Paul Writes to the Corinthians

GOLDEN TEXT: “For I determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified.” —I Corinthians 2:2

I CORINTHIANS 1:1-3; 10-15, 21-25

THE opening verses of this lesson emphasize a very important fact with respect to a great deal of the Word of God; particularly the New Testament, namely, that it is addressed, not to the unregenerate world of mankind, but to the Lord’s own consecrated people, the “sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints.” The great objective of the plan of salvation which the Lord is working out through his people is the ultimate blessing of all the families of the earth. Because of this, the Bible contains much information pertaining to the divine purpose on behalf of mankind in general, but it was not written as a guide book for unbelievers.

Failure to realize this has led to a great deal of misunderstanding of the Bible. It contains much wholesome advice, and many timely admonitions to those who are seeking to know and do God’s will, but when applied to the worldly they are quite out of place. On the other hand, the “sanctified in Christ Jesus” need these instructions and encouragements, for by them they are helped both to know and to do the will of God.

To be “sanctified,” and thus a “saint,” means to be set apart to God and to the doing of his holy will. It does not imply perfection in the flesh, but a purity and heart devotion to God that is undivided. Such a heart devotion is pleasing to God, and he accepts the sacrifices to which it leads because our unwilling imperfections are covered by the robe of Christ’s righteousness.

The “sanctified in Christ Jesus” who were at Corinth constituted the “church of God” in that city. The Lord’s people do not need to be bound to some central synod, or governing body, in order to be of the “church.” The English word “church” is from the Greek word ekklesia, which simply means a “calling out,” or a called out people. All of those who have responded to the call of the true Gospel, and have separated themselves from the world and its spirit are properly a part of the “church.” Their names do not need to be enrolled anywhere except in heaven.

The “saints” at Corinth in Paul’s day were divided in their allegiance. Some claimed to be “of Paul,” others “of Apollos,” some “of Cephas,” or Peter, while some claimed that they were “of Christ.” Paul designates this the spirit of carnality, the result, that is, partisan human reasoning. Since some in the group were claiming this unscriptural allegiance to Paul himself, it gave him an opportunity to speak out strongly against it, for none could say that he was prompted by jealousy.

There is nothing to indicate that Apollos and Peter were in anyway responsible for the fact that some in the Corinthian church had become their over zealous followers. Probably they were just as much opposed to what was happening in this church as was Paul. It was simply that the brethren had not as yet attained a spiritual vision which enabled them to look beyond God’s servants to the one whom they served. It was in this respect that Paul endeavored to serve them.

The lesson reveals that there were some in the church at Corinth who were saying, “I am of Christ.” It would seem that this should be ideal, but Paul apparently classifies these also as being among the carnally minded. The reason is obvious. These brethren, noting that some in the church were erroneously attaching themselves to human leaders, concluded that they would disassociate themselves from all human leadership, and look directly and solely to Christ. Doing this they then assumed an air of superiority, claiming, “I am of Christ,” with the implication that the others were not.

But this was wrong, for it meant that they were losing the blessings which the Lord was sending to them through human teachers. In the 4th chapter of Ephesians, the Apostle Paul explains that pastors, teachers, and evangelists are God’s gifts to the church, as well as his prophets and apostles. The Lord’s people in every part of the age have needed these helpers, and have missed rich blessings when they have ignored them, as some in Corinth seemingly were doing. There are those today who say, “I do not want any man’s opinions; I am of Christ.” What this sometimes means is that they do not want any “man’s” opinions except their own.

Paul speaks of the Gospel of Christ as the “wisdom of God.” The divine plan of salvation through Christ does indeed display a marvelous wisdom; although even now it still seems foolish to those who have not been called by God. But to those who are called, it is a mighty power in their lives. And this power of God works in us in proportion to our devotion to him. May we, like Paul, be determined not to know anything else except Christ and him crucified.

QUESTIONS

To whom is the Bible written?

Who constituted the “church” of Christ?

Why was it wrong for some in the church at Corinth to say, “I am of Christ”?

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