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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.
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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 2nd preaching journey (Acts 18). • He persuades both Jews and Gentiles (Acts 18:4) • He remains there 18 months (18:11) • Acts 18:23ff – Apollos comes there (19:1) while Paul is in Ephesus. Corinth
Church of God at Corinth • Paul probably wrote 1 Corinthians while in Ephesus. • And 2nd Corinthians, either there or as he was leaving. • He likely visited again on his 3rd 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 1:10ff • 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 areas1) 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 1:4-91 Corinthians 15:1-42 Corinthians 2:9, he was testing them, whether they would be obedient in all things2 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?