6 Lessons from Corinthians for Today

Paul wrote two letters to the Corinthians. In many ways, the church in Corinth was like any church today. It was a shining light even as it experienced serious problems. So, Paul could address them as saints even as he helped them deal with sin and dysfunction.

As with most books of the Bible, it is nearly impossible to catalog an exhaustive list of lessons. Here are a few that can help you with your daily life of following Jesus.

Divisiveness

I appeal to you, brothers, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be united in the same mind and the same judgment.

1 Corinthians 1:10 (ESV)

The other day, I was confronted with a very critical post on social media accusing one branch of the church of preaching a false gospel because they disagreed about a certain point of doctrine. This is so dangerous. We must work in the church to eliminate divisions. That doesn’t mean that we see everything eye to eye but that our differences don’t divide us.

It is not helpful to debate doctrine because doctrine is essentially man-made – our interpretation of scripture. Different scriptures can be seen in different ways. Certainly, our differences shouldn’t be argued on social media for the world to see. What kind of witness is that?

Much of what follows in the Corinthian letters addresses the reasons for this divisiveness.

The Superiority of the Cross

For I decided to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ and him crucified.

1 Corinthians 2:2 (ESV)

I received my formal theological training under two different doctrinal traditions and I will testify that when we get to the most important thing, we agree with Paul’s statement here. The cross is central to all we believe. We must remember the cross when we begin to notice the differences among us. We can unite around the cross of Jesus.

The Power of the Gospel

For the kingdom of God does not consist in talk but in power. 

1 Corinthians 4:20 (ESV)

In my experience, there is way too much talk and not near enough power in the church. We are constantly talking about programs and methodologies and logistics. It’s not that these things are unimportant but that we neglect the power of the kingdom! We tap into God’s power through prayer and obedience to his leadership not through sociological and cultural studies!

Spiritual Gifts

Paul devotes two chapters to spiritual gifts. 1 Corinthians 12 and 13 highlight the essential nature of those gifts and the context in which they must be exercised – love. Spiritual gifts are given to all believers as the Holy Spirit deems necessary for the health and effectiveness of the body. It is through the use of gifts employed with love that we see the power of God manifested – the power of the Gospel!

I want to urge you to read these two chapters carefully and ask God to help you discover how he wants to use you!

The Reality of the Resurrection

1 Corinthians 15 reinforces the importance and reality of the resurrection. Just as the early reminder of the cross was essential, this later reminder raises our awareness of the nature of the unity of the crucifixion and resurrection events. They belong together and reveal the love, grace, mercy and power of God. We can be sure of what we believe. And since God raised Jesus from the dead, we can be confident of his power to do anything! This surely builds our faith.

The Temporal and the Eternal

In 2 Corinthians 4:7-18, we see a sublime contrast. We have been entrusted with the gospel. We, who are weak, flawed and prone even to error, have this awesome treasure. And no matter what happens to us, the power of the gospel remains. So it really doesn’t matter what happens to us does it? Here is the entire passage:

But we have this treasure in jars of clay, to show that the surpassing power belongs to God and not to us. We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed; always carrying in the body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be manifested in our bodies. For we who live are always being given over to death for Jesus’ sake, so that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our mortal flesh. So death is at work in us, but life in you.

Since we have the same spirit of faith according to what has been written, “I believed, and so I spoke,” we also believe, and so we also speak, knowing that he who raised the Lord Jesus will raise us also with Jesus and bring us with you into his presence. For it is all for your sake, so that as grace extends to more and more people it may increase thanksgiving, to the glory of God.

So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison,as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal.

2 Corinthians 4:7–18 (ESV)

Get Serious

I think this is a good place to end. The previous passage of scripture should inspire and encourage you. Stay strong even during your worst day. Remember that the power of God is always there. Trust in him and see what he will do next in and through your life.

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