The Church at Corinth The New Testament Church

The Church at Corinth The New Testament Church 2017 -18

Corinth, The City • An immoral and idolatrous city. • Rich in history and wealthy • A major hub in the Roman Empire • Temple of Artemis • Also temples to Poseidon and Apollo

Church of God at Corinth • Established on Paul’s 2 nd preaching journey (Acts 18). • He persuades both Jews and Cor inth Gentiles (Acts 18: 4) • He remains there 18 months (18: 11) • Acts 18: 23 ff – Apollos comes there (19: 1) while Paul is in Ephesus.

Church of God at Corinth • Paul probably wrote 1 Corinthians while in Ephesus. nd • And 2 Corinthians, eithere or as he was leaving. • He likely visited again on his 3 rd journey (Acts 20: 2 -3), also consider the collection for the saints • This church was filled with many problems

Problems at Corinth • Beware of the influence of society on the church • If we are not alert, the character of our society could influence us and corrupt us – moral issues, societal issues, selfishness, etc.

Problems at Corinth • They were divided • 1 Corinthians 1: 10 ff • Ungodly attitudes and conduct caused this. Manifested in many problems Paul addressed. • We need unity – Ephesians 4: 1 -6, Philippians 2: 1 -2, cf. Galatians 5: 14 -15

Problems at Corinth • They were carnal • 1 Corinthians 3: 1 -4 • This was society and the ways of the world influencing them • Worldly philosophies – 1 Corinthians 3: 19 -21, 1: 18 -23 • Paul’s solution – preach only Christ and Him crucified – 2: 1 -2, 15: 1 -4 • When churches begin following the philosophies of men… 2 Tim. 4: 2 -4

Problems at Corinth • They tolerated immorality • 1 Corinthians 5: 1 -2, there was at least one adulterous relationship that they tolerated or ignored • Are the congregations today that will not address immorality (some or all), nor will they deal with the immoral (cf. 1 Corinthians 6: 9 -10) • Heed 1 Corinthians 5: 6

Problems at Corinth • Selfishness • Seen throughout the first letter. Seen in many areas 1) A party spirit (1: 10 -13) 2) Taking brethren to court (6: 5 -8) 3) Not considering conscience (8: 9 -13, 10: 29 -30) 4) The Lord’s Supper (11: 17 -34) 5) Competitive & jealous (12 -14) • Philippians 2: 3 -4

Problems at Corinth • Abuse in worship • Their worship was about them • Improper partaking of Lord’s Supper (11: 17 -34, esp. 20 -21) • With their spiritual gifts, there was a competitive spirit and disorderliness • 1 Corinthians 14: 33, 40

Problems at Corinth • Doctrinal confusion • Concerning resurrection (1 Corinthians 15) • Paul clarified with the truth – he used fundamental truths and REASON (presented arguments) for the resurrection

Problems at Corinth • Paul’s answer to problems: Rebuke and admonitions Call to repentance Call to purity The need for love We need each other Teaching – proper knowledge

Strengths at Corinth • They were teachable • Consider how they responded to the adulterous relationship (2 Corinthians 2: 6 -7), they seemed to be responding to his request for their benevolent help

Strengths at Corinth • They repented • 2 Corinthians 7: 9 -11 So much so, Paul had to encourage them to reaffirm their love for the brother (2: 5 -8)

Strengths at Corinth • They were benevolent • 2 Corinthians 8: 6 -15, cf. 1 Corinthians 16: 1 -4 Willing to help others

Strengths at Corinth • They stood with the gospel • 1 Corinthians 1: 4 -9 1 Corinthians 15: 1 -4 2 Corinthians 2: 9, he was testing them, whether they would be obedient in all things 2 Corinthians 7: 14 -15, their obedience

Concluding thoughts • We can learn from this congregation how to deal with problems • Corinth, even with their problems and errors, were important to him. He didn’t just “write them off”, but worked with them to change. He wrote with a confidence that they WOULD change. • Let us consider this as we address problems and concerns

1 Corinthians 15: 58 How are we doing as we strive to be the body of Christ here?