Romans – II
Corinthians
Purpose of the class
To clearly understand the purpose of Romans and I and II
Corinthians, how it relates to the overall purpose of Scripture,
and how it relates to us today.
To clearly see key themes in Romans and I and II Corinthians and
get an overall framework of each book to make further studies
easier.
To learn of the righteousness of God and how He has provided it
to us so that we might live righteous lives.
To learn how to deal with difficulties between believers and how to
relate to one another in the Church.
To learn some principles of Christian ministry and how we can
practically apply them in our ministry to God.
Plans for the class
Week 1-5 – Romans – Receiving and Living the Righteousness of
God!
Weeks 6-9 – I Corinthians – How to Have Proper Relationships
Within the Church!
Weeks 10-13 – II Corinthians – A Defense of Christian Ministry!
Page 1
You Need to See the Forest For the Trees
Have you ever had someone get upset with you because they only
heard part of what you said and misinterpreted you?
We often do the same thing to God when we take a verse out of
the context God has placed it in and change its meaning.
Each Book of the Bible contributes to the overall theme of the
Bible. Each Section of a Book contributes to the theme of the
book, and each verse contributes to the theme of the section it
is in.
This is why it is important that we look at overviews of the Bible
Books and the Bible as a whole so that we can properly
understand the verses that we read.
What is the Big Idea?
The ultimate purpose of all Scripture is to glorify God through a
revelation of who He is and how He deals with man.
To glorify God is to recognize Him in all of His greatness. God
wrote His Word so that we might better know and worship Him.
This can be seen by four of the major sub-themes.
1) One of the great sub-themes of Scripture is the salvation of
man through the work of Jesus Christ. However, we are saved
for the glory of God (Ephesians 1:6, 12, and 14).
2) Another key subject of Scripture is how a person should act
once they are saved. However, everything that we do should
be done for the glory of God (I Corinthians 10:31).
3) Another key thought in Scripture is how God has dealt with man
in different ways in response to sin and man's responsibility.
Throughout all of these dispensations, it has been shown that
man can in no way compare to the perfection of God.
4) Finally, God reveals Himself throughout Scripture. All of this
revelation brings glory to Him.
Page 2
Historical Setting
Paul originally visited the city of Corinth and established a church
there during his second missionary journey (Acts 18:1-17).
Sometime after leaving Corinth, Paul wrote the book of First
Corinthians to address some problems that the Corinthian
Church was having.
Paul had planned to come back to Corinth shortly (I Cor. 4:19),
however, his plans changed and as a result, some in the
Corinthian Church attacked his ministry (II Cor. 1:17-23).
Paul wrote the book of Second Corinthians in response to these
attacks on his ministry.
Eventually, Paul did make it to Corinth again (Acts 20:1-3).
Paul wrote the book of Romans during his second stay in Corinth.
Paul's plans at that time were to return to Jerusalem with an
offering (Romans 15:25-28) and to celebrate Pentecost there
(Acts 20:16).
After Pentecost Paul planned to minister in Spain and stop by to
visit the Roman Church on his way there (Romans 15:23-28).
Unfortunately, Paul was falsely accused by the Jews in Jerusalem
(Acts 21:27-40) and eventually ended up going to Rome as a
prisoner (Acts 27-28).
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Romans
Author
Paul is the author of the book of Romans.
Romans is unique in that Paul had not started the church and was
actually writing to introduce himself and share his plans to visit
them in the future (Romans 1:10-13; 15:23-24).
Theme
The theme of Romans is the righteousness of God. Romans
shows us how we need it, how to get it and finally how to live it.
Contents
Romans includes the most systematic presentation of theology
found anywhere in Scripture. It explains the meaning of the
Cross for the believer’s life. While expounding why Jesus died
for all of humanity, Paul clarifies the core concepts of the
Christian faith: sin and righteousness, faith and works,
justification and election. The letter contains
(1) A detailed description of the sinfulness of man (1:18—3:20)
(2) An extensive discussion of justification by faith (3:21—5:11),
including a clear interpretation of the death of Christ (3:24–26)
(3) An elaborate explanation of sanctification (5:12—8:39)
(4) A strong section on the doctrine of election (9:1–29)
Page 4
(5) A developed exposition of what happened to the nation of
Israel and the destiny of God’s people (9:1—11:36)
(6) An extended section addressing spiritual gifts (12:1–8)
(7) Instructions on the believers’ relationship to government (13:1–
14).1
From the vantage point given by Romans, the whole landscape of
the Bible is open to view, and the relation of the parts to the
whole becomes plain.2
Key Verses – Romans 1:16-17
Personal Application
Romans teaches us that we should not trust in ourselves for
salvation, but in Christ (chs. 1–5); that we should imitate the
faith of Abraham (ch. 4); be patient in times of trouble (5:1–11);
rejoice in our representation by Christ (5:12–21); grow in daily
death to sin (6:1–7:25); walk according to the Spirit each
moment (8:1–17); hope in future glory and trust that God will
bring good out of present sufferings (8:18–39); pray for and
proclaim the gospel to the lost, especially the Jews (9:1–11:32);
and praise God for His great wisdom in the plan of salvation
(11:33–36). Especially in chapters 12–15 the letter gives many
specific applications to life, showing how the gospel works out
in practice both in the church and in the world. Finally, we can
even learn to imitate Paul’s deeply personal care for many
individual believers (ch. 16).3
1
Earl D. Radmacher, Nelson Study Bible [CD-ROM] (Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson Publishers)
R. C. Sproul, Geneva Study Bible [CD-ROM] (Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson Publishers)
3
Jack W. Hayford, Spirit Filled Life Study Bible [CD-ROM] (Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson Publishers)
2
Page 5
I) Introduction (1:1-17)
A) Paul Introduces Himself (1:1-7)
Paul opens Romans with an introduction of himself to the
Church in Rome.
Paul shares of how he was called to be an apostle and how
God gave Him the privilege of sharing the good news of
Jesus Christ.
The qualifications for being an apostle were: 1) having seen the
risen Christ with one’s own eyes (Acts 1:22; 1 Cor. 9:1); 2)
having been commissioned by Christ as an apostle (Matt.
10:1-7; Acts 1:24-26; 26:16, 17; Gal. 1:1).4
Paul also reminds us that the gospel concerns Jesus Christ
who was shown to be the Son of God by His resurrection
from the dead (1:1-4).
It was by Jesus Christ that Paul received his call to be an
apostle and through which we receive our call to be saints
(1:5-7).
B) Paul Greets the Church at Rome (1:8-15)
Paul next greets the believers that make up the Church at
Rome.
In doing this, Paul shares what he knows of them as well as his
desire to be able to share with them even as he has shared
with others (1:8-13).
Paul felt that he had a moral obligation to share the gospel
message with all Gentiles regardless of who they were
because of the grace that God had shown to him and the call
on his life (1:14-15).
4
Jack W. Hayford, Spirit Filled Life Study Bible [CD-ROM] (Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson Publishers)
Page 6
C) Paul Introduces His Purpose in Writing (1:16-17)
Paul now introduces the purpose of his writing as he begins by
sharing the fact that he is not ashamed of the gospel
message because of the power that it has to bring salvation
(1:16).
The gospel is the inherent, omnipotent power of God operating
in the salvation of a lost soul that accepts it.5
The gospel reveals in a way that was previously hidden, the
righteousness of God.
The righteousness of God is revealed because in it, God does
not overlook sin. Instead all of the sin was paid for through
Jesus' death on the cross (I Peter 2:24).
Paul says that this righteous of God is revealed as we, from our
faith share the gospel message, and this in turn results in
faith in those that we share it with (1:17).
II) God's Righteousness is Needed (1:18-3:20)
A) The Gentiles Need God's Righteousness (1:18-32)
Paul first begins his presentation of God's righteousness by
showing that all men fall short of it. He starts by speaking
about the Gentiles or those that didn't have God's law.
He begins by stripping away any hope they might have of
claiming ignorance by showing that even nature is a
testimony to the fact that God exists (1:18-20).
What is the two-fold start of sin in those that are separated from
God? They didn't give God the recognition that was due Him
and they were not thankful for what He had done for them.
5
Kenneth S. Wuest, Wuest's Word Studies From the Greek New Testament Romans in the Greek New Testament
(Grand Rapids, MI: Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Company, 1955), p. 24
Page 7
This start of sin then led (and leads) to a downward spiral.
1)
2)
3)
4)
Thoughts become useless or empty (1:21).
Wills become sinful so sin no longer seems as bad (1:21).
Foolishness seems to be wisdom (1:22).
Created things are worshipped instead of the Creator
(1:23, 25).
Eventually, there comes a time when God gives people up to
their own wickedness and lets them practice it at least for a
while (1:24, 26).
This then leads to a whole series of ugly sins which are listed in
Romans 1:26-31. There are a total of 24 sins listed which
show just how far man can and does fall.
Eventually, this sin darkens people's hearts so much that they
are actually happy when they see others doing these same
things even though they really know that they are wrong
(1:32).
B) The Jews Need God's Righteousness (2:1-3:8)
After showing the Gentiles need for God's righteousness, Paul
now turns his attention to the Jew (see 2:17).
He shows their condemnation in three different ways.
1) Their blessings will not save them (2:1-11).
The Jewish people thought that they were better than the
Gentiles even though they did the same things (2:1-2).
They felt that the blessings that they enjoyed from God
meant that they were safe not matter what they did (2:34).
Paul thoroughly rejected this idea (2:5).
Page 8
Instead of being spared because of the blessings they
enjoyed, they would be condemned according to the
works they did (2:5-10).
Does this mean that doing good works saves us?
Paul is not teaching works salvation. Instead, everyone's
works are unrighteous before a holy God (Romans 3:1012; Isaiah 64:6). It is only when God's righteousness is
imputed to us that we can stand in our works.
Judgment comes regardless of who you are (2:11).
2) The Law will not save them (2:12-24).
The Jewish people also relied on the fact that they had been
given the law as opposed to Gentiles.
Did the law make the Jews any better than the Gentiles?
This also condemned them since the Gentiles kept the law
because it was written on their conscience (2:12-15).
The Jewish people loved to tell others about the law,
however, they failed to keep it themselves (2:17-24).
The law does not affect a person's salvation (2:12). Only the
gospel of Jesus Christ can (2:16).
3) Circumcision will not save them (2:25-29).
Finally, the Jewish people were counting on circumcision to
save them.
Circumcision was given to the Jewish people as a sign of
God's covenant with them (Gen. 17:10-12).
Paul makes it clear that righteousness is what matters and
not circumcision (2:25-29).
Page 9
Paul concludes this section by showing that Jewish people
were blessed of God and they couldn’t blame Him for failing
to live according to His standards (3:1-8).
C) Everyone Needs God's Righteousness (3:9-20)
Paul concludes this section by concluding (in case someone
missed it) that everyone is a sinner – both Jews and Gentiles
(3:9).
Romans 3:10-12 is based on Psalm 14:1-3. Paul states that
there is no one that is righteous, that understands or seeks
God, or that is good for anything.
Paul now goes on to describe what an unsaved person is like.
1) His speech is deceitful, deadly, and offensive (3:13-14).
2) His way is the way of destruction and misery (3:15-17).
3) He has no fear of God (3:18 – remember Romans 1:21).
This section ends by showing us a key purpose of the Law. It
shows us what sin is and that we are all guilty before God. It
cannot bring righteousness; it only shows our guilt (3:19-20).
III) God's Righteousness Imputed - Justification
(3:21-5:21)
A) The Means of Justification (3:21-31)
After the Judge has carefully heard all the evidence and
patiently listened to all the pleas, he finds no other choice
but to invoke the supreme penalty, lest true justice be
denied. But before the terrible sentence can be carried out,
this same Judge quietly closes the case book, lays down the
heavenly gavel, rises to his feet, takes off his judicial robes,
and goes out to die for the convicted defendants.6
6
H. L. Willmington, Willmington's Guide to the Bible [CD-ROM] (Wheaton, IL: Tyndale House Publishers Inc.)
Page 10
The only way that we can obtain the righteousness of God is
through faith in Jesus Christ without the keeping of the law
(3:21-22).
Why can we only obtain righteous through faith (3:22-23)?
The reason why this is the only way we can obtain God's
righteousness through faith is that we are all sinners whether
we knew the law or not. We have all fallen short of God's
perfect goodness (3:22-23).
Even though we are sinners, once we put our trust in Jesus
Christ we are justified or declared righteous (3:24). We were
justified by means of our redemption (being ransomed from
sin and its penalty).
What does it mean to redeem something?
To redeem something means to pay the price needed to free it
(such as freeing a slave from slavery). It could be done by a
family member on behalf of someone that could not pay the
debt himself or herself.
We were enslaved to sin (John 8:34) and the only price that
could redeem us was the precious blood of Christ (I Peter
1:18-19).
According to Romans 3:25-26, how was God able to declare us
righteous when we were condemned sinners?
The reason why all this worked is that Christ's death was the
propitiation or satisfaction for our sins (3:25-26). God does
not overlook our sins. Christ was punished in our place
when He bore our sins on the cross (I Peter 2:24). This
satisfied God's righteous requirements regarding our sins
being punished (Romans 6:23).
Page 11
This propitiation even satisfied the wrath of God against the
sins of those people in the Old Testament (3:25 – sins that
are past). When an Old Testament person put the put their
faith in God, God set aside judgment for their sins until Christ
could die and pay the price for those sins.
There is nothing that we can brag about since salvation comes
through faith and nothing else (3:27-30).
Salvation does not do away with the law. It establishes or
confirms the law because the requirements of the law are
met (3:31).
B) An Illustration of Justification by Faith (4:1-25)
In chapter 4, Paul uses the example of Abraham to prove that
justification is by faith.
1) Abraham was justified by faith not works (4:1-8).
Paul first shows that salvation comes by faith and not works
by quoting from Genesis 15:6 which states that "he
[Abraham] believed in the LORD; and he counted it to him
for righteousness".
As further proof, Paul offers the testimony of David in Psalm
32:1-2.
2) Abraham was justified by faith not circumcision (4:9-12).
Paul then proves that justification is by faith and not
circumcision because Abraham was justified while he was
still uncircumcised.
Abraham was declared righteous in Genesis 15:6 and God
did not institute circumcision until Genesis 17:10-13 which
was at least 14 years later (see Genesis 16:16).
Page 12
3) Abraham was justified by faith not the law (4:13-15).
Abraham was also not justified by the law. If the law could
save a person then there would be no need for the
promise of future deliverance since people would be able
to save themselves.
4) Abraham was justified by faith in God (4:16-25).
Even though God's promises seemed impossible, Abraham
believed that what God promised He could do (4:16-21).
Because Abraham trusted God, God's righteousness was
imputed to him or put to his account (4:22).
We will also have God's righteousness imputed to us when
we put our faith in Jesus Christ and what He did for us on
the cross (4:23-25).
C) The Blessings of Justification (5:1-11)
In Romans 5:1-11, Paul shows us some of the blessings that
we receive as a result of our justification.
What are some of these blessings?
1) Peace with God (5:1).
2) Access to God (5:2).
3) Assured future glorification (5:2).
4) Hope (5:2-5).
5) Deliverance from God's wrath (5:9).
6) Reconciliation with God (5:10-11).
Page 13
D) The Basis of Justification (5:12-21)
Paul concludes this section on our justification by showing the
basis for our justification.
When Adam sinned, his sin was passed down to each one of
us. We were born sinners, we did not become sinners the
first time we committed a sinful act.
Just as Adam brought sin and death through his one act of sin,
so Christ brought righteousness and eternal life through His
death on the cross and resurrection.
Was it fair for God to condemn the whole world just because of
one man’s disobedience?7
The answer, of course, is that it was not only fair; but it was
also wise and gracious. To begin with, if God had tested
each human being individually, the result would have been
the same: disobedience. But even more important, by
condemning the human race through one man (Adam), God
was then able to save the human race through one Man
(Jesus Christ)! Each of us is racially united to Adam, so that
his deed affects us. (See Heb. 7:9-10 for an example of this
racial headship.) The fallen angels cannot be saved because
they are not a race. They sinned individually and were
judged individually. There can be no representative to take
their judgment for them and save them. But because you
and I were lost in Adam, our racial head, we can be saved in
Christ, the Head of the new creation. God’s plan was both
gracious and wise.
7
Warren W Wiersbe, Warren Wiersbe's "Be" Series NT [CD-ROM] (Wheaton, Il: Victor Books)
Page 14
IV) God's Righteousness Imparted - Sanctification
(6-8)
A) The Principles of Sanctification (6:1-23)
Once we have been justified, we need to live a sanctified life.
This is a life lived according to the righteousness of God and
separated to Him.
Paul is going to spend the next three chapters showing how
God's righteousness is imparted to us. He is going to show
that our sanctification was just as much a work of God as our
salvation was.
Paul uses two questions in chapter six to discuss the principles
of our sanctification. The first question he asks is whether or
not we should continue living according to our sin nature so
that the grace of God might be magnified even more since
God has more to forgive (6:1).
One thing that is important to realize is that in verses 2-14, Paul
is referring to the sin nature in a person rather than to
specific acts of sin.
What is the sin nature?
It is our proneness to sin, sinful desire or propensity.8 "The
fundamental question therefore is not with regard to acts of
sin but with respect to the believer's sinful nature. This is
after all basic, acts of sin in his life being the result of the
degree of his yieldedness to the sinful nature."9
Paul argues in verses 2 through 10 that a believer cannot live a
life of being yielded to the sin nature since they have died to
it and have been made alive to God.
8
Spiros Zodhiates, AMG Complete WordStudy Bible and Reference CD [CD-ROM] (AMG Publishers)
Kenneth S. Wuest, Wuest's Word Studies From the Greek New Testament Romans in the Greek New Testament
(Grand Rapids, MI: Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Company, 1955), p. 92
9
Page 15
Notice that verses 2 through 10 are in the past tense. The
truths written here have already occurred. They are a fact in
your life if you are saved.
How much power can any type of sin have over a dead person?
None. The body of sin has been destroyed or it has been
rendered inoperative.
What Paul is saying is that we used to be energized by our sin
nature, but now God energizes us.
How does this fit in with the fact that we are still tempted?
Donald Grey Barnhouse used to give this analogy to explain.
He told of a crew whose captain went mad and was replaced
in mid-voyage by the first mate. Now the old captain had no
authority; the new captain was the one to be obeyed. Yet
Barnhouse suggested that the crew might very well find itself
jumping to obey when the old captain shouted out his orders.
What the crew had to do was to constantly remember that
the old captain need no longer be obeyed, and learn to
respond to the voice of the new.
It’s like this with us, Barnhouse suggested. Our old natures will
keep on shouting out orders. But they have been stripped of
all authority over us. We can obey them, but we do not have
to. What we must do is to listen for the voice of our new
Captain, Jesus, and choose to obey Him. He and He alone
is to be obeyed, for the sin nature no longer can rule our
lives.10
This truth can have tremendous fact on our lives as we learn to
daily put to our account the fact that we don't need to listen
to sin anymore (6:11-12).
10
Lawrence O. Richards, The Teacher's Commentary [CD-ROM] (Victor Books)
Page 16
"The sinful nature is a dethroned monarch. The believer has
the responsibility of keeping it from mounting the throne of
his heart, the place which the Lord Jesus should occupy."11
Instead of allowing ourselves to be used as weapons of
unrighteousness, we should allow ourselves to be used as
weapons of righteousness because sin no longer has rule
over us (6:13-14).
"Sin is regarded as a sovereign (v. 12) who demands the
military service of its subjects, levies their quota of arms (v.
13), and gives them their soldier's pay of death (v. 23)."12
The next question that Paul seeks to answer is whether or not
we should continue to commit acts of sin since we are not
under the law but under grace (6:15).
Paul uses this to point out that when we were saved, we
switched masters (6:16-22). We are now servants of God
instead of servants of sin.
Since we have switched masters, we should obey our new
master instead of our old master (6:19).
Paul concludes this section by reminding us of the payment that
each master gives. Sin's payment is shame and death while
God's is holiness and eternal life (6:21-23). Why would we
want to have anything to do with our master?
Paul's point in this chapter is that you died to sin so it has no
power over you. You also switched masters so that you no
longer need to obey sin. You have been sanctified and as a
result you can live a sanctified life.
11
Kenneth S. Wuest, Wuest's Word Studies From the Greek New Testament Romans in the Greek New Testament
(Grand Rapids, MI: Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Company, 1955), p. 106
12
Cleon L. Rogers Jr. & Cleon L. Rogers Jr, The New Linguistic and Exegetical Key to the Greek New Testament (Grand
Rapids, MI: Zondervan Publishing House, 1998), p. 327
Page 17
B) The Law and Sanctification (7:1-14)
Law is uncompromising. But grace is never lenient. It is far
stricter than law could ever be. It is a far greater deterrent
of evil than law ever was. A half dozen motorcycle
policemen with their motors tuned up, are a far greater
deterrent to speeding, than any number of placards along
the road indicating the speed limit. The Holy Spirit,
indwelling the believer, takes notice of the slightest sin
and convicts him of it, whereas the law could act only
generally and then only when the conscience of the
individual cooperated with it. Grace not only forgives, but
teaches (Titus 3:11-14).13
1) The Authority of the Law (7:1-6)
We are no longer bound to the law in the same way that a
wife is no longer bound to her husband when he dies
(7:1-3).
In verse 4, Paul switches the analogy around a little. We as
a wife died to the law but were then given life and became
married to Christ.
Why would Paul say that our impulses to sin were by the
law?
Because the keeping of the law was dependent on our sinful
natures, the law actually stirred up sin in us since we
wanted to do what was forbidden (7:5).
We were delivered from the law, which could only condemn
us because of our sinful state. We were delivered to walk
"in newness of Spirit" (7:6).
We are not free to do whatever we want. We are free to live
in the power of the Spirit who will not only tell us what to
13
Kenneth S. Wuest, Wuest's Word Studies From the Greek New Testament Romans in the Greek New Testament
(Grand Rapids, MI: Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Company, 1955), p. 109
Page 18
do, but will also empower us to obey. We have been
radically transformed.
2) The Purpose of the Law (7:7-14)
There is nothing wrong with the law. The problem is with us.
The purpose of the law is to reveal and condemn sin (7:7,
10, 13).
Unfortunately, we have such a wicked sinful state that once
we saw that God condemned something, we wanted to do
it (7:8-9).
C) The Enemy of Sanctification (7:15-25)
As believers, we have a great war going on within us. Although
the power of our sin nature has been broken, it still remains
within us shouting out orders (7:17, 20).
Our wills having been transformed so that we desire to do the
will of God, which we know is right, but instead we find
ourselves doing what we don't want to do (7:15-20).
As believers, how have we been changed according to verses
22 and 23?
We have been inwardly changed and our minds are geared
towards God, however, our old sinful nature is still within us.
It is constantly at war against what we want to do (7:22-23).
Even though we have been sanctified (Romans 6), our old
nature still remains. Our only hope for consistent victory is
"through Jesus Christ our Lord" (7:25).
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D) The Power of Sanctification (8:1-39)
We have the power to live a sanctified life not because of who
we are or what we can do. It only comes by the power of
God.
Can every Christian live a godly life?
We have received "all things that pertain unto life and
godliness" (II Peter 1:3) and a way to escape from every
temptation (I Cor. 10:13).
The power of God delivers us from condemnation (8:1-4). We
don't have to live in our past.
Instead of being enemies of God and unable to please Him, we
now have the Spirit of God dwelling within us which enables
us to please God (8:6-9).
The power of God has also given us spiritual life (8:10-11).
In addition to indwelling us, the Holy Spirit gives us the ability to
overcome our sinful nature and leads us along (8:12-14).
We are enabled to do right and not just commanded.
We are also reassured that we are the children of God and no
longer need to live in fear of what the future might hold. We
know what it holds for us (8:15-17).
We have also been given hope that will be fully revealed when
Christ returns (8:18-25). Nothing that we go through on this
earth can begin to compare with the glories that awaits us in
heaven.
What is the impact of having this hope when it comes to living a
sanctified life?
We know that any suffering that we go through as a result of
living a sanctified life doesn't even begin to compare with the
reward that awaits us.
Page 20
We need so much help that the Holy Spirit even prays for us
and intercedes for us properly before the Father (8:26-27).
There may be some people that still think that they can't live a
sanctified life even though Paul has shown that the power to
live a godly life comes from God and not from us.
Paul refutes this potential argument by showing that all things
work according to God's plan and He chose us (8:28-30).
Our salvation was not by accident.
We have everything that we need at our disposal (8:31-32).
We also don't need to fear anymore because of what God has
done (8:33-39). We don't need to let fear keep us from
serving God.
According to verses 33 through 39, what things don't we need
to fear?
We don’t need to fear condemnation of others (8:33-34),
difficult times (8:35-37), or losing God's love (8:38-39).
God's righteousness has been given to us. This righteousness
does not come by the law because of the weakness of our
flesh. Instead, we can only live the righteousness of God
with His power, not our own.
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V) God's Righteousness Defended – His
Sovereignty (9-11)
There may have been some questions arising in the minds of
some about whether or not God was righteous in His selection
of Israel or if He was righteous in His dealings with the Gentiles
since He now seemed to be setting Israel aside.
Paul introduced this section by sharing his heartfelt desire that all
of Israel would be saved (9:1-5). This serves as an introduction
to his discussion of the nation of Israel.
A) The Question of God's selection of Israel (9:6-21)
The first question that might have arisen is whether or not God
was righteous when He chose Israel over all of the other
nations (9:6-14).
Paul's first answer is that God's selection is based on His mercy
(9:15-18). He didn't need to save anyone, but in His mercy
He chose to save some.
His selection of people has nothing to do with any merit that
they might have (9:11).
The other reason why God can choose one over another is that
He is the Creator we are the creatures (9:19-20).
What analogy does Paul draw in verse 21?
We have no more right to question God than a piece of clay
would have to question the potter that made it.
B) The Question of Israel's current status (9:22-11:24)
However, Paul's statements about God's selection of Israel in
the past may cause some to question how he was dealing
with them currently.
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God did not change His mind and suddenly start dealing with
the Gentiles (9:22-26). It had been predicted back in Hosea
2:23.
In addition, Isaiah had predicted Israel's judgment (9:27-28 –
see Isaiah 9:20-23). Isaiah also predicted the survival of a
remnant based on the grace of God (Isaiah 1:9).
Israel is at fault for God temporarily focusing on the Gentiles
instead of Israel because they tried to be righteous their own
way instead of by faith in God (9:30-10:3).
Even though Israel has tried to obtain righteousness their own
way, the only way that they can truly be righteous is by
putting their faith in Jesus Christ (10:4-13).
What need do Israel share with the Gentiles in 10:14-17?
They need someone to tell them about Jesus Christ.
The sad conclusion about Israel is that, as a nation, they have
stubbornly rejected God (10:18-21).
D) The Question of Israel's future (11:1-32)
This then leads to perhaps the ultimate question about Israel's
future. Has God permanently set them aside? Paul gives
four proofs that He has not.
The first proof is Paul himself (11:1). Paul was an Israelite, but
God had still chosen to save and use him.
The second proof is that there is a believing remnant even now
(11:2-10).
Paul uses an illustration from the life of Elijah (I Kings 19:9-18)
to show that even when things seem dark, God will always
maintain a faithful remnant.
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The third proof is the work of God in the Gentiles (11:11-24).
Paul argues that if the fall of the Jews has brought such
blessing to the world, then how much greater will the
blessing be when Israel is again restored! The restoration of
Israel will bring resurrection to the world (v. 15). In other
words, Paul was certain that there was a future for Israel as
a nation.14
Paul illustrates this with an olive tree (11:16-24). If God made a
way for Gentiles to have a relationship with Him as a result
of Israel's current rejection of Him; how much more ready will
He be to accept His chosen people when they trust in Him?
The final proof is the faithfulness of God (11:25-32).
God has promised salvation and deliverance for Israel (Isaiah
59:20-21; Psalm 49:17) and He will keep His promise.
In addition, God had promised to establish a New Covenant
with the nation with Israel (Jeremiah 31:31-37) and He will
keep this promise as well.
When will this promise be ultimately fulfilled for the nation of
Israel?
This promise of salvation will finally be fulfilled at the end of the
Tribulation (Zech. 12:10-13:2).
E) The Final Analysis (11:33-36)
After examining to incredible workings of God as He imparts
His righteousness to sinful man, the only thing that we can
do is stand in awe of Him.
14
Warren W Wiersbe, Wiersbe's Expository Outlines on the NT [CD-ROM] (Wheaton, Il: Victor Books)
Page 24
VI) God's Righteousness Practiced (12:1-15:13)
A) The Basics of Practicing God's Righteousness (12:1-2).
The first step in our practice of God's righteousness is to
present ourselves willingly to God for His use. This means
that we will have an attitude of wanting to do what God
wants us to (12:1).
The next thing that we must do is stop allowing ourselves to be
externally molded to look like the world (12:2).
What is the world?
The world is not people or even things. Instead it is that system
of values and beliefs which is opposed to God. It is
characterized by lust and pride (I John 2:16).
The final thing that we are to do is to be transformed from the
inside out (12:2) so that we might "recognize and put into
practice God's will for every situation we face."15
What is the contrast between conformed and transformed?
The contrast in this verse is that we have received new spiritual
life and have been indwelt by the Holy Spirit. We are to
allow our outward man look like what we are instead of
allowing the world to make us what we are not.
The key to living the transformed life is to allow our minds to be
renewed (12:2). We can't live the righteousness of God
unless we know what it is.
How do we renew our minds?
This renewed mind comes from knowing the Word of God
(Psalm 119:11) and thinking on the things that God wants us
to (Phil. 4:8; II Cor. 10:5).
15
D. A. Carson et al., New Bible Commentary 21st Centhry Edition (Downers Grove, IL: Intervarsity Press, 1994), p. 1150.
Page 25
B) Practicing God's Righteousness in Our Service (12:3-13).
The righteousness of God that He has given to us should show
up practically in our service to Him.
One of the ways that we serve properly is through using our
spiritual gifts.
What is a spiritual gift?
The supernatural ability to serve God in some manner (Eph.
4:7-12; Romans 12:4-8). One or more of these gifts are
given to a believer at salvation.
These gifts should be practiced in humility since they are not a
reflection of our greatness but of God's (12:3).
How can we discover our spiritual gift(s)?
Know what they are. Pray and ask for guidance. See where
God seems to be burdening you. Don't assume you will be
miserable. Seek godly advice from mature believers. See
what is missing in the church.
Paul lists some spiritual gifts in verses 6-8. Other passages
dealing with spiritual gifts are Ephesians 4:7-13; I Cor. 12;
and I Peter 4:10-11.
After showing us our supernatural abilities that God has given
to us, Paul lists some things that should characterize our
ministry in 12:9-13.
What should characterize our ministry?
In general, our ministry should be characterized by love,
personal purity, putting others first, diligence, fervency,
serving the Lord not something else, hope, endurance,
prayer, and hospitality.
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C) Practicing God's Righteousness in Our Relationships (12:1421).
God's righteousness should also show up in how we relate to
others.
We should be sympathetic to others (12:15) and walk in a spirit
of humility instead of pride (12:16).
We should also do everything that we can to live at peace all
men, even if it means helping our enemies in their time of
need (12:17-20).
D) Practicing God's Righteousness in Dealing With Government
(13:1-7).
We also need to submit ourselves to those in authority over us.
What reason does Paul give for doing this in verses 1-2?
God has established human government. When we resist
human government we are resisting what God has
established.
We also need to obey government because government has
the right to punish evil (13:3-4) and so that we can have a
clear conscience (13:5).
This obedience includes paying our taxes as well as having
appropriate respect for those in authority (13:6-7).
E) Practicing God's Righteousness in Our Obedience (13:8-14).
God's righteousness should also show up in our obedience to
Him.
What is the ultimate fulfillment of the law?
To love one another.
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One motivation for obedience to God is the imminent return of
Jesus Christ (13:11-13).
Instead of practicing wickedness, we should clothe ourselves
with Jesus Christ (13:14) and not do anything to provide for
our flesh (old sinful nature).
F) Practicing God's Righteousness in Disputed Things (14:1-23).
There are many issues that we will come across in our
Christian walk in which Scripture does not clearly define
what is right and wrong. Romans 14 tells us how to resolve
these disputes as they come up.
1) Don't look down on or judge others because their practice
differs from yours (14:3-4).
2) Be fully persuaded about what you do (14:5).
3) Regardless of what your choice is, do it for the Lord's sake
and give Him thanks (14:6-9).
4) Realize that we all need to give account to God for our
actions, not each other (14:10-12).
5) Be willing to limit your personal liberties if exercising them
would cause a brother or sister in Christ to stumble (14:1315).
6) Realize that there are more important things in life than
exercising your personal rights (14:16-18).
7) Seek to do those things that build up other believers (14:1321).
8) Don't try to force your convictions on weaker Christians
(14:22).
9) If you aren't sure if something is right, don't do it (14:23).
Page 28
G) Practicing God's Righteousness by Following Christ's Example
(15:1-13).
Finally, we should practice God's righteousness by following
Christ's example of looking to build up others instead of
Himself (15:1-4).
We should also make sure that we accept other believers even
as Christ accepts them (15:5-7). This includes those that
would seem to be outcasts according to society's standards
(15:8-13).
VII) God's Righteousness Modeled (15:14-16:27)
A) God's Righteousness Modeled in Paul's Testimony (15:14-22).
Paul modeled God's righteousness in his faithful witness for
Jesus Christ.
He viewed his witness to others and their subsequent salvation
as an offering to God (15:16).
B) God's Righteousness Modeled in Paul's Plans (15:23-33).
God's righteousness was also modeled in Paul's plans as he
showed his heart's desire to spread the gospel and minister
to the needs of others.
C) God's Righteousness Modeled in Paul's Relationships (15:2333).
Finally, Paul modeled God's righteousness in his relationships
with others. He cared about his fellow workers in the faith.
Page 29
I Corinthians
Author
Paul is the author of the book of I Corinthians.
Paul had started the church in Corinth in Acts 18 and had stayed
there for 18 months. From there Paul went on to minister in
Ephesus for three years (Acts 19).
Paul wrote the book of I Corinthians while he was in Ephesus
(I Corinthians 16:8-9).
Theme
The theme of [I Corinthians] is how to set right a worldly and carnal
church.16
The City of Corinth
The city of Corinth was a port city that had become famous for its
moral laxity.
It was originally a Greek city. The Greeks were known for their
idolatry, divisive philosophies, spirit of litigation, and rejection of
a bodily resurrection.17
16
17
William MacDonald, Believer's Bible Commentary (Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson Publishers), p. 562.
Jack W. Hayford, Spirit Filled Life Study Bible [CD-ROM] (Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson Publishers)
Page 30
Occasion for Writing
Shortly after leaving Corinth, Paul received reports of a serious
moral problem in the church. Paul sent a letter (which wasn't
recorded) telling them to fix the problem (I Cor. 5:9-11).
While still in Ephesus, Paul received another letter from one of the
families in the church about serious divisions (I Cor. 1:11). In
addition, the church has a whole had written a letter asking
certain questions (I Cor. 7:1).
In order to address these problems and questions, Paul sent
Timothy (I Cor. 4:17) and then wrote the letter of I Corinthians.
As Moffatt put it … "The Church was in the world, as it had to be,
but the world was in the Church, as it ought not to be."18
Contents
First Corinthians is the "problem book" in the sense that Paul
handles the problems ("Now concerning …") that faced the
congregation in the wicked city of Corinth. As such it is most
needed by today's problem-racked churches. The divisions,
hero-worship of leaders, immorality, legal battles, marital
problems, doubtful practices, and regulation of spiritual gifts are
all handled here.19
Paul deals with problems in three major areas. He deals with their
relationships (1:1-9:14), witness (9:15-10:33), and their worship
(11:1-14:40).
If there was one key problem underlying all of the other issues, it
was the problem of pride.
Key Verses – I Corinthians 1:30-31
18
19
William MacDonald, Believer's Bible Commentary (Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson Publishers), p. 562.
William MacDonald, Believer's Bible Commentary (Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson Publishers), p. 561.
Page 31
I) Introduction (1:1-9)
After briefly introducing himself, Paul immediately begins to
point the Corinthian believers towards God.
He reminds them that:
1)
2)
3)
4)
5)
They are recipients of the grace of God (1:4).
Their knowledge and speech come from Christ (1:5).
Their spiritual gifts come from Christ (1:6-7).
Their security comes from Christ (1:8).
Their calling comes from God (1:9).
II) Fixing the Church's Relationships (1:10-8:13)
A) The Problem of Divisions (1:10-4:21)
1) The Issue Causing Divisions (1:10-17)
The Corinthian believers were claiming allegiances to
different men or to Christ Himself to cause divisions
amongst themselves (1:10-13).
What attitude is showing up in these verses?
They were acting prideful by thinking that they were better
than other believers.
2) The Foolishness of Divisions (1:18-2:16)
Paul shows the foolishness of this type of division by
showing that man in his prideful wisdom can never come
to God (1:18-24).
How does Paul compare God with man in 1:25?
God is so great that the weakest or most foolish thing that
He could do is still greater than the best that man can do
(1:25).
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God is seeking to destroy the pride of this world (1:26-29).
Everything has been provided for us in Jesus Christ, not
man. Therefore we should glory in God, not in man (1:3031).
Paul's goal was for them to know Christ, not Paul's
eloquence. He wanted people to trust in the power of
God and the cross of Christ (2:1-5).
Why can't the unsaved understand the things of God?
Paul also reminds the Corinthian believers that true wisdom
comes from God. The unsaved world cannot understand
this wisdom because it can only be understood with the
help of the Spirit of God (2:6-14).
3) The Source of Divisions (3:1-4)
Paul states that the reason that they had divisions in the
church was that they were still living according to their old
sinful nature instead of the new nature God had given to
them.
Even though they thought they were more spiritual than their
fellow believers, they were really babies in Christ because
they had never grown up (3:1-2).
4) The Cure for Divisions (3:5-4:21)
Paul now gives several different steps for the Corinthians to
take to deal with their divisions.
a) Realize that God is the only one that saves (3:5-9).
b) Begin to build on the foundation that has been laid (3:1017).
c) Don't glory in men (3:18-23).
d) Don't judge others as though you are somehow superior
to them (4:1-8).
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e) Don't let pride divide. Be willing to be humbled for the
cause of Christ (4:9-13).
f) Follow good examples (4:14-17).
g) Show the power of the Spirit in your life. Don't just "talk"
Christianity (4:18-21).
B) The Problem of Immorality (5:1-13)
After addressing the issue of divisions, Paul now turned his
attention to a serious moral problem in the church.
A man was actually having an incestuous relationship with his
stepmother (5:1).
The Corinthian church was actually proud about this (5:2).
What should their attitude have been (5:2)?
They should have mourned over the sin.
Paul commanded that the sinning brother be judged by being
put out of the church (5:3-5). Allowing the believer to endure
the attacks of Satan without the support of the church would
hopefully turn the believer back to God.
What reason does Paul give for Church discipline?
If sin is left unchecked in a church, it will spread throughout the
church and cause the whole body to become sinful (5:6-8).
When a brother or sister in Christ is living in sin and refuses to
repent, we should not have fellowship with them (5:9-11).
However, the church must not judge and condemn those who
are outside the faith. That judgment is future, and God will
take care of it. In 1 Corinthians 5:9-13, Paul emphasized
once again the importance of separation from the world.
Christians are not to be isolated, but separated.20
20
Warren W Wiersbe, Warren Wiersbe's "Be" Series NT [CD-ROM] (Wheaton, Il: Victor Books)
Page 34
C) The Problem of Disputes (6:1-8)
The next issue that Paul had to address what that of believers
suing one another (6:1).
As believers, we will be judging the world and angels when
Christ returns (6:2-3). Why can't resolve our disputes
between ourselves instead of ruining our witness before the
world?
Even the "lowest" member of the church can resolve disputes
better than any unsaved person (6:4) unless there is
something wrong in the church (6:5).
We should be willing to suffer personal loss before we would
allow our testimony to be lessened before the world (6:6-8).
D) The Problem of Personal Purity (6:9-20)
Paul now turns to the Corinthian's apparent attitude that they
could live however they wanted since they were saved.
The unrighteous will not even be in the Kingdom of God and
their lifestyle is horrible (6:9-10). In comparison, we have
been washed, set apart, and justified (6:11). How can we go
back to our old wicked ways?
The Corinthians had the mistaken view that since their sins
were already paid for ("all things are lawful for me"), they
could live however they wanted.
Paul showed that the question wasn't lawfulness, but what is
spiritually profitable and not enslaving (6:12).
We belong to God now and need to live for Him, not ourselves
(6:13-20).
Our bodies are the Holy Spirit's temple and shouldn’t be defiled
(6:19).
Page 35
E) The Problems of Marriage and Divorce (7:1-40)
The Corinthian Church had many questions about marriage and
divorce and Paul answers these questions with a number of
guidelines to follow.
1) It is good to remain single, however, to keep from lust there
is nothing wrong with marriage (7:1-2, 7-9).
2) Abstinence within marriage is wrong except for short periods
of time (7:3-6).
3) If you are both saved, stay married. If you do divorce as
believers you cannot marry another (except in the case of
adultery – Matt. 19:7-9). You can only remarry the person
you divorced (7:10-11).
4) If one spouse gets saved after marriage, they should stay
married to the unsaved spouse. If the unsaved spouse
leaves, the saved person can remarry (7:12-17).
5) In general, stay in whatever state you were in before you
were saved (7:18-24).
6) If you were divorced while you were unsaved, it is all right to
get remarried (7:27-28).
7) It is good to remain single because of the hard times that are
coming (7:25-31).
7) It is good to remain single so that you can serve the Lord
more fully and faithfully (7:32-35).
8) It is your choice whether you remain single or marry (first
marriage). Both are all right to do (7:36-38).
9) A widow or widower is perfectly free to remarry. There are
no restrictions on them (7:39-40).
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F) The Problem of Personal Liberties (8:1-13)
Another question that the Corinthian Church had was whether
or not it was all right to eat meat that had been previously
offered to idols (8:1).
Although there was nothing wrong with this (8:2-6), some
apparently viewed this as a form of idolatry and as a result
their conscience would be defiled if they ate (8:7).
Even though something might be acceptable, if it would cause
someone else to stumble we shouldn't do it (8:8-9).
If our actions cause someone to do something that violates his
conscience, we are causing him to sin (8:10-13).
III) Fixing the Church's Witness (9:1-9:27)
A) The Priority of Preachers (9:1-14)
Paul used a personal attack on himself and Barnabas to
introduce the importance of taking care of those that minister
the gospel (9:1-6).
Paul first shows that a person that goes out and does
something naturally expects something in return (9:7).
The Old Testament law shows that even an ox should be taken
care for its labor. Isn't a minister much more deserving of
being provided for (9:8-10)?
A preacher gives things of great spiritual value. They deserve
to be taken care of in physical things (9:11-12).
Even God's setting up of temple worship establishes this. A
person that preaches the gospel should be provided for as a
result of his ministry (9:13-14).
Page 37
B) The Priority of Witnessing (9:15-23)
Paul next shows the priority of sharing the gospel message with
others.
He begins by sharing the burden that God had placed on his
heart. He didn't witness for money, instead he couldn't do
anything but witness (9:15-18).
Although Paul had complete liberty in Christ, he was willing to
do anything so that people would be saved (9:19-23).
C) The Priority of Self Examination (9:24-27)
Finally, Paul kept a close eye on himself.
He disciplined himself so that he could faithfully share the
gospel message just like an athlete disciplines himself to win
the prize (9:24-26).
He didn’t waste time, but instead focused on what was
necessary to spread the gospel.
He wanted to make sure that he didn't disqualify himself from
the rewards God had for him by allowing sin in his life (9:27).
IV) Fixing the Church's People (10:1-10:33)
A) Heed God's Warning (10:1-12)
Paul now turned his attention to the people's personal walk.
He shares the fact that God had given them the example of the
Israelites to show that God will punish sin among His people
(not in eternity but in this life).
All of the Israelites had the same spiritual provisions, but God
was displeased with some of them because they chose sin
instead of God's way (10:1-5).
Page 38
They sinned in the areas of lusting for evil things (10:6), idolatry
(10:7), sexual sin (10:8), a lack of trust (10:9), and
complaining (10:10).
We need to look at the example of the Israelites and avoid the
sins that they committed (10:11-12).
B) Use God's Provision (10:13)
Thankfully, God provides a "way of escape" out of every
temptation that we might face (10:13).
Since God is faithful, we can take heart in the fact that we don't
have to sin. God has given us the victory if we will claim it.
C) Seek God's Fellowship (10:14-23).
The Corinthians wanted to be able to continue in their old
idolatrous ways and still be able to have fellowship with God.
The Corinthian Church was actually worshipping demons when
they were practicing idolatry (10:20-21).
D) Seek God's Glory (10:24-33).
Paul's speaking about idolatry brings him back to the question
of eating food that had been sacrificed to idols.
It is all right to eat food that has been sacrificed to idols, but
they shouldn't ask about the source of the meat so that it
wouldn't look like they wanted sacrificial meat (10:24-26).
Even if something is all right, don't do it if a person points it out
in such a way that they seem to think it is sin (10:27-29).
Everything that we do should be for God's glory (10:30-33).
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IV) Fixing the Church's Worship (11:1-14:40)
A) Abuse of Biblical Roles (11:1-16)
In fixing the issue of the Church's worship, Paul first addressed
the issue of Biblical roles in the worship.
Apparently, the women were vying for leadership with the men
and bringing contention into the church.
Paul showed that this was wrong by pointing out the principle of
headship. God has appointed an order for things and this
order must be followed.
God's order is that the Father is the head of the Son, the Son is
the head of man and man is the head of the woman (11:3).
Keep in mind that Corinth was an immoral city, with temple
“priestesses” who were prostitutes. One mark of a sinful
woman was her short hair; such a woman often walked
about the city without the usual veil for a covering. In some
Eastern countries even today, women do not appear in
public unveiled. This is a sign of disrespect to their husbands
and would be interpreted as an invitation to sin. In fact, even
among the Jews, a shorn head was a mark of immorality
(see Num. 5:11-31, especially v. 18). So, Paul warns the
women of the church not to lose their testimonies by
worshiping in public without a veiled head. That veil (or
covering) was a mark of subordination to the Lord and to
their husbands and a recognition of the principle of
headship.21
In order for the church to accomplish its purpose, each one of
us needs to fulfill our roles and not try to do something that
God has not given to us.
21
Warren W Wiersbe, Wiersbe's Expository Outlines on the NT [CD-ROM] (Wheaton, Il: Victor Books)
Page 40
B) Abuse of the Lord's Supper (11:17-34)
The Corinthians were also abusing the Lord's Supper.
The Lord's Supper is meant to be a remembrance of what He
has done for us on the cross (11:23-26).
The Corinthians were making it a normal meal and fighting with
one another over who would get it first. They were even
getting drunk on the wine (11:17-21).
The Lord's Supper is meant to be a serious time and should
only be observed if our hearts are right (11:27-28).
When a believer willfully sins and brings disgrace to God, God
will bring punishment in this life. This punishment may even
include physical death (11:29-34).
C) Abuse of Spiritual Gifts (12:1-31)
The divisions in the Corinthian church were also showing up in
their abuse of spiritual gifts.
God has given us different abilities and different roles to play in
the church; however, we all confess and serve the same
God (12:1-6).
There can be no pride in the use of our spiritual gifts since the
Holy Spirit gives the gifts to whomever He wants (12:7-11).
Note that people have different gifts.
Just like our body has many parts that must work together, so
the body of Christ has many different parts that must work
together (12:12-27).
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What principles does God give in these verses regarding the se
of spiritual gifts?
1) We all come together as one body in Christ (12:12-14).
2) Everyone is important. You can't dismiss yourself from the
body because you don't have a particular gift (12:15-17).
3) God decides who can do what (12:18).
4) You need to do your part instead of another's (12:19-20).
5) Don't let spiritual gifts bring pride and division. Each part of
the body is important (12:21-25).
6) If one person is hurting or not doing his or her part, the
whole body suffers (12:26).
God assigns spiritual gifts and none of the spiritual gifts are
given to everyone (12:28-30).
D) Abuse of Love (13:1-13)
The Corinthian church was so worried about who was more
important that they forgot that the foundation for what they
were doing should be love.
Anything done without love is useless (13:1-3).
What characterizes God's kind of love (13:4-7)?
It doesn't get angry quickly, willing to help, isn't jealous, isn't
boastful or proud, doesn't act disgracefully, isn't selfcentered, doesn't spend time thinking about evil, finds joy in
truth not wrong, doesn't expose the faults of others to
everyone, and is marked by faith, hope, and endurance.
Love will always last while some of the gifts that the Corinthians
were glorying in would come to an end (13:8-12).
Note that all three of the Christian graces will endure… But the
greatest of these graces is love. Faith, hope, and love go
together, but it is love that energizes faith and hope.22
22
Warren W Wiersbe, Warren Wiersbe's "Be" Series NT [CD-ROM] (Wheaton, Il: Victor Books)
Page 42
E) Abuse of Tongues (14:1-40)
One of the signs of the Corinthians problems was their abuse of
the spiritual gift of tongues.
Paul has already shown that tongues are a spiritual gift that is
not available to everyone (12:28-30) and that this gift will
some day cease (13:8).
Paul states that it is better to prophecy (remember that the
entire Bible had not been given at that time) than to speak in
tongues since prophecy edifies others while tongues does
not unless someone interprets (14:1-5).
The purpose of spiritual gifts is to build up one another (14:12).
Speaking in tongues is useless unless there is someone to
interpret what is spoken (14:6-20).
A person clearly speaking forth the Word of God will have much
greater impact on the hearts of men than any amount of
speaking in tongues could ever have (14:21-25).
A church service should not be a place of confusion. Paul
states that if tongues were to be practiced, it should only be
done by a few and then only if someone is there to interpret
(14:26-28).
Paul also addresses the spiritual gift of prophecy in this
passage. He states that if someone prophecies, someone
else should judge what is said (14:29-33). However, women
were not allowed to judge what was said (14:34-35).
At the time I Corinthians was written, tongues and prophecy
were still valid gifts and couldn't be forbidden (14:36-40).
The modern tongues movement violates many of the
principles established here and we don't need prophecy
since we have the entire Bible now.
It is interesting to note that the other two key passages on gifts
make no reference to tongues (Rom. 12; Eph. 4).
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V) Fixing the Church's Motivation (15:1-58)
A) The Reality of the Resurrection (15:1-11)
The last major issue that Paul addresses is the resurrection.
He uses this as a motivation to correct the issues that he has
been addressing throughout the book.
The resurrection was a real event. Paul states that Peter, the
other apostles, 500 disciples, James the brother of Jesus,
and Paul himself are all witnesses to the fact that Jesus did
rise from the dead (15:5-7).
B) The Importance of the Resurrection (15:12-34)
If the resurrection was not real, then preaching is useless and
our faith is in vain since we would still be in our sins (15:1217). We are declared righteous because of the resurrection
of Christ (Romans 4:25).
The resurrection is also important because it is only as a result
of the resurrection of Christ that we will one day raise from
the dead (15:18-23).
It is only by means of the resurrection that Christ has defeated
sin and will even subdue death (15:24-28).
If the resurrection were not real; we might as well live however
we feel since there would be nothing once this life is over
(15:29-34).
C) The Results of the Resurrection (15:35-50)
After drawing some analogies from nature, Paul describes what
our resurrected bodies will be like.
They will be incorruptible (15:42), glorified (15:43), powerful
(15:43), and spiritual (15:44). In some way we will be more
like our Savior (15:45-49).
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D) The Hope of the Resurrection (15:51-57)
As believers, we have an incredible hope in the resurrection.
When Christ returns to take us home, those that have died will
have their bodies raised and receive glorified bodies. Those
that are alive will have their bodies changed from what they
are to glorified and immortal bodies (15:51-54).
Death will finally be defeated and we can look forward to life in
Christ (15:55-57).
E) The Motivation of the Resurrection (15:58)
The fact that we have this great hope should motivate us to
correct what is wrong in our lives and dedicate ourselves to
the service of God.
We should be settled in our service to Christ and nothing
should be able to draw us from it (15:58).
We should always be doing more than enough in our service for
Christ since this is the only thing that isn't useless.
VI) Conclusion (16:1-24)
In his closing, Paul ends up showing the Corinthian church
three areas in which they should be good stewards.
This chapter may seem unrelated to our needs today, but
actually it deals in a very helpful way with three areas of
stewardship: money (1 Cor. 16:1-4), opportunities (1 Cor.
16:5-9), and people (1 Cor. 16:10-24). These are probably
the greatest resources the church has today, and they must
not be wasted.23
23
Warren W Wiersbe, Warren Wiersbe's "Be" Series NT [CD-ROM] (Wheaton, Il: Victor Books)
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II Corinthians
Author
Paul is the author of the book of II Corinthians.
This letter is in direct contrast to the tone of 1 Corinthians, for it is
intensely personal and filled with the deep emotions of the
dedicated apostle. In the first letter, Paul is the instructor,
answering questions and setting matters right; in this second
letter he is the loving pastor, the minister of Christ, pouring out
his life that his spiritual children might be perfected in the faith.24
Theme
The theme of II Corinthians is a defense of Paul's apostolic
ministry and of ministry in general.
Occasion for Writing25
The church at Corinth had been invaded by false teachers.
Eloquent in speech, with a charming and impressive manner,
these intruders were calling into question Paul’s apostolic
credentials. Apparently they had joined a small but vocal
opposition group within the church. Together they were
challenging Paul’s integrity, ministry, and authority.
Charges of insincerity, financial indiscretions, spiritual impotency,
and rhetorical ineffectiveness are examples of the accusations
that were being leveled against Paul. In response, Paul lays
bare his soul, and challenges the church to consider carefully
his personal life and ministry as it was revealed in their midst.
24
25
Warren W Wiersbe, Wiersbe's Expository Outlines on the NT [CD-ROM] (Wheaton, Il: Victor Books)
W. A. Criswell, The Believer's Study Bible [CD-ROM] (Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson Publishers
Page 46
Events between 1 and 2 Corinthians26
The reconstruction of these events is helpful for understanding the
issues addressed in the letter. However, there is no universal
agreement on these matters.
1. The Corinthians probably rectified most of the practical abuses
Paul addressed in 1 Corinthians.
2. However, because of the arrival of the intruders (Paul’s
opponents), conditions at the church had deteriorated, thus
calling for Paul’s painful visit (see 2:1; 12:14; 13:1-2).
3. Titus was sent from Ephesus to Corinth with the severe letter in
which Paul called for the discipline of the wrongdoer (2:3-9; 7:812). Paul instructed Titus to organize the collection for
Jerusalem (8:6). Titus was to meet Paul in Troas or in
Macedonia (2:12-13; 7:5-6).
4. Paul left Ephesus, then suffered his affliction in Asia (1:8-11),
and then crossed to Macedonia to organize the collection in the
churches there (2:13; 8:1-4).
5. Titus arrived in Macedonia with the report of the Corinthians’
response to the severe letter (7:5-16).
6. On returning to Macedonia and hearing of new problems at
Corinth, the apostle wrote 2 Corinthians.
7. Paul spent several months at Corinth (Acts 20:2-3), at which
time he authored Romans.
Contents
Second Corinthians contains three major sections in it. Paul first
explains himself and his ministry (1-7), then he encourages
generosity (8-9), and then the book concludes with a strong
defense of Paul's ministry (10-13).
No letter in the NT reveals the true character of the Christian
ministry as does this one. No letter says so much about
Christian giving, suffering, or spiritual triumph.27
26
27
David S.Dockery, Holman Bible Handbook [CD-ROM] (Nashville, TN: Holman Bible Publishers)
Warren W Wiersbe, Wiersbe's Expository Outlines on the NT [CD-ROM] (Wheaton, Il: Victor Books)
Page 47
I) Consolation in Ministry (1:1-7)28
A) The Source of Consolation (1:1-3)
Ministry is never easy and in this book that deals with the
ministry, Paul begins by talking about the consolation that
we receive in the ministry.
God is the source of this all comfort (1:3). When we need
comfort we should turn to Him. When others need comfort,
we should turn them to Him.
B) The Purpose of Consolation (1:4-7)
A reason that God provides us with consolation in our suffering
is so that we can comfort others when they are suffering.
When we have come through a difficult situation, we have a
great opportunity to help others that with the same problem.
II) Explanation of Paul's Ministry (1:8-2:13)
A) Concerning His Travail in Asia (1:8-14)
Paul begins to explain his ministry by sharing some tremendous
difficulties that he had in his ministry (1:8).
He shares this so he could share God's deliverance (1:9-10)
and the part that they had in it through their prayers (1:11).
B) Concerning His Delay in Coming (1:15-2:13)
However, there were some that attacked Paul because he did
not come to them as he had originally said.
Paul states that the reason that he didn't come earlier was so
that he wouldn't need to be harsh when he came (1:23-2:1).
28
H. L. Willmington, Willmington's Guide to the Bible [CD-ROM] (Wheaton, IL: Tyndale House Publishers Inc.)
Page 48
Since the Corinthian church still hadn't dealt properly with the
man committing incest, he had to send another letter with
them (2:2-4).
Paul was so concerned about the Corinthians that he traveled
to find Titus who had been sent to deal with the situation just
so he could find out what had happened (2:12-13).
III) Characteristics of the Ministry (2:14-7:16)
A) It is a Triumphant Ministry (2:14-16)
Paul now shares many characteristics of the ministry.
The first thing about ministry is that it is triumphant. The battle
has already been won in Jesus Christ. All we need to do is
claim the victory (2:14; Matt. 16:18; I John 4:4; 5:4).
B) It is a Sincere Ministry (2:17)
Paul also had a sincere ministry. Ministry must be sincere. We
must never tamper with the Word of God for personal profit.
C) It is an Approved Ministry (3:1-3)
The Holy Spirit approved Paul's ministry by changing the hearts
of the Corinthians (3:2-3).
Their changed hearts were his letters of recommendation.
D) It is a Dependent Ministry (3:4-6)
Paul also had a ministry that was totally dependent on God
(3:5) who had given him the ministry (3:6).
Paul realized that he was not sufficient to do anything and as a
result he put his trust completely in God (3:4-6).
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E) It is a Glorious Ministry (3:7-18)
When Moses stood before the Lord, his face glowed afterwards
(Ex. 34:29-35) and his ministry could only bring
condemnation and death (3:7, 9).
We have a much more glorious ministry since our ministry
brings righteousness (3:9) and Christ likeness (3:18).
F) It is an Open Ministry (4:1-4)
The ministry is also an open ministry. There is no room for
deceit of any kind in the ministry (4:2).
The ministry should reveal the truth (4:2) that Satan is trying to
hide from the unsaved world (4:3-4).
G) It is a Christ Honoring Ministry (4:5-7)
All true ministry glorifies Christ. It is Christ that we are to
preach (4:5).
We are simple vessels through which God has chosen to work
(4:7). We need to let people see God through us.
H) It is a Sacrificial Ministry (4:8-18)
The ministry at times will demand great suffering and sacrifice.
Those that wish to minister need to be willing to suffer for
those that they minister to.
Thankfully, we have a great reward to look forward to that will
make our suffering seem insignificant (4:17-18).
I) It is a Confident Ministry (5:1-9)
We can also have great confidence in the ministry since we
know that when we die in the ministry, it only brings us to a
better life in the presence of Christ.
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J) It is a Compelling Ministry (5:10-17)
Paul felt compelled to do the ministry. It was not something
that he could ignore.
First he felt compelled because he looked forward to the
judgment seat of Christ where he would gain or lose rewards
based on the things that he had done (5:10-11).
Secondly, since Christ gave His life for Paul, Paul's life now
belonged to Christ (5:14-15).
Finally, he was compelled in the ministry because he was now
a new creature (5:16-17).
K) It is a Representative Ministry (5:18-21)
The ministry is also one where we are representatives of Jesus
Christ.
We are to be ambassadors that seek to present God's message
of reconciliation to a world that is at war with Him (5:18-20).
L) It is a Faithful Ministry (6:1-10)
Paul also showed great faithfulness in the ministry.
He was willing to suffer all types of things including being
misunderstood in order that he would not cause others to
stumble or find fault with the ministry of being an
ambassador for Christ.
M) It is a Separated Ministry (6:11-18)
As believers, we must be separated from the world.
Christ does not have any fellowship with Satan, so how can we
have intimate fellowship with those things that are in Satan's
dominion?
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N) It is a Caring Ministry (7:1-7)
Paul showed His great care for the Corinthian Church even
though they caused him so much trouble.
He was willing to die for them (7:3) and found great comfort in
the fact that they had finally repented and sought to do
things God's way (7:7).
O) It is a Correcting Ministry (7:8-16)
Although Paul had regretted sending the Corinthians the harsh
letter, he no longer regretted it because it caused them have
true repentance (7:8-9).
There are two words for repentance used in this passage. The
first in verse 8 means regret while the word in verses 8 and 9
means to change one's mind.
This world's sorrow merely involves being sorry that you were
caught or sorry about the results of the action.
Godly sorrow results in a change of your mind about an action
so that you don't want to do it anymore (7:10).
The characteristics of true repentance are given in verse 11.
IV) Solicitation for the Ministry (8:1-9:15)
A) The Basis of Giving (8:1-6)
The basis for our giving is not in having a lot of money to give,
instead it is based on having a willing heart (8:1-4).
Ultimately, it can only come by the grace of God as He changes
our hearts to be willing to give (8:1).
All giving must begin with us giving ourselves to God (8:5-6).
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B) The Characteristics of Giving (8:7-24)
Giving is a spiritual discipline born out of love (8:7-8).
Giving is also following the example of Christ as He gave all for
us (8:9).
Giving is action based on a willing mind (8:10-11).
Giving is based on what we have, not what we don't have. We
don't need to feel guilty if we can't give as must as others
(8:12).
Giving is meant to meet one another's needs (8:13-15).
Giving must always involve integrity in the administration of the
funds that are given (8:16-24).
C) The Motives for Giving (9:1-15)
Giving can serve as an example for others to stir them up to
give so that more needs may be met (9:1-4).
Giving should be done based on all that God has given to us,
not as though people have to drag it out of us (9:5).
Giving will bring rewards based on how we give (9:6).
Giving must be done because we value giving to others above
meeting our own desires. We should not give because
people make us feel miserable if we don't or because we are
being compelled to give (9:7).
Giving should be done willingly since we can be sure that God
will take care of our needs as we give to others (9:8-11).
Giving should to done to give thanks to God and glorify Him
(9:12-15).
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V) Vindication of Paul's Ministry (10:1-13:14)
A) His Methods were Superior to His Accusers (10:1-18)
The final section of II Corinthians deals with Paul's defense of
his ministry against the false teachers that had invaded the
Corinthian church and were turning people against Paul.
Paul's methods were superior to his accusers because he acted
humbly, but with confidence (10:1-2).
His methods were also superior because he used the spiritual
weapons that God had provided instead of the weapons of
the flesh (10:3-7).
Finally, his methods were superior because he was working
according to the authority of God and not according to his
own authority (10:8-18).
B) His Motives were Superior to His Accusers (11:1-22)
Paul's motives were superior because his chief desire was that
they would be pure before Jesus Christ (11:1-6).
Paul also preached to them without making them pay just so
they would not be able to charge him with anything (11:712).
C) His Credentials were Superior to His Accusers (11:13-22)
Paul had superior credentials since the false teachers were
actually ministers of Satan masquerading as ministers of
righteousness (11:13-15).
Paul had the proper credentials even from a physical
perspective; however, he normally chose not to mention
them (11:16-22).
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D) His Sufferings were Superior to His Accusers (11:23-33)
Apparently, the false teachers had accused Paul of not being a
true minister because his life was too easy.
Paul responded by relating the incredible things that he had
suffered for the cause of Christ (11:23-33).
E) His Miracles were Superior to His Accusers (12:1-12)
Paul's miracles that he had experienced and done were also
superior to his accusers.
Paul had actually seen a vision of heaven (12:1-6). This was
so glorious that God actually allowed a trial to come into
Paul's life so that he wouldn't be too proud (12:7-10).
Finally, Paul was able to do the works of an apostle, which
showed his calling by God (12:11-12).
F) His Mission was Superior to His Accusers (12:13-13:14)
Paul's mission was superior to his accusers because his goal
was to minister to the Corinthians and to build them up, not
to be built up himself (12:13-19).
His goal was to bring purity to the Corinthian church (12:2013:3).
This purity could only come as they live according to the power
of God and examined their own lives (13:4-5).
Paul didn't care what they thought about him personally. He
cared that they lived righteously (13:6-10).
He wanted them to experience the love, peace and fellowship
of God (13:11-14).
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