We continue our study of First and Second Corinthians. Paul loved the Corinthian believers very much, for they had been saved through his preaching and he was their spiritual father. He had deep affection and concern for them and their spiritual welfare.
Worldliness (carnality) was a very serious problem in Corinth. Though the believers there had much intelligence and gift, even in spiritual things, they had become proud and were glorying in themselves and their abilities. This led to the allowance of many very serious sins which the beloved Apostle brings before them that they might repent of their ways.
We also want to remember the beautiful moral order of the placement of these epistles in our Bible. In Romans, the way a holy and righteous God can reach out in blessing to lost mankind is presented. Then, in First and Second Corinthians, the proper conduct of those who belong to the Lord and form His assembly here is given.
1. The carnal Corinthian believers did not see in Paul one who was given by Christ to be the steward of the mysteries of God concerning the Church. Their worldliness (carnality) blinded their eyes and caused them to make wrong judgments about those who were true servants of Christ. How does Paul describe the “carnal mind” to the Roman believers? Romans 8:___
2. The proud, worldly Corinthian believers, seeing the sufferings and persecutions through which Paul passed, disdained the Apostle and his afflictions. Because they gloried in themselves and had not yet learned what it was to be “crucified with Christ” (to the world), they were not able to truly value Paul or his ministry. What was it that Paul himself “gloried” in? Galatians 6:___
3. Paul knew there were those in Corinth who opposed him while they took a place of prominence for themselves. He sent Timothy to warn the Corinthians about their waywardness. He did this in the spirit of a “father,” for if he were to come to them, it might have to be as one bearing a “rod” for their correction. Paul much preferred to come to Corinth in meekness and love. In what two characters had Paul served the Thessalonian believers (2 verses)?
1 Thessalonians 2:___
4. What wonderful message did the Lord give to the women whom He met after His resurrection concerning their new relationship to God? John 20:___
5. What is the reason that God our Father “chastens” (disciplines) those who are His dear children? Hebrews 12:___