When "Rights" are Wrong: 1 Corinthians 8

18 Let no one deceive himself. If anyone among you thinks that he is wise in this age, let him become a fool that he may become wise. 1 Corinthians 3:18 (ESV)

28 For it has seemed good to the Holy Spirit and to us to lay on you no greater burden than these requirements: 29 that you abstain from what has been sacrificed to idols . . . Acts 15:28-29 (ESV)

1. The superiority of love over “rights”
1 Now concerning food offered to idols: we know that “all of us possess knowledge.” This “knowledge” puffs up, but love builds up. 2 If anyone imagines that he knows something, he does not yet know as he ought to know. 3 But if anyone loves God, he is known by God. 1 Corinthians 8:1-3 (ESV)

10 See, I have set you this day over nations and over kingdoms, to pluck up and to break down, to destroy and to overthrow, to build and to plant.” Jeremiah 1:10 (ESV)

9 But now that you have come to know God, or rather to be known by God, how can you turn back again to the weak and worthless elementary principles of the world, whose slaves you want to be once more? Galatians 4:9 (ESV)

2. The knowledge of the weak affects “rights”
4 Therefore, as to the eating of food offered to idols, we know that “an idol has no real existence,” and that “there is no God but one.” 5 For although there may be so-called gods in heaven or on earth—as indeed there are many “gods” and many “lords”— 6 yet for us there is one God, the Father, from whom are all things and for whom we exist, and one Lord, Jesus Christ, through whom are all things and through whom we exist. 7 However, not all possess this knowledge. But some, through former association with idols, eat food as really offered to an idol, and their conscience, being weak, is defiled. 8 Food will not commend us to God. We are no worse off if we do not eat, and no better off if we do. 1 Corinthians 8:4-8 (ESV)

4 “Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is one. Deuteronomy 6:4 (ESV)

17 For the LORD your God is God of gods and Lord of lords, the great . . . Deuteronomy 10:17 (ESV)

3. The destructive stumbling block caused by “rights”
9 But take care that this right of yours does not somehow become a stumbling block to the weak. 10 For if anyone sees you who have knowledge eating in an idol’s temple, will he not be encouraged, if his conscience is weak, to eat food offered to idols? 11 And so by your knowledge this weak person is destroyed, the brother for whom Christ died. 12 Thus, sinning against your brothers and wounding their conscience when it is weak, you sin against Christ. 13 Therefore, if food makes my brother stumble, I will never eat meat, lest I make my brother stumble. 1 Corinthians 8:9-13 (ESV)

32 Why? Because they did not pursue it by faith, but as if it were based on works. They have stumbled over the stumbling stone, Romans 9:32 (ESV)

6 but whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him to have a great millstone fastened around his neck and to be drowned in the depth of the sea. Matthew 18:6 (ESV)

6 For while we were still weak, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly. Romans 5:6 (ESV)

Counseling for Singles: 1 Corinthians 7:25-40

A consideration in view of the present distress in relation to marriage

25 Now concerning the betrothed, I have no command from the Lord, but I give my judgment as one who by the Lord’s mercy is trustworthy. 26 I think that in view of the present distress it is good for a person to remain as he is. 27 Are you bound to a wife? Do not seek to be free. Are you free from a wife? Do not seek a wife... 1 Corinthians 7:25-27 (ESV)

2. A consideration on general cares of this life in relation to eternity and marriage
28 But if you do marry, you have not sinned, and if a betrothed woman marries, she has not sinned. Yet those who marry will have worldly troubles, and I would spare you that. 29 This is what I mean, brothers: the appointed time has grown very short. From now on, let those who have wives live as though they had none, 30 and those who mourn as though they were not mourning, and those who rejoice as though they were not rejoicing, and those who buy as though they had no goods,31 and those who deal with the world as though they had no dealings with it. For the present form of this world is passing away. 1 Corinthians 7:28-31 (ESV)

18 But they all alike began to make excuses. The first said to him, ‘I have bought a field, and I must go out and see it. Please have me excused.’ 19 And another said, ‘I have bought five yoke of oxen, and I go to examine them. Please have me excused.’ 20 And another said, ‘I have married a wife, and therefore I cannot come.’ Luke 14:16-20 (ESV); Luke 17:26–27

2 Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. Colossians 3:2 (ESV)

4. A consideration of bodily desires for marriage
36 If anyone thinks that he is not behaving properly toward his betrothed, if his passions are strong, and it has to be, let him do as he wishes: let them marry—it is no sin. 37 But whoever is firmly established in his heart, being under no necessity but having his desire under control, and has determined this in his heart, to keep her as his betrothed, he will do well. 1 Corinthians 7:36-37 (ESV)

his virgin daughter, . . . 1 Corinthians 7:36 (NASB95)

the virgin he is engaged to . . . 1 Corinthians 7:36 (NIV)

8 To the unmarried and the widows I say that it is good for them to remain single as I am. 9 But if they cannot exercise self-control, they should marry. For it is better to marry than to burn with passion. 1 Corinthians 7:6-9 (ESV)

5. A consideration of personal preference for marriage

38 So then he who marries his betrothed does well, and he who refrains from marriage will do even better. 1 Corinthians 7:38 (ESV)

31 “Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and hold fast to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh.” 32 This mystery is profound, and I am saying that it refers to Christ and the church . . . Ephesians 5:31-33 (ESV)

6. A consideration of death and remarriage
39 A wife is bound to her husband as long as he lives. But if her husband dies, she is free to be married to whom she wishes, only in the Lord. 40 Yet in my judgment she is happier if she remains as she is. And I think that I too have the Spirit of God. 1 Corinthians 7:39-40 (ESV)

33 But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. Matthew 6:33 (ESV)

Getting the Most out of our Lot in Life

1 Corinthians 7:17-24 (Title by Chuck Swindoll)

1. Bloom where the Lord has planted you.
17 Only let each person lead the life that the Lord has assigned to him, and to which God has called him. This is my rule in all the churches. 1 Corinthians 7:17 (ESV)

2. Your lot in life has nothing to do with your salvation
18 Was anyone at the time of his call already circumcised? Let him not seek to remove the marks of circumcision. Was anyone at the time of his call uncircumcised? Let him not seek circumcision.
1 Corinthians 7:18 (ESV)

28 There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. Galatians 3:28 (ESV)

3. You can honor God no matter where you are.
19 For neither circumcision counts for anything nor uncircumcision, but keeping the commandments of God. 1 Corinthians 7:19 (ESV)

15 For neither circumcision counts for anything, nor uncircumcision, but a new creation.
Galatians 6:15 (ESV)

4. Do not fret if your circumstances inhibit your ability to serve God in the manner you want.
20 Each one should remain in the condition in which he was called. 21 Were you a bondservant when called? Do not be concerned about it . . . 1 Corinthians 7:20-21 (ESV)

5. If you have an opportunity, better your circumstances
21 . . . (But if you can gain your freedom, avail yourself of the opportunity.) 1 Corinthians 7:21 (ESV)

6. We gain our identity not from our place in the world but in our relationship with Christ.
22 For he who was called in the Lord as a bondservant is a freedman of the Lord. Likewise he who was free when called is a bondservant of Christ. 1 Corinthians 7:22 (ESV)

7. Our Loyalties lie wholly with the one who purchased us, Christ.
23 You were bought with a price; do not become bondservants of men. 1 Corinthians 7:23 (ESV)

18 knowing that you were ransomed from the futile ways inherited from your forefathers, not with perishable things such as silver or gold, 19 but with the precious blood of Christ, like that of a lamb without blemish or spot. 1 Peter 1:18-19 (ESV)

8. With God, we can persevere through any circumstance in which He has providentially placed us.
24 So, brothers, in whatever condition each was called, there let him remain with God.
1 Corinthians 7:24 (ESV)

28 And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28 (ESV)

6 Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, 7 casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you. 1 Peter 5:6-7 (ESV)

1 O LORD, my heart is not lifted up; my eyes are not raised too high; I do not occupy myself with things too great and too marvelous for me. 2 But I have calmed and quieted my soul, like a weaned child with its mother; like a weaned child is my soul within me. 3 O Israel, hope in the LORD from this time forth and forevermore. Psalm 131:1-3 (ESV)

Abandonment and Divorce: 1 Corinthians 7:10-16

1. The command not to divorce
10 To the married I give this charge (not I, but the Lord): the wife should not separate from her husband 11 (but if she does, she should remain unmarried or else be reconciled to her husband), and the husband should not divorce his wife. 1 Corinthians 7:10-11 (ESV)

11 And he said to them, “Whoever divorces his wife and marries another commits adultery against her, 12 and if she divorces her husband and marries another, she commits adultery.” Mark 10:11-12 (ESV)

9 And I say to you: whoever divorces his wife, except for sexual immorality, and marries another, commits adultery.” Matthew 19:9 (ESV)

2. The consecration that rules out divorce
12 To the rest I say (I, not the Lord) that if any brother has a wife who is an unbeliever, and she consents to live with him, he should not divorce her. 13 If any woman has a husband who is an unbeliever, and he consents to live with her, she should not divorce him. 14 For the unbelieving husband is made holy because of his wife, and the unbelieving wife is made holy because of her husband. Otherwise your children would be unclean, but as it is, they are holy.
1 Corinthians 7:12-14 (ESV)

1 Likewise, wives, be subject to your own husbands, so that even if some do not obey the word, they may be won without a word by the conduct of their wives, 2 when they see your respectful and pure conduct. 1 Peter 3:1-2 (ESV)

34 “Do not think that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I have not come to bring peace, but a sword. 35 For I have come to set a man against his father, and a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law.36 And a person’s enemies will be those of his own household. 37 Whoever loves father or mother more than me is not worthy of me, and whoever loves son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me. Matthew 10:34-37 (ESV)

14 Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers. For what partnership has righteousness with lawlessness? Or what fellowship has light with darkness? 2 Corinthians 6:14 (ESV)

1 When he came down from the mountain, great crowds followed him. 2 And behold, a leper came to him and knelt before him, saying, “Lord, if you will, you can make me clean.” 3 And Jesus stretched out his hand and touched him, saying, “I will; be clean.” And immediately his leprosy was cleansed. Matthew 8:1-3 (ESV)

19 Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? . . . 1 Corinthians 6:19 (ESV)

3. The concession for divorce
15 But if the unbelieving partner separates, let it be so. In such cases the brother or sister is not enslaved. God has called you to peace. 16 For how do you know, wife, whether you will save your husband? Or how do you know, husband, whether you will save your wife? 1 Corinthians 7:15-16 (ESV)

16 Wife, for all you know, you might save your husband. Husband, for all you know, you might save your wife. 1 Corinthians 7:16 (CSB)

The Kingdom Citizens View on Divorce and Remarriage

1. The Abuse of divorce
31 “It was also said, ‘Whoever divorces his wife, let him give her a certificate of divorce.’
Matthew 5:31 (ESV)

1 “When a man takes a wife and marries her, if then she finds no favor in his eyes because he has found some indecency in her, and he writes her a certificate of divorce and puts it in her hand and sends her out of his house, and she departs out of his house, 2 and if she goes and becomes another man’s wife, 3 and the latter man hates her and writes her a certificate of divorce and puts it in her hand and sends her out of his house, or if the latter man dies, who took her to be his wife, 4 then her former husband, who sent her away, may not take her again to be his wife, after she has been defiled, for that is an abomination before the LORD. And you shall not bring sin upon the land that the LORD your God is giving you for an inheritance. Deuteronomy 24:1-4 (ESV)

2. The Aberration of divorce
32 But I say to you that everyone who divorces his wife, except on the ground of sexual immorality, makes her commit adultery, and whoever marries a divorced woman commits adultery.
Matthew 5:32 (ESV)

3 And Pharisees came up to him and tested him by asking, “Is it lawful to divorce one’s wife for any cause?” 4 He answered, “Have you not read that he who created them from the beginning made them male and female, 5 and said, ‘Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh’? 6 So they are no longer two but one flesh. What therefore God has joined together, let not man separate.” Matthew 19:3-6 (ESV)

God views marriage as a covenant:
14 . . . she is your companion and your wife by covenant. Malachi 2:14 (ESV)

16 "For I hate divorce," says the LORD, the God of Israel Malachi 2:16 (NASB)

2 For a married woman is bound by law to her husband while he lives, but if her husband dies she is released from the law of marriage. Romans 7:2 (ESV)

Question:
7 They said to him, “Why then did Moses command one to give a certificate of divorce and to send her away?” 8 He said to them, “Because of your hardness of heart Moses allowed you to divorce your wives, but from the beginning it was not so. Matthew 19:7-8 (ESV)

3. The Allowance of divorce
32 But I say to you that everyone who divorces his wife, except on the ground of sexual immorality, makes her commit adultery, and whoever marries a divorced woman commits adultery.
Matthew 5:32 (ESV)

9 And I say to you: whoever divorces his wife, except for sexual immorality, and marries another, commits adultery.” Matthew 19:9 (ESV)

The allowance for divorce involves the circumstances of sexual infidelity by an unbelieving spouse.

Marital Love: 1 Corinthians 7:1-9

1. The solution of marital love
1 Now concerning the matters about which you wrote: “It is good for a man not to have sexual relations with a woman.” 2 But because of the temptation to sexual immorality, each man should have his own wife and each woman her own husband. 1 Corinthians 7:1-2 (ESV)

15 Drink water from your own cistern, flowing water from your own well . . . 18 Let your fountain be blessed, and rejoice in the wife of your youth . . . be intoxicated always in her love. 20 Why should you be intoxicated, my son, with a forbidden woman and embrace the bosom of an adulteress? Proverbs 5:15-20 (ESV)

2. The selflessness of marital love
3 The husband should give to his wife her conjugal rights, and likewise the wife to her husband. 4 For the wife does not have authority over her own body, but the husband does. Likewise the husband does not have authority over his own body, but the wife does. 1 Corinthians 7:3-4 (ESV)

17 Jesus said to them, “Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.” And they marveled at him. Mark 12:17 (ESV)

14 “You shall not commit adultery. 15 “You shall not steal. Exodus 20:14-15 (ESV)

9 “If my heart has been enticed toward a woman, and I have lain in wait at my neighbor’s door, 10 then let my wife grind for another, and let others bow down on her. Job 31:9-10 (ESV)

4 Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.
Philippians 2:4 (ESV)

3. The security of marital love
5 Do not deprive one another, except perhaps by agreement for a limited time, that you may devote yourselves to prayer; but then come together again, so that Satan may not tempt you because of your lack of self-control. 1 Corinthians 7:5 (ESV)

4. The sensibleness of marital love
6 Now as a concession, not a command, I say this. 7 I wish that all were as I myself am. But each has his own gift from God, one of one kind and one of another. 8 To the unmarried and the widows I say that it is good for them to remain single as I am. 9 But if they cannot exercise self-control, they should marry. For it is better to marry than to burn with passion. 1 Corinthians 7:6-9 (ESV)

4 Let marriage be held in honor among all, and let the marriage bed be undefiled, for God will judge the sexually immoral and adulterous.
Hebrews 13:4 (ESV)

The Body Belongs to the Lord: 1 Corinthians 6:12-20

1. The body and freedom
12 “All things are lawful for me,” but not all things are helpful. “All things are lawful for me,” but I will not be dominated by anything. 13 “Food is meant for the stomach and the stomach for food”—and God will destroy both one and the other. The body is not meant for sexual immorality, but for the Lord, and the Lord for the body. 1 Corinthians 6:12-13 (ESV)

34 Jesus answered them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, everyone who practices sin is a slave to sin.
John 8:34 (ESV)

28 for “‘In him we live and move and have our being’ . . . Acts 17:28 (ESV)

2. The body and union with Christ
14 And God raised the Lord and will also raise us up by his power. 15 Do you not know that your bodies are members of Christ? Shall I then take the members of Christ and make them members of a prostitute? Never! 16 Or do you not know that he who is joined to a prostitute becomes one body with her? For, as it is written, “The two will become one flesh.” 17 But he who is joined to the Lord becomes one spirit with him. 1 Corinthians 6:14-17 (ESV)

24 Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and they shall become one flesh. Genesis 2:24 (ESV)

15 Did he not make them one, with a portion of the Spirit in their union? . . . Malachi 2:15 (ESV)

2 For I feel a divine jealousy for you, since I betrothed you to one husband, to present you as a pure virgin to Christ. 2 Corinthians 11:2 (ESV)

19 Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, 1 Corinthians 6:19 (ESV)

20 In that day you will know that I am in my Father, and you in me, and I in you. John 14:20 (ESV)

3. The body and immorality
18 Flee from sexual immorality. Every other sin a person commits is outside the body, but the sexually immoral person sins against his own body. 1 Corinthians 6:18 (ESV)

12 she caught him by his garment, saying, “Lie with me.” But he left his garment in her hand and fled and got out of the house. Genesis 39:12 (ESV)

4. The body and possession
19 Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, 20 for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body. 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 (ESV)

9 . . . you were slain, and by your blood you ransomed people for God from every tribe and language and people and nation, Revelation 5:9 (ESV)

18 . . . you were ransomed from the futile ways inherited from your forefathers, not with perishable things such as silver or gold, 19 but with the precious blood of Christ, like that of a lamb without blemish or spot. 1 Peter 1:18-19 (ESV)

Holiness and the Kingdom: 1 Corinthians 6:9-11

1. Kingdom citizens are holy
9 Or do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? . . .
1 Corinthians 6:9 (ESV)

22 until the Ancient of Days came, and judgment was given for the saints of the Most High, and the time came when the saints possessed the kingdom. Daniel 7:22 (ESV)

2. Kingdom citizens are not unholy
9 . . . Do not be deceived: neither the sexually immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor men who practice homosexuality, 10 nor thieves, nor the greedy, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God. 1 Corinthians 6:9-10 (ESV)

7 Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap.
Galatians 6:7 (ESV)

22 You shall not lie with a male as with a woman; it is an abomination. Leviticus 18:22 (ESV)

1 Wine is a mocker, strong drink a brawler, and whoever is led astray by it is not wise. Proverbs 20:1 (ESV)

3. Kingdom citizens were made holy by God
11 And such were some of you. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God. 1 Corinthians 6:11 (ESV)

5 he saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit, Titus 3:5 (ESV)

17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come. 2 Corinthians 5:17 (ESV)

Legal Issues or Church Issues: Part 2

1 Corinthians 6:6-8

The wrong court of appeal
The wrong view of judgment
The wrong perception of wisdom

4.The wrong testimony before the world
6 but brother goes to law against brother, and that before unbelievers? 1 Corinthians 6:6 (ESV)

24 For, as it is written, “The name of God is blasphemed among the Gentiles because of you.” Romans 2:24 (ESV)

5. The wrong understanding of victory
7 To have lawsuits at all with one another is already a defeat for you . . . 1 Corinthians 6:7 (ESV)

24 Declare his glory among the nations, his marvelous works among all the peoples!
1 Chronicles 16:24 (ESV)

3 Declare his glory among the nations, his marvelous works among all the peoples!
Psalm 96:3 (ESV)

3 I will give thanks to you, O LORD, among the peoples; I will sing praises to you among the nations. Psalm 108:3 (ESV)

4 For everyone who has been born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith. 1 John 5:4 (ESV)

35 By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.”
John 13:35 (ESV)

6. The wrong priorities
7 . . . Why not rather suffer wrong? Why not rather be defrauded? 8 But you yourselves wrong and defraud—even your own brothers! 1 Corinthians 6:7-8 (ESV)

38 “You have heard that it was said, ‘An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.’ 39 But I say to you, Do not resist the one who is evil. But if anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also. 40 And if anyone would sue you and take your tunic, let him have your cloak as well. 41 And if anyone forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles. 42 Give to the one who begs from you, and do not refuse the one who would borrow from you. Matthew 5:38-42 (ESV)

21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. Romans 12:21 (ESV)

19 For this is a gracious thing, when, mindful of God, one endures sorrows while suffering unjustly. 20 For what credit is it if, when you sin and are beaten for it, you endure? But if when you do good and suffer for it you endure, this is a gracious thing in the sight of God. 21 For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you might follow in his steps. 1 Peter 2:19-21 (ESV)

Legal Issues or Church Issues? Part 1

1 Corinthians 6:1-5

1. The wrong court of appeal
When one of you has a grievance against another, does he dare go to law before the unrighteous instead of the saints? 1 Corinthians 6:1 (ESV) 

18 “You shall appoint judges and officers in all your towns that the LORD your God is giving you, according to your tribes, and they shall judge the people with righteous judgment. 19 You shall not pervert justice. You shall not show partiality, and you shall not accept a bribe, for a bribe blinds the eyes of the wise and subverts the cause of the righteous. 20 Justice, and only justice, you shall follow, that you may live and inherit the land that the LORD your God is giving you.
Deuteronomy 16:18-20 (ESV)

2. The wrong view of judgment
2 Or do you not know that the saints will judge the world? And if the world is to be judged by you, are you incompetent to try trivial cases? 3 Do you not know that we are to judge angels? How much more, then, matters pertaining to this life! 1 Corinthians 6:2-3 (ESV)

22 until the Ancient of Days came, and judgment was given for the saints of the Most High, and the time came when the saints possessed the kingdom. Daniel 7:22 (ESV)

28 Jesus said to them, “Truly, I say to you, in the new world, when the Son of Man will sit on his glorious throne, you who have followed me will also sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel. Matthew 19:28 (ESV)

3. The wrong perception of wisdom
4 So if you have such cases, why do you lay them before those who have no standing in the church? 5 I say this to your shame. Can it be that there is no one among you wise enough to settle a dispute between the brothers, 1 Corinthians 6:4-5 (ESV)

4 If then you have judgments concerning things pertaining to this life, do you appoint those who are least esteemed by the church to judge? 1 Corinthians 6:4 (NKJV)

9 “At that time I said to you, ‘I am not able to bear you by myself. 10 The LORD your God has multiplied you, and behold, you are today as numerous as the stars of heaven.

11 May the LORD, the God of your fathers, make you a thousand times as many as you are and bless you, as he has promised you! 12 How can I bear by myself the weight and burden of you and your strife? 13 Choose for your tribes wise, understanding, and experienced men, and I will appoint them as your heads.’ 14 And you answered me, ‘The thing that you have spoken is good for us to do.’ 15 So I took the heads of your tribes, wise and experienced men, and set them as heads over you, commanders of thousands, commanders of hundreds, commanders of fifties, commanders of tens, and officers, throughout your tribes. 16 And I charged your judges at that time, ‘Hear the cases between your brothers, and judge righteously between a man and his brother or the alien who is with him. 17 You shall not be partial in judgment. You shall hear the small and the great alike. You shall not be intimidated by anyone, for the judgment is God’s. And the case that is too hard for you, you shall bring to me, and I will hear it.’ 18 And I commanded you at that time all the things that you should do. Deuteronomy 1:9-18 (ESV)

4 I give thanks to my God always for you because of the grace of God that was given you in Christ Jesus, 5 that in every way you were enriched in him in all speech and all knowledge—
1 Corinthians 1:4-5 (ESV)

The wrong testimony before the world

The wrong understanding of victory

The wrong priorities

To Judge or not to Judge: That is the Question

1 Corinthians: 5:9-13

1. A clarification on association of a Christian with immoral people
9 I wrote to you in my letter not to associate with sexually immoral people— 10 not at all meaning the sexually immoral of this world, or the greedy and swindlers, or idolaters, since then you would need to go out of the world. 1 Corinthians 5:9-10 (ESV)

14 I have given them your word, and the world has hated them because they are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. 15 I do not ask that you take them out of the world, but that you keep them from the evil one. John 17:14-15 (ESV)

2. A clarification on association of a Christian with a brother under discipline
11 But now I am writing to you not to associate with anyone who bears the name of brother if he is guilty of sexual immorality or greed, or is an idolater, reviler, drunkard, or swindler—not even to eat with such a one. 1 Corinthians 5:11 (ESV)

* fornicators = Those who are engaged in sexual sins.
* covetous = A person that is greedy of gain and always wanting more and more.
* idolaters = A worshiper of false gods or money.
* railers = A person who reviles or scolds in harsh, bitter, insolent, or abusive language. He verbally abuses people with his tongue, wounding their feelings, and attacks their character.
* drunkards = People that get intoxicated either with alcohol or drugs.
* extortioners = A person that is a robber, cheater, or swindles others. 
(Rod Matoon)

14 If anyone does not obey our instruction in this letter, take special note of that person and do not associate with him, so that he will be put to shame. 15 Yet do not regard him as an enemy, but admonish him as a brother. 2 Thessalonians 3:14-15 (NASB)

10 As for a person who stirs up division, after warning him once and then twice, have nothing more to do with him, Titus 3:10 (ESV)

3. A clarification on the Biblical concept of judgment
12 For what have I to do with judging outsiders? Is it not those inside the church whom you are to judge? 13 God judges those outside . . . 1 Corinthians 5:12-13 (ESV)

15 And as he reclined at table in his house, many tax collectors and sinners were reclining with Jesus and his disciples, for there were many who followed him. 16 And the scribes of the Pharisees, when they saw that he was eating with sinners and tax collectors, said to his disciples, “Why does he eat with tax collectors and sinners?” Mark 2:15-16 (ESV)

4. A clarification on the Biblical concept of purity
13 . . . “Purge the evil person from among you.” 1 Corinthians 5:13 (ESV)

2 “If there is found among you, within any of your towns that the LORD your God is giving you, a man or woman who does what is evil in the sight of the LORD your God, in transgressing his covenant . . . 7 The hand of the witnesses shall be first against him to put him to death, and afterward the hand of all the people. So you shall purge the evil from your midst.
Deuteronomy 17:2; 7 (ESV)

Church Discipline and the Church Body

1 Corinthians 5:6-8

16 Do you not know that you are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells in you? 17 If anyone destroys God’s temple, God will destroy him. For God’s temple is holy, and you are that temple.
1 Corinthians 3:16-17 (ESV)

1. The Illustration of the Passover and the Church

2. The influence of sin on the Church
6 Your boasting is not good. Do you not know that a little leaven leavens the whole lump?
1 Corinthians 5:6 (ESV)

3. The instigation of discipline in the Church
7 Cleanse out the old leaven that you may be a new lump… 1 Corinthians 5:7 (ESV)

4. The identity holiness and the Church
7 . . . as you really are unleavened . . . 1 Corinthians 5:7 (ESV)

17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come. 2 Corinthians 5:17 (ESV)
1 I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Romans 12:1 (ESV)

5. The implication of Christ’s death for the Church
7 . . . For Christ, our Passover lamb, has been sacrificed. 1 Corinthians 5:7 (ESV)

29 The next day he saw Jesus coming toward him, and said, “Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world! John 1:29 (ESV)

16 beware lest you act corruptly by making a carved image for yourselves . . . 20 But the LORD has taken you and brought you out of the iron furnace, out of Egypt, to be a people of his own inheritance, as you are this day. Deuteronomy 4:16-20 (ESV)

6. The integrity of truth in the Church
8 Let us therefore celebrate the festival, not with the old leaven, the leaven of malice and evil, but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth. 1 Corinthians 5:8 (ESV)

17 Now this I say and testify in the Lord, that you must no longer walk as the Gentiles do, in the futility of their minds. 18 They are darkened in their understanding, alienated from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them, due to their hardness of heart. 19 They have become callous and have given themselves up to sensuality, greedy to practice every kind of impurity. 20 But that is not the way you learned Christ!— Ephesians 4:17-20 (ESV)

The excellence of the church does not consist in multitude but in purity. John Calvin

Church Discipline and the Individual

1 Corinthians 5:3-5

1. The determination of Paul
3 For though absent in body, I am present in spirit; and as if present, I have already pronounced judgment on the one who did such a thing. 4 When you are assembled in the name of the Lord Jesus and my spirit is present, with the power of our Lord Jesus, 1 Corinthians 5:3-4 (ESV)

5 For though I am absent in body, yet I am with you in spirit, rejoicing to see your good order and the firmness of your faith in Christ. Colossians 2:5 (ESV)

Gathered Church (Context of Discipline):
20 For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them.” Matthew 18:20 (ESV)

19 Do not admit a charge against an elder except on the evidence of two or three witnesses. 20 As for those who persist in sin, rebuke them in the presence of all, so that the rest may stand in fear.
1 Timothy 5:19-20 (ESV)

2. The deliverance to Satan
5 you are to deliver this man to Satan . . . 1 Corinthians 5:5 (ESV)

20 among whom are Hymenaeus and Alexander, whom I have handed over to Satan that they may learn not to blaspheme. 1 Timothy 1:20 (ESV)

5 But stretch out your hand and touch his bone and his flesh, and he will curse you to your face.” Job 2:5 (ESV)

7 So to keep me from becoming conceited because of the surpassing greatness of the revelations, a thorn was given me in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to harass me, to keep me from becoming conceited. 2 Corinthians 12:7 (ESV)

To be evangelized:
17 If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church. And if he refuses to listen even to the church, let him be to you as a Gentile and a tax collector. Matthew 18:17 (ESV)

16 Do you not know that you are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells in you? 17 If anyone destroys God’s temple, God will destroy him. For God’s temple is holy, and you are that temple.
1 Corinthians 3:16-17 (ESV)

3. The destruction of the flesh
5 . . .  Satan for the destruction of the flesh . . . 1 Corinthians 5:5 (ESV)

Flesh: the person oriented away from God
13 For if you live according to the flesh you will die, but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live. Romans 8:13 (ESV)

8 If you are left without discipline, in which all have participated, then you are illegitimate children and not sons. Hebrews 12:8 (ESV)

4. The design of discipline
5 . . . so that his spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord. 1 Corinthians 5:5 (ESV)

A lack of salvific assurance for the disciplined individual who professes to follow Christ:
11 But actually, I wrote to you not to associate with any so-called brother if he is an immoral person . . . . 1 Corinthians 5:11 (NASB)

Crisis in Corinth: An Introduction to Church Discipline: 1 Corinthians: 5:1-2

1. The description of sin
1 It is actually reported that there is sexual immorality among you, and of a kind that is not tolerated even among pagans, for a man has his father’s wife. 1 Corinthians 5:1 (ESV)

7 You shall not uncover the nakedness of your father, which is the nakedness of your mother; she is your mother, you shall not uncover her nakedness. 8 You shall not uncover the nakedness of your father’s wife; it is your father’s nakedness. Leviticus 18:7-8 (ESV)

2. The dereliction of the Church
2 And you are arrogant! Ought you not rather to mourn? . . . 1 Corinthians 5:2 (ESV)

1 What shall we say then? Are we to continue in sin that grace may abound? 2 By no means! How can we who died to sin still live in it? Romans 6:1-2 (ESV)

6 Then Ezra withdrew from before the house of God and went to the chamber of Jehohanan the son of Eliashib, where he spent the night, neither eating bread nor drinking water, for he was mourning over the faithlessness of the exiles. Ezra 10:6 (ESV)

1 But the people of Israel broke faith in regard to the devoted things, for Achan the son of Carmi, son of Zabdi, son of Zerah, of the tribe of Judah, took some of the devoted things. And the anger of the LORD burned against the people of Israel. Joshua 7:1 (ESV)

3. The dismissal of the erring Church member
2 . . . Let him who has done this be removed from among you. 1 Corinthians 5:2 (ESV)

18 Truly, I say to you, whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven. Matthew 18:18 (ESV)

Strategic Authority: 1 Corinthians 4:14-21

1. The relational aspect of authority
14 I do not write these things to make you ashamed, but to admonish you as my beloved children. 15 For though you have countless guides in Christ, you do not have many fathers. For I became your father in Christ Jesus through the gospel. 1 Corinthians 4:14-15 (ESV)

9 And call no man your father on earth, for you have one Father, who is in heaven. Matthew 23:9 (ESV)

• the father who brought them to birth (2 Cor. 6:13)

• the father who ‘betrothed’ a daughter to a husband (2 Cor. 11:2)

• the father who must provide for his children (2 Cor. 12:14–15)

11 For you know how, like a father with his children, 12 we exhorted each one of you and encouraged you and charged you to walk in a manner worthy of God, who calls you into his own kingdom and glory. 1 Thessalonians 2:11-12 (ESV)

8 Hear, my son, your father’s instruction, and forsake not your mother’s teaching, 9 for they are a graceful garland for your head and pendants for your neck. Proverbs 1:8-9 (ESV)

2. The imitation aspect of authority
16 I urge you, then, be imitators of me. 17 That is why I sent you Timothy, my beloved and faithful child in the Lord, to remind you of my ways in Christ, as I teach them everywhere in every church. 1 Corinthians 4:16-17 (ESV)

23 For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks intently at his natural face in a mirror. 24 For he looks at himself and goes away and at once forgets what he was like. 25 But the one who looks into the perfect law, the law of liberty, and perseveres, being no hearer who forgets but a doer who acts, he will be blessed in his doing. James 1:23-25 (ESV)

3. The confrontational aspect of authority
18 Some are arrogant, as though I were not coming to you. 19 But I will come to you soon, if the Lord wills, and I will find out not the talk of these arrogant people but their power. 20 For the kingdom of God does not consist in talk but in power. 21 What do you wish? Shall I come to you with a rod, or with love in a spirit of gentleness? 1 Corinthians 4:18-21 (ESV)

3 Jesus, knowing that the Father had given all things into his hands, and that he had come from God and was going back to God, 4 rose from supper. He laid aside his outer garments, and taking a towel, tied it around his waist. John 13:3-4 (ESV)

Popping the Balloons of Puffy People

1 Corinthians 4:6-13
Title by Rod Matoon

3 “points” (pun intended) from the needle of confrontation to puncture the balloon of Corinthian pride

1. The point of Scriptural parameter
6 I have applied all these things to myself and Apollos for your benefit, brothers, that you may learn by us not to go beyond what is written, that none of you may be puffed up in favor of one against another. 1 Corinthians 4:6 (ESV)

4 Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up, 1 Corinthians 13:4 (KJV) 

2. The point of a grace realit
7 For who sees anything different in you? What do you have that you did not receive? If then you received it, why do you boast as if you did not receive it? 1 Corinthians 4:7 (ESV)

10 But by the grace of God I am what I am . . . 1 Corinthians 15:10 (ESV)

27 John answered, “A person cannot receive even one thing unless it is given him from heaven.
John 3:27 (ESV)

3. The point of a theology of the cross
8 Already you have all you want! Already you have become rich! Without us you have become kings! And would that you did reign, so that we might share the rule with you! 9 For I think that God has exhibited us apostles as last of all, like men sentenced to death, because we have become a spectacle to the world, to angels, and to men. 10 We are fools for Christ’s sake, but you are wise in Christ. We are weak, but you are strong. You are held in honor, but we in disrepute. 11 To the present hour we hunger and thirst, we are poorly dressed and buffeted and homeless, 12 and we labor, working with our own hands. When reviled, we bless; when persecuted, we endure; 13 when slandered, we entreat. We have become, and are still, like the scum of the world, the refuse of all things.
1 Corinthians 4:8-13 (ESV)

14 Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them. Romans 12:14 (ESV)

28 bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you. Luke 6:28 (ESV)

18 “If the world hates you, know that it has hated me before it hated you. 19 If you were of the world, the world would love you as its own; but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you. 20 Remember the word that I said to you: ‘A servant is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted me, they will also persecute you. If they kept my word, they will also keep yours. 21 But all these things they will do to you on account of my name, because they do not know him who sent me. John 15:18-21 (ESV)

10 that I may know him and the power of his resurrection, and may share his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, Philippians 3:10 (ESV)

Evaluating Ministry: 1 Corinthians 4:1-5

(Outline by Adrian Rogers)

1. The Calling of the Man of God
1 This is how one should regard us, as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God.
1 Corinthians 4:1 (ESV)

2. The Character of the Man of God
2 Moreover, it is required of stewards that they be found faithful. 1 Corinthians 4:2 (ESV)

17 That is why I sent you Timothy, my beloved and faithful child in the Lord, to remind you of my ways in Christ . . . 1 Corinthians 4:17 (ESV)

13 . . . God is faithful . . . 1 Corinthians 10:13 (ESV)

4 and my speech and my message were not in plausible words of wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power, 1 Corinthians 2:4 (ESV)

27 for I did not shrink from declaring to you the whole counsel of God. Acts 20:27 (ESV)

6 Many a man proclaims his own loyalty, But who can find a trustworthy man? Proverbs 20:6 (NASB)

3. The Criticism of the Man of God
3 But with me it is a very small thing that I should be judged by you or by any human court. In fact, I do not even judge myself. 4 For I am not aware of anything against myself, but I am not thereby acquitted. It is the Lord who judges me. 1 Corinthians 4:3-4 (ESV)

4 Who are you to pass judgment on the servant of another? It is before his own master that he stands or falls. And he will be upheld, for the Lord is able to make him stand. Romans 14:4 (ESV)

4. The Compensation of the Man of God
5 Therefore do not pronounce judgment before the time, before the Lord comes, who will bring to light the things now hidden in darkness and will disclose the purposes of the heart. Then each one will receive his commendation from God. 1 Corinthians 4:5 (ESV)

2 Nothing is covered up that will not be revealed, or hidden that will not be known. 3 Therefore whatever you have said in the dark shall be heard in the light, and what you have whispered in private rooms shall be proclaimed on the housetops. Luke 12:2-3 (ESV)

16 on that day when, according to my gospel, God judges the secrets of men by Christ Jesus. Romans 2:16 (ESV)

21 His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master.’ Matthew 25:21 (ESV)

It's All Yours!: 1 Corinthians 3:18-23

1. A Warning about self-deception
18 Let no one deceive himself . . . 1 Corinthians 3:18 (ESV)

3 For by the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think with sober judgment, each according to the measure of faith that God has assigned. Romans 12:3 (ESV)

12 Do you see a man who is wise in his own eyes? There is more hope for a fool than for him. Proverbs 26:12 (ESV)

2. The Wisdom of becoming a fool
18 . . . If anyone among you thinks that he is wise in this age, let him become a fool that he may become wise. 1 Corinthians 3:18 (ESV)

39 Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.
Matthew 10:39 (ESV)

31 But many who are first will be last, and the last first.” Mark 10:31 (ESV)

3. The Worthlessness of this world’s wisdom
19 For the wisdom of this world is folly with God. For it is written, “He catches the wise in their craftiness,” 20 and again, “The Lord knows the thoughts of the wise, that they are futile.”
1 Corinthians 3:19-20 (ESV)

13 He catches the wise in their own craftiness, and the schemes of the wily are brought to a quick end. Job 5:13 (ESV)

11 the LORD—knows the thoughts of man, that they are but a breath. Psalm 94:11 (ESV)

4. The Wonders that we possess.
21 So let no one boast in men. For all things are yours, 1 Corinthians 3:21 (ESV)

a. The leaders of Christ’s Church
22 whether Paul or Apollos or Cephas . . . 1 Corinthians 3:22 (ESV)

b. The powers of this age
22 . . . or the world or life or death . . . 1 Corinthians 3:22 (ESV)

38 For I am sure that neither death nor life . . . nor things present nor things to come . . . nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 8:38-39 (ESV)

2 Or do you not know that the saints will judge the world . . .? 1 Corinthians 6:2 (ESV)

c. The course of events
22 . . . or the present or the future—all are yours, 1 Corinthians 3:22 (ESV)

d. The assurance from belonging to God in Christ
23 and you are Christ’s, and Christ is God’s. 1 Corinthians 3:23 (ESV)

2 For I feel a divine jealousy for you, since I betrothed you to one husband, to present you as a pure virgin to Christ. 2 Corinthians 11:2 (ESV)

 . . . You are not your own . . . for you were bought with a price . . . 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 (ESV)

Building with Gold: 1 Corinthians 3:10-17

1. The construction of God’s Church
10 According to the grace of God given to me, like a skilled master builder I laid a foundation, and someone else is building upon it. Let each one take care how he builds upon it. 11 For no one can lay a foundation other than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ. 12 Now if anyone builds on the foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw—1 Corinthians 3:10-12 (ESV)

2 So I have provided for the house of my God, so far as I was able, the gold for the things of gold, the silver for the things of silver . . . and wood for the things of wood . . . all sorts of precious stones . . . 1 Chronicles 29:2 (ESV)

10 Take my instruction instead of silver, and knowledge rather than choice gold, 11 for wisdom is better than jewels, and all that you may desire cannot compare with her.
Proverbs 8:10-11 (ESV); 3:13-15

72 The law of your mouth is better to me than thousands of gold and silver pieces. Psalm 119:72 (ESV)

28 Let the prophet who has a dream tell the dream, but let him who has my word speak my word faithfully. What has straw in common with wheat? declares the LORD. Jeremiah 23:28 (ESV)

2. The calculation of God’s Church
13 each one’s work will become manifest, for the Day will disclose it, because it will be revealed by fire, and the fire will test what sort of work each one has done. 14 If the work that anyone has built on the foundation survives, he will receive a reward. 15 If anyone’s work is burned up, he will suffer loss, though he himself will be saved, but only as through fire. 1 Corinthians 3:13-15 (ESV)

10 For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may receive what is due for what he has done in the body, whether good or evil. 2 Corinthians 5:10 (ESV)

8 Watch yourselves, so that you may not lose what we have worked for, but may win a full reward.
2 John 1:8 (ESV)

11 “I overthrew some of you, as when God overthrew Sodom and Gomorrah, and you were as a brand plucked out of the burning . . . Amos 4:11 (ESV)

3. The clarification of God’s Church
16 Do you not know that you are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells in you? 17 If anyone destroys God’s temple, God will destroy him. For God’s temple is holy, and you are that temple. 1 Corinthians 3:16-17 (ESV)

27 Whoever, therefore, eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty concerning the body and blood of the Lord. 28 Let a person examine himself, then, and so eat of the bread and drink of the cup. 29 For anyone who eats and drinks without discerning the body eats and drinks judgment on himself. 30 That is why many of you are weak and ill, and some have died. 31 But if we judged ourselves truly, we would not be judged. 1 Corinthians 11:27-31 (ESV)

God's Vision for the Church: 1 Corinthians 3:1-9

1. A description of fleshly believers

1 But I, brothers, could not address you as spiritual people, but as people of the flesh, as infants in Christ. 2 I fed you with milk, not solid food, for you were not ready for it. And even now you are not yet ready, 3 for you are still of the flesh. For while there is jealousy and strife among you, are you not of the flesh and behaving only in a human way? 4 For when one says, “I follow Paul,” and another, “I follow Apollos,” are you not being merely human? 1 Corinthians 3:1-4 (ESV)

19 Now the works of the flesh are evident: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, 20 idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions, 21 envy, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these. I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. Galatians 5:19-21 (ESV)

16 For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride of life—is not from the Father but is from the world. 1 John 2:16 (ESV)

12 For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you again the basic principles of the oracles of God. You need milk, not solid food, 13 for everyone who lives on milk is unskilled in the word of righteousness, since he is a child. 14 But solid food is for the mature, for those who have their powers of discernment trained by constant practice to distinguish good from evil. Hebrews 5:12-14 (ESV)

2. A description of Christ’s servants
5 What then is Apollos? What is Paul? Servants through whom you believed, as the Lord assigned to each. 6 I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the growth. 7 So neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything . . .  8 He who plants and he who waters are one, and each will receive his wages according to his labor. 9 For we are God’s fellow workers . . .  1 Corinthians 3:5-9 (ESV)

9 You visit the earth and water it; you greatly enrich it; the river of God is full of water; you provide their grain, for so you have prepared it. 10 You water its furrows abundantly, settling its ridges, softening it with showers, and blessing its growth. 11 You crown the year with your bounty; your wagon tracks overflow with abundance. Psalm 65:9-11 (ESV)

26 But not so with you. Rather, let the greatest among you become as the youngest, and the leader as one who serves. 27 For who is the greater, one who reclines at table or one who serves? Is it not the one who reclines at table? But I am among you as the one who serves. Luke 22:26-27 (ESV)

3. A description of God’s control
7 So neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only God who gives the growth . . .
9 For we are God’s fellow workers. You are God’s field, God’s building. 1 Corinthians 3:7-9 (ESV)