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 - February 13, 2000
Cross to the Crown #4
Three stages of discipleship (1Jo 2:12-14). "I am the Way, Truth, and Life" (Joh 14:6). Nurture stage -- spiritual infancy (1Jo 2:12) is marked by keen awareness of forgiven sins; we have a sense of their Father (Rom 8:15). Spiritual Infant focus is spiritual self awareness; what they have; God as "the giver of good gifts"; must grow up (1Co 13:11); believers focused on themselves (1Co 3:1). Spiritual infants need: (1) to know their eternal security (Joh 10:28-29, 1Pe 1:5); (2) children need cleansing (1Jo 1:9, Gal 6:1); (3) children need nourishment (1Co 3:2, 1Pe 2:2, ); (4) a child needs training/exercise (Heb 5:11-14, 1Th 2:7-11). Young men (1Jo 2:14) have tasted victory at times; the Word abides in them. Key is spiritual exercise and productivity (Heb 5:13-14, Joh 15:7-8). Fathers refers to mature believers -- they know the Father intimately (Phi 3:10-13, 2Ti 4:8).
Scripture References: John 14:6, Hebrews 5:11-14, John 2:12-14, Galatians 6:1, John 1:9, Philippians 3:10-13, John 10:28-29, John 15:7-8, Romans 8:15, Hebrews 5:13-14, John 2:12, John 2:14
From Series: "The Cross to the Crown"
To get from 'the cross to the crown' we need to make decisions to live a life of spiritual dynamics using God's provisions -- His Word and Spirit. This series given in early 2006 before Gene moved back to the States outlines ten aspects of our discipleship.