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 - October 26, 2019
PA 2019 Session 3
Correct interpretation of the book requires taking its historical and cultural context into consideration. The book was written around 66–68 A.D. This was in the early stages of the growing Jewish/Roman war that would end in the destruction of the Temple, the city of Jerusalem, and the Nation of Israel itself. The recipients were Hebrew believers, who under fierce persecution were considering returning to Judaism as a shield against both their Jewish persecutors and also the growing Roman threat. At this time, Judaism was still protected by Rome. The Book of Hebrews is not an epistle written to professing but unsaved people (the Calvinist/ Lordship view). Nor is it a warning to genuine believers who are in danger of apostasy resulting in the loss of their salvation (the Arminian view). Rather, it is a stark warning to true children of God of the danger of loving this world to the point of hiding their faith and denying the Savior—just as Peter (and Paul) had done.
Scripture References: Ephesians 4:17-20, Ephesians 4:1, Psalms 2:7, Hebrews 1:1-14
From Series: "An Appeal for Faithfulness in and Age of Apostasy"
On October 25th – 27th, 2019 Basic Training Bible Ministries and Abundant Life Church in Uniontown, PA presented “An Appeal for Faithfulness in an Age of Apostasy – The Five Warning Passages from The Book of Hebrews”. The theme comes from Hebrews 2:1 “Therefore, we must give more earnest heed to the things we have heard, lest we drift away.”