Counsels to the Corinthians
The Corinthian Church was struggling with moral and doctrinal issues. Here are Paul’s counsels to them:
1-Unity
Paul instructs, “I appeal to you…that all of you agree with one another in what you say and that there be no divisions among you” (1 Corinthians 1:10). The believer’s allegiance is to Christ and not to human leaders.
2-Morality
Paul instructs, “It is actually reported that there is sexual immorality among you…A man is sleeping with his father’s wife…hand this man over to Satan for the destruction of the flesh, so that his spirit may be saved on the day of the Lord” (1 Corinthians 5:5).
3-Law Suits
Paul instructs, “If any of you has a dispute with another, do you dare to take it before the ungodly for judgment instead of before the Lord’s people? Or do you not know that the Lord’s people will judge the world? …Therefore, if you have disputes about such matters, do you ask for a ruling from those whose way of life is scorned in the church? Do you not know that we shall judge angels? How much more, things that pertain to this life?” (1 Corinthians 6: 1-4).
4-Marriage
Paul instructs, “The husband should fulfill his marital duty to his wife, and likewise the wife to her husband” and “Do not deprive each other except perhaps by mutual consent and for a time” (1 Corinthians 7:3,5).
5-Divorce
Paul instructs, “A wife must not separate from her husband. But if she does, she must remain unmarried or else be reconciled to her husband. And a husband must not divorce his wife.” “If any brother has a wife who is not a believer and she is willing to live with him, he must not divorce her. And if a woman has a husband who is not a believer and he is willing to live with her, she must not divorce him” (1 Corinthians 7:10-11,12-13).
6-Circumcision
Paul instructs, “This is the rule I lay down in all the churches. Was a man already circumcised when he was called? He should not become uncircumcised. Was a man uncircumcised when he was called? He should not be circumcised” (1 Corinthians 7:17,18).
7-Foods Served to Idols
Paul instructs, “Therefore concerning the eating of things offered to idols, we know that an idol is nothing in the world… But beware lest somehow this liberty of yours become a stumbling block to those who are weak… Therefore, if food makes my brother stumble, I will never again eat meat, lest I make my brother stumble” (1 Corinthians 8:4,9,13).
8-Head Cover for Women
Paul instructs, “Is it proper for a woman to pray to God with her head uncovered? Does not the very nature of things teach you that if a man has long hair, it is a disgrace to him, but that if a woman has long hair, it is her glory?” (1 Corinthians 11:13-15).
9-The Lord’s Supper
Paul instructs, “Therefore when you come together in one place, it is not to eat the Lord’s Supper. For in eating, each one takes his own supper ahead of others; and one is hungry and another is drunk. What! Do you not have houses to eat and drink in? Or do you despise the church of God and shame those who have nothing?” (1 Corinthians 11:20-22).
10-Pride and Jealousy
Paul instructs, “But in fact God has placed the parts in the body, every one of them, just as he wanted them to be… those parts of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable…” (1 Corinthians 12:18-21).
11-Speaking in Tongues
Paul instructs, “If you speak to people in words they don’t understand, how will they know what you are saying?” “But in a church meeting I would rather speak five understandable words to help others than ten thousand words in an unknown language.” ”But if no one is present who can interpret, they must be silent in your church” (1 Corinthians 14:9,19).
12-Denial of Resurrection
Paul instructs, “why are some of you saying there will be no resurrection of the dead? For if there is no resurrection of the dead, then Christ has not been raised either. And if Christ has not been raised, then all our preaching is useless, and your faith is useless” (1 Corinthians 15:12-14).
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In His service,
BibleAsk Team
