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 - December 21, 1998
Upper Room Discourse #6
Moses was a "friend of God" but could not see His face, but we do as a new creature looking in the reflective mirror of The Word (2Co 3:18). Joh 14:21 "Manifest" examples: (a) Jesus will manifest Himself to the eyes of our soul (Eph 1:17-18). (b) Miracles John writes of are analogies (examples) to what spiritual abiding in Christ does to us. Jesus turned common water into the finest wine (Joh 2:11) which is analogous to manifesting power of transformation of our lives and a life of fellowship. The man healed of blindness - "That the works of God might be manifested in him" (Joh 9:3). (c) The Life of Christ was manifested to all (1Jn 1:2) - His life can be manifested in us. (d) Jesus was "manifested to take away our sins, and ... whoever abides in Him does not sin" (1Jo 3:5-6, Gal 5:16). Love is manifested toward us ... that we might live through Him (1Jo 4:9) -- abundant life. "... so that the life of Jesus may be manifested in our body" (2Co 4:11). (e) Joh 15:1-2 mistranslated "take away"; should be "lifted up" so the vine doesn't send down roots (but puts energy into fruit instead). John 15 manifestations: (1) Union with Christ (Joh 15:4-5); (2) abiding presence of Christ (Joh 15:4, 2Co 13:5); (3) evidence life of fellowship pruning/washing discipline (Joh 15:2, Joh 15:6); (4) productivity - "fruit" (Joh 15:4-5); (5) effective prayer (Joh 15:7, Psa 37:4); (6) God will be glorified (Joh 15:8); (7) inner joy (Joh 15:11); (8) We'll have a reciprocal friendship (Joh 15:14-15) - Jesus has called us friends, but He waits for humility, submission, and obedience (i.e., if we do what He commands). The abiding believer - one who obeys His commands - will "abide forever" (1Jo 2:15-17). The character we become here and now is the person we will be forever. In Heb 12:22-24 we are shown our welcome into heaven.
Scripture References: John 15:7, John 2:11, Hebrews 12:22-24, John 15:1-2, John 15:4-5, Ephesians 1:17-18, John 2:15-17, John 4:9, John 15:6, John 14:21, John 15:14-15, Galatians 5:16, John 15:2, John 15:11, John 3:5-6, John 15:4, John 15:8, John 1:2, John 15:4-5, Psalms 37:4, John 9:3, John 15:1
From Series: "The Upper Room"
Originally given in Tucson AZ in August 2007 this series amplifies the crux of Christian doctrine as delivered by Jesus to His disciples in John chapters 13 through 17 - the Upper Room.