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 - September 25, 2003
Ezekiel #22
A believer severed from the dynamic of Christ's life withers (Joh 15:1-6). The nation severed from God became non-productive (Eze 19:10-14, Psa 80:8-16). Judgment of God begins with the house of God (1Pe 4:17). Believers have responsibility (Luk 12:48). Teachers have great accountability (Jam 3:1). There is a way of escape if we judge ourselves (1Co 11:31). Daily confession of sin followed by correction is necessary (1Jo 1:9, 1Ti 5:24-25). Those outside God's will will experience the fire of God (Heb 12:29, Joh 15:6). Alienated from God means God's spirit is not working in us (1Th 2:13). The rain of God's grace and cultivation of God's word produces fruit and reward (Heb 6:7-8, 1Co 3:12-15). Fire is a symbol and is a comfort or curse (Deu 4:24, Deu 9:3) Fire consumed all that will burn, but refines that which will (Isa 10:17). We need salvation every day from attitudes and dangers — abuse of the tongue — these things bring divine judgment (Jam 1:21). Angels are agents of God's fire (Heb 1:7, Heb 1:14, Isa 6:6-7). The Word of God is like a fire purifying a refining us (Jer 23:29). Fire is used signifies God's disciplinary action (Zec 13:9, 1Pe 1:6-7). Whatever fire falls on our nation we can be confident we will be refined and purified (Dan 3:1-30). Are we living a rewardable life? Are we "fireproof"?
Scripture References: Hebrews 12:29, James 1:21, Daniel 3:1-30, John 1:9, Isaiah 10:17, Zechariah 13:9, James 3:1, Deuteronomy 9:3, Jeremiah 23:29, Luke 12:48, Deuteronomy 4:24, Isaiah 6:6-7, Psalms 80:8-16, Hebrews 6:7-8, Hebrews 1:14, Ezekiel 19:10-14, John 15:6, Hebrews 1:7, John 15:1-6
From Series: "Ezekiel - 2002"
Ezekiel's vision of God's glory effected his life.