Paul is still thinking of those Corinthians – so proud of
their rights as Christians,
their superiority over lesser mortals,
their freedom to do as they pleased.
Tune up Time?
Read, Reflect, Respond
Articles posted by Tony Capon
Temptation is Common, but God is Faithful!
Don’t be too confident! Paul was concerned about the self-satisfied way the Corinthians talked. He saw real danger that they might fall into serious sins because of it (v 12). So he gave an Old Testament example as a warning, reminding them of the Israelites in Moses’ day.
Read MoreWatch and Pray
Read Reflect Self-confident Christians think they can wander close to temptation. This is fine, until the day they get their fingers burned – or worse. Asked how close he could drive to a precipice without going over the edge, a bus driver is said to have replied, “As far away as I can get!” Wise […]
Read MoreConscience
Read Reflect “Eat!” (v 25). Some Christians have such desperately sensitive consciences that they don’t seem able to do anything without long heart searchings about it. Their consciences become utter tyrants. Paul says, “If you want to buy food in the market, don’t ask a lot of questions about where it came from. Buy it, […]
Read MoreTimes Change, Truth Remains
Read Reflect No one can read this passage without wondering whether it really applies today. Don’t feel guilty for wondering this! Let’s consider these verses thoughtfully. Things that were true for that time. In Corinth it would obviously be wrong for a man’s head to be covered or a woman’s uncovered (v 13). because […]
Read MoreThe Lord’s Supper
Read Reflect There are two issues in today’s reading: relationships between people in the church, and attitudes towards the Lord’s supper. Paul exposes three attitudes that were destroying the Christian fellowship in Corinth (v 17). They always destroy fellowship – watch for them and root them out! The cliquish mentality: Note what it leads to […]
Read MoreDon’t Bury Your Talent
Read Reflect The Corinthians had written to ask Paul about “spiritual gifts” (v 1). Whenever we talk about people’s “gifts,” we run into two dangers. One is that by comparing ourselves with others we may think that they are much more gifted than we are – so we become discouraged. The other is just the […]
Read MoreEach in his Place
Read Reflect “One body, many parts.” That is Paul’s picture of the church. “Don’t be idle!” (vv 12-20). Look through these verses again to see how Paul shows that every Christian has a part to play in the life of the “body” which is the people of God. The only person for whom there is […]
Read MoreNo “Unemployment” in the Church
Read Reflect Just an ordinary church. “Corinth’ sounds a long way off, and the first century A.D. sounds a long time ago. But the church at Corinth was just like your church, really, and if you look carefully you will find yourself in it! Perhaps Paul has a word especially for you today. A word […]
Read MoreHeart Surgery Needed?
Read Reflect I suspect every pastor wishes he had more people like the man in verses 1-3! Look at him: a good speaker (v 1), very wise, a person of dynamic faith (v 2), generous to the point of sacrifice and ready if need be to die for Christ (v 3). Just about as close […]
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