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
1st Corinthians – California 2013
Gene Cunningham - April 19, 2023
God is a Mathmatician
1st Peter 2:2 concludes, "Grace to you and peace be multiplied." It should be challenging to you to realize that you can multiply grace and peace. You know, God is a mathematician. When we come to Christ, He subtracts our sins. He adds the righteousness of Christ. And then He multiplies grace and peace. He even divides. You know, you have splits in churches. One group goes this way, one goes another. Sometimes those divisions have to happen. He's a great mathematician! The greeting “Grace to you and peace be multiplied” not only reminds us that the utilization of God’s grace provisions (His written word, our spiritual bank account (Eph.1:3) combined with the indwelling work of the Spirit (1Th.5:23). The phrase “be multiplied” to grow, increase, and is in the passive voice (God does the work), and the optative mood, expressing the will of God for our lives.
From Series: "Gospel Shorts"
These are intended to reach unbelievers. Please share these with your unbelieving friends.