1 Cor. 14

When the Gifts of the Spirit are operating in the church, Paul says the unbeliever will say, “God is among you.” Specifically, he is referring to prophecy … speaking out what God has revealed … speaking the truths of God’s Word and revealing the mind of His Spirit.

Some translations equate prophecy with preaching. No doubt, preachers can come under the direct influence of the Holy Spirit and “forth-tell” the mind of God. Paul implies that many can exercise this gift in a service. When gatherings are large, this is more difficult. In smaller, more intimate gatherings such as home groups, it is more likely to happen. This is yet another reason why home groups are so important.

1 Cor. 13

Paul describes Christian maturity as completeness or perfection. [v. 10] It can only be characterized by Godly love.

Mature saints are examples of God’s love … their spirit and presence are welcoming and accepting rather than edgy and self-absorbed. They love you as you are unconditionally. They encourage. They give. They melt you with their heart. You are at ease with them. They give you a glimpse of the Heavenly Father’s love. They encourage God’s giftings in you rather than try to impress you with theirs. You feel important to them.

God’s goal for you is an inner character ideal rather than an outward performance standard. Love is a more excellent way.

1 Cor. 12

How does God work? He works through His people and the gifts of the Spirit He dispenses. [1 Cor. 12:6]

To deny the Gifts of the Spirit is to contradict the Apostle Paul. Not wise!

God gives Gifts to men to accomplish His Will. He deals them out. We don’t go to God’s Gift Buffet and take what we want. He is the Giver. We are the receivers. Its OK to covet or desire the Gifts [ 1 Cor. 12:31] , but only God can actually legitimatize them and empower them.

Parents are wise to cultivate an awareness of God’s Gifts in their children and nurture them when they appear. This chapter provides a catalog of these Gifts of the Spirit.

1 Cor. 11

The writer of Hebrews declares, “For whom the Lord loveth He chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom He receiveth.” [Heb. 12:6] God’s correction is not a popular subject but a necessary one. What decent parent does not bring needful correction to their children. Imagine how chaotic our culture would be without any correction or discipline.

In chapter 11 of 1 Cor., Paul links irreverent communion with God’s hand of discipline. The Holy Spirit searches the heart of men to teach them to accurately understand what Christ has done for us on the Cross. This is but one example of how God wants us to take seriously this marvelous salvation He has provided. Most contemporary churches are careful to minister communion in a way that does not abuse this truth, thankfully.

1 Cor. 10

One of the key scriptures for all Christians to employ in their arsenal of spiritual weapons is v. 13 of this chapter … “No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, He will also (ALWAYS) provide a way out so that you can endure it.

Temptation is going to happen. What we do with it is key. Just knowing that God has given us tools to overcome it means we can live in total victory.

Realize this! Jesus Himself was tempted in EVERY POINT. [Heb. 4:15] So, when you are tempted, Christ knows exactly how you feel. In fact, He’s right there with you making grace and strength available to you so can resist and escape.

1 Cor. 8, 9

There were those who criticized Paul for his leadership style … that he should not receive any financial support for being in the ministry. So, Paul justified ministers receiving support. Then, he himself worked to support himself so that his accusers could have NO GROUNDS to find fault in him. He took the high road.

Also, more mature saints would eat meat that had been sacrificed to idols … they simply gave God thanks for it and were justified in it. Yet, baby Christians were confused by this. So, Paul again encouraged the saints to take the high road and abstain from any food or activity that would cause less mature Christians to stumble.

The Lord is very loving and caring for infant believers. He wants them to be encouraged and supported in their growth with no stumbling blocks from more mature believers.

1 Cor. 7

This chapter deals with marital relationships like no other. The bottom line is … when you are married, you live to please your mate. When you are unmarried and have self control, you can be totally free to please the Lord. Paul was evidently unmarried and could devote all his energies to pleasing God. God obviously gave him grace to live such. God can give His grace to everyone who asks for it, married or unmarried. Grace in a marriage gives you more ability to please both God and your mate. After all, aren’t Christian men to love their wives AS Christ loves the Church. In the same sense, wives are to submit to their husbands as we all submit to Christ. If you find difficulty in this, ask for more grace.

1 Cor. 5, 6

To the Corinthian church is given emphatic parameters for human sexual conduct. Paul connects the sanctity of the human body with moral purity … avoiding out-of-bounds sexual activity as an act of worship. We are to yield our bodies in purity to God because they are His temple.

For some reason, the Greeks in Corinth brought immoral elements of their culture into the Church, thinking they were not that much of an issue. WRONG! Paul’s wrath was stirred up at the thought of immorality in the Church.

Our culture is no better. In fact, moral impurity is piped into our homes through the media like no other time. What are we to do? FLEE! … as if a tsunami of deadly water was about to drown us. Get to the moral high ground ASAP.

1 Cor. 3, 4

There is coming a day when God will judge and reveal ALL. We will receive for what we have done at the Judgement Seat of Christ … sin is forgiven, but each man’s life and work will be revealed. You have either built your life on gold, silver and precious stones, or wood, hay and stubble. What will turn up when it’s your time?

Paul encourages us to set our affections on things above and not on this earth. [Col. 3] When we live with eternity in mind, our values and goals will change. Also, we will bring the Lord’s power into our lives to maintain a Godly thought-life and lifestyle to please HIM.

1 Cor. 2

We have this awed respect for the Apostle Paul, but he himself made it clear … he did not preach with eloquence or human persuasion. He rather relied upon God’s power to be demonstrated in his message. [v. 4, 5]

When preachers and teachers aim at anything but the powerful simplicity of God’s message, they are probably missing it. Pastor Larry Lea said he would, “Read the red and pray for the power.” That is good advice for preachers.

When God shoots out His arrows, we should be less mindful of our aim and more focused on just delivering the Gospel message in clarity and simplicity.

A story: Once I went to the hospital to sing to a patient to encourage him. After I sang in the room, he thanked me. I noticed the man in the bed next to him was visibly shaken. I offered a prayer and left. Years later, a friend told me that the man in the next bed was his uncle. He accepted Christ because of that experience. I aimed at one, but God hit the other with His arrow. (The nephew was Bob Vogel, an all-pro lineman from the Baltimore Colts … a great guy)