Sunday, May 6, 2018 am
THE NEW TESTAMENT CHURCH 2017-18
(56)
A Study of Churches (3)
The Church at Corinth
a.
Corinth was an
immoral city, filled with idolatry.
It was a city rich in history and wealthy.
Because of its location, it was a major hub in the Roman Empire,
with several hundred thousand residents (both free and slaves).
It had a market place that was larger than any in Rome.
It was also a very idolatrous city including the temple of Aphrodite
(the goddess of love) which is said to house 1000 cult priestesses.
Some described them as prostitutes.
There were also temples to other gods including Poseidon (ruler
of the Sea) and Apollo. It
was a sailor’s city. This
gives the moral (or immoral) character of this city where the church of
God at Corinth was located.
b.
Established on Paul’s
2nd journey (Acts 18) where he travels from Athens and comes
to Corinth and meets Aquila and Priscilla and works with them.
He persuades both Jews and Greeks (Acts 18:4).
c.
Concerning their
conversion – we note that they heard the word, believed and were
baptized (Acts 18:8).
d.
Acts 18:11 – Paul
continues there for 18 months and then heads toward Jerusalem and
eventually back to Antioch of Syria (Acts 18:22)
e.
Acts 18:23ff- as Paul
begins his third preaching journey, we are introduced to Apollos who is
in Ephesus. After he is
corrected on some doctrinal matters, Apollos heads toward Corinth (in
Achaia – 18:27-19:1).
After this, Paul arrives in Ephesus where he converts some followers of
John the Baptist and then we read that he stays there for 3 years (Acts
19:10, 20:31), watering that which had been previously planted.
During this time, it is believed that Paul wrote some of the
letters we have of his, including 1 Corinthians (and possibly 2
Corinthians while still there or shortly after leaving there).
It is this interaction that we are going to address in a moment.
f.
On his 3rd
journey, he likely visited with them during a 3 month period of time in
Greece (Acts 20:2-3).
g.
This is a brief
history of the church in Corinth.
a.
Beware of the
influences of society on the church.
We will see this more as we examine the 7 churches of Revelation
2 & 3, but here we note that it takes great effort for a congregation to
remain faithful in a corrupt society.
NOT impossible, but one that requires wisdom and caution.
Many of the problems we read of in 1 Corinthians can be attributed to
the society they were part of – moral issues, societal issues,
selfishness, etc.
b.
They were divided
– ungodly attitudes and ungodly conduct. 1 Corinthians 1:10-16 Paul
challenges them to not be divided.
Their divisive attitude manifested itself in numerous problems
Paul addressed one after the other.
In our study of the church, we have emphasized the need for true unity –
Ephesians 4:1-6 illustrates this, as does Philippians 2:1-2, etc.
We have also seen warnings when
we do not treat each other properly – such as Galatians 5:14-15.
c.
They were carnal
– meaning worldly. 1
Corinthians 3:1-4 – Paul expressed great concerns because of this
attitude. As the Lord’s
church, just as individuals, we must guard against letting the ways of
the world influence and tear us apart.
This concern of Paul was in the midst of him addressing
worldly philosophies
– the wisdom men. He warned
that the wisdom of men is foolishness to God (1 Cor. 3:19-21).
Earlier he had noted that the gospel was foolishness to both Jews
and Greeks (1 Cor. 1:18 – foolishness to those perishing; 1:22-23 –
preaching Christ).
OF course, Paul gives the solution – preaching only Christ and Him
crucified – 1 Corinthians 2:1-2.
When churches start imbibing in the wisdom and philosophies of
men, there is great danger.
We need to be a people devoted to the word of God – cf. 2 Timothy 4:2-4.
d.
They tolerated
immorality
– 1 Corinthians 5:1-2. They
had at least one who was in an adulterous relationship.
Paul is here strong about their need to address this sin.
I am fearful there are congregations that will not address issues of
morality (some or all), nor will they deal with those caught up in
immoral behaviors. Among
Paul’s warnings – “a little leaven leavens the whole lump” (1
Corinthians 5:6, see also Galatians 5:9).
e.
Selfishness
– another problem that flows throughout Paul’s first letter.
They thought about themselves over others. They were egotistical
First, there was the party spirit
Second, some were taking others to court – chapter 6 notes how
such can cause the church to be maligned as the world sees brethren
squabbling and letting worldly courts decide.
Paul notes in 6:7-8 – it is better to suffer wrong, than to act
in such a way as to let the church be maligned.
Vs. 5, isn’t there a wise man among you???
Third, he expresses concerns about acting without considering the
conscience of your brethren and even those of the world.
1 Corinthians 8:9 warns us to beware lest your liberty become a
stumbling block to them. 1
Corinthians 10:29-30 calls for us to consider the conscience of others.
Fourth, in partaking of the Lord’s Supper they were not waiting
for each other – 1 Corinthians 11:17-34.
Fifth, there was a competitive and jealous spirit concerning
spiritual gifts – 1 Corinthians 12-14 deals with this as they were not
functioning together as a body, and even in worship there was disorder.
Selfishness, leads to so many problems which is why it is emphasized
that we think about others – Philippians 2:3-4, etc.
f.
Abuse in worship
– the Lord’s supper, competitive attitude in worship.
They were not partaking of the Lord’s Supper in a proper manner.
Paul explains what is to be done and how (1 Corinthians
11:17-34). In worship, they
were showing off whatever “gifts” they had and failing to act orderly.
This prompted Paul to say, “God
is not the author of confusion” (1 Corinthians 14:33) and
“Let all things be done decently and in order” (14:40)
g.
Doctrinal confusion
– e.g. the resurrection (1 Corinthians 15) – at least among some, there
were questions about the resurrection, prompting Paul to clarify the
truth of that doctrine.
h.
Paul’s answer:
i.
Rebuke and
admonitions
– He rebukes them and continually instructs to change.
ii.
A call to repentance
– 1 Corinthians 5:4-5, an example where they are called upon to deal
with their brother in sin; 1 Corinthians 6 – they were NOT to take each
other to court; etc.
iii.
A call for
purification
– 1 Corinthians 5:4-7 – we have here a call for discipline.
iv.
Love
– 1 Corinthians 13 describes “a more excellent way” – love and how it
behaves. This really is the
beginning of solution to these problems.
v.
We need each other
- this was instrumental in their working together.
In chapter 12 he appeals to how we function together as a body
and every part is needed.
vi.
Teaching
– proper instruction concerning the resurrection, worship, etc.
With every concern, Paul
outlines the truth and what they needed to do.
vii.
Other things could be
added to these
– but these give some
direction as to how we deal with whatever type of problem we face.
a.
We have insight into
how these brethren responded to Paul’s first letter (and possibly other
interactions with them).
His 2nd letter, while a very personal defense, also tells us
some things about these brethren.
b.
They were teachable
– how they responded to the man in adultery is recorded in 2
Corinthians. It
demonstrates that they were willing to listen to Paul.
We know that they did some of the things he addressed.
c.
They repented
- 2 Corinthians 7:8-11
describes genuine repentance. They wanted to be right, so they took
drastic measures to make correction.
Paul commends the degree to which they acted.
In fact, dealing with the adulterous brother we noted that they
did what they were told to the point that he had repented and now Paul
encourages them to accept him back – 2 Corinthians 2:5-8,
d.
They were benevolent
– willing to help others.
In 1 Corinthians 16:1-4, Paul encourages them to help needy brethren in
Jerusalem. 2 Corinthians
8-9 tells us they made a commitment (2 Cor. 8:6-15).
He encourages them to complete the doing of it and describes how
we are to give.
e.
They stood with the
gospel – 1
Corinthians 1:1-8 as Paul greets these brethren, he does so with a
confidence that they eagerly wait the revelation of Jesus Christ and
confirmed His testimony in them.
1 Corinthians 15:1-4 – Paul describes the gospel that they accepted.
2 Corinthians 2:9 – Paul notes that he wrote the first letter to test
them, “whether you are obedient
in all things.”
Evidently they had been having responded.
2 Corinthians 7:14-15 he notes how in obedience they had accepted
Titus, sent from Paul, with fear and trembling.
1)
We can learn many
things from this church, especially when we are facing problems.
There is plenty to learn about how we need to work through these
things.
2)
They were important
to Him and he didn’t just write them off because of all the problems.
He encouraged them and gave them time to correct their errors.
He wrote them with a hope and confidence that they wanted to do
the right thing. That was
his desires and where his efforts were directed.
My we do the same as we face problems and those with problems
even in our midst, AND even as we consider our brethren in other places.
Let us learn from this study of the church of God at Corinth, how we
need to act toward one another and God, and how NOT to act.
And let us learn, as Paul said toward the end of his first
letter, Therefore, my beloved
brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the
Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord. (1
Corinthians 15:58) How are
we doing? Think about it!