Sermons and Biblical Studies

1 CORINTHIANS 4:8–13 To the present hour we both hunger and thirst, and we are poorly clothed, and beaten, and homeless (1 Cor. 4:11). To grasp the meaning of these verses, we must put them into the context of Corinthian society. The church at Corinth lived in a wealthy, highly-intellectual culture. As a result, they … Continue reading “SCUM OF THE EARTH”

1 CORINTHIANS 4:5–7 Therefore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord comes … (1 Cor. 4:5). Paul warns the Corinthians not to make judgments about him before the appointed time, before the judgment of Christ. The basis for this warning is that only on the day of judgment will the hidden motives of the … Continue reading “MAKE NO JUDGMENTS”

1 CORINTHIANS 4:1–4 He who judges me is the Lord (1 Cor. 4:4). The preceding discussion on the responsibility of ministers leads Paul to the conclusion that people should not elevate ministers above the status of mere servants of Christ. The servant of God has no authority of his own and, therefore, should not be … Continue reading “SERVANTS OF GOD”

1 CORINTHIANS 3:18–23 Therefore, let no one boast in men. For all things are yours … (1 Cor. 3:21). Because people can deceive themselves into thinking they are right when, in reality, they are dreadfully wrong, Paul exhorts the Corinthians to see through sin’s deceit, to stop boasting in men and to put their trust … Continue reading “ALL THINGS ARE YOURS”

1 CORINTHIANS 3:9–15 For no other foundation can anyone lay than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ (1 Cor. 3:11). Paul gives a sober warning to ministers in this passage: “let each one take heed how he builds on it.” The apostle is talking to ministers, to those who would build on the … Continue reading “A WARNING TO MINISTERS”

1 CORINTHIANS 3:5–8 … neither he who plants is anything, nor he who waters, but God who gave the increase (1 Cor. 3:7). The purpose of the ministry and the vocation of ministers is to bring the people to “the obedience of faith” (Rom. 1:5). The ministry is designed by God to be an instrument … Continue reading “GOD MAKES IT GROW”

1 CORINTHIANS 3:3–4 For where there are envy, strife, and divisions among you, are you not carnal and behaving like mere men? (1 Cor. 3:3). Yesterday we studied what Paul meant by calling the Corinthians carnal. Today we will see how they were behaving carnally instead of exhibiting the virtues of Christ in their relations … Continue reading “BEHAVING LIKE MERE MEN”

1 CORINTHIANS 3:1–2 And I, brethren, could not speak to you as to spiritual people but as to carnal (1 Cor. 3:1). 1 Corinthians 3:1 has been the source of much debate and conflict. It has been the proof text for the erroneous teaching commonly called carnal Christianity. This teaching asserts that there are two … Continue reading “CARNAL CHRISTIANS?”

2 PETER 1 For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge (2 Peter 1:5 niv). As people endowed with the mind of Christ, Christians need to apply this knowledge to every area of their lives. The teaching of Christ does not simply lead one to salvation, … Continue reading “A BLUEPRINT FOR THINKING”

1 CORINTHIANS 2:13–16 … nor can he know them because they are spiritually discerned (1 Cor. 2:14). Paul makes a final defense of his preaching against those who would discredit him and his doctrines as foolish by emphasizing the source of his teaching. He says that “these things we also speak.… comparing spiritual things with … Continue reading “DISCREDITING THE CRITICS”