Corinthians #2 Divisions: Causes, Consequences, & Solutions 1Corinthians 1 - 4

Corinthians #2- Divisions  Remember a few key factors: >The city was a robust commercial & military center…. >and also very wicked (1,000 prostitutes in Venus’ temple) >Despite Paul having spent 18 months there, the church went very badly very quickly. (cf. Acts 18:1-18) >So Paul is writing from Ephesus in about 57 A.D. to shake this church up.

Corinthians #2- Divisions  The first problem at Corinth: Division Chapter 1 vv.1-2 The Address of the letter is to: >Sanctified- (hagiazo) separate from profane things & dedicated to God. >Saints- (hagios) holy or holy ones. >Call- (kletos) called or invited to a banquet or supper; here by implication, to eternal salvation.

Corinthians #2- Divisions  The first problem at Corinth: Division Chapter 1:3-9 His Thanks & Prayer: >blesses with grace, v.3 >gives thanks for grace already given, v.4 >asks that they be enriched in Him in: -all speech, cf. chps all knowledge, cf. 1:18-25; 2:1ff

Corinthians #2- Divisions  The first problem at Corinth: Division Chapter 1:10-17 No Divisions! >The Lord’s way: Agree, Complete in the Same Mind & Same Judgment, v.10. >But in Corinth: Quarrels- contention, strife, wrangling Divisions- Paul, Apollos, Cephas, Christ

Corinthians #2- Divisions  The first problem at Corinth: Division Chapter 1:10-17 No Divisions! >This problem is answered with three shameful questions: 1. “Has Christ been divided?” 2. “Paul was not crucified for you was he?” 3. “Or were you baptized in the name of Paul?” Paul’s mission was to preach! vv.14-17

Corinthians #2- Divisions  The first problem at Corinth: Division Chapter 1:18-31 The Wisdom of God prevents Divisions! >the “word of the cross” unites by the power of God, v.18 >it makes foolish man’s wisdom, vv >it prevents man’s wisdom from knowing God, v.21a >but it saves those who believe, v.20b.

Corinthians #2- Divisions  The first problem at Corinth: Division Chapter 1:18-25 The Wisdom of God prevents Divisions! >To Jews who look for signs, it becomes a stumbling-block, >and to Gentiles who seek (man’s) wisdom, it becomes foolishness, vv But to the called, it is the power and wisdom of God, v.24!

Corinthians #2- Divisions  The first problem at Corinth: Division Chapter 1:26-31 Therefore, Consider your Calling, Corinthians! >not many wise, mighty, or noble, v.26 >but the foolish and weak were chosen to shame the wise and strong, v.27 So that, >no man should boast before God, v.29 >Such produces only DIVISION! >So you are what you are by Christ, v.30.

Corinthians #2- Divisions  Because of all of this, Paul says in Chapter 2:1-5 >He did not come to Corinth with superiority of speech or wisdom, v.1 >but rather with the testimony of Jesus Christ and Him crucified, v.2 >Not in persuasive words of wisdom, >but in demonstrating the Spirit’s power, v.4 So that their faith would be on God’s power rather than Paul’s wisdom, v.5

Corinthians #2- Divisions  This doesn’t mean that wisdom had no part in Paul’s preaching, 2:6-9 >Just that it was: -God’s wisdom -not man’s! >And that it was spoken to those who are mature, that it might not be wasted, vv.6-7. >As was the case with the Rulers of this age, vv.8-9.

Corinthians #2- Divisions  So how does one come to know God’s wisdom? 2:10-16 Just one way: The Revelation of the Spirit! >It’s the only way man knows the mind of God, vv >And it was given to those inspired in words taught by Him, vv >Foolish/natural men doesn’t accept these words, but the mature/spiritual man does! vv (cf.v.6)

Corinthians #2- Divisions  Were/Are the Corinthians naturally foolish or spiritually mature? 3:1-4 Note the Evidence: >Paul says they were “babes”, v.1 >in need of milk not solid food, v.2 >and that they were still fleshly: -strife & jealousy, v.3 -and DIVIDED! v.4

Corinthians #2- Divisions  So what’s the solution? 3:6-23 >Understand it’s the message, not the messenger! vv.6-7 >Understand also that the messengers are the workers and the Christians they produce with the Message are the Product- the field, the building, vv.8-9. >Some buildings will stand- some will fall, vv >But the Building belongs to God! Don’t destroy it! vv

Corinthians #2- Divisions  Why should the Corinthians (and we) listen to Paul? 4:1-21 Because: >he’s a servant of Christ and steward of God’s mysteries, v.1 >he’s a trustworthy steward, v.2 >their examination of him doesn’t change the truth which he speaks, vv.3-5 >he’s humbled himself as a servant while they’ve exalted themselves as superior, vv.6-14 >he’s their father, v.15 >he’s worthy of imitation, vv >and if possible, he’s coming! vv.18-21

Corinthians #2- Divisions  Conclusions: >The Corinthians were divided as evidenced/caused by strife, jealousy, following messengers instead of the message, immaturity, and worldly thinking. >The same will produce the same for us! >The Solution is simple: Get back to words given by the Spirit! Imitate only those who imitate Christ! Don’t deceive yourself re: who/what you are!