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I CORINTHIANS: LESSON 9


INTRODUCTION:

Before Paul came to Corinth, he preached to the philosophers in Athens concerning the implications of the resurrection of Christ. Luke records the following reaction: “Now when they heard of the resurrection of the dead, some mocked;” (Acts 17:32). Such response reflected Greek thought that accepted the immortality of the soul, but rejected the resurrection of the body. Such erroneous thinking is the object of Paul’s rebuke in this section of the letter (v. 12, 35-36).

Paul begins by emphasizing the resurrection of Christ as the basis for the gospel which the Corinthians had believed and obeyed. He proceeds to show the implications of this fact to their lives, and future destiny as saints.


I. THE PROBLE OF THE BODILY RESURRECTION OF THE DEAD (15:1-58).

A. The resurrection of Christ an important fact of the believed gospel (v. 1-19)

1. A fact witnessed by many (v. 1-8).

2. A fact preached by the apostles (v. 9-13)

3. A belief that makes “men most pitiable” if not true (v. 14-19)

B. The resurrection of Christ as first-fruits (v. 20-34)

1. Evidence which produces confidence in the future raising of the dead (v. 20-23)

2. Evidence which produces confidence that the last enemy will be abolished (v. 24-28)

3. Evidence which produces confidence in times of persecution (v. 29-34)

C. The resurrected body (v. 35-58)

1. A reality based upon God’s observable power (v. 35-50)

2. A reality based upon God’s requirements for entering heaven (v. 51-57)

3. A reality that inspired faithful service (v. 58)


QUESTIONS:

1. Can a person become a believer of the Gospel, and lose his or her salvation?

What condition must be met to remain saved?


2. What does Paul refer to when he mentions that Christ’s death and resurrection “were according to the Scriptures”?

Give examples of each: (death and resurrection):

 

3. Explain why Paul refers to himself as a “child untimely borne.”


4. What are the facts if Christ has not been raised?


5. What does the term “first-fruits” mean?


6. What will occur when Christ returns?


7. What does it mean in verse 34, to be “baptized for the dead?”


8. What of God do we see in nature?


9. Describe the resurrection body:


10. As Christians, what can we keep on our mind that will help us remain faithful in our service of the Lord?




 I CORINTHIANS: LESSON 10


INTRODUCTION:

Paul is in Ephesus desiring to come to Corinth, and stay awhile with them before journeying on to Jerusalem. As he closes this first letter to the Corinthians, Paul gives salutations to the Corinthians which are coming not just from himself personally, but from other caring brethren in Asia. He instructs to make sure that the collection for the saints in Jerusalem is ready when he comes, and exhorts the brethren to remain watchful and strong in the Lord. In this lesson, we will be reminded of individuals important to Paul and his work, and how we should regard the brethren we work with in the Lord. May we take Paul’s exhortations and warnings to heart and apply them as Paul desired for the Corinthians.


I. PAUL ADDRESSES CLOSING MATTERS (Chapter 16)

A. The collection for the poor saints in Jerusalem (v. 1-4)

1. As he had ordered in churches of Galatia

2. Collection made on first day of the week

3. Giving was according to how God has prospered the giver

4. Purpose of such gathering of funds was that no collection be made when Paul arrived in Corinth

5. Those that the church approved would travel with the funds to Jerusalem

B. Paul’s purposes for visiting Corinth (v. 5-8)

1. To stay awhile after passing through Macedonia

2. Plans to stay in Ephesus until Pentecost, for a great door of opportunity is opened unto him.

C. The visits of Timothy and Apollos (v. 10-12)

1. Exhortation to receive, and set Timothy forward unto Paul in peace

2. Apollos besought by Paul to come to Corinth -will come later as opportunity provides

D. Final exhortations for watchfulness, strength and love (v. 13-14)

E. Subjecting to, and acknowledging worthy people in the Lord (v. 15-18)

1. House of Stephanas determined to minister to the saints

2. Stephanas, Fortunatus and Achaicus supply what was lacking on part of the Corinthians

F. Salutations and a warning (v. 19-24)

1. Churches of Asia salute Corinth

2. Aquilla and Prisca salute Corinth along with the church in their house

3. All the brethren salute Corinth

4. Exhortation to salute one another with a holy kiss

5. Paul’s salutation confirmed by his own handwriting

6. Warning to those who do not love the Lord: Anathema; Maranatha – appeal for the Lord to come quickly upon                   such accursed

7. Salutation of God’s grace, and Paul’s love in Christ be upon the Corinthians


QUESTIONS:

1. The collection in Corinth was to be taken for the benefit of “whom?”


2. Regarding “when” the collection for the needy saints was to be taken, was it to be a uniform practice among local churches?


3. On what day did Paul instruct the church to take up the collection?

Is this the only day we can Scripturally do so?


4. What is the standard for how much one should give when the collection is taken?


5. Is there authority from God for having a “church treasury?


6. As an apostle, did Paul ignore local church autonomy?


7. How did Macedonia, Corinth and the Lord fit together in with Paul’s proposed plans?


8. Why would Paul stay in Ephesus when he had many adversaries there?


9. Why does Paul refer to the Jewish feast of “Pentecost?


10. Give three reasons why Paul wanted Timothy to be set forward by the Corinthians is peace?


11. Why was Apollos not coming to Corinth at the time of Paul’s writing this letter?


12. Why do we as the Corinthians need the exhortation to “watch?


13. In what should we stand fast?


14. What does it mean to “quit you, or act like men?”


15. Is becoming a “strong Christian” mandatory in the Lord?


16. Everything we do should be done in ________________________________.


17. What two facts do you know about Stephanas and his household?


18. How can we manifest subjection to those who help others?


19. What blessing, or blessings did Stephanas, Fortunatus and Achaicus bring to Paul?


20. Where did one local church meet in Asia?


21. What two facts pertaining to a “kiss” does Paul emphasize?


22. Why should the statement by Paul: “The salutation of me Paul with mine own hand” be important to us today?


23. What kind of love must we have for the Lord if we are not to be accursed?


24. What desire is Paul conveying in the word “Maranatha?”


25. What of the Lord, and what of himself does Paul wish upon the Corinthians as he closes his letter?