This study was presented in the August 2013 Bible conference in Southern California.Though Corinth was a “problem church” for Paul, how thankful we ought to be for them, for without their problems and questions, we would not have the answers and guidance provided in this wonderful letter. As with all the epistles, the challenge is to lay hold of the character of Christ. We are to be “transformed by the renewing of [our] minds” (Rom 12:2), and to “Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus” (Phi 2:5).
Key verses for this study:
- “For I determined not to know anything among you except Jesus Christ and Him crucified.” 1Co 2:2 and
- “Therefore purge out the old leaven, that you may be a new lump, since you are truly unleavened. For indeed Christ, our Passover, was sacrificed for us.” 1Co 5:7
Gene Cunningham - April 15, 2011
Fight the Good Fight #2
Recommended books: "Back to Faith" by Fred Lybrand; "Chosen but Free" by Norman Geisler. "Godly edification" is spiritual growth that results in conformity to Jesus Christ; anything else being taught is just blather (1Ti 1:3-6). "Sound doctrine" makes you spiritually healthy (1Ti 1:7-11). Battle lines: Timothy stands with Paul and those who have sound doctrine (1Ti 1:5, 1Ti 1:10, 1Ti 1:11). Judiazers used the law unlawfully (1Ti 1:5-8, Rom 8:1-4, Gal 3:10-13, Gal 3:21-21). The purpose of the law is to show an unbeliever the standard of God and how we fall short and to point us to the solution: salvation by Grace through faith. Paul covers the ten commandments in 1Ti 1:9-11. Paul identifies five of God's undertakings on his behalf (1Ti 1:12-17): (1) God gave Mercy; (2) God gave exceeding abundant Grace; (3) God enabled Paul by giving the spiritual gift of apostleship (1Co 12:7); (4) He counted Paul faitful (because He made Paul capable of being faithful); (5) God put him into the ministry (Gal 1:15). Jesus Christ came to save and not to judge (1Ti 1:15, Joh 3:17). Paul evaluates himself from a Biblical perspective ("the least" 1Co 15:9, "less than the least" Eph 3:8, "chief of sinners" (1Ti 1:15). There's only one way up in God's economy and that is down (Mat 18:1-4). It's God's work to put him into the ministry. God provides everything needed for that ministry. There is no excuse for failure.
Conference notes for this series can be found [HERE]
Scripture References: Galatians 3:10-13, Romans 8:1-4, Matthew 18:1-4, Titus 3:8, Ephesians 3:8, Ephesians 6:12-18, John 3:17, Acts 16:1-3, Galatians 1:15, Galatians 3:21
From Series: "1st Timothy - Fight the Good Fight - Phoenix Arizona 2011"
Fight the Good Fight' was given in Phoenix AZ 2011.