul in Corinth.  They traveled with him on his missionary journey to Ephesus where the church met in their house – 1 Cor 16:9. They helped Apollos to understand the doctrine of God and also continued to minister when they returned to Rome –  Romans 16:3,4.  It is also likely that Sosthenes, the former synagogue ruler, Acts 18:17, was saved and was traveling with Paul in the ministry – 1 Cor. 1:1.  The plan of God is seen and illustrated in their lives.  Paul reminded the church of this in his second letter to them.

2 Corinthians 5:17-20

Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.  And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation; To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation.  Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ’s stead, be ye reconciled to God.

Are you without the Lord today?  Do not deny Him any longer.

Can you say with Paul “Maran Atha”  Our Lord Comes.  Are you looking for Him.  Are you living for Him?  Be saved today!  Know you place of service today!