1 Corinthians 1:18-31 = March 29

1 Corinthians 1:18-31

 

OPEN:

What was the least useful class you had to take in school? Why?

How do you feel about speaking before a group?

 

DIG:

What do the Jews seek? What do the Greeks want? What is "Christ crucified" to the Jews? To the Gentile Greeks? How does Christ fulfill what both groups are looking for (1 Corinthians 1:22-25)?

What was the "wisdom and strength" that was so attractive to the Corinthians (1 Corinthians 1:20-21,26; 2:1, 4-5)? What does this reveal about the division in 1 Corinthians 1:12?

In contrast, what was the "wisdom and power" of God?

Is Paul rejecting education itself, or some related and prideful assumptions?

 

REFLECT:

What pictures come to mind when you think of powerful, successful people? How do these images sometimes conflict with knowing Christ?

How do people today confuse the world's power with God's power? How does that affect you?

What do you think Paul means when he says that the foolish and lowly things will shame the wise and strong? How does your own life reflect this principle?

 

 

 

Other Resources:

Living in the Spirit 1 Corinthians 2

1 Corinthians 1:1-17 = March 28

 1 Corinthians 1:1-17

OPEN:

• When you were 8, who was your hero? 
• Have you ever felt like you were a part of a close-knit team? When?

DIG:

• What kind of place was Corinth? How would life in Corinth affect a young church? (See Introduction to 1 Corinthians.) 
• Paul spent 18 months in Corinth, his second-longest stay with any of the new churches he started. What kind of feelings or emotional connection do you think he had with the people in those churches? 
• Why would Paul emphasize in 1 Corinthians 1:1 that he is an apostle? 
• What divides the church in Corinth (1 Corinthians 1:11-12,15)? Who was Apollos (see Acts 18:24-19:1)?

REFLECT

• Do you feel like the thanksgiving in 1 Corinthians 1:4-9 describes you? Why or why not? 
• Have you ever been a part of a church that was divided? What was it like? Have you ever been a part of a church that was single-minded and unified? What was it like? 
• Have you been baptized? Did your personal relationship with Christ change because of your baptism? Share about that change. 
• Who has been or is your spiritual hero? Why? 
• Have you ever put your spiritual hero above Christ? Why or why not?

Other Resources:

 Church Unity 1 Corinthians 1

Life of Paul - Paul's Letters to Corinth

Life of Paul - Paul's Ministry to Christians at Corinth

Series on the Life of Paul

Possible Date: 56 A. D.

• The book of 1 Corinthians is penned from Ephesus when Paul stayed in the city during his third missionary journey.

Scripture: 1 & 2 Corinthians

NOTE: 

#Paul

#Apostle Paul

Paul continues his writing ministry. We will focus on the relationship and communication with the Christians in Corinth. The apostle Paul is almost universally recognized as the author of 1 Corinthians. In the letter, probably written about A.D. 55 during the third missionary journey, he remarked, “I will tarry in Ephesus until Pentecost” (1 Cor. 16:8). Since he was planning his departure, he probably wrote 1 Corinthians during the last of his 3 years in Ephesus (Acts 20:31).

Paul sent a letter to the Church in Corinth by the hands of Timothy, who recently would have passed through Corinth on his way to Macedonia. In a second letter, perhaps AD 55 to 56, Paul mentions the previous Corinthian letter and indicates that he has received a return letter from the Corinthians which has been brought to Ephesus by a group including Stephanas, Fortunatus, and Achaicus. Although the content of Paul's first letter is unknown, the letter Paul received from the Corinthians poses specific questions regarding marriage and singleness, food sacrificed to idols, spiritual gifts, and certain special contributions which the Corinthians were making. 

Paul’s writing of 1 Corinthians was apparently prompted by the visit with him in Ephesus of a delegation from the Corinthian church. This delegation from “Chloe’s household” (1 Cor. 1:11) may also have included Stephanas (the head of another important household), Fortunatus, and Achaicus (16:15–17). They seem to have brought not only an oral report (5:1), but perhaps also a formal letter. Paul answers these questions in his second letter (traditionally referred to as 1 Corinthians) and expresses concerns about various divisions among the Corinthians which have been reported to Paul by members of Chloe's family. Additionally, Paul addresses some of the particular problems which these Christians are facing in the pagan city of Corinth, including matters about sexual morality and modesty, and the issue of fellowship with pagans.

The Corinth which Paul knew had been founded as a Roman colony during the century before Christ. It was strategically located in the Roman province of Achaia on a narrow strip of land between the Aegean Sea and the Adriatic, with two adjoining ports. Corinth’s location made it a center of the trade routes passing from east to west. Prosperity brought luxury and immorality. The expression “To live like a Corinthian” to one Athenian writer meant living in gross immorality.

The church which Paul had established in Corinth during his second missionary journey (Acts 18:1–17) was very diverse, including men and women, rich and poor. The report from Chloe’s household informed Paul of divisions in the church; they were developing conflicting loyalties to different human teachers (1 Cor. 1:10–13). He wanted them to understand that salvation is not based on human wisdom or personalities, but on Christ crucified and the work of God in building His church.

Corinth was located near the isthmus of land joining the mainland of Greece to the peninsula called the Peloponnesus (1 Cor. 1:2). It was the site of the Isthmian Games, an important competition similar to the Olympic Games. Not only men but women competed in these games, with the prize being a sprig of celery. The Isthmian Games were held in A.D. 49 and 51.

Paul answered each of the questions raised in their letter to him, usually indicating his transition from topic to topic by the phrase “now concerning” (see 7:1, 25; 8:1; 12:1; 16:1, 12). His instructions to them covered Christian marriage and sexual practice (7:1–40). They might eat food that had been offered to idols, but they should do nothing that gave even the appearance of idol worship (8:1–11:1). Church worship should be conducted decently and with consideration for others (11:2–34). Spiritual gifts should be used for building up others (12:1–31) in true Christian love (13:1–13). Prophecy is better than tongues because it edifies (14:1–40). Because Christ has risen (15:1–11), we too will rise (15:12–34) with a new spiritual body (15:35–58).

During this period of time, several things may have happened...

• Paul made a short visit to Corinth, his second - cf. 2 Co 12:14; 13:1
• 1) His first visit was during the second journey - Ac 18:1
• 2) His third visit was later on the third journey - Ac 20:1-3
• 3) The book of Acts is silent about his second visit, but most place it sometime during his extended stay at Ephesus
• Paul wrote a letter to the Corinthians (now lost), alluded to in 1 Co 5:9

• First Corinthians

• Though he himself stayed “for a time”, during which he writes First Corinthians (spring of 57 A.D.) - 1 Co 16:5-8
• Purpose: To correct sinful practices and refute false doctrine
• Theme: Walk together in unity, love, and truth
• Brief Outline:
• Factions in the church - 1 Co 1:1-4:21
• Sexual immorality in the church - 1 Co 5:1-13
• Lawsuits among brethren - 1 Co 6:1-11
• Moral defilements - 1 Co 6:12-20
• Marriage and celibacy - 1 Co 7:1-40
• Meats sacrificed to idols - 1 Co 8:1-11:1
• Women praying and prophesying unveiled - 1 Co 11:2-16
• The Lord’s Supper - 1 Co 11:17-34
• Spiritual gifts - 1 Co 12:1-14:40
• Resurrection from the dead - 1 Co 15:1-58
• Collection for the saints - 1 Co 16:1-4
• Concluding remarks, instructions, benediction - 1 Co 16:5-24
• Paul sends Titus and “a brother” to Corinth - cf. 2 Co 12:17-18
• To bring Paul word as to how the Corinthians received the first letter?
• To encourage the Corinthians concerning the collection? - 2 Co 8:6a
• Whose delayed return would later give Paul concern - 2 Co 2:12-13
• But who would eventually bring Paul good news - 2 Co 7:5-7,13-16
• Additional details about Paul’s stay in Ephesus
• Sosthenes was there, joining Paul in writing to the Corinthians - 1 Co 1:1
• Paul had been visited by Stephanas, Fortunatus, and Achaicus - 1 Co 16:17
• Aquila and Priscilla hosted the church in their house, and sent greetings to those in Corinth - Ac 18:2,19,26; 1 Co 16:19
• As mentioned in letters to the Corinthians - 1 Co 15:30-32; 2 Co 1:8-11

https://www.youtube.com/c/edmondchurchofchrist

Other Resources:

First Visit to Corinth

Second Visit to Corinth

1 Corinthians - Introduction = March 28

1 Corinthians - Introduction

Note: Paul's 1 Corinthians letter was carried by Timothy to Corinth

Paul's 2 Corinthian letter was carried by Titus to Corinth

In 1 Corinthians, Paul applies the Gospel to the sin, conflicts, and problems within the church at Corinth. Many of these problems stemmed from the Greek's views about wisdom, which informed many of their moral and religious decisions. The Gospel of Jesus counteracts the world's wisdom because Jesus' death did not look like wisdom to most people. However, in this letter, Paul proves that Jesus going to the cross is the wisest thing that has ever happened.

March 23 = 2 Thessalonians 3:1-18

Paul's Prayer Request

2 Thessalonians 3:1-5

Warning Against Lazy, Irresponsible Behavior

2 Thessalonians 3:6-15

Final Greeting and Benediction

2 Thessalonians 3:16-18

(2 THESSALONIANS 3)

Paul closes his letter with a request for prayer and an exhortation to a life of godliness.

I. Paul’s Request (3:1–2): He asks for prayer for two things from the believers in Thessalonica.

A. That they pray for God’s messenger (3:2): He asks for prayer that he would be delivered from wicked and evil men.

B. That they pray for God’s message (3:1): Paul desires that the gospel message be allowed to spread rapidly everywhere.

II. Paul’s Reassurance (3:3–5)

A. He reassures them concerning God’s faithfulness (3:3–4).

B. He reassures them concerning God’s love and patience (3:5).

III. Paul’s Reprimand (3:6–18)

A. The recipients (3:6–11, 13, 14b): Paul lists three kinds of individuals needing to be rebuked.

1. The lazy (3:6–10): They should work hard.

2. The gossipers (3:11, 13): They should mind their own business and do good.

3. The disobedient (3:14b): Stay away from them.

B. The rules (3:12, 14a, 15): Paul gives three steps to be taken in dealing with these individuals.

1. Step 1—identify them (3:14a)

2. Step 2—admonish them (3:12, 15a)

3. Step 3—love them (3:15b): Look upon the person not as an enemy but as an erring brother or sister.

IV. Paul’s Final Remarks (3:16–18)

A. The apostle’s heart (3:16, 18)

1. He prays that they will experience God’s peace (3:16).

2. He prays that they will experience God’s grace (3:18).

B. The apostle’s hand (3:17): He pens the closing words with his own hand.

 

 

OPEN:

• What is one prayer you were taught to memorize? 
• What was your first paid job? How long or hard did you work at it? What did you do with your money?

DIG:

• Paul has twice prayed for these people (2 Thessalonians 1:11-12; 2:16-17). How does he want them to pray for him and his companions? How would the encouragements in verses 3-5 help them in their trials? 
• How might a misunderstanding of Paul's earlier teaching (1 Thessalonians 5:1-3) have led to the problem of idleness? Why would Paul see that as a serious problem then (1 Thessalonians 4:11-12) and now (2 Thessalonians 3:6)? What model does Paul leave for the others to follow (2 Thessalonians 3:7-13)? What does this have to do with taking responsibility? 
• Why does Paul call attention to his handwriting (2 Thessalonians 3:17)? How else is the close of the letter similar to its beginning? Why do you think Paul emphasizes grace and peace? What does it say about God's will?

REFLECT:

• On a scale from 1 (high anxiety) to 10 (blissfully peaceful), where would you rate your sense of God's peace now? Where in particular do you need group prayer and support? 
• How are God's love and Christ's perseverance needed in your life now?
• What have you found helpful in encouraging you to pray for missionaries? For whom do you regularly pray? What types of pressures may he or she face in that part of the world? 
• Are you idle, a busy-body, a worrywart, or a workaholic?
• What is God's message to you in 2 Thessalonians?

SOMEONE IS WATCHING

Dr. Joe Pettigrew

“We hear that some among you are idle and disruptive. They are not busy; they are busybodies. ” 2 Thessalonians 3:7-9

One very important task every Christian is responsible for is to be a good example to others. Many of our co-workers and friends do not read the Word of God for themselves, they have not learned what God wants them to do, and are more reliant on a Godly example than they probably should be. It is dangerous for them to totally follow someone else, but it happens every day.

For this reason, the Apostle Paul was very aware when people paid attention to his behavior and actions. He warns us to keep our distance from others who are not doing right (disorderly), even if they are Christians. He defines “disorderly” as those who are lazy and not working, and those who are meddling in other people's business (“busybodies”). Association with these people may give others the impression that you are also like the crowd you are with. (Sounds like advice you heard from your mother, doesn’t it?)

Don’t stop doing what you know to be right. There are those around you, even Christians, who may not be obeying God or involved in reaching others for Christ. We are to keep on track and not get tired, no matter what others are doing. 

“But ye, brethren, be not weary in well doing.” 2 Thessalonians 3:13

Thought of the Day:  Your friends will often follow the actions and behavior of those they associate with. With this in mind, your responsibility is be a proper, Godly “example”. Provide those who are watching you by leading them down the right path. 

March 22 = 2 Thessalonians 2:1-17

The Man of Lawlessness Will Be Revealed.

2 Thessalonians 2:1-12

Stand Firm and Hold Fast Because You Are Chosen for Salvation

2 Thessalonians 2:13-17

OPEN:

• At what stage in life were you "rebellious"? What memory (painful or humorous) is associated with those times of conflict?

DIG:

• What must have been happening in Thessalonica to lead Paul to write this? 
• How much time was Paul able to spend with the Thessalonians (Acts 17:2)? How would this affect their willingness to believe rumors about Christ's return (2 Thessalonians 2:2)? 
• Whom do you think is the restrainer of this lawless one (2 Thessalonians 2:6-7)? How do you think this "restraining order" is enforced? 
• What is God's ultimate purpose in allowing the "man of lawlessness" to deceive people? What signs mark his appearing? 
• How will those who refuse Christ respond to this "man"? How does the "powerful delusion" sent by God differ from the deceptive evil of this "man" (2 Thessalonians 2:10-12)? 
• How and why will God save his people (2 Thessalonians 2:13–14)? In response to God's initiative and Paul's ministry, what are the people to do?

REFLECT:

• How does this passage on Christ's Second Coming, and what will precede it, make you feel? Afraid? Relieved? Rather not think about it? Why? How do you think Paul would have wanted you to feel? 
• What encouragement do verses 13-14 give you as you face hard times? Where do you need encouragement and strength from God now? 
• Put this prayer (2 Thessalonians 2:16-17) in your own words and pray it for one another this week.

Devotional

 IS THERE SOMEONE WHO MAKES YOU SMILE?

“But we are bound to give thanks always to God for you….” — 2 Thessalonians 2:13

This morning, I was thinking about different things I had survived throughout my ministry. It started out as a positive reflection, but before I realized what was happening, I had slipped into thinking of all the people who had wronged me over the years.

I felt myself sinking mentally and emotionally into the sticky mire of those negative thoughts. I realized my thoughts were going in the wrong direction and swiftly put on the brakes. I shifted into reverse to escape that mode of thinking and began mentally compiling a list of everyone who had been a blessing to me over the years.

The number of individuals who had been a blessing to me was so long that I couldn’t stop listing them! In comparison, the sheer number of these blessed connections swallowed the names of those who had become negative memories in my life.

One brother’s name in particular literally made me smile. Just the mention of his name puts a smile on my face. I decided I would say his name to several other people who knew him to see how his name affected them — and every person, without exception, smiled when I mentioned his name. I thought, what a blessing that the mere mention of a person’s name would make people smile!

This must have been how Paul felt about the Thessalonian believers, because when he wrote to them, he said, “But we are bound to give thanks always to God for you…” (2 Thessalonians 2:13).

The word “bound” is the Greek word opheilo, which describes an obligation. Whenever Paul began to ponder the great things God had done in the lives of the Thessalonian congregation, he felt obligated to stop what he was doing and give thanks to God for that group of believers. The mere thought of the Thessalonians put a smile on his face! They had been such a blessing to Paul that he felt an overwhelming sense of obligation to stop whatever he was doing to thank God for them. This is the way I feel about my friend, and I hope you have someone who does that for you.

Thought of the Day: We, too, must learn to stop and thank God for what He has done in our lives — especially for those who have been a blessing to us and who cause us to smile at the mere thought of their name! We have an obligation to stop and remember all that God has done and to give Him thanks.

 

THE ONE THING CONSTANT IN CHANGE

“So then, brothers and sisters, stand firm and hold fast to the teachings we passed on to you, whether by word of mouth or by letter. May our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who loved us and by his grace gave us eternal encouragement and good hope, encourage your hearts and strengthen you in every good deed and word.” 2 Thessalonians 2:15-17

My Aunt Virginia was almost a dinosaur when she retired from her job a few years ago. She was past retirement age, but her job longevity was what seems so out of place in today’s culture. She worked at the same place, doing the same job, for 50 years! Such job stability seems as strange to us as dinosaurs would be in your backyard.

When she was employed at the Hunter Fan Company in Memphis, Tennessee, she was only seeking a temporary job, and she was just 18 years old. However, what she found was a long career winding fan motors, and when she retired she was the employee that has served the company longer than any other employee. She was given a frozen turkey on her last day of employment.

We are frequently told that employees of the 21st century will have to continually upgrade their skills and even change careers several times because of rapidly changing technology. However, just because technology and skills are changing at an exponential rate that doesn’t mean that everything in life should follow suit. It is unlikely there will be many people who can hold a job for 50 years in the future. This will be increasingly rare and even more of an exception to the norm than it is now.

In the midst of a tumultuous living and work environment, we can still find stability. Even though we may have to move from one state to another, or one company to another, we can still have stability in our lives. Our spiritual stability hinges upon one thing—our relationship with Jesus Christ. God does not change, and He is the same today as He was yesterday, and as He will be tomorrow.

To have stability in the midst of change, we must remember to put Christ first in our lives (Matthew 6:33). To have stability and the accompanying peace that it brings in the midst of the storm of change, we must look to God to provide what only He can give us (Philippians 4:6-7).

In my lifetime, I have had to move from one place to another, and I have had several employers, including those in my teenage years. In the midst of change and uncertainty, God has given me the stability of peace beyond human understanding. This does not mean that I have not experienced stress, fear, doubt, and depression, just as you have. It does mean that God has walked with me and carried me through it each step of the way. He will do the same for you!

Thought of the Day: Maybe it is time to let go of a job, a position, or a habit that you have held for ever. Maybe it is time to say, “God what do you have for me next. I'm ready.”

March 21 = 2 Thessalonians 1:1-12

Greeting

2 Thessalonians 1:1-2

Thanksgiving for the Thessalonian Believers

2 Thessalonians 1:3-4

The Judgment at Christ’s Coming

2 Thessalonians 1:5-12

OPEN QUESTIONS:

• What did your parents do right in raising you? What rewards and punishments worked best?

 =====

2 Thessalonians 1

1Paul, Silas and Timothy,

To the church of the Thessalonians in God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ:

2Grace and peace to you from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

Thanksgiving and Prayer

3We ought always to thank God for you, brothers and sisters, and rightly so, because your faith is growing more and more, and the love all of you have for one another is increasing. 4Therefore, among God’s churches we boast about your perseverance and faith in all the persecutions and trials you are enduring.

5All this is evidence that God’s judgment is right, and as a result you will be counted worthy of the kingdom of God, for which you are suffering. 6God is just: He will pay back trouble to those who trouble you 7and give relief to you who are troubled, and to us as well. This will happen when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven in blazing fire with his powerful angels. 8He will punish those who do not know God and do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus. 9They will be punished with everlasting destruction and shut out from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of his might 10on the day he comes to be glorified in his holy people and to be marveled at among all those who have believed. This includes you, because you believed our testimony to you.

11With this in mind, we constantly pray for you, that our God may make you worthy of his calling, and that by his power he may bring to fruition your every desire for goodness and your every deed prompted by faith. 12We pray this so that the name of our Lord Jesus may be glorified in you, and you in him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ. 

 ======

OUTLINE

2 THESSALONIANS 1

Paul opens his second letter to the Thessalonians by praising them for faith in Christ and for their love for one another. He encourages them, saying that the persecution they are enduring will prepare them for the Kingdom.

I. Paul’s Praise of the Church at Thessalonica (1:1–4)

A. The church’s testimony (1:1–3)

1. Their faith in the Savior has grown more and more (1:1–3a).

2. Their love for the saints has grown more and more (1:3b).

B. The church’s trials (1:4): They have grown spiritually in spite of troubles and trials.

II. Paul’s Promise to the Church at Thessalonica (1:5–10): The apostle says their trials will be used to accomplish a twofold purpose.

A. What (1:5–6)

1. Concerning the persecuted (1:5): Their hardships will be used to prepare believers for the Kingdom of God.

2. Concerning the persecutors (1:6): God is already preparing judgment and punishment for those who harm believers.

B. When (1:7–10): Both purposes will be accomplished at Christ’s second coming.

III. Paul’s Prayer for the Church at Thessalonica (1:11–12)

A. Concerning God’s power (1:11a): That it might strengthen them.

B. Concerning God’s purpose (1:11b): That it might be fulfilled in them.

C. Concerning God’s person (1:12): That he might be glorified by them.

 

 DIGGING QUESTIONS:

• What has happened since Paul wrote 1 Thessalonians (2 Thessalonians 1:4)? How has persecution affected this church? 

• What is the evidence that they are "worthy" of God's kingdom (2 Thessalonians 1:5)? 

• Who is on trial here? Who is on the witness stand? In the judge's chambers? 

• Why is God waiting until the Second Coming to punish these persecutors? Who benefits from this delayed justice? How so? 

• What quality do you think Paul admires most in these Christians? 

• What do you see as the net effect of Paul's thanksgiving and prayer?

REFLECTION & ACTION QUESTIONS:

• How will you exercise faith and love this week in a specific way or relationship? 

• Which of your current struggles are a result of being a Christian? 

• How do you feel about the punishment mentioned in verses 8-9? How might you feel if you were being severely oppressed? 

• Pray Paul's prayer (2 Thessalonians 1:11-12) in your own words for one another this week.

Devotional

How to be Saved – 2 Thessalonians 1:8 “In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ.”

The main point to the above verse is the punishment God will give those who trouble the saints of God. But a close examination of this verse will reveal the way to be saved. Notice first that the vengeance of God will be taken on two groups of people: ‘them that know not God and that obey not the gospel’. Examining those two groups, we can see here how we may avoid the “everlasting destruction” (2 Thessalonians 1:9) that our heavenly Father will bring upon the disobedient.

First, we see that one group of people who will be punished is those who know not God. In order, therefore, to avoid the vengeance of God, we must know God. How do we learn about God so that we may know Him? Our answer comes from Romans 10:13-17, hearing the word of God. Without hearing the word of God, we cannot believe in God nor know Him. If we then know Him, we will be able to avoid His vengeance and be able to enjoy eternity in heaven.

Secondly, to avoid the ‘everlasting destruction’ of the Lord, we must obey the gospel. Jesus taught that, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe the gospel” (Mark 1:15). That which concerns the kingdom of God is what makes up the gospel of Christ. We can find in the scriptures that Jesus is the head of the kingdom/body/church (Colossians 1:18), salvation is in Christ (Ephesians 3:6), and all spiritual blessings are in Christ (Ephesians 1:3). The gospel is the “good news” of salvation in Jesus Christ.

It should really come as no surprise that 2 Thessalonians 1:8, with the same words, shows both what will condemn a person and what will save their soul. If not knowing God and not obeying the gospel will bring the vengeance of God upon us, then it must also be true that knowing God and obeying the gospel will keep us from suffering from that same vengeance.

In Christ, Steve Preston