1 Corinthians 1, continued:

1 Corinthians 1:10-17 – Do not be divided.

• The unstated principle here is that we should be united on God’s truth.
• This passage is the closest the Bible comes to addressing denominationalism. There is no support for any such idea in the Bible.
• I Corinthians 10:17 – This passage is sometimes used to argue that baptism is not necessary for salvation.

I Corinthians 1:18-31 – Wisdom vs. foolishness.

• I Corinthians 1:23 – Compare Galatians 3:13.
• We must be careful that we do not miss God’s message because we are looking for the wrong things.
• I Corinthians 1:27-29 – God purposely thwarts the prideful by using what is foolish in the world to shame the wise.

Introduction

• Matthew 28:18-20

A disciple is one who LEARNS.

• Acts 6:7; 14:21
• Matthew 5:1-2; 13:10-13, 52 – Am I curious? Am I trying to learn?
• Mark 12:41-44
• Luke 11:1
• Do I actively engage in Bible classes?
• In the last month, have I looked up something in the Bible out of curiosity?

A disciple wants to be LIKE THE TEACHER.

• Luke 6:39-40
• I Peter 2:21
• Acts 11:26 – Am I living what Jesus taught?
• John 8:31-32; 13:35; 15:8 – Have you had a friend for years and they don’t know you’re a Christian?
• Luke 14:26-27 – We must love Jesus far more than everyone else, even ourselves!
• Matthew 10:37
• A man from New Zealand won a French Scrabble tournament despite not knowing French. He just memorized the words! Don’t be like that with Bible study!

Paul’s previous work in Galatia

• Acts 13:13-15, 42-44, 51-52 – This Antioch was in Pisidia, a region in Galatia.
• Acts 14:1-7
• Acts 16:1-5
• Acts 18:22-23

Galatians 1

Opening of the book

• Paul’s first remark (Galatians 1:1) was about his apostleship.
  • Appointed by Jesus and the Father
  • Compared to Matthias?
    • Acts 1:21-22
      • Accompanied them throughout Jesus’ ministry.
      • Selected by other apostles through lots.
    • Paul
      • Not present throughout Jesus’ ministry
      • Not selected by other apostles through lots
      • See II Corinthians 12:12. Paul had signs and wonders to confirm his apostleship.

Balance of opening

• From Paul and those with him
• To the churches of Galatia
• Salutations
  • Grace
  • Peace
  • From God our Lord
  • From the Lord Jesus Christ
    • Gave Himself for us
    • To rescue us from the present evil age
    • God’s will (II Peter 3:9)
    • Glory forever to Him

Galatians 1:6-9

• Paul warned about being led astray by a different or distorted gospel taught by others.
• II Peter 3:13-16

Introduction

• Proverbs 31:25-31
• Ephesians 6:1-3

Mary

• Luke 1:28-38 – Mary was ready to be God’s servant and do His will.
• Luke 2:24 – The family was poor from an earthly standpoint.
• Mothers, God appreciates your work!
• Mark 6:1-3 – Everyone looked at Jesus’ family as a normal family. They were far from wealthy. People were surprised when He started teaching!
• Mary’s value did not come through special amenities she was able to provide for Jesus.
• The value of mothers comes from raising Godly children.

Syrophoenician woman

• Matthew 15:21-28 – She was humble and persistent!
• I Thessalonians 2:7
• Ephesians 5:22, 33
• Luke 18:2, 8 – Be persistent in prayer. Do not lose heart!
• I Peter 3:1

Eunice (and Lois)

• Acts 16:1
• Acts 14:19-22 – Paul’s experience in Timothy’s hometown.
• Eunice and Lois became Christians when it was not easy to be a Christian. They might have seen Paul being stoned!
• II Timothy 1:5; 3:14

1 Corinthians 1

The city of Corinth

• Corinth was like the Las Vegas of its day. It was famous for its temple to Aphrodite and renowned as an immoral city.
• Romans 1:28-32

Background: What happened prior to this letter?

• Acts 18:1-8 – Paul tried to teach the Jews first, then the Gentiles.
• I Corinthians 1:14 – Paul baptized Crispus!
• Acts 18:9-17 – See I Corinthians 1:1. This is possibly the same Sosthenes.
• I Corinthians 1:11; 7:1; 12:1; 16:1 – There seems to have been previous discussions with Paul on some of these issues.

I Corinthians 1:1-3 – Greeting

• See I Corinthians 1:18, 30; 11:1; 15:1 – Even with these sins, God was allowing them time to grow.
• I Corinthians 5:5; 11:30 – Some among them were not in a good state with God.

I Corinthians 1:4-9 – Corinthians in Christ

• I Corinthians 1:4 – Paul was thankful for them despite their troubles. Contrast Paul’s attitude with that of Jonah (Jonah 3:10-4:4).
• I Corinthians 1:7 – We should be looking forward to going home to be with God! Things of this life are only temporary.