1 Corinthians part 4
1 Corinthians • Sermon • Submitted • Presented
0 ratings
· 2 viewsNotes
Transcript
Handout
A bad reputation
A bad reputation
10 I appeal to you, brothers, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be united in the same mind and the same judgment. 11 For it has been reported to me by Chloe’s people that there is quarreling among you, my brothers. 12 What I mean is that each one of you says, “I follow Paul,” or “I follow Apollos,” or “I follow Cephas,” or “I follow Christ.” 13 Is Christ divided? Was Paul crucified for you? Or were you baptized in the name of Paul? 14 I thank God that I baptized none of you except Crispus and Gaius, 15 so that no one may say that you were baptized in my name. 16 (I did baptize also the household of Stephanas. Beyond that, I do not know whether I baptized anyone else.) 17 For Christ did not send me to baptize but to preach the gospel, and not with words of eloquent wisdom, lest the cross of Christ be emptied of its power.
This week as we continue our study of 1 Corinthians we are going to move forward in chapter 1. Right in verse 11, we are faced with an interesting question that will reveal a bit more about why Paul is writing this letter and perhaps even why we need to read this.
Who is Chloe and what does it mean that her people have reported to Paul that quarreling that is taking place in the church in Corinth.
There are two predominant theories.
The first, that Chloes people are Messianic believers in Yeshua. Some believe that is a prominent member, perhaps even a leader of a house church. Modern scholars speculate that Chloe might have been a wealthy businesswoman, and “her people” would then be made up of her slaves and/or members of her household.
The second, which I find really interesting is that this report comes from a group of unbelievers who actually may be followers of Demeter , a greek goddess.
The name Chloe means, “young green shoot” which is one of the titles for Demeter. Demeter was believed to be the goddess of agriculture, grain, and harvest.
Now I be clear, most scholars believe the first explanation. But the second one is a bit more interesting.
In either case here is what we learn. The world watches the church.
Let’s take the first scenario into consideration, one Christian sees another Christian doing something wrong and we don’t fix it, address, it correct it, we are part of the problem.
But it is for this reason that I want lean towards scenario number 2.
Proverbs 27:5 (ESV)
5 Better is open rebuke than hidden love.
1 Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted.
If, as some believe, Chloe and her people knew Paul so well that they would raise this concern to him, I don’t find Paul encouraging them to go back to their brother or sister who is sinning which is what the Bible teaches. Instead Paul takes this news and takes it upon himself to correct the matter.
Now if scenario two is accurate, think about the witness that the church is establishing at Corinth. Knowing that God wanted His church to be established, to prosper and to grow in this thriving community, this port that offers the potential to bring the Gospel to all parts of the world.
In either situation, the word for quarreling or contentions means; domestic strife, discord, political discord and general disagreements.
To the unbelieving world they are interacting with on a daily basis. This is their testimony. What would be the attract the greeks to Yeshua? Within the greek religious practices, contention and strife would arise. They would debate amongst themselves and sometimes they would engage in disagreements with worshippers of others gods.
So to the world around, the conflict at Corinth looked no different than any other greek god.
This testimony would not attract or differentiate Yeshua from anyone else.
20 idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions,
1 What causes quarrels and what causes fights among you? Is it not this, that your passions are at war within you? 2 You desire and do not have, so you murder. You covet and cannot obtain, so you fight and quarrel. You do not have, because you do not ask.
This is works of the flesh. The church in Corinth was walking in the flesh, not in the Spirit.
So when Paul is calling them brothers in verse 10, he is trying to do just as he teaches in Galatians, restore them in a gentle spirit.
How does this reality impact the church's testimony, and what might non-believers think when they see divisions within the church?
In today's connected world, the church is often in the spotlight. Why is it essential for us to show unity and a positive example? How can we make sure our actions reflect the teachings of the Gospel when so many eyes are on us?
Many outsiders often accuse Christians of hypocrisy when they notice discrepancies between biblical teachings and a believer's actions. Can you recall a time when you've observed or heard about a "bad witness" from a Christian or a church that seemed to contradict biblical teachings? How did that make you feel, and what impact do you think such incidents have on the broader perception of Christianity?
12 What I mean is that each one of you says, “I follow Paul,” or “I follow Apollos,” or “I follow Cephas,” or “I follow Christ.” 13 Is Christ divided? Was Paul crucified for you? Or were you baptized in the name of Paul? 14 I thank God that I baptized none of you except Crispus and Gaius, 15 so that no one may say that you were baptized in my name. 16 (I did baptize also the household of Stephanas. Beyond that, I do not know whether I baptized anyone else.) 17 For Christ did not send me to baptize but to preach the gospel, and not with words of eloquent wisdom, lest the cross of Christ be emptied of its power.
It is even more interesting to me to note that cause of the contention is connected to Apollos, Peter, Paul, and Yeshua.
Do we think that between these four men there was contention?
I look at this passage in a couple of different ways.
Were these four distinct parties? That is what some commentators believe.
Believers were making allegiance to leaders, some think that it was based on theological differences.
I have issue with this premise. First, I am struggling to see where Apollos, Peter, Paul, and Yeshua would be at odds with one another.
From a modern interpretation, I see this very accurate and very concerning.
“sheep-stealing” or “sheep-swapping” is a term that describes the growth of a church when it takes believers from another congregation. This happens when factions arise. It happens when the pastor or programs become the reason to attend a particular church. Then when something bad happens, or when the pastor disappoints (which will happen) or a program fails, or a perceived need is not met. Rather than the community coming together and working, it is just easier to move on. We shouldn’t be a community like that. It will be hard not to be that way.
One of the things that will happen is this. Discord breeds discord
The other thing that I see in this passage speaks to authority.
11 And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers, 12 to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, 13 until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ, 14 so that we may no longer be children, tossed to and fro by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by human cunning, by craftiness in deceitful schemes.
This tells us the role of the apostle, the prophet, the evangelist, the shepherd and the teacher.
It is completely different than the issue of authority.
9 Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, 10 so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 11 and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
Yeshua is the authority. He is the same for me as He is for you. We, like a husband and wife are to mutually submit to one another for the glory of God.
The last way I read this passage is looking at the “I follow Christ” statement. It almost comes off haughty or prideful as if to say, I have it all figured out, or I am better than you.
Truthfully, I have been convicted of this myself. Especially since coming into the Messianic community.
I have felt this way about eating clean, the Sabbath, and the Feasts. While I didn’t intentionally mean to offend anyone, but I know I wasn’t as loving as I could have or should have been.
For a season, I sure felt like I knew better than everyone else.
Now looking back, that was spiritual immaturity.
As a shepherd, I have been given certain authority from the LORD and this is something I don’t take lightly. I think this calling is, to me, a special privilege. But my authority is limited, and truthfully, I think it is more about influence than authority.
The authority for me and for us all is Christ.
18 And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.
So when Paul says, in 1 Corinthians 1:15
15 so that no one may say that you were baptized in my name.
Paul is seeking to protect us from being deceived. Your pastor, your favorite bible teacher, is no substitute for God Himself.
18 Now when all the people saw the thunder and the flashes of lightning and the sound of the trumpet and the mountain smoking, the people were afraid and trembled, and they stood far off 19 and said to Moses, “You speak to us, and we will listen; but do not let God speak to us, lest we die.”
Can you recall a time when you relied more on a person's interpretation or a specific theological concept rather than seeking a direct understanding or relationship with God? How did that impact your spiritual journey?
How do we ensure that our church programs and activities enhance our connection with God, rather than replace the personal time and relationship we should cultivate with Him?
In today's world, with so many voices, teachings, and resources available, how can we discern and prioritize our direct relationship with God amidst the noise?
If we take on this attitude in our heart, I promise you that we will lack love. Maybe that is why in 1 Corinthians 13 Paul will address the matter of love at length?
17 For Christ did not send me to baptize but to preach the gospel, and not with words of eloquent wisdom, lest the cross of Christ be emptied of its power.
What is Paul saying here? Is he saying we shouldn’t seek to be effective communicators? No, but what is meant here is that if our focus on presentation we are missing the purpose.
I have over time worked at putting together some Gospel tracts. I wanted to be ready to share my faith with someone should the opportunity arise.
But for me personally, when I was trying to keep the conversation on the path that would allow me to take the conversation from point A to point Z, I missed so much. Sure, I could walk someone down the Romans Road, but more often than not I missed some really important relationship opportunities.
I am not saying that Gospel presentations are bad, for me it really took me away from the person and put my attention on the process.
In a similar way, Paul is sharing this same concept. He is not speaking in eloquent terms or speech. This must be something that mattered a great deal to him, because he raises the matter numerous times in this letter.
1 And I, when I came to you, brothers, did not come proclaiming to you the testimony of God with lofty speech or wisdom.
4 and my speech and my message were not in plausible words of wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power,
13 And we impart this in words not taught by human wisdom but taught by the Spirit, interpreting spiritual truths to those who are spiritual.
How important is this to Paul that we understand?
Isaiah 52:7 (ESV)
7 How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him who brings good news, who publishes peace, who brings good news of happiness, who publishes salvation, who says to Zion, “Your God reigns.”
15 And how are they to preach unless they are sent? As it is written, “How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news!”
37 And behold, a woman of the city, who was a sinner, when she learned that he was reclining at table in the Pharisee’s house, brought an alabaster flask of ointment, 38 and standing behind him at his feet, weeping, she began to wet his feet with her tears and wiped them with the hair of her head and kissed his feet and anointed them with the ointment. 39 Now when the Pharisee who had invited him saw this, he said to himself, “If this man were a prophet, he would have known who and what sort of woman this is who is touching him, for she is a sinner.” 40 And Jesus answering said to him, “Simon, I have something to say to you.” And he answered, “Say it, Teacher.”
41 “A certain moneylender had two debtors. One owed five hundred denarii, and the other fifty. 42 When they could not pay, he cancelled the debt of both. Now which of them will love him more?” 43 Simon answered, “The one, I suppose, for whom he cancelled the larger debt.” And he said to him, “You have judged rightly.” 44 Then turning toward the woman he said to Simon, “Do you see this woman? I entered your house; you gave me no water for my feet, but she has wet my feet with her tears and wiped them with her hair. 45 You gave me no kiss, but from the time I came in she has not ceased to kiss my feet. 46 You did not anoint my head with oil, but she has anointed my feet with ointment. 47 Therefore I tell you, her sins, which are many, are forgiven—for she loved much. But he who is forgiven little, loves little.” 48 And he said to her, “Your sins are forgiven.” 49 Then those who were at table with him began to say among themselves, “Who is this, who even forgives sins?” 50 And he said to the woman, “Your faith has saved you; go in peace.”
Paul’s words to the Corinthians is a reminder to us that words, have their meaning, but only The Word is what matters, and His name is Yeshua.
18 For the word of the cross is folly to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. 19 For it is written,
“I will destroy the wisdom of the wise,
and the discernment of the discerning I will thwart.”
Why do you think some people today might see the message of the cross as foolish or irrelevant?
How have you personally experienced or seen the power of God's message in today's world?
In what ways can we bridge the gap between the world's perception and the true message of the cross?
We need to understand this truth because the world is perishing.This word in the Greek speaks specifically to the issue of spiritually perishing.
How do we experience this perishing?
Sin! When we disobey God, we perish. Think about the Prophet Jonah. Nineveh was perishing, both spiritually and physically. When God said to His servant go and warn them, he fled from the presence of the LORD.
This is what perishing looks like.
37 For as were the days of Noah, so will be the coming of the Son of Man. 38 For as in those days before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day when Noah entered the ark, 39 and they were unaware until the flood came and swept them all away, so will be the coming of the Son of Man.
5 if he did not spare the ancient world, but preserved Noah, a herald of righteousness, with seven others, when he brought a flood upon the world of the ungodly;
6 and that by means of these the world that then existed was deluged with water and perished. 7 But by the same word the heavens and earth that now exist are stored up for fire, being kept until the day of judgment and destruction of the ungodly.
Now let’s bring this back to this letter to the Corinthians. Why is Paul saying any of this? What does it matter? Why isn’t Paul telling the church to start a children’t program, build a building? When Paul says, 1 Corinthians 1:19
1 Corinthians 1:19 (ESV)
19 For it is written, “I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and the discernment of the discerning I will thwart.”
he is referring back to Isaiah 29. The message of this chapter is that God through Isaiah, rebukes Israel for becoming Spiritually complacent.
I had a conversation with a woman recently who shared that she had an unbelieving son. I tried to encourage her, to have a sense of urgency. I reminded her to just be aware of the events the world is going through today. I shared about my own children, sharing that we have some that have rejected Messiah.
Her response, “Our kids are in God’s hands. What else can we do.”
Sounds true. Our kids are indeed in God’s hands, He is in control. What else can we do?
We cannot become complacent. God has given us His Ten Commandments, He has told us to love Him first and love our neighbors as ourselves. Isaiah says we are live righteously, seek justice, defend the oppressed, take care of the fatherless, plead the case of the widow.
27 Religion that is pure and undefiled before God the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the world.
Knowing this, what should we say when someone says, “What can we do?”
Well 1 Corinthian 1:20-21 tell us what not to do. We cannot rely on human wisdom and alliances.
In what ways have you seen the wisdom of the world contradict the wisdom of God? How can we ensure that we're drawing from God's wisdom in our daily decisions to avoid the pitfalls of sin?