Problems & Principles 1

Introduction Various problems in the 1 st century church!  Will not discuss the problems in detail in this lesson! Today the church has problems!  Some problems are different in nature.  What do we do?  What example do we follow? Principles used in the 1 st century can solve problems today! 2

Problems In The Corinthian Church Division - Chapter 1 Fleshly mindedness - Chapter 2-3 Doubt of Paul’s Apostleship - Chapter 4 & 9 Acceptance of Fornication - Chapter 5 Going to Law Against a Brother - Chapter 6 Marriage - Chapter 7 Eating of Meats Offered To Idols - Chapter 8 Murmuring - Chapter 10 Despising the Lord’s Supper - Chapter 11 Miss-use of Spiritual Gifts - Chapter The No-Resurrection question - Chapter 15 Matthew 22:34-39 Acts 8: Corinthians 3

Binding Circumcision: Problem - Going back to the Old Law!  Gal. 3:1-13 Act 15  Gal. 5:1-8 The solution to the problem:  Gal. 1:6-8 Any perversion of the scriptures on any subject can be address by this principle – to reject those and their teaching! MDR, Fellowship, Work of the church, Holy Spirit. etc. Principle – To reject anyone one who perverts the teaching of Christ and His apostles! 4

Needy Saints: Problem – Providing for needy saints!  1 Cor. 16:1-2 The solution to the problem:  Lay by in store on the 1 st day of the week  Provide for needy saints! Acts 2:44, 45; 4:34, 35; 6:1-6; 11:27-30 Rom. 15: Corinthians 8:1-5 Principle – Members are to lay by in store on the first day of the week!  Supports work of the church! Evangelism, edification, benevolence! The Lord’s Solution to the problem! Phil. 4:15 5

Antichrists: Problem – Rejection of Christ coming in the flesh!  2 Jn  “Antichrists” – 1 Jn. 2:18, 22; 4:3; 2 Jn. 7 “An opponent of the Messiah” – Strong’s Dictionary All denominations confess that Christ came in the flesh! Most all will have Christmas programs – “baby Jesus” will be emphasized! Some say “Jesus is the reason for the season.”  But, more alcohol consumed during this time of the year!  Some recently have said the doctrine of Christ is only the doctrine about Christ! Matt. 7:28; Jn. 12:48; Lk. 10:16 Principle – To reject anyone one who does not abide in the teaching of Christ and His apostles!  2 Jn

Discipline of Wayward Members: Problem – Busybodies & the lazy!  2 Thess. 3:6-15 Walked “disorderly” – vs. 6, 7, 11 Disorderly –  1) disorderly, out of ranks (often so of soldiers)  2) irregular, inordinate, immoderate pleasures  3) deviating from the prescribed order or rule Principle – To withdraw of brethren who persist in walking not according to the doctrine taught by Christ & His apostles.  Gal. 5:16-25; Eph. 2:8-10; Col. 4:5  1 Jn. 6, 7; 2 Jn. 1:6; 3 Jn. 1:4 7

Buying, Selling to Get Gain: Problem – Thinking the future is certain!  James 4:1-17 Some lived to satisfy lusts! Asked amiss to consume it on their lusts! Friends with the world – “adulterers and adulteresses” Suffered from pride! – vs. 6 James emphasized the brevity of life – vs. 14 Principle – Include God on your plans!  Jas. 4:15 - “if the Lord will, we shall live, and do this, or that.”  Lk. 5:1-8 Simon Peter said, “At thy word I will”!  Let us have the “thy will be done” attitude! Ps. 40:8; 143:10; Matt. 6:10; Lk. 22:42 8

Despised The Lord’s Church: Problem – Ate their own supper and not the Lord’s supper!  1 Cor. 11:17-22 Some had, and some had not! Centered on their own selves! Despised the church! Came together for the worse, not the better! Principle – If any hunger let him eat at home!  Vs. 22, 34  The mission of the Lord’s church is Spiritual in nature! Rom. 14:17; Jn. 6:22-40 – spiritual food emphasized! Bible fellowship is in the teaching and furtherance of the gospel! Not fun, food and frolic! Must use the hospitality of our homes to care for the physical! 9

Problems & Principles Conclusion - Many problems today, though not specifically mentioned in the scriptures can be solved by following God’s principles! “Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path” (Ps. 119:105) 10