1 Corinthians: Rivalries, Sexuality, Spiritual Gifts, and Hope

Paul continues to address the topic of resurrection, specifically the question of what our resurrected bodies will be like. He ends with the practical outworking of this doctrine. 

Paul confronts those in the Corinthian church who don’t believe in resurrection. He explains that if Christ was not raised then our faith is futile. 

Paul explains that to prophesy in a church setting is more beneficial than to speak in tongues.

Paul addresses an overemphasis on the spiritual gifts by explaining the priority that love is supposed to play in the life of the church.

Paul and the Corinthians disagree as to what it means to be “spiritual.” Paul clarifies this as well as brings correction to abuses of spiritual gifts among the Corinthians.

Paul scolds the Corinthians for their church gatherings. The poor among them have been relegated as second-class citizens in the church as the rich celebrate the Lord’s Supper without them.

Paul deals with immodesty in the Corinthian church gatherings which includes issues of gender norms.

Paul closes his section on idolatry. He deals with specific questions, but he also nails down the over-riding principle for the follower of Christ, which is to love your neighbor as yourself.

Pastor Ben goes over 1 Corinthians chapter 9

Idolatry was engrained in every part in the ancient world. This raised all kinds of questions for the daily life of believers in Corinth and has all kinds of applications for believers today navigating a secular world.

Paul has heard that some Corinthians are warning people against sex, even sex within marriage. This topic is discussed, as well as divorce and singleness.

Corinthians believers are taking each other to court. Paul will not tolerate this. Additionally, Paul must address the Corinthians’ belief that they are free to do whatever they want.

Paul has learned of a situation within the Corinthian church that he finds heinous. He explains that there must be judgment within the church, but that believers are not to judge outsiders. 

Paul reminds the Corinthians that they are stewards of the grace of God. They will one day stand before God for judgment, not others. Therefore, he calls them to imitate his own life, as he seeks to imitate that of Jesus. 

This week Pastor Ben talks about how Christ crucified is God's wisdom, which is drastically different from worldly wisdom.