A Church with Problems

A Church with Problems
The church at Corinth had some serious problems. They needed a cure only God could prescribe. That’s why the Holy Spirit inspired Paul to write this letter.

It is easy to forget that, while there are clear instructions for an individual Christian’s daily life (see Galatians 5, Colossians 2-3), similarly clear guidelines for the life of a congregation of Christians are also mandated.

Circumstances can become so severe that a congregation might no longer be considered part of the body of Christ (Revelation 2:5), and Corinth was almost at that point. Nearly every chapter in that epistle attempts to correct some problem there.

Regarded Men Above Scripture
The word “preacheritis” was coined to describe someone who follows some man, some preacher, instead of following Christ. That was foolish then, and is foolish today. See 1 Corinthians chapters 1 and 4.

Man’s Wisdom Above God’s
It was not by the wisdom of the world that the mind of God was revealed to man, but by the Spirit of God, 2:5-13. The gospel was foolishness to the gentile world. The cross was a stumblingblock to the Jews. But it was God’s truth, anyway. Let us be careful that we do not make the same mistake today. See chapters 1, 2.

They Tolerated Gross Immorality
In chapter 5, Paul rebukes both a man who “hath his father’s wife” and the congregation because they did not rebuke his sin. The church of Christ today can exhibit this same attitude by refusing to rebuke, and finally to withdraw from those who “walk disorderly,” 2 Thessalonians 3:6. They not only did not correct this behavior, but they were “puffed up” with pride about their tolerance.

Could Not Settle Disagreements
Instead of finding a “wise man” from their midst who could resolve their differences in trivial matters, they went “to law before the unjust,” 6:1. Even though they thought they were very wise (see 4:6-10), they had no one qualified to solve these “smallest matters,” 6:2. Why should Christians have to go to law with unbelievers?

Some legal matters requre legal assistance, and Paul utilized such means to achieve his righteous goals (Acts 25:11). But to drag the virtuous bride of Christ through the secular courts to resolve petty differences was a sad commentary on the Corinthians’ spirituality.

Indifferent About The Example They Set Before Weak Christians
Many in Corinth had left the idolatry of their family. But they had much to learn. They were confused about eating food that had at one time been offered to those idols. Some Christians knew the idol was just a piece of stone (8:4f), but they showed no respect for the weak conscience of some new Christians. In so doing, they tempted young, weak Christians to violate their conscience by eating that which otherwise would have been acceptable. Paul concluded, “Therefore, if food makes my brother stumble, I will never again eat meat, lest I make my brother stumble,” 8:13.

Whatever it took to protect these young Christians Paul was willing to do. That is the kind of attitude we all need to have today!

They Abused The Lord’s Supper
The supper, always intended to be a means of remembering the sacrifice of Jesus (11:25), had become a mere common meal. Some Christians were hungry and others were completely filled. They were not being benefited by the supper; they were being hindered in their Christian life (11:17). They had become weak, sickly, and many were characterized as being asleep—or dead. This behavior needed correction.

They Misunderstood The Value, Purpose of The Miraculous Gifts
Just as any human body whose members were working against each other, the body of Christ was diseased, out of harmony, divided.

Paul had already discussed their divisive ways (1:10), but they still needed more instruction. The gifts were to cease (13:8-10), but while they were available, all should be utilized with the utmost degree of genuine love. When the complete revelation of God’s will—the written Word—was complete, the need for the “gifts” ended and would vanish away (13:8-10). And they did.

Their underlying problem was their pride and arrogance. True, their city was a very difficult place in which to live as a Christian, but they could do much better.

Similar and other problems will always plague the Lord’s church because we are human beings. However, 1 Corinthians can help us solve even the most serious problems.
Carl B. Garner
“This seems a cheerful world, Donatus, when I view it from this fair garden. But if I climb some great mountain and look out over the wide lands, you know very well what I will see— brigands on the roads, pirates on the high seas, in the amphitheaters men murdering each other to please applauding crowds; under all roofs there is misery and selfishness.

Yet, in the midst of it, I have found a quiet and holy people. They have discovered a joy that is a thousand times better than any pleasure of this life. They are despised and persecuted, but they care not. These people, Donatus, are the Christians, and I am one of them.”
[From a letter written in the second century]