1 Corinthians

ON Abed of grass, a chameleon’s skin turns

green. On the earth, it becomes brown. The

animal changes to match the environment.

Many creatures blend into nature with God-

given camouflage suits to aid their survival.

It’s natural to fit in and adapt to the environ-

ment. But followers of Christ are new cre-

ations, born from above and changed from

within, with values and life-styles that con-

front the world and clash with accepted morals. True believers don't blend in very well. The Christians in Corinth were struggling with their environment. Surrounded by corruption and every conceivable sin, they felt the pressure to adapt. They knew they were free in Christ, but what did this freedom mean? How should they view idols or sexuality? What should they do about marriage, women in the church, and the gifts of the Spirit? These were more than theoretical questions—the church was being undermined by immorality and spiritual immaturity. The believers’ faith was being tried in the crucible of immoral Corinth, and some of them were failing the test. Paul heard of their struggles and wrote this letter to address their problems, heal their divisions, and answer their questions. Paul confronted them with their sin and their need for corrective action and clear commitment io Christ. After a brief introduction (1:1—-9), Paul immediately turns to the question of unity (1:10—4:21). He emphasizes the clear and simple gospel message around which all believers should rally, he explains the role of church leaders, and he urges them to grow up in their faith.

Paul then deals with the immorality of certain church members and the issue of lawsuits among Christians (5:1—6:8). He tells the believers to exercise church discipline and to settle their internal matters themselves. Because so many of the problems in the Corinthian church involved sex, Paul denounces sexual sin in the strongest possible terms (6:9-20).

Next, Paul answers some of the Corinthians’ questions. Because prostitution and immorality were pervasive, marriages in Corinth were in shambles, and Christians weren’t sure how to react. Paul gives pointed and practical answers (7:1—40). Concerning the question of meat sacrificed to idols, Paul suggests that they show complete commitment to Christ and sensitivity to other believers, especially weaker brothers and sisters (8:1—11:1).

Paul goes on to talk about worship, and he carefully explains the role of women, the LORD’s Supper, and spiritual gifts (11:2—14:40). Sandwiched in the middle of this section is his magnificent description of the greatest gift—love (chapter 13). Then Paul concludes with a discussion of the resurrection (15:1-58), some final thoughts, greetings, and a benediction (16:1-24).

This letter confronts the Corinthians about their sins and shortcomings. And 1 Corinthians calls all Christians to be careful not to blend in with the world and accept its values and life-styles. We must live Christ-centered, blameless, loving lives that make a difference for God. As you read 1 Corinthians, examine your values in light of complete commitment to Christ.

1 CORINTHIANS 1 1926

Without Paul's presence, the Corinthian church had fallen into divisiveness and disorder. This resulted in many problems, which Paul addressed squarely. We must be concerned for unity and order in our local churches, but we should not mistake inactivity for order and cordiality for unity. We, too, must squarely address problems in our churches. The Corinthians had sent Paul a list of questions, and he answered them in a way meant to correct abuses in the church and to show how important it is that they live what they believe. Paul gives us a Christian approach to problem solving. He analyzed the problem thoroughly to uncover the underlying issue and then highlighted the biblical values that should guide our actions.

🖼 Map, chart or picture (see the original page image) — text in this graphic: immorality

🖼 Map, chart or picture (see the original page image) — text in this graphic: nn

A. PAUL ADDRESSES CHURCH PROBLEMS (1:1—6:20) Through various sources, Paul had received reports of problems in the Corinthian church including jealousy, divisiveness, sexual immorality, and failure to discipline members. Churches today must also address the problems they faced. We can learn a great deal by observing how Paul handled these delicate situations. Greetings from Paul

This letter is from Paul, chosen by the will of God to be an apostle of Christ Jesus, and

from our brother Sosthenes.

🖼 Map, chart or picture (see the original page image) — text in this graphic: ne

4:1. Paul wrote this letter to the church in Corinth while he was visiting Ephesus during his third missionary journey (Acts 19:1— 20:1). Corinth and Ephesus faced each other across the Aegean Sea. Paul knew the Corinthian church well because he had spent 18 months in Corinth during his second missionary journey (Acts 18:1-18). While in Ephesus, he had heard about problems in Corinth (4:11). About the same time, a delegation from the Corin-

thian church had visited Paul to ask his advice about their conflicts (16:17). Paul’s purpose for writing was to correct those problems and to answer questions church members had asked in a previous letter (7:1). 1:1. Paul was given a special calling from God to preach about Jesus Christ. Each Christian has a job to do, a role to take, ora contribution to make. One assignment may seem more spectacular