1ST Corinthians 1-13 Great Freedom with Great Responsobility

Intro: Freedom and Responsibility

What is Christain Liberty?

Liberty for the Christian can mean that he or she has been freed from the penalty of sin by faith in Jesus Christ

John 8:31-36 “So Jesus was saying to those Jews who had believed Him, “If you continue in My word, then you are truly disciples of Mine; and you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free.” They answered Him, “We are Abraham’s descendants and have never yet been enslaved to anyone; how is it that You say, ‘You will become free’?” Jesus answered them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, everyone who commits sin is the slave of sin. “The slave does not remain in the house forever; the son does remain forever. “So if the Son makes you free, you will be free indeed.”

Romans 6:23 NASB95

For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Also, Christian liberty can refer to being freed from the power of sin in one’s life by daily faith in Jesus Christ as Lord of one’s character and conduct

Romans 6:5-6 “For if we have become united with Him in the likeness of His death, certainly we shall also be in the likeness of His resurrection, knowing this, that our old self was crucified with Him, in order that our body of sin might be done away with, so that we would no longer be slaves to sin;”

Romans 6:14 “For sin shall not be master over you, for you are not under law but under grace.”

Finally, Christian liberty can mean that Christians are freed in respect to such activity that is not expressly forbidden in the Bible. Therefore one can feel free to engage in such activity as long as it doesn’t "stumble" or "offend" another Christian

Romans 14:12-16 “So then each one of us will give an account of himself to God. Therefore let us not judge one another anymore, but rather determine this—not to put an obstacle or a stumbling block in a brother’s way. I know and am convinced in the Lord Jesus that nothing is unclean in itself; but to him who thinks anything to be unclean, to him it is unclean. For if because of food your brother is hurt, you are no longer walking according to love. Do not destroy with your food him for whom Christ died. Therefore do not let what is for you a good thing be spoken of as evil;”

Romans 14 says, these things may not be strictly prohibited by God’s Word, but they can be bad for one’s spiritual growth or Christian testimony and can cause other Christians to stumble.

Galatians 5:1 “It was for freedom that Christ set us free; therefore keep standing firm and do not be subject again to a yoke of slavery.”

Christ's death and resurrection has given us a way of escape

The great news for all of us is that we are free! With this freedom, there is Christian liberty! We are free of such idolatry because of Jesus - Our Great Freedom

1st Corinthians 10:23-31 ““All things are lawful,” but not all things are helpful. “All things are lawful,” but not all things build up. Let no one seek his own good, but the good of his neighbor. Eat whatever is sold in the meat market without raising any question on the ground of conscience. For “the earth is the Lord’s, and the fullness thereof.” If one of the unbelievers invites you to dinner and you are disposed to go, eat whatever is set before you without raising any question on the ground of conscience. But if someone says to you, “This has been offered in sacrifice,” then do not eat it, for the sake of the one who informed you, and for the sake of conscience— I do not mean your conscience, but his. For why should my liberty be determined by someone else’s conscience? If I partake with thankfulness, why am I denounced because of that for which I give thanks? So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.”

Understanding Christain liberty is essential to our time together.

For the Corinthian Church, they prided themselves on their spiritual gifts and knowledge. This caused them to be overconfident.

Yet they lacked wisdom. They have come to be known as carnal Christians

It is one thing to know and have but it is another to act in a matter of spiritual wisdom. For the believer, we are to be wise and our wisdom must not come from the world but from the spirit of God.

It is important for us to ask today what caused their overconfidence. What leads the church in Corinth to receive this instruction from Paul

To understand that we need to know the context of the Church in Corinth.

Planted by Paul in the book of Acts 18.

Corinth was a large city with two major ports it was an important center for trade in Greece.

Immoral City- Goddess Aphrodite (temple) religious house of prostitution

The Church of Corinth existed in the middle of this environment, and with this came many challenges for the church.

Very similar to our society this church was facing a huge temptation to compromise and conform to the immoral world around them. (This is at the very root of where our carnality may sink in)

It is because of their lack of spiritual wisdom and unity that Paul writes to the Corinthians

Two indicators of a carnal christain,

I know better than you and therfore we are seperating ourselves from you.

I cannot assocaite myself with a lesser believer

This is rubbish the theif on the cross!

He begins in Chapter 10 to remind the church of the provisions we have that are from God.

Paul unifies the Corinthian believers to the children of Israel as well as we can connect all believers to the provisions of God.

Today we will see that Our Great Freedom Grants us Great Responsobility

Today we will see that we have a responsibility to remember

Be aware: God has provided vs 1-5

VS 1- There are two important things to note here in verse one.

1. Paul addresses the church with a term of unification

ἀδελφός adelphos brother (brother; fellow believer)

Paul uses this term multiple times through 1st Corinthians

God has provided salvation through Jesus! Let us not quickly move past the unification God provides through Christ.

We all were once the vilest of sinners who were actively living in that sin. Separated from God. Then God in His graciousness saved us out of our depravity and brought us into a new family.

1st Timothy 1:12-17 “I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has strengthened me, because He considered me faithful, putting me into service, even though I was formerly a blasphemer and a persecutor and a violent aggressor. Yet I was shown mercy because I acted ignorantly in unbelief; and the grace of our Lord was more than abundant, with the faith and love which are found in Christ Jesus. It is a trustworthy statement, deserving full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, among whom I am foremost of all. Yet for this reason I found mercy, so that in me as the foremost, Jesus Christ might demonstrate His perfect patience as an example for those who would believe in Him for eternal life. Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen.”

Not so that we would live divided but unified. We are unified only through Jesus. Jesus is the only one who could unify the lost, we all come from different statuses’, families, and cultures. Have you tried to even get 10 people to agree on the same thing? What a mighty work of God.

Unfortunately, the Corinthian church was dividing itself up.

This is why Paul calls them brethren they have been saved. Paul is being gracious to the church as they found difficulty in their unification he did not shame them by their lack of unity but provides a term of unification. This is relative text to those who have been strong in their faith. These were people of faith that Paul is writing to. Paul is taking the time to remind the church they are unified through Christ. The same should be declared today that we are to be unified by Christ. I am very grateful to be a part of what God is doing here at CWC. Each week we get to hear many many praise reports. Why and how does this come together it is because of Christ.

Just as we can see through God’s word, division slows things down!

I think it is a good time to remind us that we will all need correction.

Just as Paul reminds the Corinthian church our correction can come in the form of a reminder of who we are in Christ.

Have you forgotten today that you are in the family of God a fellow believer unified only by the saving grace of God? This is one of the most difficult things about the church.

I heard a story once about a pastor who was being interviewed about his time as a senior pastor and he was asked what was the best part of his ministry he said people, then the interviewer followed up the question by asking what was the worse and he said the people.

What happens when we do not remember what God has done and continues to do?

Be unaware-

ἀγνοέω agnoeō be ignorant; not to know not know; ignore; fail to understand

Paul did not desire for the corinthian church to remain ignorant of the provisions of God as it leads one to lean on their own understanding, because their undestanding had become carnal

For not knowing about God’s righteousness and seeking to establish their own, they did not subject themselves to the righteousness of God.

Romans 10:3 (NASB95)

We will establish our own form of righteousness. This is wicked and not of the Lord. Our greatest attempt at good is nothing but a filthy rag that we try to deceive others into thinking is the new lifestyle of a believer.

The Corinthians were guilty of this

The Corinthians Paul’s Response

“All things are lawful” “Not all things are beneficial” (6:12)

It is only natural to satisfy one’s appetites, God will judge people who satisfy sinful appetites (6:13)

Married people should practice celibacy, Husband and wifes should grant each other conjugal rights, lest temptation to sexual immorality (7:1-5)

All of us posses knoweldge. Knowledge Puffs up, but love builds up (8:1)

Tongues are a sign for unbelievers, Unbelievers who hear you speaking in tongues will think you are crazy (14:22-23)

Have you formed a new form of righteousness today?

It would be therefore vital to know what we must not be ignorant of.

Father’s- is referring to the exodus generation who came out of Egypt

Our Father’s is another term of unity we have in our text. Though there have been many years that separate us from the children of Israel we are now connected by the love and grace of God.

Ephesians 2:11-22 “Therefore remember that formerly you, the Gentiles in the flesh, who are called “Uncircumcision” by the so-called “Circumcision,” which is performed in the flesh by human hands— remember that you were at that time separate from Christ, excluded from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers to the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world. But now in Christ Jesus you who formerly were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ. For He Himself is our peace, who made both groups into one and broke down the barrier of the dividing wall, by abolishing in His flesh the enmity, which is the Law of commandments contained in ordinances, so that in Himself He might make the two into one new man, thus establishing peace, and might reconcile them both in one body to God through the cross, by it having put to death the enmity. And He came and preached peace to you who were far away, and peace to those who were near; for through Him we both have our access in one …” “Therefore remember that formerly you, the Gentiles in the flesh, who are called “Uncircumcision” by the so-called “Circumcision,” which is performed in the flesh by human hands— remember that you were at that time separate from Christ, excluded from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers to the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world.”

We are unified by God’s provision.

Provision of His Presence

The cloud- represented God’s presence among the Israelites Exodus 13:21

Exodus 13:21 NASB95

The Lord was going before them in a pillar of cloud by day to lead them on the way, and in a pillar of fire by night to give them light, that they might travel by day and by night.

Exodus 14:19–20 NASB95

The angel of God, who had been going before the camp of Israel, moved and went behind them; and the pillar of cloud moved from before them and stood behind them. So it came between the camp of Egypt and the camp of Israel; and there was the cloud along with the darkness, yet it gave light at night. Thus the one did not come near the other all night.

Today the presence of God is found in His spirit that resides in the life of a believer

Do you not know that you are a temple of God and that the Spirit of God dwells in you? 1 Co 3:16.

Provision of His Salvation

The Sea- God’s Way of Escape

Baptized into Moses Just as Christian salvation is symbolized by being baptized into Christ

Galatians 3:27 “For all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ.”

Provision of Spiritual Nourishment

Same spiritual food & drink

Describes the food miraculously provided by the Spirit. When the people of Israel complained about the lack of food

(Exod 16:3), God provided them with quail and manna (Exod 16:13–15).

Manna became their staple food as they wandered through the desert for 40 years.

During the wilderness wanderings, the Israelites drank water from the rock in Rephidim (Exod 17:1–6) and Kadesh (Num 20:1–11).

God’s Word is our staple spiritual nourishment

1st Timothy 4:6 “In pointing out these things to the brethren, you will be a good servant of Christ Jesus, constantly nourished on the words of the faith and of the sound doctrine which you have been following.”

Hebrews 5:12 NASB95

For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you have need again for someone to teach you the elementary principles of the oracles of God, and you have come to need milk and not solid food.

1 Peter 5:2 NASB95

shepherd the flock of God among you, exercising oversight not under compulsion, but voluntarily, according to the will of God; and not for sordid gain, but with eagerness;

How was the rock Christ in vs 4

Paul identifies Christ as the rock in a figurative sense, based on his reading of the descriptions of the rock in Exod 17 and Num 21:16–20.

Despite Christ’s accompaniment and provision of water in the desert, the people still complained about God’s provision and rebelled against His leadership.

Jesus does the same today He is our provision living water to all

John 4:14 “but whoever drinks of the water that I will give him shall never thirst; but the water that I will give him will become in him a well of water springing up to eternal life.””

Paul urges the Corinthians as well as us today not to follow the Israelites’ example of complaining about provisions given by the rock (Christ).

Provision of Judgement

God was not well pleased- does this infer that God cares about the actions of humanity

Their hearts were still in Egypt- bondage

Be careful not to enjoy the physical deliverance of bondage, but still lust after the pleasure (Carnality)

Theism declares that there is a Creator (God) who is beyond the world and can intervene

Why was God not well pleased? What was supposed to be a passage to the promised land became a place of wondering.

Their bodies were scattered- is this God’s abundant grace that though the people were disobedient it did not change who God is?

They had their Salvation but missed out on the blessing of the promised land.

God has so many blessings that because of our disobedience, we are left wondering

I don't know what these are nor are they for me to know, You may not know at this moment but remain faithful. If God chooses to reveal them to me through a testimony amen.

What God has for you is the best whatever that might be. I do know that it will not be easy. In my short life, I have learned that our walk with God is not easy, but it is full of hope and joy.

“Legitimate wilderness experiences are important parts of our growth as children of God. Illegitimate wilderness experiences are a complete waste of time”- Chuck Smith

We have a responsibility to remember

2. Be aware: Humanity’s acts of disobedience 6-10

Despite God’s provisions, Paul warns the Corinthian Church that they must learn from their lust for evil things and not repeat their disobedience.

(vs 6) Has become our example- The OT is not merely History, it provides examples of what will happen when we lust after evil things

I know there are many resources that are a benefit to the believer, I commend them yet they are not to take the place of, they are to support the word of God!

Resources on the wall in the foyer, or online.

it is essential that we do not ignore what we hear each week here at CWC or in our home and not apply it to our lives

His Presence/ They desired to be idolaters- Golden Calf Exodus 32, 1 Cor. 8 & 10

Idol worship leads to unrestrained eating and drinking and sexual perversion

His Salvation/ They desired to become slaves to the lusts sexual immorality- Intermarriage Num 25, Numbers 25:9 , 1st Corinthians 6

His spiritual nourishment/ Tempt Christ - Complained about the food- Numbers 21:5-6; 2Cor. 12:20-21

Complain- Israelites did not practice self-control with regard to their bodies, rather made provision for the lusts of their flesh

constant grumbling, griping, groaning, murmuring, whispering, and complaining that expresses discontent with what God has provided.

I can imagine the Corinthian Church thinking because of their wisdom “What does this have to do with us”

You might be saying the same thing today. Ask God to search your heart today because...

“We must not think that because the Jews were under the law that their sins were worse than ours and therefore dealt with more severely. Sin in the church today is far more serious because we have Israel’s example to learn from, and we are living at the end of ages. To Sin against the Law is one thing; to sin against grace is quite something else.”- Warren Wiersbe

There is far more heaviness of sin today as we can read about the sins of Israel, as well as the Church in Corinth.

God’s grace is given so we may repent and live rejoicing and glorifying God.

VS 11-Paul is reminding the Corinthians that Christians still love within the continuing world order, guard against presumption and listen and be encouraged by moral exhortation. This leads us to our final point

3. Be aware- Though temptations will come, God is faithful

Vs 12- This is Paul's warning to the “mature” believer

To the complacent, overconfident, and arrogant

These are disastrous to a team, these are disastrous to the church

Romans 11:20 “Quite right, they were broken off for their unbelief, but you stand by your faith. Do not be conceited, but fear;”

vs. 13 Temptation and Danger still lurk- as we continue in our faith

A proper view of temptation is vital to the life of a believer

Let us encourage those who have not walked through the temptations we have been through and seen God deliver us out of them.

Parenting

What temptations come remember they are no more than what arises because we are human.

I plead with you church to not make them more than they are. (This was occurring in the Corinthian church)

God would not allow a temptation that is in principle irresistible, without there being some way of skirting around it or escaping it- Anthony Thiselton

1 Corinthians 1:9 “God is faithful, through whom you were called into fellowship with His Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.”

Beware of coming overly confident in your own abilities. We are all alike, We all face failure at every turn. But God is faithful. He will give us a way out if we listen to Him. We may not take this way of escape but He always offers it. If I fail it is because of my unfaithfulness. -Chuck Smith

May Jacob's life teach us something about God, He wrestled with God but wouldn't let Go. It is then that He became Israel.

He had found his way of escape the one true God

This is our great responsibility, as we have great freedom we have a great responsibility to Be aware to know God has provided, Humanity has been disobedient, and God is faithful, He is our provider.

Salvation Message