Corinthians #3 Private and Public Morality 1Corinthians 5 - 8

Corinthians #3 - Private & Public Morality  In the last two lessons, we’ve looked at: 1. The factors which give background to the letter; and 2. Chps.1-4 which deal with the problem of division in the Corinthian church.  Now, morality becomes the issue at hand in this letter….

Corinthians #3 - Private & Public Morality  Here’s the breakdown of the kinds of immorality with which Paul deals: >Un-Gentile: incestuous, chp.5 >Litigious: going to Law with brethren, chp.6a >Self-Mastery: Your Control, chp.6b >Marriage: from beginning through the end, chp.7 >Meat: eating idol sacrifices, chp.8

Corinthians #3 - Private & Public Morality  Chapter 5 Un-Gentile Sin, Incest. >the case stated, v.1 >the Corinthians reaction, vv.2a,6 >the prescription, vv.2b-5 What does this mean? What were they to do? >v.7, purify the lump >v.8, get your heart right >v.9ff, don’t associate with him Understand two purposes for these actions: 1. Save his soul, v.5b 2. Save the church’s reputation & soul, vv.1,7

Corinthians #3 - Private & Public Morality  Chapter 6a Going to Law with brethren. >must be connected with 5:12-13 >two examples are given to show the ability of the saints to judge: -they will judge the world, v.2 (Matt.19:28 & Luke 22:30) -they will judge angels, v.3 >thus they surely are qualified to settle disputes among themselves without going to the heathen courts! vv.4-6 >better to suffer wrong! v.7 >these won’t be saved- and shouldn’t be judging saints, vv.8-10.

Corinthians #3 - Private & Public Morality  Chapter 6b Self-Mastery. You’re supposed to be in control, v.12 >of food- for example, v.13a >but the body is not for immorality, v.13b >we will be accountable at the resurrection, v.14 >we are “one” with whom we join ourselves: -harlotry, vv Christ, v.17 >immorality is a sin against one’s body, v.18 >it is not our body to do with as we please, vv.19-20!

Corinthians #3 - Private & Public Morality  Chapter 7 Marriage: beginning - end. >is designed to prevent sin, vv.1-2 >Let it! vv.3-5 >Paul says, “Better to be unmarried” vv.7-8 >But marriage is better than sin! v.9 To the married, the Lord says: >don’t leave your mate, v.10 >if he/she does leave, then remain unmarried or be reconciled, v.11

Corinthians #3 - Private & Public Morality  Chapter 7 Marriage: beginning - end. Paul says to brethren married to unbelievers: >don’t send him/her away, vv >staying together may result in their becoming sanctified, vv.14,16 >If they leave, you are not “under bondage” v.15 Conversion of one spouse is like: >circumcision- don’t undo it, vv >slavery- don’t worry about it, vv But understand But understand: neither circumcision nor slavery was sinful! God doesn’t condone or make right sinful relationships just because one party becomes a Christian! That is entirely different.

Corinthians #3 - Private & Public Morality  Chapter 7 Marriage: beginning - end. Again, Paul comments on virgins / marriage, v.25 >better to stay as you are, vv >but marriage is not sin, v.28 >just made more difficult because of the times, vv Nonetheless, >a father who allows his daughter to marry does not sin, v.36 >neither does one who forbids it, vv The Big Picture ? Marriage is for life- consider seriously, vv

Corinthians #3 - Private & Public Morality  Chapter 8 Meat: eating idol sacrifices. Opening Principle: Knowledge makes arrogant- v.1 (“But I know different….” ) But,Love edifies. vv.2-3 (“I want to do whatever is best for my brethren.” ) Basis Principle: “There is no such thing as an idol.” vv.4-6 Therefore, “take care lest this liberty of yours somehow becomes a stumbling-block to the weak.” v.9

Corinthians #3 - Private & Public Morality  Conclusions: >The Corinthians had ‘issues’ of both Public (incest, heathen litigation, immorality, eating meat sacrificed to idols) and Private (marriage, husband-wife relations)sins. >One can destroy other’s souls, both destroys us.