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First Corinthians - Part 13

By Wayne Stewart

December 16th, 2014

Introduction

Last week we looked at Chapter 5:1-8 - a chapter that has parallels in the book of Revelation. Under the figure of a "rod", Paul warns them of impending discipline unless they change (implied in the question "what will ye?") their conduct. The apostles gifts were awesome and powerful and to sin against the holy Ghost could be met with death as the punishment. (See Acts 5:1-11, 1 Cor. 11).

Are we seeing these things today in this age? Surely we must say "No!!" -- and if this is so why not? It has been our labour to show the reader why these things are not happenning today and give a full and clear explanation of the Biblical account without the admixture of man's philosophy or eisogesis. The momentous events around Acts 28 cannot be over emphasized and we as students of the scriptures must clarify and teach the contextual truths that bring to light the revelation given to PAul the prisoner.

First Corinthians - Part 12

By Wayne Stewart

December 13th, 2014

Introduction

Last week we examined the remainder of Chapter 4 which ended in Paul addressing some of the Corinthians who were puffed up because they believed that he would not come to them -- he reasuures them that he will - if God wills it.

18 (AV) Now some are puffed up, as though I would not come to you.
18 ὡς μὴ ἐρχομένου δέ μου πρὸς ὑμᾶς ἐφυσιώθησάν τινες.

19 (AV) But I will come to you shortly, if the Lord will, and will know, not the speech of them which are puffed up, but the power.
19 ἐλεύσομαι δὲ ταχέως πρὸς ὑμᾶς, ἐὰν ὁ Κύριος θελήσῃ, καὶ γνώσομαι οὐ τὸν λόγον τῶν πεφυσιωμένων, ἀλλὰ τὴν δύναμιν.

"Shortly" is the adverb ταχέως from whose stem we get tachometer which measures how fast an engine runs. Paul is not interested in "the word" of the puffed up ones but the power. Paul the apostle has power to correct these who are "blown up", he wants action not words and he is prepared to use his apostolic powers to quell the rebellion if needed.

20 (AV) For the kingdom of God is not in word, but in power.
20 οὐ γὰρ ἐν λόγῳ ἡ βασιλεία τοῦ Θεοῦ, ἀλλ᾽ ἐν δυνάμει.

21 (AV) What will ye? shall I come unto you with a rod, or in love, and in the spirit of meekness?
21 τί θέλετε; ἐν ῥάβδῳ ἔλθω πρὸς ὑμᾶς, ἢ ἐν ἀγάπῃ πνεύματί τε πρᾳότητος; (1Co 4:15-21 TBT)

The kingdom of God is not in word but in power. The real rulership of the kingdom will be beyond the canniving and artful use of words from the mouths of those who are puffed up. The "rod" (r`a,bdoj, ou, h` rod, staff, stick) will be applied if needed and while not Paul's first choice he allows them to choose -- "what do you wish?", τί θέλετε;

First Corinthians - Part 11

By Wayne Stewart

December 6th, 2014

Introduction:

Last week we looked at 4:1-7. This was a passage about not taking people above that which was written.

6 (AV) And these things, brethren, I have in a figure transferred to myself and to Apollos for your sakes; that ye might learn in us not to think of men above that which is written, that no one of you be puffed up for one against another.
Ταῦτα δέ, ἀδελφοί, μετεσχημάτισα εἰς ἐμαυτὸν καὶ Ἀπολλὼ δι᾽ ὑμᾶς, ἵνα ἐν ἡμῖν μάθητε τὸ μὴ ὑπὲρ ὃ γέγραπται φρονεῖν, ἵνα μὴ εἷς ὑπὲρ τοῦ ἑνὸς φυσιοῦσθε κατὰ τοῦ ἑτέρου. (1Co 4:6 TBT)

Paul had transferred the examples created by the miscrient persons of the Corinthian assembly (who formed divisive groups) to serve more noble and humbling examples as they were transformed to himself and Apollos. This week we will move the discussion forward as we get further into chapter 4.

First Corinthians - Part 10

By Wayne Stewart

November 30th, 2014

Introduction

Last time we examined the 3rd chapter of 1st Corinthians, this brought to light the unity of what God was seeking to perform during the Acts and reminds us in this age that to form divisions contrary to his word will only result in a work of the flesh. We need food in season and must leave the milk if we are to grow and be a useful servant of the Lord.

This week we will start on chapter 4 where Paul invokes Irony to deal with the arrogant and fleshly stance of the Corinthians. This brings out the real state of the apostles in contrast to the christians at Corinth and especially the work and ministry of Paul.

First Corinthians - Part 9

By Wayne Stewart

November 16th, 2014

Introduction

Last time we looked at the passages below (Welch). This structure allows us to see the scope of the verses. A couple of points pop right out as we compare and contrast words and phrases in the structure. This process brings to our attention useful insights which remind us and augment what we have learnt.

b: Man's wisdom equates to the spirit of the world while in c the spirit of God is the Holy Spirit
a: Things of God revealed corresponds with explained by by spiritual means.
C: Revelation -- Discernment -- God reveals through spiritual discernment
B: None knew -- they had the spirit of the world BUT "we" have the mind of Christ.
A: Wisdom can only be spoken to the mature -- the reason Paul could not speak this wisdom to the Corinthians was that they were Babes.

This time we shall comment on what the Holy Spirit says next as He speaks through the human instrument of Paul.

First Corinthians - Part 8

By Wayne Stewart

November 9th, 2014

Introduction

Last time we looked at the mystery of 1 Cor. 2:7.

7 But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom, which God ordained before the world unto our glory: (1Co 2:7 KJV)
7 ἀλλὰ λαλοῦμεν σοφίαν Θεοῦ ἐν μυστηρίῳ, τὴν ἀποκεκρυμμένην, ἣν προώρισεν ὁ Θεὸς πρὸ τῶν αἰώνων εἰς δόξαν ἡμῶν· (1Co 2:7 TBT)

Before the ages God had pre-marked out the strategy He would use in destroying the enemy and accomplishing the redemption of all that would respond to His call. This was a mixture of prophecy and hidden wisdom.

Today we will look at the the remainder of the chapter.

First Corinthians - Part 7

By Wayne Stewart

November 2nd, 2014

Introduction

Last time we looked at 1 Cor.2:1-9. The passages have many applications and we can learn so much about ideas related to the wisdom of this world and its limitations. However, we need now to look at the more precise context of these passages if we are to understand the intent of the author and gain from them (the passages) what doctrine God intended to pass on to the believers lest we confound those things that differ. What "mystery" is Paul referring to? Those who deny the truth of the great divide of Acts 28 and its impact on the understanding of Paul's Acts books will also confound the mysteries. In this lesson we shall look at what the mystery of 1 Cor 2:7 is and obtain from the context a more precise understanding of Paul's intent and meaning.

Get Real!

By Wayne Stewart

October 21st, 2014

Introduction

If it ain't broke don't fix it! This applies to many practical day to day life experiences we encounter -- the lawnmower, the fridge, the car etc. On the other hand if your car is sounding like a bloated cow then you may need to take notice and do something about it!

First Corinthians - Part 6

By Wayne Stewart

October 19th, 2014

Introduction:

Last time we looked at the wisdom of God and discovered that the book of Corinthians had a high density of words with the stem σοφ, found in words like sophia.

If you are interested in the subject of wisdom then the book of 1 Corinthians is a great place to start. It is also instructive to note that the second to last book on the list of high density wisdom books is the prison epistle of PAul, Colosiians. We reviewed our age and the surpassing riches lavashed on us by Christ and the wisdom that has been sent (apostled) to us through the prison ministry of PAul. The Lord's work has given us a great place in God also, our hope is unprophesied and our calling is higher than the heavens.

In this lesson we will continue the subject of God's wisdom and particularly the hidden wisdom of God in a mystery.

First Corinthians - Part 5

By Wayne Stewart

October 19th, 2014

Introduction

Last time we looked at the topic of Baptism and noted that Paul did indeed baptize in the Acts period but this was not what he was called to major on. The fact that he baptized so few gave Paul occassion to thank God because it would reduce the chance that any could say that he baptized in his own name. Paul did not separate his essential message from that of the others. Unity is what he was after, in this state there could be much productive ministry. We finished woith a comment about vs 18 where the structure of the vesre brings out the comparison between foolishness and the power of God.

This lesson is about the wisdom of the world and the times of the Acts.

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First Corinthians - Part 13

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First Corinthians - Part 8

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First Corinthians - Part 7

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Get Real!

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First Corinthians - Part 6

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First Corinthians - Part 5

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Articles

First Corinthians - Part 13

Introduction

First Corinthians - Part 12

Introduction

First Corinthians - Part 11

Introduction:

First Corinthians - Part 10

Introduction

First Corinthians - Part 9

Introduction

First Corinthians - Part 8

Introduction

First Corinthians - Part 7

Introduction

Get Real!

Introduction

First Corinthians - Part 6

Introduction:

First Corinthians - Part 5

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