1 Corinthians Ch 1
You have to admire the way the Apostle Paul introduces himself through the letters he writes, he addresses the church then jumps straight into the unity we have in Jesus Christ 1 Cor 1:1-2. Then he provides a blessing and thanks to God for the work he has done in his Bros in Christ 1 Cor 1:2-4. Paul testifies that God has blessed them and they are not lacking in any spiritual gifts as they wait for the revealing of Jesus Christ 1 Cor 1:7.
If only today's Pastors, Teachers etc kept the same enthusiasm, with their focus on Jesus Christ and the workings of the Holy Spirit. Sometimes it almost seems like they follow a different Gospel, as to that of the church beginnings.
His letter starts as an encouragement a real faith builder and reminds them of the purpose of the church in bringing Glory to Jesus the founder of our faith 1 Cor 1:2, Heb 12:2.
Paul then addresses some of the issues he has heard from Chloe’s people that need to be dealt with as there have been struggles within the church. It would seem from the argument that the problem was secondary to pride, each claiming that their path was right and the other was wrong. 1 Cor 1:27. Sets the agenda, ‘God chose what is foolish to shame the wise’ says Paul; they seemed to forget that Jesus is the author of their faith Heb 12:2, and started labels such as I am of Paul, I am of Apollos etc 1 Cor 1:12
1 Corinthians Ch 2
Paul came to Corinth after visiting Athens Acts 18:1, he stayed with an Italian couple Aquila and his wife whom were tent makers Acts 18:3 and as Paul was a tent make by trade he worked in with them Acts 18:3. 1 Cor ch2 tells us clearly that Paul did not exalt himself in any way, in fact he approached in fear and trembling 1 Cor 2:3. Paul’s humility never ceases to amaze me 1 Cor 2:4 it is evident that he spoke in layman's terms that all could understand and allowed Gods Spirit to do the convincing 1 Cor 2:4-5. Gods wisdom makes fools of the intellects Job 18:21, This is evident as those that thought they knew it all were the ones that crucified Christ 1 Cor 2:8, Acts 13:27, John 7:48, Matt 11:25. Jesus Christ is the mystery kept secret throughout the ages Rom 16:25 the prophecies throughout the old testament and even up to the crucifixion confirm this. Paul declares that the Spirit is what reveals the deep things of God not our intellectual understanding 1Cor2:10.
It is no wonder the church struggles so in this day of age, where education of high is thrust upon is. In recent times I have been reading vein efforts of theologians trying to fathom the things of God, unless it is revealed by Gods Spirit then most of the time it is more likely to be foolishness. 1 Cor 2:14 tells us clearly that the natural man just does not understand the things of God as they cannot be revealed apart from Gods Spirit. I even include much of the religious leaders of today as the same were baffled in times past John 7:48. Those that walk in the Spirit know the mind of Christ 1 Cor 2:16, as they walk in his lordship. Remember Jesus walked at one with the Father John 10:38, we also walk at one with Jesus thus walk in the will of the father 1 Cor 2:6. This of course is when we walk a Spirit filled life and not according to the flesh.
1 Corinthians Ch 3
Here Paul addresses where the Corinthians are in their faith, they are still babes (as new) in their faith still feeding off the milk. For if they had started to mature they would have been ready to get into the meat, of the Gospel 1 Cor 3:1-2. This was evident in their behavior, such as jealousy, strife and divisions 1 Cor 3:3-4, where there is jealousy, selfishness and disorder this is not of God James 3:16. It is easy to get the opinion here that the Corinthians were in a similar situation as the Hebrews, where the Hebrews were at a stage that they should have been Teachers but they were still in the infancy of their faith Heb 5:12. Doesn’t the vs's, Cor 3:4-5 remind you of the Church today, I am a Baptist, I am a Pentecostal, I am a Lutheran need I say more? Paul starts to unfold the different elements of the body of Christ, one does the planting whilst another does the watering but the rewards will be according to the labor not necessarily the task, gift or service provided 1 Cor 3:8-9. Paul gives an example of himself being the Master Builder laying the foundations, whilst another comes and puts up the structure 1 Cor 3:10, he does make it clear that there is another foundation greater than all Jesus Christ 1 Cor 3:11, Isa 28:16.
More to be added
