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 8, 2000
Simplicity in Christ #2
2Co 11:3—The devil is "crafty"; he is working every angle. Adam and Eve had the ultimate in simplicity, but what we have today is much better. Simplicity means devotion, "if your eye is single." This leads to purity. Hapote in the Greek translated, "simplicity," means "purity, devotion, or single-mindedness." Col 3:22; Eph 6:5; Mat 6:22; 2Co 1:12-13; and Luk 11:34, all point to "godly sincerity" as our need for focus on Him. There's a freeness to give in simplicity. Grace is that way—open-handed, extravagant (Rom 12:8; Jam 1:5). Simplicity is a lifestyle (2Co 1:12-13). Life applies God's grace. There are no hidden motives with Paul. When truth is the guide and grace is the motivation, you have simplicity. Without that you are enslaved (Gal 5:1-9).
Scripture References: Colossians 3:22, Galatians 5:1-9, James 1:5, Romans 12:8, Luke 11:34, Matthew 6:22, Ephesians 6:5
From Series: "2018 AYC Ladies Classes"
Nan Cunningham spoke to the ladies at the 2018 AYC Camp.