1 Corinthians 15

Paul takes an entire chapter to deal with a false theology the Corinthian church had allowed to creep into her thinking. Like the Sadducees a group within the church had begun to promote there was no resurrection of the dead. The last verse of the chapter does a great job of summing up what Paul is saying to the fellow believers. "Therefore, my dear brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always excelling in the Lord's work, knowing that your labor in the Lord is not in vain." Paul has spent the majority of these verses in chapter 15 detailing a case for the resurrection of the dead. His supreme example is Jesus Christ himself. Paul states that if Christ were not raised from the dead then their sins have not been erased and their hope is in vain. He also preaches that unless Christ had been raised from the dead then their preaching is in vain and makes no sense. He even speaks with a sense of sarcasm and rhetoric by saying, "If I fought wild animals in Ephesus with only human hope, what good did that do me? If the dead are not raised, Let us eat and drink, for tomorrow we die." The bottom-line is that Paul passionately offers a strong apologetic for the reason to believe in a resurrection of the dead.

So what does this mean to us? Does it matter if we believe or even think about a resurrection of the dead? Absolutely! While we may not actively discuss this subject on a regular basis our actions and our urgency in sharing Christ vocalize our beliefs. Tim McGraw sings a song titled, "Live Like Your Dying." While this may make for a great song title, there is another side to that, "Live Like Your Dying and Can Live Again." I believe that is what Paul is urging the early church to do in verse 58 when he says, "Therefore, my dear brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always excelling in the Lord's work, knowing that your labor in the Lord is not in vain."

Takeaways

1. If we are in Christ we will live again after a physical death.
2. Live as though you will live again in Christ after death.
3. False theology is always prevalent to combat the Lord's work; therefore, recognize it as of Satan and rebuke it!

1 Corinthians 14

As one continues to read through First Corinthians the theme of the book continues to be evident, church unity. The church is so embroiled in a fight and even lust for the quest to be and have the best at the expense of other people; Paul begins to sound like a broken record. He continues his insistence that the church be united by love and the desire to have the gift of prophecy over their desire for the showy gift of speaking in tongues. Again Paul reminds the church if the purpose of spiritual gifts as being for the edification of the church and the glory of God by spreading the Gospel. However, the church is not listening to this point so Paul must continue to press the issue.

In the concluding verses Paul deals with the issue of what elements are necessary for the edification of the church in a worship service. In verse 26 he says, "Whenever you come together, each one has a psalm, a teaching, a revelation, [another] language, or an interpretation. All things must be done for edification.". Paul does not lay out a specific order be merely the necessary elements for the proper building of a service. He ends the section by reminding the reader that because God is One of order not chaos that all services should reflect order and respect to honor our God.

Takeaways
1. Love is the method for all endeavors.
2. Order and decency must prevail in all worship services.
3. Gifts of the Spirit are for edification of the church not self-promotion.

1 Corinthians 13

The Love Chapter! Why do you think Paul takes a break from speaking about spiritual gifts and sandwiches the now infamous chapter on love between the dissertation on the manifestation of gifts and the exhortation on gifts? Several reasons come to my mind.

First, Paul recognizes the infighting which is taking place at Corinth over the superiority of certain gifts in their minds. He also recognizes that gifts can become very divisive and seeks to diffuse the situation immediately. He also understands that the proper use of these gifts must be grounded in love for a proper handling and implementation. For without love as the foundation and motivation of each gift they can become prostituted and manipulative in human nature. Therefore Paul implores the Corinthians to allow love to be the overriding principle for the use of each gift.

Paul continues in describing more on the superiority of love by giving the fundamental elements of love. In a nutshell Paul reminds the reader that love is not egocentric but rather is other focused. In each of the words/phrases Paul chose to describe love he emphasizes the well being or betterment of the object of the love. Paul helps us to understand that love is more concerned with the wants and needs of the object of love than his/her own desires.

Paul uses a great analogy to help us understand that love is a process by stating that he only now sees and understands partially but one day his seeing and understanding will be clearly developed. Love is a process that should be growing and developing. However, as Paul stated very eloquently, love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, and endures all things for love never ends. The reason it cannot end is that it is the greatest of all things especially as Paul points out, it should be the overarching principle of everything.

So how does this help in the church of the twenty-first century? With love as the foundational element then egocentricity should never be a driving force within the church. As we have discussed before,"It is not about me, but it is all about Thee!" When we come to the point where we are more concerned with allowing others to have there needs met than demanding our own then we have comprehended the joy of love. When we come to the point where we are more concerned with leaving a strong legacy for the kingdom of God than we are of leaving a mark on society for our own sake then we have grasped the joy of love. When we want to base all of our decisions on reaching those who are not yet Christians with the Gospel of Jesus Christ then we have reached the joy of love. In short love reaches out for the betterment of the object of love. Do you love?

Takeaways Reread the last paragraph.

1 Corinthians 12

In looking at chapter 12 we see a great explanation of why there was such disunity and disfunction in the church of Corinth. The people fought, bickered, and boasted over their spiritual gifts and they envied, even lusted for the gifts others possessed. Therefore we find Paul giving a lengthy explanation in the form of a metaphor using the human body to expound on the spiritual gifts found within the church.

Paul is quick to remind the Corinthians that their possession of any gift, regardless of which one, is a blessing of God distributed by the Spirit as He sees best. He is the one who chooses who receives which gift and for what purpose. The distribution of gifts is not for our glory and benefit but for the edification of the church and for the glory of God alone.

These gifts, while greatly diverse should never become a source of division but should be a unifying factor for each gift is complimentary of the other in the function of the church. That is the reason Paul continues stating the essential relationship which must take place within the body. He reminds the church of the special love which should be evident by rejoicing and weeping with one another in respective times.

Unfortunately, this was not the manner of love demonstrated within the Corinthian church. Rather than caring for the interest of one another they chose to be self-promoting and self-centered. Therefore Paul passionately reminds the fellow believers to not lose perspective in what is the greater vision and purpose.

Takeaways
1. Each person is uniquely gifted as the Spirit sees best.
2. We each need the giftedness of one another.
3. We must encourage one another to not boast in our uniqueness but rather rejoice in our unity through our diversity.

1 Corinthians 11

Apart from chapters 12 and 13 this chapter (11) is probably one of the most used passages in Corinthians due to its dealing with the Lord’s Supper.  Of course chapter 12 deals with the Spiritual Gifts and chapter 13 is the infamous “Love Chapter.”  When we evaluate chapter 11 Paul begins by dealing with some regulations regarding worship, prayer in particular.   We must remember as Paul discusses the matters of male/female head coverings he is addressing a cultural issue in reference to a woman with her head covered and uncovered.  The greater issue in the chapter deals with the matter of divisions in the church based on insensitivity by the affluent towards those with lesser means.  This is addressed in the matter of taking the Lord’s Supper and the Communal Meal.  Paul sees a lack of concern by many within the church in that when the communal meal is taken, those who arrive first make a glutton and drunkard of themselves leaving none for those arriving late, who were generally the lower class. 

Paul’s intention seems to be two-fold.  First, he wants to instruct the church in the proper disbursement of Communion.  Secondly, he wants to see a greater sensitivity of the church for one another.  These actions of “self-first” create a great divide in the church causing a lack focus on the greater matters of the church’s mission to share the Gospel.  Whether the matter is covering of the head, eating before the others arrived, saving the best food for yourself (ouch!), or isolating yourself from those of lesser means, the division in the church is prevalent and problematic. 

Paul closes the chapter with a methodology of how to deal with such matters.  In verse 28 Paul says, “So a man should examine himself…”  This is the critical component.  We must do a thorough analysis of where we stand in relation to our walk with God and our relationship to one another.  This is a matter which should use only one person as the standard, Jesus Christ.  Any other standard will be inferior.  Many people prefer to compare themselves to other believers and non-believers; however, that standard is inferior and will not give a valid picture of who we really are in Christ.  We must rely on the old letters on the bracelet of times past, WWJD.  (What Would Jesus Do?)  So here is the question, according to God’s standard of Jesus Christ, how do we measure up to the examination?  Do we pass or fail?  Unfortunately we all would fail but thank God there is grace available through Christ Jesus.

Takeaways

1.       Divisions are caused by selfishness.

2.      Our standard of evaluation must be the model of Jesus Christ.

3.      Our evaluation will never pass of our own merit but thanks be to God who offers us grace through Jesus Christ.

 

1 Corinthians 10

Whenever I read this chapter or even think about it my mind goes back to the days as a young preacher boy (as my pastor called me) when he was discipling me for a deeper walk and ministry.  Along with several other factors such as quiet times, sermon note taking, and prayer Bro. David stressed the importance of scripture memory.  He had us make note cards and memorize scripture each week at our accountability meetings.  The verse he gave me to memorize which I thought I would never conquer was 1 Corinthians 10:13.  At that time the only translation we really knew much about was the King James, so that is what I memorized.  The verse to this day is still etched in my mind.  “There hath no temptation taken you but such is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that you are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.” (KJV)  While that was memorized initially some 30 plus years ago, it still sticks in my mind.

Why this verse, because at the time my life was in need of a constant, just as now.  I needed to know that temptation is not something I must face alone.  Temptation is not something exclusive to just me.  That God is faithful to enable a way for us to escape temptation, if we are willing to walk through the door of opportunity which He provides.  Why scripture memory, because the Psalmist said in Psalm 119:11, “Thy word have I hid in mine heart that I might not sin against Thee.” (KJV)  Part of the way to escape temptation is the quoting of scripture just as Jesus did when He was tempted in the wilderness by Satan.  (Side Note:  Satan will misquote scripture to you so make sure you know the Word of God.)

What is Paul saying through all of this passage, in particular with this verse?  We will all face the temptation of a variety of things in our lives.  The constant is that we do not have to face it alone because we have the joy and assurance of the Word of God that we do have an option.  The problem lies in that we often love the sin more than we love the opportunity to escape the sin.  This all boils down to a love problem, we love our sin more than we love our Savior.  How will you face your temptations today?  Will you see them as powerless against the Great God we serve?  Will you see them as more alluring than a relationship with this Great God?  Let’s walk through the door of opportunity for victory over temptation today.

Takeaways:

1.       Victory over temptation is available through Jesus Christ our Lord.

2.      Scripture memory is one way of the great ways of victory over temptation

3.      The constant we need in our lives is God for He is the same yesterday, today, and forever.

1 Corinthians 9

The Corinthian church is a tough group.  After Paul has been the founding pastor/evangelist he now has to defend his apostleship with the church.  He begins the chapter by giving a dissertation on his right as an apostle, especially his right with them.  However, the crux of the chapter is not about his defense but about his aim at evangelism.  Paul begins in the latter half of the chapter to share his strategy of evangelizing both the Jew and the Gentile.  His purpose or mission in life is to win as many as possible to Christ.  This is not a selfish or boastful goal of Paul but rather he recognizes that his main purpose of existence is to glorify God by proclaiming the Good News to as many as possible.  In verse 19 Paul makes this goal very clear by stating, “For although I am free from all people, I have made myself a slave to all, in order to win more people.” 

As humans we spend much of our time trying to free ourselves from bondage and tyranny.  However, Paul willingly submits to this servitude in order for Christ and His principles to be advanced and that many, from all nationalities might receive the same forgiveness which he has experienced.   While this self-imposed slavery is defined by Paul in a way that he states, “I have become all things to all people, so that I may by all means save some” (v. 22) he recognizes this is not a license to break the laws of God in evangelizing people.  Paul would not break the commands of God, but rather he is cognizant of the self-imposed laws of the religion which has held many of the Jews in bondage and he recognizes the superior attitude the Jews took against all other nationalities.  He therefore says I will not be bound by human traditions or prejudices in seeking to share the Good News of Jesus Christ.

Paul closes the chapter with an analogy of an athlete in training.  Paul takes this form of discipline and training into the realm of his preparation for the day he must give account for his actions and his walk with God.  He makes the statement in the final verse that “I beat my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize.”  Paul in essence is saying, I will walk the talk!  I will live my life in complete obedience to my Lord because of my love for Him and my desire to please Him in all things.  Can we say the same about our lives?

Takeaways:

1.       We are commanded and expected to share the Good News with ALL people in such a manner that they understand and desire to receive our Lord’s forgiveness.

2.      We must make the presentation of the Gospel contextual for the people or individual with which we share this precious gift.

3.      We must discipline ourselves to obedience in all areas in order to not lose our own qualification in God.

1 Corinthians 8

Once again the apostle Paul is addressing an issue of division within the Corinthian church.  This time the object of discussion is whether it is lawful to eat meat sacrificed to idols.  In this period and place many temples existed where idol worship was a common occurrence.  Because of the frequency of idol worship coupled with the sacrifice of animals meat was plentiful in the homes of those who participated in the ritual and the meat was plentiful in the market place.  Generally, the cost of the meat which had been sacrificed was a lesser price making it very tempting to purchase for those with lower means.  The question of debate was whether the devout Christian should indulge in such meat whether purchased or in the homes of idol worshippers. 

Paul reminds the early church that they are not justified by whether they eat this meat or abstain from eating it.  Instead, their justification is found in Christ alone.  In verses 6-8 Paul states, “Yet for us there is one God, the Father, from whom are all things, and we for Him; and one Lord, Jesus Christ, through whom are all things, and we through Him…Food will not make us acceptable to God. We are not inferior if we don't eat, and we are not better if we do eat.”  From this passage we ascertain two things.  First, our existence and justification is found in Christ alone.  Secondly, the food is not the major issue for neither abstention nor participation removes or draws us to God.  The greater issue is found in our witness to those not in Christ and those weak in Christ.  Paul reminds the Corinthians in verse nine that while we might have the “right” we must be judicious in our execution of this privilege.  For the greater issue comes in how we draw or push away people to Christ.  Our purpose in life should be to point people to Christ.  Therefore, when we, by participation in cultural norms, actions, attitudes, or endeavors, cause people to lose their faith in Christ or hinder their walk in Christ, then we have sinned and will have to account for such actions.   

Takeaways:

1.   My privileges as a believer must be tempered by my responsibilities as a follower of Christ.

2.   I must be conscious of how my actions can gather people to Christ or scatter them from Him.
3.   There are greater depths than surface issues in our walk with God; therefore, we must seek God’s grace and wisdom in all decisi

1 Corinthians 7

I remember when the summer between college and seminary as I worked for a manufacturing company. We built potato and onion bins. The man I worked next to at my station was a preacher as well. However, he had not been formally trained. I distinctly remember a conversation he and I had regarding this chapter. He was taking one verse, actually only a part of one verse to build an false theology. That is a dangerous way to build one's convictions and pattern for living. Anytime we come to the scripture it is imperative that we read the context of the passage, understand who the author is addressing, and what he is stressing in the chapter and book as a whole.

In this chapter we do not find Paul giving a license for sexual immorality or divorce. Instead, he adresses issues which were prevalent within the church at Corinth. The church was living in the midst of a hotbed for sexual devance and immorality. This was not an exception in the community but the rule. Therefore, he wants the church to understand the importance of living a holy life. Additionally Paul wants the fellow believers in Corinth to live a life sold out to Jesus. Paul goes to the extreme of encouraging celibacy for all people for the purpose of having a greater focus on serving God. While he does not make this a mandate he does recommend it for those still single or who have become a widow/widower. In the same vein he does not encourage divorce even in the case of unequally yoked relationships. This union, Paul explains, could be the very catalyst to draw the unbelieving spouse into a relationship with Christ. Paul's greater emphasis is a life wholly surrendered to God without distractions.

Takeaways.

1. Nothing should distract us from serving God with complete surrender.
2. Be cautious in studying the scripture in isolation from the total context.
3. Relationships can be used for evangelistic purposes but should not be the pattern in choosing a mate.

1 Corinthians 6

If we could learn to adhere to one principle from this passage today then verse 12 would have to rank at the top. "Everything is permissible for me," but not everything is helpful. "Everything is permissible for me," but I will not be brought under the control of anything." I have heard people say to me in argument/defense of their position things like, "The Bible doesn't say not to.... While this may be true in relation to many "grey" areas this verse seems to give much wisdom in making decisions. While the act in question may be "grey" in our eyes the question we must not ask is "Can I?" Instead we should more likely ask, "Should I?" This begs us to consider the question, "Is this the best course of action for me? How does this affect the BIG picture in the grand scheme of life?" Recently Raegan asked me what to say to people who respond to the issue of alcohol with, "What does one drink hurt?" In the case for her friends first and foremost it is illegal. However, in the case of all people, what benefits are there from such an action? Many would and have debated over this topic. My response has often been what benefits has this divisive element brought to your life? For every benefit that some could express I can list numerous damaging effects. So the questions are, "Is that beneficial for my life? Is that something which can master my life?" Whether the issue is alcohol or some other action or attitude our desire should be to do only that which is beneficial for the greater picture.

Takeaways
1. My decisions should be based on the big picture.
2. My decisions should be based on what is beneficial.
3. My decisions should be based on whether that in question will master me.

1 Corinthians 5

Please forgive the delay of this post. Yesterday was filled with family time and I did not get it up until now.

Paul comes straight to the point of church discipline in chapter 5. The matter at hand in the discussion revolves around a man committing an act of sexually immorality. Making matters worse is that he is doing so with his step-mother. This type of behavior was apparently even condemned among the Gentiles, of which the Jews had little to no tolerance. In addition Paul states that the church is doing nothing to disciple or even disassociate with the person. Therefore Paul strongly urges the church to excommunicate the guilty party and have nothing to do with him.

This makes me ask myself a question. What actions and attitudes do we tolerate within the church which God abhors? Do we overlook certain behaviors as acceptable or even tolerable based n "who"? Do we make allowances on incidents for saying, "That is just the way they are?". Paul is very clear that when there is sin in the church we must deal accordingly with the offense and the offender. His judgment is "Do not associate with that person!"  The purpose is dual fold:  First, we must exercise discipline with the goal of redemption. The second is to not allow further corruption in the church.

In closing ask yourself, "Is there anything which I tolerate which God has condemned?"   "Am I guilty of an attitude or an action which God despises and is detrimental to the body?"

Takeaways
1. Church disciple must be a staple for redemption and protection
2. We have the task of redeeming our fellow believers through God
3. Where do I fall in the scheme of tolerating sin?

1 Corinthians 4

Paul continues his teachings to the Corinthian church in moving from the evaluation of the church to the evaluation of the ministers overseeing the church. In this passage he uses three analogies of a minister:  a steward/manager, a humble person, and a father figure.  His purpose seems to be to encourage the Corinthians to imitate his model of ministry, which he portrays in Christ.  In fact, in verse 16 Paul says, "Therefore I urge you to be imitators of me." 

His intent is to help the church see their responsibility to go beyond the superficial issues and deal with the weightier matters such as the disbursement of the Gospel.  In the opening verse of chapter 4 Paul reminds the church to consider themselves as servants and managers.  A servant is one who looks to the interest of others above their own.  Too often we are much like those who were the contemporaries of Copernicus. These individuals believed the earth was the center of the universe and that everything revolved around them.  However, Copernicus made a bold statement by walking out into the middle of the city, looking up to the sun and saying, "Behold the center of the universe." Several years ago Max Lucado wrote a book titled, "It’s Not About Me."  In this book he uses the account of Copernicus to remind us that the "SON" is the center of all things!  We are not the center of any universe.  Therefore as servants of Jesus Christ we must remember it is not about my desires, my ways, or my thoughts.  Instead, it’s all about Jesus Christ.  We must focus on what He desires and what glorifies Him.  This is what Paul is trying to get the early church to grasp.  In essence, the only way we can truly comprehend this is by understanding our mission is to be one in purpose and mind.  This can happen only when we realize that we glorify God when we put Him first and the sharing of His Good News through ministry and evangelism. 

Takeaways:
1.  Jesus Christ should be the center of our universe, not us.
2.  We are called to be servants of Christ.
3.  To be a servant we must walk in humility.

1 Corinthians 3

Wow!  Paul really knows how to use the art of tact!  Not at all!  While we can read the statement from two polar opposite views, the point is that he begins this chapter with a direct statement telling the Corinthians that they are still immature in their faith.  This statement takes me back to the statement that has been circulating in my mind for several weeks now which Chuck Colson made regarding the state of the church.  A paraphrased version of his statement is that the church is one inch deep and three thousand miles wide.  Paul is challenging the church to take a hard look at their condition of spiritual depth. His basis for this accusation stems from their divisive discussion on who baptized them and whose disciple they are considered. Of course, Paul wants nothing to do with such immature talk.  He recognizes that anytime an issue of minimal importance arises to become a matter of major discussion the church's focus and ministry is diminished and redirected.  This results in the church not fulfilling her mission of making disciples; therefore, not being obedient.  When the church, or an individual, is not obedient to our Lord then we, according to John 14, do not love God. 

Paul takes the majority of the remaining portion of chapter three to talk about the foundation of our Christian walk as being based on Jesus Christ, not any particular person, work, material, or philosophy.  He wants the church to understand that ALL works will be tested and refined by our Lord Jesus Christ himself.  If that work proves to be inferior it will not survive.  Keep in mind this is not referring to our salvation, but instead the ministry which we do for our Lord to one another and for the church.  This premise is born out of verse fifteen which states, "If anyone's work is burned up, it will be lost, but he will be saved; yet it will be like an escape through the fire."  Be cautious not to read into this passage the ability to live as we want and then we all will find salvation freely at the end as some misguided theologians and preachers ascribe. This is not referring to salvation but to the ministry and work after salvation.  Salvation is found in Jesus Christ alone and must be received through the acknowledgement of Jesus Christ as Lord, the repentance of our sins, and the submission of our lives.

Paul closes the chapter as strongly as he opened it.  In verses 16-17 he  says, "Don't you know that you are God's sanctuary and that the Spirit of God lives in you?  If anyone ruins God's sanctuary, God will ruin him; for God's sanctuary is holy, and that is what you are." To borrow a phrase from the state of Texas, Don't Mess with God's Children. The reference is different than from the earlier statement regarding the foundational elements of our ministry works.  Here the inference is those seeking to destroy the temple of God, which is the believer himself.  Those who spread malicious gossip, knowingly teach false doctrines, intentionally stir up strife, and/or injure the fellowship of the body.

Takeaways:
1.  Don't Mess with God's Church.
2.  Spiritual maturity is a process but must be a priority.
3.  God uses mankind to perform His ministry, but He provides the resources and the growth.
 

1 Corinthians 2

Paul begins chapter 2 with a continuing thought from the end of the previous chapter, discussing the method of his proclamation of the Gospel in an ordinary manner.  In verse 5 he explains his reasoning for a simplistic approach by saying, "So that your faith might not be based on men's wisdom but on God's power."  I have often said when sharing the Gospel with a pre-Christian convert that I will not attempt to manipulate or persuaded unduly a person to be a Christian, for that is the work of the Holy Spirit.  Instead, my duty is to share the Good News faithfully.  If I can persuade someone to become a Christian in my own merit, then someone else can persuade them otherwise.  God's Spirit should always bring the conviction. 

There is one phrase in this chapter which might be overlooked if we are not cautious.  At the end of verse 16 Paul makes a statement which is, "But we have the mind of Christ."  This phrase is a part of an argument/defense that the natural man cannot know the ways of the Lord.  I often find myself frustrated with the actions of people, in particular those who have never accepted Christ.  Years ago God revealed to me a thought along the lines of this passage.  How can we expect a person who does not know Christ to act in godly manners when he or she does not know God?  This is in essence what the passage is revealing to us.  We cannot expect that a person who does not know God can understand Him, know His plans, or act accordingly.  However, we, as children of God who have received His Holy Spirit, can understand Him, know His plans, and should act accordingly because "we have the mind of Christ." 

Several years ago, T. W. Hunt wrote a book titled, The Mind of Christ.  In this book Hunt sought to remind people that God is not satisfied with external actions, but with the internal transformation which will dictate the external actions.  In the opening chapter Hunt says, "Most of us, most of the time, are satisfied if we satisfy the expectations of society and the requirements of God by our outer, visible actions."  Unfortunately, we fail to understand that God would rather see us transformed inwardly in order to see a renewing of the mind and a transformation of the heart.  God does not want external robotic activity.  He desires that we have the Mind, Heart, and Soul of Christ.

Takeaways
1.  In sharing the Gospel, remember that our job is to share and the Holy Spirit is to bring conviction.
2.  God desires internal transformation resulting in external godly actions.
3.  If we are a child of God, we should have "The Mind of Christ."

1 Corinthians 1

Originally I wanted to begin this new blog on May 1st but was delayed for several reasons.  However, God in His providence has determined this to be the best of timing.  Some of the reasons we will understand and others we will not, but God is sovereign and His wisdom is far above that of any of ours.  Paul attests to this fact in the first chapter of our book to review for the next several weeks.  As we read through a chapter each day, I will post a review with comments regarding the chapter.  I encourage you to add in your thoughts at the end of the blog.  I would love to see how God is speaking to each of you through this incredible book which Paul wrote to a church in Corinth which struggled with issues of unity, theological depth, and understanding of spiritual gifts.

In the first chapter Paul gives his customary address along with matters of affirmation and thanksgiving.  Each book which Paul writes is done so with a fond address for the subjects.  He will always begin by sharing his love and connection through Christ along with thanking them for various items of which they have been faithful throughout their ministry and partnership with Paul. 

Paul doesn't wait long to dive into the heart of the matter for his letter to this church.  One of the greatest issues among the church of Corinth is the divisions prevalent.  The members are more concerned with the tertiary issues than with the matters of the importance such as proclaiming the Gospel and making disciples thus fulfilling the Great Commission.  Paul even addresses the matter pointedly by saying, "That there be no divisions among you, and that you be united with the same understanding and the same conviction."  The church was divided over issues ranging from who baptized whom to who had the greatest spiritual gifts.  Paul reminds the church of His purpose and the purpose of the church by saying, "For Christ did not send me to baptize, but to preach the gospel--not with clever words, so that the cross of Chris will not be emptied of its effect."  In other words, we must preach Christ life, death, resurrection, and ascension.  For this is the Power of the Gospel to save all mankind! 

Paul also points out that we seem to think in many occasions that we are wise and strong, but that God's wisdom and strength at its weakest point is still far superior to anything we can offer.  Therefore, He chooses to use our weaknesses and insufficiencies to bring glory to His name rather than our name.  This is the matter with which I wrestled as a young man when I sensed God calling me to ministry.  I felt as though God only used "Super Christians" of which I was not.  However, God chooses to use those who are weak or foolish in the world's eyes for those are the ones who He can display His might and power. 

Takeaways:
1.  Focus on the most important issues and do not be derailed by the tertiary issues
2.  Be united in all things
3.  The Message of the Cross is the Power of Salvation.