A Study of the Kingdom of God

Paul’s Perspective:  I Corinthians

Adults:  Fall Quarter, 2002

Lesson 1 – Equality before God

“Is Christ Divided?”

 

                                                 

I.                   Characteristics of those at the church in Corinth (1:1-9):  Statement of common (equal) purpose and a common goal.

 

a.      They are sanctified in Christ Jesus

                                                               i.      Those “set apart” by God in Christ

                                                             ii.      For purity and service of God

b.      Called to be holy (sanctified)

                                                               i.      Statement of purpose for those in Christ

                                                             ii.      Statement for all Christians, not just a select group

c.       Are sanctified and called to be holy TOGETHER with all those everywhere that call on the name of the Lord Jesus Christ

                                                               i.      I Corinthians has an immediate context in Corinth, but according to the introduction has universal application

                                                             ii.      The “same Lord for all” is the foundation for the equality and unity of all believers in Christ

d.      Enriched in every way—in knowledge and speaking

                                                               i.      No one lacks anything – a kingdom principle

                                                             ii.      God has provided everything for the church (individually and collectively)

e.       Testimony about Christ confirmed in the Corinthian church

                                                               i.      The fact that they are enriched in every way confirms that they are the people of God

f.        They do not lack any spiritual gift

                                                               i.      “as they eagerly wait for the Lord Jesus to be revealed” – indication that spiritual gifts are temporary, and have the goal of spiritual encouragement, pointing to the reality of Christ and his coming.

g.      They are being kept strong to the end so they will blameless on the day of the Lord Jesus Christ

h.      God has called them into fellowship with his Son, Jesus Christ

                                   

                        Key Points:

·        Equality in the church family

·        The “priesthood” of all believers – everyone has a role, a purpose

·        All are moving toward the “day of our Lord Jesus Christ”

A Study of the Kingdom of God

Adults:  Fall Quarter, 2002

Lesson 1 – Equality before God

“Is Christ Divided?”

 

II.                The problem of “pride” and divisions (1:10-17)

a.      The goal is to be perfectly united in mind and thought

b.      The problem:  “households” in conflict

                                                               i.      Households were not just singular family units, but large groupings of people bound together in some kind of economic arrangement.  In the Corinthian church, we know of these:

1.      Chloe’s household (1:14)

2.      Stephanas’ household (1:16, 16:15-18)

                                                             ii.      These households tended to be very powerful in the community, and perhaps tried to wield that power in the church.

                                                            iii.      Possibly, it was such a conflict that was at the root of “taking one other to law courts” in I Corinthians 6.

                                                           iv.      Issue in Corinth, who to follow “Paul, Apollos, Cephas (Peter)?

                                                             v.      Christ is not divided.  All are equally in Christ.  No one household is any better off in Christ than another.

                                   

                        Key Points:

·        How we came to Christ, does not give us a “one-up” on anyone else in the kingdom.  The important this is that we are in Christ.

·        Ultimately we follow Christ, not those who brought us to Christ, or a particular “movement” in which we came to Christ.

·        No one group in the church should assume undue influence over others so that Christ is not lifted up.

 

III.             The “leveling” at the foot of the cross:  the (1:18-31, 2:1-16)

a.       We cannot boast before God:  The wise made fools, the fools made wise

                                                               i.      What is it that divides us?  Pride. 

                                                             ii.      God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise.

b.      The wisdom of God in the cross of Christ

                                                               i.      God chose the despised things, the lowly things, to nullify the things that are so that no one can boast before him.

                                                             ii.      We have the “Mind of Christ”.  Spiritual things are understood by the Spirit, which we have received to teach us spiritual truths (2:11-16)

 

                        Key Points:

·        God “frustrates” the intelligence and wisdom of the world to show his all surpassing wisdom and power

·        We do not come to Christ by human wisdom, but through the Spirit who teaches / reveals to us spiritual truth

·        Human wisdom builds pride, which divides.