Apr 30, 2010
April 30, 2010 Lesson 9 of 1 Corinthians 12
List the different kinds of gift and of service that Paul mentions in this chapter. On what principle are they given, and for what purpose? What responsibility does the possession of such a gift put on the person who has it? Answer: The big one that sticks out is speaking in tongues. I can see how this can be interpreted in several different ways. I would be interested to go back and study it in its original text and language (not that if I would be able to do that now). The other gifts include wisdom, knowledge, healing, faith, prophecy, and miraculous powers. They are given by the Spirit for us to help and support on another as the parts of the body help the whole.
Consider how the character of the human body illustrates both the unity and the diversity of the church. What other lessons does the apostle draw from this illustration? Answer: He is telling us that we each have a purpose as set forth by the Spirit so that the body of Christ can work for the Glory of God. We should work together by each doing our “assigned job,” not looking to do something that God does not want us to do (i.e. don’t try to be a rocket scientist when you can’t even understand aeronautics, no matter how much you may love to be a rocket scientist).
Note: V1-3. The necessary and decisive test of the presence of the Spirit of God in those exercising spiritual gifts is loyalty to Jesus as Lord. Cf. 1 John 4:1-3.
Apr 29, 2010
April 29, 2010 Lesson 8 1 Corinthians 11:2-34
This chapter deals with two irregularities in public worship. The first concerns the proper way for women to dress when they take part in public worship. The second concerns unchristian behaviour at the social meal, which was the occasion of the observance of the Lord’s Supper.
What were the arguments that Paul brought forward to insist that in Corinth women should be veiled in public worship? How far are these arguments of permanent validity? Can their application vary where prevailing social customs differ from those of Paul’s day? Answer: Paul is arguing here that a woman’s head should be covered for worship as a sign of honor and authority. I need to do more research to know how to answer this one. I find this very interesting.
What (according to v 23-26) is the central significance of the Lord’s Supper? What were the causes of some receiving it unworthily? See verses 17-22 and 27-32. How can we make our reception more worthy? Answer: The central significance in the Lord’s Supper is the remembrance of His death for our sins. Some received it unworthily by not respecting the significance of the supper itself, and not respecting one another by partaking together.
Notes:
V10. ‘Because of the angels’: Christians worship was probably regarded as conducted in their presence and open to their view.
V10. The veil was both a symbol of authority, reminding the woman that her husband was her head, and also a sign of her modesty and charity, for no respectable woman was seen without one in Corinth at that time.
What were the arguments that Paul brought forward to insist that in Corinth women should be veiled in public worship? How far are these arguments of permanent validity? Can their application vary where prevailing social customs differ from those of Paul’s day? Answer: Paul is arguing here that a woman’s head should be covered for worship as a sign of honor and authority. I need to do more research to know how to answer this one. I find this very interesting.
What (according to v 23-26) is the central significance of the Lord’s Supper? What were the causes of some receiving it unworthily? See verses 17-22 and 27-32. How can we make our reception more worthy? Answer: The central significance in the Lord’s Supper is the remembrance of His death for our sins. Some received it unworthily by not respecting the significance of the supper itself, and not respecting one another by partaking together.
Notes:
V10. ‘Because of the angels’: Christians worship was probably regarded as conducted in their presence and open to their view.
V10. The veil was both a symbol of authority, reminding the woman that her husband was her head, and also a sign of her modesty and charity, for no respectable woman was seen without one in Corinth at that time.
Apr 28, 2010
April 28, 2010 Lesson 7 1 Corinthians 10:1-11:1
10:1-13. The people of Israel, who came out of Egypt, enjoyed similar privileges to those of Christians. What lessons then can we learn from their failures? Why is the inevitability of temptation no occasion for despair? Answer: first lesson God is a jealous God. We serve and worship none but Him. He will punish those who do. We should not worry about temptation as God will “not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, e will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it.” (v13)
Paul distinguishes between eating in an idol temple (v14-22), and eating meals both in the market, which had been offered before and idol (v23-30). Why does he condemn the former, but permit the latter, except in the circumstances of verses 28-29? What principles does he lay down, in conclusion, to guide Christians in all such matters? Answer: He condemns the former because it is a form of worship, while the latter is not. He says what every we do, do it for the glory of God.
Paul distinguishes between eating in an idol temple (v14-22), and eating meals both in the market, which had been offered before and idol (v23-30). Why does he condemn the former, but permit the latter, except in the circumstances of verses 28-29? What principles does he lay down, in conclusion, to guide Christians in all such matters? Answer: He condemns the former because it is a form of worship, while the latter is not. He says what every we do, do it for the glory of God.
Apr 27, 2010
April 27, 2010 Lesson 6 of 1 Corinthians 8 and 9
The church in Corinth had asked about the eating of food which had been offered before an idol. Picture yourself as a Christian in Corinth, invited to a social banquet in a temple, or seated as a guest in the house of a non-Christian friend, and offered food which had been presented in sacrifice to an idol.
8:1-13. Using the knowledge of truth as their sole guide (such truth as is stated in verse 4-6), what decision did the Corinthians come to about eating food offered to idols? Did Paul agree? List the reasons why he also says that in certain circumstances he would abstain from such eating. Answer: The Corinthians were asking do we, or can we, eat the meat sacrificed to other Gods. This is of question, as I understand because much of the meat prepared by gentiles at the time was sacrificed to other Gods to purify it. Paul’s argument is that this sacrifice to purify the meet was a practice of the ignorant. Those with knowledge know that the meet does not need to be purified by sacrifice. God made all things good for us to eat. So Paul’s bigger argument is do it or don’t do it, just don’t do something that will make the unbeliever or even the new and immature Christian stumble and fall.
9:1-27. What basic principles which should govern Christians action does Paul illustrate here from his own conduct? In particular what rights does he show Christian workers to have, and what are his reasons for not using them? Answer: Paul says the main purpose of the Christian worker is to share in the gospel. Paul says that the Christian worker has the right to preach and not work at a job. Paul argues that the Christian worker should be supported by the church body to preach the word. He concludes by saying that we should walk with sinners to show them the love Christ showed us. We should love them as Christ did while living here with us.
Notes
8:12. ‘Wound their weak conscience’: note the contrast. What requires tender handling is brutally treated. Cf. 9:22. The ‘weak’: i.e., those whose grasp of Christians truth is feeble, and who are timid in exercising their liberty in Christ. Cf. Rom 14:1-3
8:13. This declaration is conditional and personal, not absolute and general. The significance of this should not be overlooked. Cf. 10:27-30.
8:1-13. Using the knowledge of truth as their sole guide (such truth as is stated in verse 4-6), what decision did the Corinthians come to about eating food offered to idols? Did Paul agree? List the reasons why he also says that in certain circumstances he would abstain from such eating. Answer: The Corinthians were asking do we, or can we, eat the meat sacrificed to other Gods. This is of question, as I understand because much of the meat prepared by gentiles at the time was sacrificed to other Gods to purify it. Paul’s argument is that this sacrifice to purify the meet was a practice of the ignorant. Those with knowledge know that the meet does not need to be purified by sacrifice. God made all things good for us to eat. So Paul’s bigger argument is do it or don’t do it, just don’t do something that will make the unbeliever or even the new and immature Christian stumble and fall.
9:1-27. What basic principles which should govern Christians action does Paul illustrate here from his own conduct? In particular what rights does he show Christian workers to have, and what are his reasons for not using them? Answer: Paul says the main purpose of the Christian worker is to share in the gospel. Paul says that the Christian worker has the right to preach and not work at a job. Paul argues that the Christian worker should be supported by the church body to preach the word. He concludes by saying that we should walk with sinners to show them the love Christ showed us. We should love them as Christ did while living here with us.
Notes
8:12. ‘Wound their weak conscience’: note the contrast. What requires tender handling is brutally treated. Cf. 9:22. The ‘weak’: i.e., those whose grasp of Christians truth is feeble, and who are timid in exercising their liberty in Christ. Cf. Rom 14:1-3
8:13. This declaration is conditional and personal, not absolute and general. The significance of this should not be overlooked. Cf. 10:27-30.
Apr 26, 2010
April 26, 2010 Lesson 5 of 1 Corinthians 7
In this chapter Paul is answering specific questions about marriage. These questions had been sent to him by the church at Corinth. His instructions are strict in view of the moral laxity of pagan Corinth and the ‘distress’, etc. referred to in verses 26-35. He shows that marriage and the single life are equally permissible and that each person must find out in which state God intends them to live.
Why did Paul remain single (v7-8)? See v 25-35. Are his reasons relevant for us today? Answer: Paul remained single because he believed not that marriage was bad, rather, that marriage could be a distraction from spreading the gospel. I believe that he does make a point that we tend to get wrapped up in us our lives and pull attention away from God and the study and spread of His Word.
In verses 17-24 Paul is dealing with the wider question of the Christian’s position in the society of his day. What rule is laid down for the Christian three times in these verses? How does this apply to us? Answer: the rule: Stay where God has put you. Don’t look for something different. Everyone is to do His will, not our own, based on the gifts He gave us.
Gather out Paul’s practical teaching about married life (2-5, 10-16) and compare his more theological treatment in Eph 5:22-33. Answer: I think they are saying the same thing about marriage. I think in today’s passage Paul is saying let’s not get wrapped up in marriage and things of the world. Let us focus on God and his return.
Notes
V14There seems to have been a fear in come minds that continued union with an unbeliever after conversion to Christ might be defiling to the Christian partner. Paul says the opposite can happen.
V17-24. Being ‘called’ in this section refers not to a person’s place and function in human society, but to God’s call through Christ to sinners.
V26, 28, 29, 31-35. The trying and transitory character of this present world, the added anxieties of married life, and desire to give undivided devotion to the Lord may provide reasons for abstaining from Unnecessary change or involvement.
V36-38. A difficult section. Paul was probably advising a young man about his fiancée. But he could have been advising a father or guarding about a girl under his care.
Why did Paul remain single (v7-8)? See v 25-35. Are his reasons relevant for us today? Answer: Paul remained single because he believed not that marriage was bad, rather, that marriage could be a distraction from spreading the gospel. I believe that he does make a point that we tend to get wrapped up in us our lives and pull attention away from God and the study and spread of His Word.
In verses 17-24 Paul is dealing with the wider question of the Christian’s position in the society of his day. What rule is laid down for the Christian three times in these verses? How does this apply to us? Answer: the rule: Stay where God has put you. Don’t look for something different. Everyone is to do His will, not our own, based on the gifts He gave us.
Gather out Paul’s practical teaching about married life (2-5, 10-16) and compare his more theological treatment in Eph 5:22-33. Answer: I think they are saying the same thing about marriage. I think in today’s passage Paul is saying let’s not get wrapped up in marriage and things of the world. Let us focus on God and his return.
Notes
V14There seems to have been a fear in come minds that continued union with an unbeliever after conversion to Christ might be defiling to the Christian partner. Paul says the opposite can happen.
V17-24. Being ‘called’ in this section refers not to a person’s place and function in human society, but to God’s call through Christ to sinners.
V26, 28, 29, 31-35. The trying and transitory character of this present world, the added anxieties of married life, and desire to give undivided devotion to the Lord may provide reasons for abstaining from Unnecessary change or involvement.
V36-38. A difficult section. Paul was probably advising a young man about his fiancée. But he could have been advising a father or guarding about a girl under his care.
Apr 25, 2010
April 25, 2010 Lesson 4 of 1 Corinthians 5 and 6
Notice in chapter 5 the distinction in the attitudes enjoined towards sinning Christians and sinning non-Christians. What special actions are demanded here of the local church, and why are such actions necessary? Answer: Those who are immoral, continually sinning especially sexual sin, must be punished. In the example here the sexually immoral person is ostracized from the church in order that he may feel guilt for his behavior and repent.
6:12-20. These verses stress the permanent significance of the Christian’s body. List the points mentioned here. What does it mean to glorify God in your body? What kind of actions are: a) appropriate, and b) undesirable or even unthinkable? Answer: I believe, based on this passage, that to honor God with your body means to flee from sexual immorality. As it says when the two become one in a sexually immoral way, it is defiling God in you.
6:1-11. What reasons does Paul give here for viewing the public washing by Christians of their dirty linen as a denial of the church’s mission in the world? Answer: I am not sure what Paul says to make this a denial of the church’s mission in the world. However, I do see that Paul is saying that because they have these lawsuits show that they are practicing greed, retaliation, and hatred. They should be practicing love, unselfishness, and “even a willingness to suffer loss.”
Notes:
5:2’Proud’ (arrogant or puffed up). Used often by Paul in this letter (4:18-19; 5:2; 8:1; 13:4).
5:5. Paul implies that physical affliction may follow excommunication.
5:6-8. Paul enforces his point by referring to the Passover practice of searching out and destroying all the old leaven before (not after) the Passover Lamb is eaten. See Exod. 12:14-15, 19.
6:12-20. These verses stress the permanent significance of the Christian’s body. List the points mentioned here. What does it mean to glorify God in your body? What kind of actions are: a) appropriate, and b) undesirable or even unthinkable? Answer: I believe, based on this passage, that to honor God with your body means to flee from sexual immorality. As it says when the two become one in a sexually immoral way, it is defiling God in you.
6:1-11. What reasons does Paul give here for viewing the public washing by Christians of their dirty linen as a denial of the church’s mission in the world? Answer: I am not sure what Paul says to make this a denial of the church’s mission in the world. However, I do see that Paul is saying that because they have these lawsuits show that they are practicing greed, retaliation, and hatred. They should be practicing love, unselfishness, and “even a willingness to suffer loss.”
Notes:
5:2’Proud’ (arrogant or puffed up). Used often by Paul in this letter (4:18-19; 5:2; 8:1; 13:4).
5:5. Paul implies that physical affliction may follow excommunication.
5:6-8. Paul enforces his point by referring to the Passover practice of searching out and destroying all the old leaven before (not after) the Passover Lamb is eaten. See Exod. 12:14-15, 19.
Apr 24, 2010
April 24, 2010 Lesson 3 of 1 Corinthians 3 and 4
3:1-4:2. Discover and summarize all that this section has to teach concerning the place and tasks of Christian worker. What is, or should be, their relationship to: a) God, b) each other, and c) those among whom they work? Answer: Each person has a place as determined by God. Some are planters, some water. It is only God who can make it grow by opening the eyes of the unbeliever. It is only God that can soften the heart of the unbeliever to lay the foundation for the building to be built.
4:1-21. What lessons are to be learnt from the earthly lot of the apostles? Why are men’s judgments concerning the worth of Christian ministers’ work of such little value? How and when will the real worth of a man’s work for God be made plain? Can the value of what he does affect his own salvation? Or what will it affect? See 3:13-15. Answer: Men’s judgment is of little value because it is not man who will judge, it is God. We, like Paul, must walk with a clear conscience. Not because we are holy on our own, but because it is God through Christ that makes us holy and righteous. 3:13-15 says: 13. His work will be shown for what it is, because the Day will bring it to light. It will be revealed with fire, and the fire will test the quality of each man’s work. 14. If what he has built survives, he will receive his reward. 15. If it is burned up, he will suffer loss; he himself will be saved, but only as one escaping through the flames. A man’s deeds do not affect his salvation. Rather it affects his reward in heave.
Notes:
3:12-13. The different materials mentioned here can be taken to represent the teachings of those who were ministering in the church; the gold, silver, and precious stones being the doctrines of the Spirit, and the wood, hay, and stubble the wisdom of the world.
4:6. ‘Do not go beyond what is written.’ This was probably a familiar catchphrase of the day. AV supplies verb ‘to think’, which gives a more pointed sense in context than RSV ‘to live.’
4:1-21. What lessons are to be learnt from the earthly lot of the apostles? Why are men’s judgments concerning the worth of Christian ministers’ work of such little value? How and when will the real worth of a man’s work for God be made plain? Can the value of what he does affect his own salvation? Or what will it affect? See 3:13-15. Answer: Men’s judgment is of little value because it is not man who will judge, it is God. We, like Paul, must walk with a clear conscience. Not because we are holy on our own, but because it is God through Christ that makes us holy and righteous. 3:13-15 says: 13. His work will be shown for what it is, because the Day will bring it to light. It will be revealed with fire, and the fire will test the quality of each man’s work. 14. If what he has built survives, he will receive his reward. 15. If it is burned up, he will suffer loss; he himself will be saved, but only as one escaping through the flames. A man’s deeds do not affect his salvation. Rather it affects his reward in heave.
Notes:
3:12-13. The different materials mentioned here can be taken to represent the teachings of those who were ministering in the church; the gold, silver, and precious stones being the doctrines of the Spirit, and the wood, hay, and stubble the wisdom of the world.
4:6. ‘Do not go beyond what is written.’ This was probably a familiar catchphrase of the day. AV supplies verb ‘to think’, which gives a more pointed sense in context than RSV ‘to live.’
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)