Thomas 1 Corinthians

A 12-Week Study
1. Auflage 2015
ISBN: 978-1-4335-4426-2
Verlag: Crossway
Format: EPUB
Kopierschutz: 0 - No protection

E-Book, Englisch, 96 Seiten

Reihe: Knowing the Bible

The Knowing the Bible series is a resource designed to help Bible readers better understand and apply God's Word. These 12-week studies lead participants through books of the Bible and are made up of four basic components: (1) Reflection questions help readers engage the text at a deeper level; (2) 'Gospel Glimpses' highlight the gospel of grace throughout each book; (3) 'Whole-Bible Connections' show how any given passage connects to the Bible's overarching story of redemption, culminating in Christ; and (4) 'Theological Soundings' identify how historic orthodox doctrines are taught or reinforced throughout Scripture. With contributions from an array of influential pastors and church leaders, these gospel-centered studies will help Christians see and cherish the message of God's grace on each and every page of the Bible. Paul's first letter to the Corinthian church contains one of the most quoted chapters in all of the Bible: 1 Corinthians 13. In this accessible study, pastor and author Jay Thomas helps readers see that this epistle is about more than love and marriage. At the heart of 1 Corinthians is the reality that the good news of Jesus Christ saves, changes, and unites God's people.

 Jay Thomas (MDiv, Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary) serves as the lead pastor of Chapel Hill Bible Church in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. He was previously the college pastor at College Church in Wheaton, Illinois. Jay and his wife, Rebecca, have four children.

Autoren/Hrsg.

Thomas, Jay S.

Leseproben

WEEK 2: INTRODUCTION: SPEECH, KNOWLEDGE, AND SPIRITUAL GIFTS

1 Corinthians 1:1–9

The Place of the Passage

Paul begins this letter in classic form, with initial greetings and a highlighting of the issues that will arise as key themes throughout the letter, including the theme of unity. Paul identifies himself and his intended audience, and portrays the Corinthian church as those sanctified1 in Jesus and in fellowship with all the saints who call upon the name of the Lord (1:2). Paul then shifts to words of thanksgiving as he addresses three key themes in the letter: speech, knowledge, and spiritual gifts (1:5–7). This initial greeting is sincere but also pointed. Paul uses it as a means to point to the grace and salvation the Corinthian believers possess, yet also as a means to exhort them toward obedience in areas where they are clearly walking in sin.

The Big Picture

First Corinthians 1:1–9 reveals that God’s people are first and foremost defined by the peace and grace given to them through Jesus, which in turn is a basis and mandate for their sanctification.

Reflection and Discussion

Read through the complete passage for this study, 1 Corinthians 1:1–9. Then review the shorter sections below and write your own notes concerning this introductory section. (For further background, see the ESV Study Bible, page 2192, or visit www.esvbible.org.)

1. Greeting (1:1–3)

Paul begins by identifying himself and Sosthenes. What does it mean that Paul was “called” as an apostle? Why is it important that he mentions this?

We don’t know much about Sosthenes (Acts 18:12–17 may be describing the same man), but why might it be significant that Paul mentions this ministry partner? How does partnership in ministry help frame the main idea of unity in this letter?

Several key terms, such as sanctified, called, saints, grace, and peace, are introduced by Paul. How do these terms set the stage for what is to come (feel free to read the next section, to get the context)? In a first-century secular letter, an introductory blessing would often be, “Peace and health.” Notice that Paul says, “Grace and peace.” How is that significant?

2. Thanksgiving (1:4–9)

Speech, knowledge, and spiritual gifts arise as three key themes here, in preparation for and anticipation of the rest of the letter. Notice how Paul comments on each in verses 5–7. Is Paul condemning the existence of these three realities in the lives of the Corinthians? If not, how is he shaping their view of each reality?

What is the greater reality to which Paul is calling these Christians at the end of verse 7? How does that set the perspective the Corinthians should have toward their blessings and talents?

In a culture of elitism, where social standing was everything, how does the theme of being called to Christ provide a challenge and new framework for these believers to think about their community and their individual lives?

Read through the following three sections on Gospel Glimpses, Whole-Bible Connections, and Theological Soundings. Then take time to reflect on the Personal Implications these sections may have for your walk with the Lord.

Gospel Glimpses

MINISTRY AS PARTNERSHIP. Paul begins by mentioning Sosthenes, a man who was significant enough to be described as a brother and a fellow source of this letter. We do not know for sure, but this might be the same man mentioned in Acts 18:12–17, a ruler of the synagogue in Corinth who was beaten for not repudiating Paul. In the very first verse we see how a gospel perspective on life leads to a partnership model, rather than a solo model. Solo leaders tend to be about self. Partnerships exemplify the unity and beauty of a community who serve Jesus for his glory.

GRACE AND PEACE. Secular letters often begin with a blessing formula of “peace and health.” The New Testament letters change that to “grace and peace.” In classic Pauline style, the opening verses are filled with gospel language that inspires the recipients to embrace a Christ-centered perspective before Paul dives into the main ideas. Because the Corinthian situation is one of pride that breaks down unity, the very nature of grace is radically important. When God’s people realize that they are great sinners who have encountered an infinite Savior, pride naturally crumbles.

CALLED TO CHRIST. In a society where social standing matters supremely, one’s abilities and résumés are often idols. One-upmanship, constant self-justification, and self-righteousness abound in cultures of elitism. That is why Paul focuses us on our calling. Those who are called, forgiven, and given all grace cannot claim any merit in themselves. That is humbling, and that is what proud folk such as the Corinthians, and we, desperately need. The gospel does not take high-caliber applicants with great references. The gospel calls sinners, who without it have no hope.

Whole-Bible Connections

A PEOPLE CALLED TO HOLINESS. Throughout the Old Testament, God called those whom he loved to be his children and to be a part of his mission. In Genesis 12, God called Abraham to himself and also to a mission to extend his promises to a nation and then to the world. It is no surprise, then, to see that New Testament believers are also called. Paul is called as an apostle (1 Cor. 1:1), but then he describes the Corinthians as having been called to be saints (v. 2). This calling is not just to fellowship with God through Jesus, although that is primary; it is also a call to new identity and mission. It is a continuation of Israel’s story, for Israel was called and then commissioned in Exodus 19:5–6 to be a kingdom of priests and a holy nation. First Peter 2:9 cites this passage from Exodus and applies it to the church. We are called to God and called to his mission to make his glory known in all the world.

DAY OF THE LORD. The day of the Lord is a key theme in the Old Testament. Israel longed for the arrival of this day, on which God would come to save and judge. That day arrived, in one sense, when the Son of God became incarnate as a man and lived among us. The cross was and is the high point of salvation and judgment. But in another sense, the Bible teaches that the day of the Lord—what our passage refers to as the “revealing of our Lord Jesus Christ” along with “the day of our Lord Jesus Christ” (1 Cor. 1:7–8)—is still to come. Like the Old Testament saints, the church must live a life of faith and obedience as we wait for Jesus’ return. This faith in a certain future is not only a comfort but also a summons to intensity, as the days are short and we must urgently live for Christ.

Theological Soundings

SANCTIFICATION. Sanctification is the work of the Holy Spirit to conform believers more fully to the image of Christ. In this passage we see that the church is comprised, necessarily, of people who are being “sanctified in Christ Jesus” (1:2). Thus, the Spirit uses the person and work of Jesus as the basis to make us more holy. Likewise, along with drawing us closer to the purposes of God, sanctification in Christ by the Spirit draws us closer to other believers, as we see in the rest of verse 2. As Paul makes clear, sanctification draws our hearts to Jesus and drives us to call upon him constantly.

SOVEREIGNTY. The thrust of these first nine verses is the almighty initiative of God in calling us to faith, bestowing grace, revealing himself in Christ, and giving spiritual gifts. God’s initiative is also clearly evident here in the way he sanctifies us, sustains our faith, and promises to return to us in welcoming love, having established us as guiltless. The doctrine of God’s sovereignty can easily become abstract and seemingly irrelevant. But Paul sets the foundation of his letter by describing the Christian life as one defined not just by grace but by sovereign grace. This in turn is radically practical as it gives life to the Christian pattern of humility and unity among and with other believers.

Personal Implications

Take time to reflect on the implications of 1 Corinthians 1:1–9 for your own life today. What did you learn; how have you been shaped; how might you walk more fully trusting the Lord Jesus? Make notes below on the personal implications for your walk with the Lord of the (1) Gospel Glimpses, (2) Whole-Bible Connections, (3) Theological Soundings, and (4) this passage as a whole.

1. Gospel...