With 1 Corinthians 4, we finished the first major section of 1Corinthians and moved into some of Paul’s more challenging teaching on issues like sexual immorality, lawsuits between believers, and what separates believers from the world. As we waded into deep theological waters, we’ve seen the overwhelming importance of context, especially when his argument crosses multiple chapters. Thanks for listening and emailing! Welcome new subscribers!
Archives for 2019
#TBT – Hebrew Calendar
When studying the Old Testament, dates can be a source of confusion, especially when they switch between the Jewish name and the Babylonian name in the same story. Here are my reference tables.
16 1Corinthians 6:15-20 Glorify God in your body
Paul argues that the pursuit of sexual purity is a necessary part of following Christ, because we belong to him in a profound way and God created sexuality with a specific meaning.
15 1Corinthians 6:9-14 All things are lawful
Paul counters two arguments the Corinthians used to justify their choices: “all things are lawful” and “food is for the stomach.”
14 1Corinthians 6:1-8 Taking legal action
Should believers take other believers to secular law court? Paul confronts the Corinthian church for doing so. But like the other issues he’s addressed, Paul is more concerned with the attitudes behind their taking legal action.
Leader Evaluation Sample
When you recruit feedback from your students at the end of a Bible study year, don’t forget to solicit feedback from your leaders. If you are blessed to have dedicated leadership returning year after year, you may want to keep it short. Here’s an example we’ve used at Wednesday in the Word. This example survey is geared to a Bible study with a large group, small groups and homework. Customize it to fit your programs.
13 1Corinthians 5:6-13 Leaven in the dough
Continuing his discussion of the man having an affair with his stepmother, Paul uses a common biblical analogy that a little leaven leavens the whole lump of dough. What exactly is he telling us about the church?
July 2019 Recap
You can now find a resource page for every book of the the New Testament on WitW! These pages contain links to maps, background information, charts, overviews, introductions, encyclopedias and key words to help you do your own inductive study! I hope you find them useful. On the podcast, I plan teach through 1Corinthians 8, take a break and return to 1Corinthians. Thanks for listening and emailing!
12 1Corinthians 4:17-5:5 Ignoring Immorality
Paul confronts the Corinthian church about their attitude toward a man having an affair with his stepmother. Paul is concerned with the blatant disregard of God’s law by the man in question, and even more concerned with the attitude the church is taking toward his behavior.
11 1Corinthians 3:18-4:16 Be foolish to the world
Paul concludes the first major section of this letter by urging them to repent and imitate him in following Christ and looking foolish to the world.
Example First Day Sign up forms
The first day of Bible study typically requires a lot of teamwork and cooperation. You probably need leaders to sign up for both refreshments and tasks. Here’s two example sign up forms.
Are there rewards in heaven Part 2?
Should we expect rewards in heaven for our behavior in this life? If 1 Corinthians 3 does NOT teach that we will receive rewards in heaven, are there other passages which do teach that doctrine?