Living Differently: Insights from 1 Corinthians
Summary
In today's message, we embarked on a journey through the book of 1 Corinthians, a letter written by the Apostle Paul to the church in Corinth. This letter, like all New Testament epistles, is a unique form of communication that allows us to listen in on a conversation between Paul and the early church. It's crucial to remember that while the Bible was not written directly to us, it was indeed written for us. This distinction helps us approach the scriptures with the understanding that they are meant for our edification and growth, even though they were addressed to specific audiences in a different time and culture.
The city of Corinth, where the church was located, was known for its moral looseness and was synonymous with fornication and prostitution. Paul wrote to address specific dysfunctions within the church, urging them to live differently from the surrounding culture. The letter is divided into two main sections: addressing issues Paul heard about and responding to questions the Corinthians asked him. As we study this letter, we must be mindful of the context and the cultural nuances that may not be immediately apparent to us.
Our study of 1 Corinthians will cover various topics, including sex, marriage, singleness, spiritual gifts, and more. Some of these may seem relevant, while others might not. However, it's important to remember that all scripture is inspired by God and holds value for us today. We are called to engage with the Bible critically and thoughtfully, understanding its context and applying its teachings to our lives.
As we delve into this series, I encourage you to invest more deeply in our church community. We are not just individual believers but part of a church family, and our actions and interactions matter. Let us strive to live as the body of Christ, supporting and challenging one another in love.
Key Takeaways:
1. The Bible's Purpose for Us: The Bible, though not written directly to us, is for our edification. It is the inspired word of God, meant to guide and grow us in our faith. Understanding this helps us approach scripture with humility and a desire to learn, recognizing its timeless relevance. [25:38]
2. Contextual Reading of Scripture: When studying the Bible, especially the New Testament letters, it's essential to consider the historical and cultural context. This helps us avoid misinterpretations and allows us to apply the teachings more accurately to our lives today. [32:20]
3. Engaging with Scripture Critically: We must engage with the Bible thoughtfully, using critical thinking to understand its messages. This involves considering the cultural, linguistic, and literary contexts to discern how the teachings apply to us now. [01:03:45]
4. Community and Church Life: As followers of Christ, we are called to live in community, recognizing that our actions affect others. Being part of a church family means supporting and challenging one another, fostering growth and accountability. [01:00:10]
5. Investing in Church Community: I encourage you to invest more deeply in our church family. This involves building relationships, participating in life groups, and being open to both giving and receiving support and accountability. [01:05:07]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [22:34] - Introduction to 1 Corinthians
- [23:32] - Understanding New Testament Letters
- [25:38] - The Bible: Written for Us
- [26:50] - The Popularity of New Testament Letters
- [28:05] - Challenges in Reading Epistles
- [30:05] - Misinterpretations of 1 Corinthians
- [31:04] - Careful Study of 1 Corinthians
- [32:20] - How to Read a New Testament Epistle
- [34:14] - Structure of New Testament Epistles
- [35:24] - Specificity in Paul's Letters
- [37:26] - Role of Couriers in Delivering Letters
- [42:39] - Understanding Context in Letters
- [45:16] - Importance of Contextual Clues
- [47:49] - Paul's Relationship with Corinth
- [49:14] - Listening to Conversations in Scripture
- [50:07] - Paul's Time in Corinth
- [51:58] - The City of Corinth
- [54:25] - Corinth's Reputation and Culture
- [56:26] - Purpose of 1 Corinthians
- [58:55] - Relevance of 1 Corinthians Today
- [01:00:10] - Church Life Matters
- [01:02:25] - Applying Scripture to Our Lives
- [01:03:45] - Critical Thinking in Bible Study
- [01:05:07] - Investing in Church Community
- [01:07:22] - Closing Prayer and Blessing
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide: Exploring 1 Corinthians
#### Bible Reading
1. 1 Corinthians 1:1-3 - Introduction to the letter and its recipients.
2. 2 Timothy 3:16-17 - The purpose and inspiration of Scripture.
3. Acts 18:1-11 - Paul's time in Corinth and his relationship with the church there.
#### Observation Questions
1. What is the significance of understanding that the Bible was not written to us, but for us? How does this affect our approach to reading the New Testament letters? [25:38]
2. How does the cultural context of Corinth, as described in the sermon, influence the issues Paul addresses in his letter? [51:58]
3. What are the two main sections of the letter to the Corinthians, and what issues do they address? [56:26]
4. How does Paul's relationship with the Corinthian church differ from his relationship with other churches, and why is this important? [50:07]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why is it important to read the New Testament letters with an understanding of their historical and cultural context? How can this prevent misinterpretation? [32:20]
2. In what ways does the reputation of Corinth as a city known for moral looseness impact the teachings and corrections Paul provides in his letter? [54:25]
3. How does the concept of the Bible being written for us, but not to us, challenge our typical approach to applying Scripture to our lives? [28:05]
4. What role does community play in the teachings of 1 Corinthians, and how does this reflect the broader message of the New Testament? [01:00:10]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your current approach to reading the Bible. How can you incorporate a more contextual understanding of Scripture in your study? [32:20]
2. Considering the cultural challenges faced by the Corinthian church, what modern-day cultural influences might be affecting your faith community? How can you address these influences? [54:25]
3. How can you engage more critically and thoughtfully with Scripture in your personal study? What steps can you take to deepen your understanding of the Bible's context and message? [01:03:45]
4. In what ways can you invest more deeply in your church community? Identify specific actions you can take to build relationships and foster accountability within your church family. [01:05:07]
5. How does understanding the Bible as written for us, but not to us, change your perspective on its teachings? How can this perspective guide your application of Scripture in daily life? [25:38]
6. Think about a time when you may have misinterpreted a passage of Scripture. What did you learn from that experience, and how can it inform your future Bible study? [32:20]
7. How can you contribute to creating a church environment that supports and challenges one another in love, as described in the sermon? What specific actions can you take this week? [01:00:10]
Devotional
Day 1: The Bible's Timeless Guidance
The Bible, though not written directly to us, serves as a timeless guide for our spiritual growth and edification. It is the inspired word of God, meant to nurture our faith and understanding. By approaching scripture with humility and a desire to learn, we can recognize its relevance across ages and cultures. This perspective allows us to see the Bible as a living document that speaks to our current circumstances, offering wisdom and direction. [25:38]
"For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope." (Romans 15:4, ESV)
Reflection: How can you approach your Bible reading this week with a fresh perspective, seeking to understand what God might be saying to you today?
Day 2: Understanding Context in Scripture
When studying the Bible, especially the New Testament letters, it is crucial to consider the historical and cultural context. This approach helps prevent misinterpretations and allows us to apply the teachings more accurately to our lives today. By understanding the specific circumstances and issues addressed in these letters, we can better grasp the intended message and its implications for us. This contextual reading enriches our study and deepens our appreciation for the wisdom contained within the scriptures. [32:20]
"Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth." (2 Timothy 2:15, ESV)
Reflection: What steps can you take to better understand the cultural and historical context of the Bible passages you read this week?
Day 3: Engaging with Scripture Critically
Engaging with the Bible requires thoughtful and critical thinking to understand its messages. This involves considering the cultural, linguistic, and literary contexts to discern how the teachings apply to us now. By approaching scripture with a critical mind, we can uncover deeper meanings and insights that might otherwise be overlooked. This process not only enhances our understanding but also strengthens our ability to apply biblical principles to our daily lives. [01:03:45]
"Now these Jews were more noble than those in Thessalonica; they received the word with all eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily to see if these things were so." (Acts 17:11, ESV)
Reflection: How can you incorporate critical thinking into your Bible study routine this week to gain a deeper understanding of the scriptures?
Day 4: Living in Community
As followers of Christ, we are called to live in community, recognizing that our actions affect others. Being part of a church family means supporting and challenging one another, fostering growth and accountability. This communal life reflects the body of Christ, where each member plays a vital role in the spiritual health and development of the whole. By investing in our church community, we can experience the richness of shared faith and mutual encouragement. [01:00:10]
"And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near." (Hebrews 10:24-25, ESV)
Reflection: What is one way you can actively contribute to your church community this week, either by offering support or seeking accountability?
Day 5: Deepening Church Relationships
Investing in our church family involves building relationships, participating in life groups, and being open to both giving and receiving support and accountability. This investment strengthens the bonds within the community and enhances our spiritual journey. By engaging more deeply with our church family, we can experience the transformative power of shared faith and collective growth. This commitment to community life reflects our dedication to living out the teachings of Christ in a tangible and meaningful way. [01:05:07]
"Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ." (Galatians 6:2, ESV)
Reflection: How can you take a step this week to deepen a relationship within your church community, either by reaching out to someone new or strengthening an existing connection?
Quotes
"Studying the New Testament epistles is literally reading someone else's mail, okay? This was a letter written by someone to another group of people, and we are neither the only author nor the audience and yet and yet what do we do when we're supposed to listen in on that conversation what happens when we're meant to be at least part of the audience even if we're not part of the dialogue what happens when there is still something in this for edification, for our growth, for our discipleship, as a tool that helps us become more like Christ." [00:24:59] (50 seconds)
"The big idea that I want you to get this morning is that the Bible was not written to us, but it was written for us. And I think that's an important distinction to make and to remember. What do I mean by that? The Bible was not written to us, but it was written for us. The Bible was not written to us, and especially the New Testament letters, they were written with a specific targeted audience in mind, and it was not any of us, unless somehow we have 2,000 year old Greeks in here, okay?" [00:25:56] (39 seconds)
"It was written with a specific audience in mind, but it is still the inspired and authoritative word of God, and it is meant for us and for our edification. Now, this is an important thing to keep in mind, especially when we move to studying the New Testament and the New Testament letters. We kind of like, at least in 21st century North American culture, we like to study the New Testament letters." [00:26:35] (31 seconds)
"Because 1 Corinthians, and indeed the whole Bible, was not written to us, but it was written for us. There is something for us to get out of these verses, even if the context has changed, even if the audience... has changed, even if we ourselves in our language and cultural practices have changed. This is a very different church than the church in Corinth. And yet, there is something edifying for us when we come to any of the Bible, especially the New Testament epistles, and especially this series, the book of 1 Corinthians." [00:31:30] (44 seconds)
"We want to do that a little bit more thoughtfully. But on the other hand, we can very easily read some of those things ago, and I was about a different time, a different place, a different culture. That doesn't apply to us. What's the point? We can read some of those things next, and we skip on to the next thing, and we lose what God has for us, because this still is the inspired and authoritative Word of God. And it's important. The Bible was not written to us, but it was written for us." [00:33:08] (32 seconds)
"Some of these things might seem very relevant to you. Some of these things might not seem relevant at all. And you go, oh, I can skip that week. But let me encourage you and caution you. Even though the Bible and even though 1 Corinthians was not written in the Bible, it's not written in the Bible. It's written in the Bible. It's written to us. It was written for us." [00:59:23] (22 seconds)
"The things that the Corinthian church was dealing with in Greece 2,000 years ago as first generation followers of Jesus still affect the way that we live and function as a church here and now. If I had to distill the big picture purpose of Corinth with, it would be that he is addressing unbridled and arrogant self-promotion. He is challenging their idea of individual personal morality and ethics and saying, if you are now followers of Jesus, you live like that as a church. You live like that in community." [01:00:01] (51 seconds)
"That's why we are calling this series Church Life Matters, because even though we too often live in a cultural context where my own actions are my own decisions, are my own consequences, etc., we need to be challenged. We live in community, and my actions affect other people, and we're called to live as the body of Christ. We are called to live interdependent of one another, and that matters. And I hope through this series, we can apply some of these principles to our own church family here, and say, how are we functioning as a church, as a community, as a church family, together, remembering that the Bible was not written to us, but it was written for us." [01:00:45] (56 seconds)
"All Scripture is inspired by God, literally breathed out and co-authored with His Holy Spirit by the men and women that wrote it down hundreds and even thousands of years ago. And it matters. Even though the Bible was not written to us, it was written for us. And with a little bit of digging, we can say, here's how I can apply this to my life now." [01:02:29] (29 seconds)
"Second, don't study, Scripture, without critical thinking. It is a very lazy thing to do, to kind of just say, you know what, it says, do not do this, I'll just not do that. Or it says to do this, or it says, this is bad, or this is good, and I just don't want to think about it, I just want to plop it into my life. I want to challenge you to put on your thinking caps a little bit and to say, what does this mean for me? How do I understand their cultural context and my cultural context?" [01:03:03] (34 seconds)
"The third thing I'll say is, as we read through this study of 1 Corinthians, as we endeavor to look at what it meant for this church in the first century to live together as a church family and community, I want you to be thinking about how you can challenge yourself to invest more deeply in your own church family. I want for you to see you not just as this one individual Christian, or not just someone who's in a family that follows Jesus, but part of a church family, part of a full community, where what we do and what... we say and how we act matters and affects one another." [01:05:05] (44 seconds)
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