1 Corinthians Bible Study Notes- Chapter 2

1 Corinthians 2

 

-Paul through the Spirit’s wisdom instructs with this idea that God’s folly is superior to the wisest wisdom of man as he continues his message to the Corinthians in chapter 2. He gives testimony that he personally did not come to them with lofty speech or human wisdom (1 Corinthians 2:1). Paul could have come to them with high theological speech and superior intellect for he was certainly trained by the best in Judaism (Acts 22:3, Philippians 3:4-8). But instead, he decided to preach only Jesus Christ and Him crucified because this is the simple truth of God’s love toward sinful mankind. *Application* The point should be clear. We share Christ out our own weakness, fear, and trembling, not with human, plausible words of wisdom. Our message rests in the demonstration of the Spirit and of power by and of God alone.

-To the mature, Paul says, we can impart (impart is a key word here in this section) wisdom. This is not the wisdom of the natural age in which we live, which is doomed to pass away, but in the wisdom from God that is secret and hidden from the worldly wise (1 Corinthians 2:6-7). If worldly rulers understood this wisdom of God they would never have killed the Lord Jesus on the tree (1 Corinthians 2:8). These are things that can only be revealed by the Spirit, who searches everything, even the depths of God (1 Corinthians 2:10). The Spirit is the One who comprehends what God is doing and manifests it to our heart when we humbly receive it by His authority and power (1 Corinthians 2:11-13). Therefore, it is only from the Holy Spirit that the spiritual people (humble, broken, and contrite, Psalm 51:17, Isaiah 57:15; 66:2) can receive and interpret spiritual truth (1 Corinthians 2:13). The natural, depraved person does not accept the things of the Spirit of God for they make no rational sense to them and are foolishness (folly). They are not able to understand because they are spiritually discerned (1 Corinthians 2:14). On the other hand, the spiritual people are able to understand and even judge (appraise, assess) all things without fear of being judged by anyone since they have the mind of Christ instructed by the Lord Himself (1 Corinthians 2:15-16). *Application* It should become apparent to us the freedom which is in Christ Jesus and His simple gospel. It opens up the mysteries of God through His Spirit being poured out upon us in fullness and grace. Dear Christian believer, stop trying to figure everything out and rest on the mighty power of God and His understanding (Proverbs 3:5-6). We can actually have the mind of Christ. That thought should blow us away that His wisdom can dwell in us!

 

Verses to Memorize- 1 Corinthians 2: 1-2, 16

1 Corinthians Bible Study Notes- Chapter 1

1 Corinthians 1

 

-Paul writes a response letter from Ephesus (1 Corinthians 16:8, 19) to some disturbing situations he was hearing about from Chloe’s people (1 Corinthians 1:11). The main problem was division in the church (1 Corinthians 1:10), which seems to be the predominant theme throughout the 16 chapters of this lengthy letter. Paul had to cover a myriad of issues that ranged from their allegiances, to their puffed up attitudes, to their sexuality immorality and misunderstanding, to their lack of understanding with regards to spiritual gifts, to their questions about their future resurrection in Christ. Paul sternly at times corrects and admonishes this wayward group of saints, sanctified in Christ Jesus (1 Corinthians 1:2) with all the power and authority the Spirit had given him in the Name and apostleship of Jesus Christ, the Lord and Savior. He begins his letter in typical Pauline fashion by a warm spiritual greeting that included praise to the Lord and greetings in grace and peace. He was thankful for these beloved believers in the Corinthian church who had been impacted by their pagan culture more than they knew. Paul, through spiritual insight, paints a beautiful picture of teaching and wisdom in the power of God alone. Thus ends this brief introduction to the book.

-After Paul addresses the presenting problem of division in the church through quarrels, disunity, and diverse opinions (1 Corinthians 1:10), he chastises them for following leaders from the apostles and banding together in cliques under their respective teachings. He sarcastically rebukes them for following men rather than the Christ. The Christ group he includes could be the arrogant, puffed-up believers that would later in the letter be disciplined for their superior attitudes and haughty spirit. Paul also reiterates his call to preach and downplays the role of man’s authority through the comments he makes on baptizing the saints. His focus is on getting them to realize that it is Christ who should be glorified and the unifying influence on the church. *Application* We are just as guilty in this present age of thinking that our own particular church is the greatest with its man of God at the helm. Any pastor worth his salt will be like Paul and denounce this type of thinking for the sake of the greater Kingdom of God. We should be unified and supportive of fellow believers of different churches and even denominations if they believe in the Word of God. Don’t be arrogant and conceited in your local body. Don’t form cliques in your church that ostracize and promote the spirit of rejection. This is the kind of stuff God detests.

-Verse 18 begins a section that runs through the end of chapter 4 focusing on the wisdom of God verses the foolishness of man. The power of God is a key theme here, which is demonstrated by the cross of Jesus Christ. The cross is foolishness to Jews because they sought signs and the cross was a stumbling block since Jesus was not yet the exalted Messiah they had so hoped and longed for. They missed His sanctifying, righteous and redemptive work as a suffering Servant in His first incarnation (1 Corinthians 1:30, Isaiah 53). The cross is foolishness to the Greeks (Hellenists, Gentiles) because they sought wisdom. Jesus was portrayed to the world as a crucified criminal, which was not wisdom in the Greek mind. But, to the called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ (who was crucified) became the power (sign implication) and wisdom of God (1 Corinthians 1:24). God’s foolishness is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men (1 Corinthians 1:25). Paul then asks his readers to remember where they came from, before they got arrogant in their prideful attitudes. God is a God who exalts humility and will shame the strong. He chooses the weak, the low, the despised in the world, even the things that are not (1 Corinthians 1:27-28). He does this so that no human being might boast in the presence of God as if they could accomplish anything on their own merit (1 Corinthians 1:29). If we are IN Christ, He has become our wisdom from God (1 Corinthians 1:30). “Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord (1 Corinthians 1:31).” *Application* God’s folly is wiser than our smartest move. You can’t top His plan, so don’t even try. Submit to His way and be saved by His power and wisdom! It is the cross that saves!

 

Verse to Memorize- 1 Corinthians 1:10

Romans Bible Study Notes- Chapter 16

Romans 16

 

-Paul, as is his relational custom, greets and commends many brothers and sisters in Christ with personal greetings at the end of this inspired letter to Rome. His love is manifest for the partnership in Kingdom work and the sacrifices they have all made together for the sake of Christ and each other. His plea is for unity and oneness in the body of Christ as they grow and develop in the LORD. *Application* We need to be like Paul in our relational thoughts, prayers, and words. He took the time to say what he felt, and so should we toward the people we love.

-He does give some final instruction to the church. As words of warning he appeals to them to watch out for those who cause divisions (a canonical theme that will be taken up in the next book of the Bible after this one, 1 Corinthians, notice how these books tie together in a supernatural tapestry of knowledge and wisdom), and create obstacles (stumbling blocks) contrary to the doctrine he has taught them (Romans 16:17). These dividers and false teachers do not serve the Lord Jesus Christ out of a pure heart, but out of their own appetites (Romans 16:18). “By smooth talk (the Kingdom is not about talking and persuasive words, but power in the Lord, 1 Corinthians 2:4) and flattery they deceive the hearts of the naïve (Romans 16:18).” Paul rejoices over the Romans obedience, which is known to all, and he implores them to stay steadfastly innocent as to what is evil and wise as to what is good (Romans 16:19). The God of peace is promised to crush satan under His feet soon. Until then, the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ is promised to be with the brethren (Romans 16:20). *Application* Don’t be deceived in this age of deception. We live in a time much like Paul’s where there are many out to take advantage of non-discerning, innocent people. Don’t follow false shepherds. Don’t be pulled in by their smooth speech and empty promises. If they are dividing the Lord’s church, this is a red flag. If they preach a false doctrine contrary to the Scriptures, flee as fast as you can. Be vigilant (on guard, alert, watchful) against what is evil and cling to the good. Support those you know are walking with the Lord. God will give us peace in the battle and crush the enemy in time (Romans 16:20). That is His promise.

-Greetings from the sending party and Tertius, who wrote the letter as a basically a secretary for Paul (which was and still is common with authors), are given to the church with warmth.

-Finally the book ends with a precious doxology (a praise to God to give Him glory). He is able to strengthen according to the truth of His gospel, which Paul proclaimed (Romans 16:25). This gospel, which was in the past mysterious, has now been revealed in fullness and simplicity to all the nations by way of Christ’s work and the prophetic testimony (Old Covenant writings, i.e. the Old Testament) by the command of the eternal God to bring about the obedience of (by) faith (Romans 16:26).

 

Verse to Memorize- Romans 16:17

Romans Bible Study Notes- Chapter 15

Romans 15

 

-Paul now finishes up his theological imploring to the saints in Rome by letting them know they have an obligation to bear with the failings of the weak if they themselves are strong (Romans 15:1). Building up others is again the exhortation rather than pleasing one’s own self (Romans 15:1-2). This was the example of Christ in His incarnation and should be indicative of the believer’s walk as well. Christ even bore our reproach (reviling, insults heaped upon, Psalm 69:9, Romans 15:3). These are prophetic words from David written for our instruction, endurance, encouragement, and hope (Romans 15:4). The result is complete harmony in the unity with believing brothers and sisters in Christ. There is to be a welcoming Spirit in the church of the Living God for His glory (Romans 15:7). *Application* Community is a key ingredient in the Spirit-filled life as Paul points out here. To live side by side with each and bear their faults and shortcomings can be cumbersome and difficult, but oh so rewarding as we grow up together as one into maturity in Christ Jesus. Remember His example as the just suffered for the unjust and brought us sinners to a higher level of acceptance in the eyes of God (1 Peter 3:18). Fulfill the law of love by forbearing with one another.

-Paul uses Old Testament citations to explain the point of how Christ became a Servant to the circumcised (the Jewish people) to demonstrate God’s truthfulness in a confirmation of the promises given to the patriarchs (the Old Testament fathers of the faith who were given the oracles of God) (Romans 15:8). This has all been done so that his ministry to the Gentiles might be given and fulfilled as the Lord has called and commanded of the Apostle Paul and others. God wants to be glorified in the nations as they receive Him as Lord and Savior, which has been His plan all along as we can see from these diverse Old Testament passages (2 Samuel 22:50, Deuteronomy 32:43, Psalm 117:1, Isaiah 11:10). Paul’s prayer at the end of his theological teaching in this letter is for them, the Gentiles of Rome, to be filled by the God of hope with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit they may abound (have left overs, be extremely rich) in hope (Romans 15:13). *Application* God is so good to open up His message of hope, joy, peace, and righteousness to us. Extend His Kingdom of love everywhere you go as you are called by His grace and mercies. He was a Servant for us; let us be His willing vessels in return out of a heart of complete devotion and sanctification (set apart and growing).

-Paul now begins to tie up his letter with some final exhortation and instruction by way of reminder (Romans 15:15). He wants these believers to be full of goodness, knowledge, and able to pass these truths on to others (Romans 15:14). He defends his call and ministry in the power of God alone and shares his future wishes to come to them finally on his way to bring the gospel to Spain (Romans 14:16-24). Therefore, the writer moves into his travel plans in the letter. He was currently on his way to Jerusalem to deliver the contribution of the saints from Achaia and Macedonia for the poor in the Holy City (1 Corinthians 16:14, 2 Corinthians 8-9). The material blessings are an apropos return by the Gentiles for the spiritual blessing the nation of Israel had been to them (Romans 15:27). Paul longs to come to these saints in Rome one day and asked for intercession in the Spirit as he goes on his way to Jerusalem. Paul would eventually get to Rome, but not in the manner he expected. He would be incarcerated in Jerusalem unjustly, have to wait for a period of two years in Caesarea Maritima under arrest, and then be brought to Rome in an appeal to Caesar on a very adventurous journey by sea (Acts 21-28). We don’t know Scripturally if he ever made it to Spain. *Application* God directs our paths. We can make our plans, but it is God who guides and leads His chosen into the right spots and purposes for His mission. Be obedient in your spiritual journey. The Lord eventually rewards the faithful.

 

Verse to Memorize- Romans 15:13

Romans Bible Study Notes- Chapter 14

Romans 14

 

-Chapter 14 appears to be a call for mutual acceptance between the strong (who rightly don’t see the need to follow prescribed dietary laws and observance of days) and the weak (who may stumble over not doing things outlined particularly in the Law) (For more on this see 1 Corinthians 10:19-33). The key verse in this passage comes in verse 19, “So then let us pursue what makes for peace and for mutual upbuilding (ESV).” *Application* Passing judgment on someone for what they do in the Name of the Lord is to be condemned as we see here if it does not violate Scriptural principles. Observance of days (Christmas, Passover, Yom Kippur, Easter, etc.) and following specific dietary rules need not be a matter of our consternation in the brotherhood of Christ and His Kingdom. The Kingdom is about righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit (Romans 14:17). We will all give an account of ourselves to God and come under His just jurisdiction for everything we do in this life (Romans 14:10-11). If we have Christ as our advocate we will stand (Romans 14:4, 18). Each person must be convinced in his own mind concerning the right thing to do for whatever does not proceed from faith is sin (Romans 14:5, 23). The principle is also this: Don’t ever be a stumbling block to a person and discourage their faith (Romans 14:13, 21). In every decision consider your fellow man as to how your action, attitudes, and comments may hinder them from becoming all God wants them to be. Let us build each other up for the glory of God!

 

Verses to Memorize- Romans 14:19, 23

Romans Bible Study Notes- Chapter 13

Romans 13

 

-Paul continues his remarks on the Christian life with a treatise on being subject to governing authorities in individuals’ lives. First, he makes it clear that these authorities have been instituted by God and those who resist these authorities resist what God has appointed (Romans 13:1-2). Those who rebel against their Divinely ordained governance will incur judgment and should be afraid of dire consequences. If we obey the laws of the land given by the authorities over us we will receive approval since these leaders are the Lord’s servants for our good (Romans 13:3-4). For the sake of a good conscience then, we must be in subjection to them as the Lord desires (Romans 13:5). This even applies to paying taxes; we are to give revenue to whom revenue is owed, to respect those to whom respect is owed, and to honor whom honor is owed (Romans 13:6-7). *Application* Jesus said, “render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s (Matthew 22:21, Mark 12:17, Luke 20:25).” This is a tough pill for us to swallow just a day after the taxes have been raised in our land following the deal to avert falling of the fiscal cliff. The fact remains that we are in subjection to those God places in power. Paul lived in time that was even more repressive than our current state, if you can believe that. Yet he wrote inspired words to tell us our biblical responsibility in attitude and practice towards our leaders. As tough as it seems, we must remember to show respect and honor and obedience to the rulers of our land even when we may be opposed to their policies in principle. God has given us this command they we may be approved (Romans 13:3).

-Therefore, we are to owe no one anything, except to love one another, which fulfills the Law (Romans 13:8-10). Love does no wrong to a neighbor, which gives perpetual goodness and overcomes evil (Romans 12:21). *Application* When tempted to complain and be bitter, remember to love and let God’s grace fill your heart, especially towards your fellow man.

-Paul in his last paragraph of this chapter offers us a wakeup call from our slumber. The day is at hand for us to put on the “armor of light” and to “walk properly as in the daytime (Romans 13:11-13).” The author then gets specific as to what we need to put off which are: orgies (carousing, revelry, excessive feasting), drunkenness, sexual immorality (promiscuity, fornication, adultery, homosexuality, etc.), sensuality (licentiousness, debauchery, insolence, disrespect), quarreling, and jealousy (Romans 13:13). Instead we are to “put on” the Lord Jesus Christ through His Holy Spirit and make no provision for the flesh, to gratify its desires (Romans 13:14). *Application* When the Light comes in the darkness has to flee. In the same way, when we wake up to Christ and live in Him, the deeds of flesh should vanish from our thoughts, words, and actions. The Spirit-filled life is what we are talking about here. Christ is the only one who can give us ultimate victory over these temptations and sins that attempt to beset us. Rely on His power to overcome!

 

Verses to Memorize- Romans 13:10, 14

Romans Bible Study Notes- Chapter 12

Romans 12

 

-This is a power packed chapter for Christian living as a holy and acceptable Spirit-filled bodily believer who has been saved by the mercies of God, transformed by the renewing of the mind and discerning of His good, acceptable, and perfect will not conformed to this world (Romans 12:1-2). Marks of a Christian the author includes here are:

humility,

sober judgment,

faithfulness (Romans 12:3),

at one with God and one another with spiritual giftedness (Romans 12:4-8),

genuine love,

abhorring (detest, reject) evil,

holding on to good (Romans 12:9),

affectionate brotherly love,

honoring one another to the extent of outdoing each other(Romans 12:10),

not having slothful (lazy, not liking work or physical exertion) zeal,

fervent (showing passionate enthusiasm, glowing hot) in spirit,

serving the Lord (Romans 12:11),

rejoicing in hope,

patience in tribulation,

constant (unceasing) in prayer (Romans 12:12),

contributing to the needs of the saints,

showing hospitality (kindness to visitors, guests, or strangers, a welcoming spirit) (Romans 12:13),

blessing those who persecute you without cursing (Romans 12:14),

rejoicing with those who rejoice (no jealousy),

weeping with those who weep (showing compassion) (Romans 12:15),

living in harmony (unity) with one another,

not haughty (condescending, behaving with a superior, arrogant attitude),

associating with the lowly,

not wise in your own sight (Romans 12:16),

not repaying one evil for evil,

doing what is honorable in everyone’s sight (Romans 12:17),

living peaceably with all as far as it depends on you (Romans 12:18),

never avenging (Romans 12:19),

feed and give drink to your enemy (Romans 12:20),

not being overcome by evil,

overcoming evil with good (Romans 12:21)

*Application* Which of these marks characterize your life right now? With which of these marks could we do a better job applying to our lives?

-This is one of several places in Scripture that speak of spiritual gifts (1 Corinthians 12, Ephesians 4, 1 Peter 4). Paul lists out prophecy, service, teaching, exhortation, generosity, leadership, and mercy in this passage. *Application* Employ (Stir up) the giftings with which the Lord has graciously given you to be a blessing and building up of the body of Christ (1 Timothy 4:14-15, 2 Timothy 1:6).

 

Verses to Memorize- Romans 12:1-2, 21