1. The New Testament Church 2017-18
The Church at Corinth
The New Testament Church

2. Corinth, The City An immoral and idolatrous city.
Rich in history and wealthy
A major hub in the Roman Empire
Temple of Artemis
Also temples to Poseidon and Apollo

3. Church of God at Corinth
Established on Paul’s 2nd preaching journey (Acts 18).
He persuades both Jews and Gentiles (Acts 18:4)
He remains there 18 months (18:11)
Acts 18:23ff – Apollos comes there (19:1) while Paul is in Ephesus.
Corinth

4. Church of God at Corinth
Paul probably wrote 1 Corinthians while in Ephesus.
And 2nd Corinthians, either there or as he was leaving.
He likely visited again on his 3rd journey (Acts 20:2-3), also consider the collection for the saints
This church was filled with many problems

5. Problems at Corinth
Beware of the influence of society on the church
If we are not alert, the character of our society could influence us and corrupt us – moral issues, societal issues, selfishness, etc.

6. Problems at Corinth They were divided
1 Corinthians 1:10ff
Ungodly attitudes and conduct caused this. Manifested in many problems Paul addressed.
We need unity – Ephesians 4:1-6, Philippians 2:1-2, cf. Galatians 5:14-15

7. Problems at Corinth They were carnal 1 Corinthians 3:1-4
This was society and the ways of the world influencing them
Worldly philosophies – 1 Corinthians 3:19-21, 1:18-23
Paul’s solution – preach only Christ and Him crucified – 2:1-2, 15:1-4
When churches begin following the philosophies of men…2 Tim. 4:2-4

8. Problems at Corinth They tolerated immorality
1 Corinthians 5:1-2, there was at least one adulterous relationship that they tolerated or ignored
Are the congregations today that will not address immorality (some or all), nor will they deal with the immoral (cf. 1 Corinthians 6:9-10)
Heed 1 Corinthians 5:6

9. Problems at Corinth Selfishness
Seen throughout the first letter. Seen in many areas 1) A party spirit (1:10-13) 2) Taking brethren to court (6:5-8) 3) Not considering conscience (8:9-13, 10:29-30) 4) The Lord’s Supper (11:17-34) 5) Competitive & jealous (12-14)
Philippians 2:3-4

10. Problems at Corinth Abuse in worship Their worship was about them
Improper partaking of Lord’s Supper (11:17-34, esp )
With their spiritual gifts, there was a competitive spirit and disorderliness
1 Corinthians 14:33, 40

11. Problems at Corinth Doctrinal confusion
Concerning resurrection (1 Corinthians 15)
Paul clarified with the truth – he used fundamental truths and REASON (presented arguments) for the resurrection

12. Problems at Corinth Paul’s answer to problems:
 Rebuke and admonitions
 Call to repentance
 Call to purity
 The need for love
 We need each other
 Teaching – proper knowledge

13. Strengths at Corinth They were teachable
Consider how they responded to the adulterous relationship (2 Corinthians 2:6-7), they seemed to be responding to his request for their benevolent help

14. Strengths at Corinth They repented
2 Corinthians 7:9-11 So much so, Paul had to encourage them to reaffirm their love for the brother (2:5-8)

15. Strengths at Corinth They were benevolent
2 Corinthians 8:6-15, cf. 1 Corinthians 16:1-4 Willing to help others

16. Strengths at Corinth They stood with the gospel
1 Corinthians 1:4-9 1 Corinthians 15:1-4 2 Corinthians 2:9, he was testing them, whether they would be obedient in all things 2 Corinthians 7:14-15, their obedience

17. Concluding thoughts
We can learn from this congregation how to deal with problems
Corinth, even with their problems and errors, were important to him. He didn’t just “write them off”, but worked with them to change. He wrote with a confidence that they WOULD change.
Let us consider this as we address problems and concerns

18. How are we doing as we strive to be the body of Christ here?
1 Corinthians 15:58
How are we doing as we strive to be the body of Christ here?