I Corinthians 1:4-12 (Part 3a) Problems Arising From Carnality

Preamble of hope--1:4-9, the presence of carnality among the Corinthians does not distort Paul's appreciation of the good because he learned to view believers by their position

A believer may be viewed from any of three standpoints

• His position in Christ

• His present life

• His ultimate destiny

Carnality/Flesh

• Weakness

• Sinfulness

• Transitoriness

*The flesh is the part of the Christian that is the seat of sinful desire

The problem of and solution to dissension--1:10-4:21

• The problem stated--v. 10:

1) The appeal--"I beseech": a) Encouragement is the idea involved b) He wants them to see the issue for themselves

2) The motivation: a) The name of the Lord Jesus Christ

3) The details a) Positive standpoint: Unity is to be achieved by doctrinal agreement-- NOT compromise

b) Negative standpoint

1) No divisions--"schisms"

2) No differing opinions

• The carnality defined--vv. 11-12

1) In general--"contentions"

a) Bitter discussions is the idea

b) The source of the sin nature

2) In particular--(involved ego)--v. 12

a) Involved everyone

b) Centered in personalities--this is the idea with the names

c) Involved ego--the personal pronoun "I" is actually the Greek word "ego"--and it is emphatic in each case

d) It did not involve belief--the issue is not doctrinal differences

*The idea behind the names is not that these were the actual factions--they are figurative for the factions that were being developed