1 Corinthians

Tonight we are starting a new study in 1 Corinthians! If you have not gone through Paul's first epistle to the church in Corinth, we are stoked that this will be first time. If you have, I am sure that you were blessed and that the Lord ministered to you on so many different levels through His word.

The church that Paul was writing to was planted right in the middle of a city that had a reputation for sexual sin. Alongside that, there were over 26 temples that worshipped more than one "god," including the temple for the Greek goddess Aphrodite where the "priestesses" were nothing more than prostitutes. Unfortunately, the sinful culture of the city was creeping into the church that was located there. Paul had heard news of the situation and he knew that he had to address the issue at hand.

Tonight we will be going over the first 9 verses and we are going to see that although there was carnal living in the church, Paul does not address the issue in a negative way. Instead, he reminds them of the blessings and privileges they have in Christ. Paul reminds them that they are sanctified, they are enriched in "all utterance and knowledge; they should be eagerly waiting for Christ's return; they will be "confirmed" to the end, and that they have been called into the fellowship of Christ. By reminding them of these blessings and privileges, Paul is reminding them that they, as well as us, are seperated unto Jesus and because of this, we have been delivered from sin and have all resources available to us to live for Jesus.