1 Corinthians

The Corinthians wondered whether they would be involving themselves in the practice of idolatry if they ate meat from an animal which had been sacrificed to an idol. The meat of a sacrificed animal was divided into several parts. One part was offered on the altar, another was eaten at a sacrificial meal in the temple, and some was given to the priests. The worshiper could also take part of the meat home to eat. A portion of the meat was also sold in the meat markets around the temple or in the city. The Christians could have bought some of this meat to eat, but having just left idol worship some felt uncomfortable about any contact with idolatry.

Read chapter 8.

1 Corinthians Vs.1

Paul said that they all had knowledge when it came to “food sacrificed to idols.”

What is the knowledge that they had?

What is the problem with knowledge, as opposed to love?

How was this the case at Corinth?

When does this happen today?

1 Corinthians Vs. 2-3

What is the basic principle that Paul states? Does this mean that there is no definate knowledge in matters of religion? What is Paul getting at?

1 Corinthians 13:12 Now we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known. (NIV)

Verse three shows that God takes the initiative in matters of salvation. God has chosen us and He knows us, which enables us to love Him.

This is what the Corinthians knew. There are no actual gods that live in idols. There was no person like Baal or Jupiter or Diana. These idols were just figments of heathen imagination. How did this knowledge apply to what they ate?

God the Father is the source of all of our blessings. All things came FROM Him and we exist FOR Him. He is the ultimate goal of our being. Jesus was the agent through whom the Father worked. He is the agent of our redemption - and draws us to our ultimate goal. The terms God and Lord refer to the same being - our Creator and Redeemer. “God” refers more to His power while “Lord” usually refers to His mercy.

1 Corinthians Vs. 7-8.

What was the problem in Corinth?

What happened when these Corinthian Christians ate food sacrificed to idols?

What does it meant to “defile your conscience?”

Luther: In heaven and on earth there is nothing more tender than the conscience, and nothing less able to tolerate abuse. It is said that the eye is tender, but the conscience is much more tender and soft. That is why we note in the apostles again and again how gently they have dealt with the conscience.

Who is Paul talking to in 1 Corinthians vs. 8, the weak or the strong?

What was his point?

Toppe: If eating the sacrificial meat, perhaps as a demonstration of their Christian liberty, would bring the strong Christians in Corinth close to God, then they would have a reason for not giving up their right to eat that meat. They would then exercise their Christian liberty even if the weak Christians would be offended by their action. But it was not a matter of such importance; it would not commend them to God. It was a matter of choice. Why, then, should they eat the meat and thereby distress the weak Christians? (People's Bible 78-79)

So what is one consideration in whether we should do something that is adiaphora?

What if it does bring you closer to God?

What was another consideration that came into play as to whether the Corinthians should eat meat that was sacrificed to idols?

What would you consider to be a “stumbling block”?

So what does Paul ask us who are free to do?

Can you think of some modern day examples where this might happen?

A or D: If your hair do is offensive to some in the congregation you should change it.

Toppe: Every Christian who feels that he may exercise his Christian freedom when and where he pleases should read 1 Corinthians verses 9-13 slowly and thoughtfully. Burdening the conscience of a weak brother can have fearful consequences. How dare strong Christians offen their weaker brothers and endanger their souls’ salvation, when it cost the Son of God his life to redeem them and to make them his own? How can they be so indifferent to the salvation of their brothers’ souls?

In chapter 9 Paul continues with the principle of self-limitation for the sake of others.

Read 1 Corinthians 9:1-6. What seems to have been another problem in Corinth? (Many were judging them for trivial things - what they ate, whether they should get married, that since he worked he didn’t have the rights and privileges of an apostle - “hes just a tentmaker”, etc.)

Do you remember what Paul did for a living?

What does Paul insinuate about Peter and the other apostles?

A or D: The results of a pastor’s work will prove whether he is from God or not.

There were people in Corinth who were all too ready to believe that a preacher is in his profession for material gain. Paul addresses himself to this attitude -

Read 1 Corinthians 1:7-13. Why should ministers get paid, according to Paul?

Paul quotes Deuteronomy 25:4 in support of this. Look it up. Does it seem to be talking about humans or actual oxen?

How can Paul use this verse to support his argumentation that pastors should be paid?

Read 1 Corinthians 1:13-14. What other Scriptural example does Paul use to prove his point?

Read 1 Corinthians 1:15-18. How does this apply to the whole context of what Paul is talking about?

What was Paul’s “reward” in preaching the gospel free of charge?

A or D: More WELS pastors should follow Paul’s example.

Paul continues with the same thought of “not using freedoms” when it comes to the way he conducts his ministry -

1 Corinthians Read 19-23. Can you think of any examples in how Paul “became like a Jew?”

Can you think of any examples in how Paul “became like a Gentile?”

Toppe: When Paul characterizes the Gentiles as “not having the law,” he is referring to the ceremonial law which no one except the Jews had or was obligated to observe. The Gentiles, of course, were under the natural law, the universal moral law, from which no human being is exempt. Both Jew and Gentile Christians were “under Christ’s law.” Both had the mind of Christ and sought to live upright, God pleasing lives.

How far should we go in “becoming weak to win the weak?” What are the understood limitations in doing this?

Read 1 Corinthians 1:24-27. What does Paul compare the Christian life to?

How is the Christian life like running a race?

What is the main point of the comparison?

Fredrich: Paul is not saying to deliverately beat your body. If Paul tells himself he wants better provisions he deals himself a knockout blow by saying “NO” to himself. If he says, “I’m tired of manual labor,” he says “NO.” He must go by the circumstances the Lord provided him with and be content with that.

Is Paul thinking of disqualification from heaven or from a reward for devoted service? Does this verse apply to Paul only, or to Paul and other ministers of the gospel, or to Christians generally?

Any questions?