Of Torts and Tarts

This is the Bible study page for the Thursday Night Group meeting July 31 to study 1 Corinthians 6.  This chapter continues, in a sense, the discussion from chapter 5.  While there a specific sin was being addressed, the concept of judging sin within the church also forms the challenge to judge between disputes as well.  There are some challenging elements to this chapter, but the language is fairly straight forward.  It really means what it says, and there isn't a lot of deviation between translations.

Read through the chapter several times, noting thematic elements, transitions, questions, and observations you make along the way.  Paul has some peculiar perspectives, and he commands some peculiar things of the church.  Reviewing chapter 5 and looking ahead at chapter 7 may be helpful in understanding this chapter.

After reading through and making notes, read through again with the questions below:

• The sort of legal process described in verse 1 was one that Moses handled in the desert (Exodus18:13-27).  In other places in Scripture these were handled were in the city gates.  Why do you think Paul wants to keep them in the church?
• Paul uses some interesting reasoning to support his command to keep civil cases in the church.  In verse two he says 'saints will judge the world.' Where do you think he comes up with this?
• Paul then says believers will judge angels in verse 3.  Why do you think he is so adamant about bringing these sorts of legal things in the church?
• Does verse 4 sound to you like the church in Corinth already has 'judges' but these people aren't using them?  If so, why do you think they wouldn't be using such a thing?
• By bringing these civil matters into the public courts, Paul says they should be ashamed.  Why do you think that would be a source of shame?  Why should they instead simply suffer the supposed wrong?
• In verse 8 Paul may supply the reason he thinks they take these issues into the civil courts.  What do you think he means by this charge?
• How do you think we could do something like this in our church?  Maybe some sort of program like the NADR program might work?  Why do you think this might be a good idea?  Why might it not work in our society?
• In verse 9 Paul lists some types of people who will not inherit the Kingdom of God.  Do you think some of the Corinthians still practiced such things?  Do you think we have some who do in our church?
• What do you think is Paul's point in verse 11?  How does this contrast answer what he sees as the foundational problem in verses 1 through 10?
• Do you think Paul completely switches topic in verse 12?
• If all things are 'lawful' how do the 'judges' referred to above 'judge'?  What do you think he means here?
• How do you think is Jesus 'for your body' in verse 13?  In what way is this true?
• Paul also supports his point by pointing to our eventual resurrection.  Why do you think this supports his command to avoid sexual sins?
• In verse 15, what are 'members'?  What is another word for this?  If you use another word for this, how does it changes the meaning for you?
• In verse 16, Paul uses a reference we normally use for marriage.  They did too.  What does that mean to you that he would use it here? 
• Consider verse 17.  Think about that a bit.  What does this statement mean to you?  What other areas in your life does this affect, and how?
• In verse 19, Paul says that their individual bodies are 'temples of the Holy Spirit'.  Refer back to 1 Corinthians 3:16 where it was the 'church'.  How can they both be true?
• What do you think could possibly be the connection between the first 11 verses and 12-20? 

That should keep us busy for at least an hour.  We may not finish, but it may be quick; I never can tell.  Remember to bring your questions and observations to the group.

Judgement Inside Not Outside

This is the Bible study page for the Thursday Night Study Group meeting July 17 to study 1 Corinthians 5.  This is a very interesting chapter.  Along with the following one (they are somewhat related) Paul's call to not judge seems to reverse itself.  The specific instance is also interesting; not so much the sin as the response of the church.

Read through the chapter several times (it's really short).  Look for peculiar statements, questions, and perspectives.  Ask questions of the text like why, what did that really mean, and what did the people of Corinth think that meant?  Things like that will get you thinking about the text.  You/we may not find answers to those questions, but they get us more engaged with what our Master has inspired.  Jot down your questions and observations and bring them to the meeting.

After compiling your own set of questions and observations, go back through the chapter again with the questions below:

• Look up the word used in verse 1 for the sin committed here.  Listen to the pronunciation.  What English word does this Greek word sound like?  Look up the word, 'pornography' (there isn't any on this site).  What is the origin of this English word?  So what does this 'sin' include?  What sort of sexual behavior would it not include?
• Why do you think this particular sin (in this case in Corinth) is considered bad, even among Gentiles?
•  Read Leviticus 18.  This is a long list, but consider that even relations between parents remarried are included.  Also consider the reason given for such a list.  Why do you think God was both thorough and repeatedly supporting His reason citing the people of both Egypt and Canaan?
• Why do you think the church should have mourned over this sin rather than been proud? 
• Paul has already judged this man as spiritually part of the assembly in Corinth.  Why can he do this when he doesn't even 'judge' himself (see 4:3)?  Why leave judgement for the coming of Jesus in chapter 4, but exercise it here in chapter 5? (read ahead to chapter 6 for even more questions)
• Look at 1 Timothy 1:21-20.  What do you think Paul means there and here when he says 'deliver such a one over to Satan'?  How do you think that happens?
• What do you think it means 'destruction of his flesh so that his spirit may be saved'? (good place to use a 'study Bible' or commentary)
• According to verses 6 through 8, what is the effect of this sin on the church in Corinth?  I think it's clear from this passage the church celebrates the Passover.  What do you think is the significance here to Paul's reference to Jesus as our Passover having been sacrificed?  What do you think that means to them?
• The word, 'associate with' or 'company with' is made up of three words, 'together', 'again', and 'mix', in that order (see the 'Root Word' in the entry).  It's not an uncommon Greek word, but it's not used much in Scripture (3 times, twice in this chapter).  What sort of image does this bring to your mind?
• Why do you think Paul would not prohibit the people from associating with immoral people in the world?  Why be so harsh with the same people in the church?  How do you think church today approaches this problem?
• Look at the list of sins in verses 10 and 11.  Did you notice the list for those in the church is longer?  How do you see all these sins listed?  Do you see them as the same, requiring the same response?
• Consider verse 12 along with 4:5.  Paul clearly has two different things in mind here since he assumes they judge those within the church.  What do you think is the difference?
• If those outside the church are judged by God, do you think this relates to Paul's statements about judging in chapter 4?
• Paul quotes a phrase used in Deuteronomy over and over, almost thematically.  Look at Deuteronomy 13:5, 17:7,12, 21:21, and 22:21.  In each instance in Deuteronomy, how is the evil removed?  Considering verse 5, how closely do you think these concepts are related? 

I know this chapter is only 13 verses, but I think we have plenty of topic to discuss with it.  If these questions bring up more for you, then be sure to bring those to share as well.

Sarcastic Servants of The King?

This is the study page for the Thursday Night Bible Study Group meeting June 26 to study 1 Corinthians 4 (actually 3 and 4).  In this chapter, Paul wraps up his initial argument with the Corinthian church about their treatment of each other and how they regard him.  These first four chapters set up a context in which we can better understand the rest of the issues Paul addresses.  Everything else with which they struggle comes out of this initial discussion.

Read through this chapter several times.  It may be very helpful to start with chapter 1 again, and read through these four chapters together.  The repetition of themes, illustrations, and problems is best seen by reading all four together.  As we launch into the more familiar issues Paul covers you will see direct and indirect ties back to these issues.

As you read through this and the preceding chapters, what doesn't make sense to you?  Where are the things that Paul leaves unexplained or assumed?  Jot down questions and observations you have as you read through.  Be sure to bring those observations and questions to the group.

After you've read through several times, found some questions and observations, read through again with the questions below:

• From verse 1, look up the word Paul uses we translate as 'ministers' at this link.  Look through the various places listed at the bottom where this word is used in the New Testament.  How is this different from 'slave' or 'bond servant', words common with Paul?  There are some 'synonyms' listed in Greek, like doulos (slave) and diakonos (deacon/minister).  Paul wants the church to consider him with this word rather than as a slave or 'deacon'.  Why do you think that might be?
• In verse 1, the other word for how the church should consider Paul is as a 'steward' or 'head butler' of a house.  What sort of image does this bring to mind as you consider church leaders?
• In verse 2 Paul says that 'stewards' are supposed to be 'trustworthy' as if that were the primary quality sought in such people.  What does that mean for Paul?  What do you think that would look like?  Trustworthy to whom?
• Verse 3 is a common verse used to prevent 'judgmental' attitudes in church.  To what do you think Paul is referring here?  It may be helpful to review verse 5:3 before you come to some sort of conclusion.
•  Why do you think Paul wouldn't 'examine' himself?  Read ahead in 11:28.  Obviously Paul has something different in mind here than there.  Look up the word for 'examine' from 1 Corinthians 4:3, and the word, 'examine' from 11:28.  When you compare them, what do you think is the essential difference?
• The root of the word used in verse 4 turns up in verse 5 ('krino'), but also 5:3.  What do you think the difference is between 'judging' here (don't do it, but wait for God), and verse 5:3 (where Paul does it without even being there)?
• If Paul is referring to 'Scripture' when he refers to 'what has been written', then what Scripture are they not to exceed?
• Considering verses 6 and 7, what is the obvious problem the Corinthians have, and how do you think this relates to the previous statements about 'judging'?
• Take your best guess, do you think Paul is serious in his assessment of the believers in verse 8?  If not why is he writing this way?  If so, what does he end the verse that way?
• Can you sense the continuation of the tone from verse 8 throughout 9 through 13?  What do you think Paul is doing here in this part of his argument?  Consider, how do you think Paul feels as he writes this? What emotion do you sense in these words?
• In verse 14, Paul states his purpose in writing as he has, what do you think of as the difference between 'shame' and 'warn' or 'admonish' (the English words)?
• Look up the two words, 'shame' and 'admonish'.  What difference do you see between these?  Is it the same as the English words used?
• Paul connects himself to them as 'father' to them as 'children'.  Having made that claim, what is his challenge to them?  Do you think that's proper or right?
• In that light (fathers and sons), he sends Timothy.  What sort of reception do you imagine Timothy receiving when he arrives?
• Paul wraps up this chapter (part of the letter) stating that he intends to come.  What do you see as the criteria he will use in comparing the 'arrogant' people there in Corinth and himself?  What do you think verse 20 means, in practical terms?  What does that look like?

That should carry us through an hour (or more).  As I said, there are great things in this chapter.  Bring your own questions and observations to the group.

What Is The Church? What Are Her Leaders?

This is the Bible study page for the Thursday Night Study Group meeting June 5 to study 1 Corinthians 3.  This chapter continues the discussion Paul has been having with the church in Corinth about their behavior.  In some ways, this concludes the discussion for Paul (or his side), but not entirely.  He returns to themes he started in chapter 1, refers to elements he brought up in chapter 2, and wraps them up under his essential problem with what he hears about the Corinthian believers.

Read through the chapter several times.  It may be helpful in this case to also re-read from chapter 1 through 3 to get sense of how this particular piece holds together (which it does nicely).  That way you can better see what elements he revisits here, and how he uses prior comments and positions.  In this chapter, focus on the 'imagery' Paul uses.  Look for what he considers to be of utmost importance the problems among the Corinthian believers. Jot down questions and observations as you go through the chapter several times.

After going through the chapter a few times making notes and questions, go back through using the questions below:

• If Paul's accusation against the Corinthian believers is that they are 'infants' and 'fleshly', then what problem do you think he's trying to correct?
• What 'clues' does Paul point to with the Corinthians to substantiate his assessment of them?
• Verse 4 pulls back the argument elements from Chapter 1.  So, what do you think that means for our understanding of this and previous chapters?
• Read Mark 4:26-29.  Now read verses 5 through 7 in 1 Corinthians 3.  What do you think might be similarities here?  What might be some differences?
• In Paul's use of the field and workers as imagery how much do you think he 'borrowed' from words of Jesus?  Where would he have 'heard' these words?
• What do you think Paul means by 'reward' in verse 8?  And who gets whatever the reward might be?
• Who is the 'field' and 'building? And who do they belong to?
• Why do you think Paul means by 'foundation'? How is Jesus the 'foundation' of the Corinthian church?
• So, what do you think it means to 'build' on Jesus Christ?  And what do you think it means to build with various materials?
• How will fire 'test' the quality, and what do you think Paul means by 'fire'?  What fire will test the quality?
• Paul again returns to 'reward' in verse 14.  How do you think this is or isn't similar to 'reward' in verse 8?
• In verse 15, 'loss' and 'saved' are both used, but what do you think they are referring to?
• In verses 10 through 15, who is being addressed?  Who is this for?
• Paul again returns to 'wisdom' and 'foolishness' to wrap up his argument.  How do you think he is tying 'wisdom versus foolishness' to 'building'/'planting' and various factions?  What's his point?
• How do you think 'all things' belong to the Corinthian church?  What does that mean for us?

That should keep us busy for a while.  I'm not sure we will be able to answer all these questions, some really may not be answerable.  Be sure to bring your own questions as well.

Wisdom Versus Foolishness, Spiritual Versus Natural: Building New Paradigms

This is the Bible study page for the Thursday Night Bible Study Group meeting May 29 to study 1 Corinthians 2.  This is a short chapter, and much like a continuation of the previous one.  There are lots of elements chapters 1 and 2 have in common, like where Paul 'leaves off' in chapter 1 is continued in chapter 2, and what ends chapter 2 continues into chapter 3, and so on.  In fact, through 4 at least is the same topic.  Chapter 5 seems to start something new, and 6 seems to change the subject again, but is clearly connected to where 5 ends.  It's interesting.

In any case, we'll be looking at the 16 verses of chapter 2.  Perhaps we'll take 3 and 4 together, but that's for another week.  Focus on the elements in this chapter and read through them several times.  You may find it helpful to read 3 and 4, perhaps re-read 1, for context.  Look for elements that are different from 1 or build on things Paul said in 1.  If you read ahead, see what he does with the things in 2.  Jot down questions and observations about what he has in these 16 verses.

After going through this chapter several times, read back through with the questions below:

• Paul clearly builds of his contrast of the wisdom of God versus the world here.  Considering how involved these chapters are, what do you think of Paul's claim that he 'did not come with superiority of speech or wisdom'?
• Considering that in the previous chapter Paul says that God uses the foolish things of this cosmos to destroy the wise, what do you think of the content of Paul's message (verse 2)?  Why do you think the 'Crucified Messiah' would fit that description?
• The 'fear and much trembling' sounds weak.  What do you think it truly meant in Paul's message, why do you think he would tremble and be afraid?
• What sort of things do you think made up Paul's 'demonstration of the Spirit of power'?  You can find another reference like this in chapter 5 (verses 3-5).  How does that affect your understanding of what Paul means in chapter 2?
• In verses 6 through 9, who do you think are the 'rulers of this age'?  
• To whom did Paul speak of 'wisdom' and what what do you think he told them?
• In verses 10 through 16, Paul talks about the 'role' of the Holy Spirit. Consider where he starts, and the last statement in verse 16.  What do you think that means for us?
• These final verses contrast natural man and spiritual man.  Considering their view that the spiritual has nothing to do with the natural man (hence they can be immoral and not affect their spirit), what do you think about Paul's contrast?  How do you think the church accepted or understood this?

That should be plenty to discuss Thursday.  Remember to bring your questions and observations.

How Similar Can We Be?

This is the Bible study page for the Thursday Night Bible Study Group meeting May 15 to study 1 Corinthians chapter 1.  This chapter introduces some critical themes which form the basis for the rest of the letter.  It also introduces the first of the problems that the Apostle Paul addresses with this church in this letter.

Read through this chapter several times.  In letters, it is sometimes helpful to consider the 'topical arrangement' of what is written.  So, think in terms of where what Paul writes 'breaks', what constitutes a 'section', and what topics seems to form the core of those sections.  In other words, where does Paul seem to 'change the subject', even slightly?

Jot down questions and observations you have of the text as you read through several times.  Some of these will be answered on subsequent readings, and more will crop up.  Revise your 'arrangement' of this chapter, perhaps read chapter two to see if there is an 'artificial' break between chapters.  Keep working through it, especially using several versions (you pick, just different ones).

After you have some idea of your questions and arrangement, go back through using the questions below:

• Where was Sosthenes mentioned in Acts? Who was he? 
• What do you think is important about including this church along with 'all who in every place call on the name of our Lord Jesus Christ'?
• Through verse 9, Paul is still in the 'Introduction'.  In these verses, Paul seems to tie down some important concepts.  List how many you can find (it's subjective, there's not a 'right' answer).
• Look up the word, 'blameless' in the Strong's on the Blue Letter Bible website. The word is a legal term used in court cases, and had to do with bringing someone before the judge.  This word seems to mean that the object can't even be brought before the judge; the case is thrown out before it begins.  What does that mean in this place as Paul uses it?
• The word for divisions is the Greek word from which we get 'schisms'.  Look this word up at Dictionary.com; where does it come from?  What does it mean as Paul uses it here?
• In verse 10, Paul uses the Greek word for 'same' three times.  Can you spot all three in English?
• The final two 'same mind', 'same judgement' are Greek words for thinking.  One refers to the 'location' of thinking (i.e. the head/brain), and the other to the 'directing of ones faculties on an object'; so one is the 'tool' and the other the 'thing fixed' in terms of thought.  Big deal, why so precise here?  What do you think Paul is getting at?
• The 'schisms' stem from 'personalities'.  Which 'group' does Paul seem to favor? Which group(s) does he seem to be against?  Why one over the other?
• What seems to define who is in what group?
• In verse 18, Paul seems to begin a discussion of the Cross of Christ, but what is he contrasting it to?  What problem do you think Paul is addressing in this way?  How are we guilty of this today?
• In verse 20, Paul lists some 'types' of people (3 types).  To which people groups do these types belong?  Why do you think he is referring to them this way?
• What forms (or 'about Whom is') the core of Paul's 'preaching' or proclamation of the good news?  How is that different from 'wisdom'?
• Considering the 'solution' Paul is pushing in chapter 1, what do you think is the problem the church in Corinth is having?

That should keep us going for one night.  I look forward to seeing you all on Thursday!

The 'Where', and the 'Who' of First Corinthians

This is the Bible study page for the Thursday Night Bible Study group meeting May 8, to study the first of Paul's letters to the church in Corinth.  On this night, we'll be studying the city itself, and a bit about the history of the region (Achaia, Peloponnesus, and Attica).  There is a map below to help with some of the places mentioned.

First, please review any introductions to the letter in a 'study Bible' or commentary you may have.  Second, please read these three articles (they're short) on Corinth on the Blue Letter Bible site.  Third, Google the city of Corinth.  Browse through what you can find, and make notes and jot down questions.

I have some questions I'd like you to consider.  The answers may be different depending on what you read, so read more than one thing.

• How many cities of Corinth were there?
• What people founded the original city?
• What was the principal quality every historian mentions about Corinth?
• The city had a 'citadel' on top of the 'Acrocorinth', a tall rocky hill behind it.  What, besides a fort, was up there? (try this article also check out the live video feed on that page)
• The Romans destroyed the city in 144 B.C. and it remained a ruin until 44 B.C. what Roman emperor had it rebuilt?
• What socioeconomic people-group did the Romans use to populate the second Corinth?
• See if you can find Ancient Corinth on 'Google Maps'.  Is it where you thought it would be in relation to the narrow isthmus?  Why where it is rather than right on the narrow part?
• How many ports did Corinth have?  One is right down on the shore from the ancient city.  Where are the other(s)?

That, these pictures, and websites should not only give us a good idea of the place Paul wrote to, but also the people.  See you all Thursday!