Introduction:

     In keeping with our design of taking each of the epistles in the order of their release, we note our study of James (44-45AD), Galatians (49AD), Jerusalem Council (50AD), 1 &2 Thessalonians (51AD) and now 1&2 Corinthians (56 AD). The two Corinthian epistles were circulated during Paul's third missionary journey.

Corinth, at this time, was literally sin city. The roman baths were co-ed\; the temple worshippers had religious prostitutes and the sidewalks had tile images of phalluses. Redemption from this culture was evident in Paul's concerns.

Paul's spiritual growth is unparalleled in his writings, as his themes change throughout his epistles.

His great knowledge of Scripture, and his excellent education under Gamaliel, allowed him the ability to interject Old Testament passages as he unfolded revelation about Jesus. The book of Romans was written during this time and was directed toward the Jews (who were well versed in the Law) as well as to Gentile converts, who were not accustomed to covenant.

I Corinthians:

Aside from the fact that chapter one verse two gave me the title of one of my books, Called to be Saints," Corinthians lays heavy interest in holiness.

Paul also attacked those who were spreading division in their congregations ("I am of Paul" and another saying "I am of Apollos").

It is not until chapter two, however, that he addresses elements of the Spirit directly.

Ah! There is the difference between pulpits and preachments today. Man's wisdom has taken the place of the demonstration of the "Spirit and of power." Excellence of speech can't take the place of "Spirit and power." Pride-filled declarations can't take their place. Persuasive words can't take the place of "Spirit and power."

Nothing short of "Spirit and power" is acceptable to God, and all other substitutes fall short of the glory of God and become sin. Do you hear what is being said, "it is sin to present the gospel of Jesus with anything less than 'Spirit and power.'" "Sermonettes" spoken to "Christianetts" won't cut it.

Herein is Paul's definition of "Spirit" coupled with "power."

Now we know the problem of the modern church. The majority of parishioners do not know the things freely given to them because they are spiritually discerned. How can they rise to the occasion when faced with pandemic or political upheaval?

Paul said, "we have the mind of Christ." Do we? Would the thoughts and imaginations of our minds and hearts measure up to what Christ would think or imagine? Paul asks the same things in a positive way in Philippians four.

Moving to Chapter 3, Paul explained the spiritual temple and emphasized how we, as members of the body, will be judged on how we build the holy temple to the Lord. He then capped it by saying, "you are the temple."

Notice what is the punishment for defiling one's personal temple. Since we are the temple residence of the Holy Spirit, it is imperative to be aware of what we allow to enter that temple. Thoughts, actions, decisions, words are incorporated in the temple mix. Holiness must characterize it.

Skipping down to chapter six, Paul enumerates the cultural defilements which affect the society.

The Holy Spirit washes (cleanses), sanctifies (makes holy) and justifies (makes righteous) the believer—in the name of Jesus!

Recognizing the backgrounds of his constituents, Paul says, "some of you" once were one of the defiled, "but you" are now changed by the Spirit. (I like those "But You" clauses.)

Paul, once again, reviewed the culture and society surrounding the Corinthian church. Immorality was lightly viewed by the citizens of that city and area. Almost anything went unscathed by the Community. Government, and its Caesars, was debauched and very little was considered profane.

"Betcha," no one will hear a message from this text on Sunday morning—we'll put this one in the book, "Sermons you never hear on Sunday because they are bad for the offering."

Addressing the issues concerning marriage, celibacy and widowhood, Paul invokes the Holy Spirit as witness to his teaching. (He is speaking as the oracles from God.) We, too, can know things the Spirit backs up, if we walk in the Spirit.

Observe how Paul clusters Spirit matters in these next verses:

Before listing these vital attributes, Paul addressed idolatry (it was rampant in Corinth). The Jerusalem council required Gentiles to not worship idols, to eat nothing offered to idols, to drink no blood and refrain from sexual immorality-Paul covers all these matters in Corinthians.

However, Chapter 12 ushers in one of the greatest passages quoted from the New Testament. Paul teaches about spiritual gifts, starting with diversity of gifts. Three classifications are mentioned.

1. Different ministries
2. Different activities
3. Different manifestations

The gifts are for the benefit of all and are given to enhance the work of the believer.

1. the word of wisdom
2. the word of knowledge
3. faith
4. gifts of healings
5. discerning of spirits
6. the working of miracles
7. prophecy
8. different kinds of tongues
9. interpretation of tongues

How wonderful to belong to a fellowship of believers where all nine gifts are in abundance. But alas, where are they? How fortunate when all nine gifts operate in one person. (I believe ministries should be careful with platform people who are not operating in these gifts.) Church services should be so designed that these gifts take the forefront, and ministries must be led by the Spirit who endows them.

Using the physical body as an example, the Apostle showed where there is interdependency in the body of believers. Paul showed how all come together as one new man in Christ. Nothing need be lacking among believers if these gifts are functioning.

Remember, the Spirit doesn't give 8/9ths of the gifts to the church, for all nine must be given place. If spiritual discernment is missing, beware!

Paul, in chapters 14-15, discusses how man's inner spirit connects with the Holy Spirit and what are the results of this union.

The final passage concerning the Holy Spirit in I Corinthians is found in Paul's discussion of the resurrection.

Jesus "became a life-giving spirit." Hallelujah.

II Corinthians:

Mindful of all that was taught in I Corinthians, Paul opened II Corinthians by showing his inner investment and continued brotherhood with this church. Here, he declares that through the Spirit-God has joined them together.

Four words are used, having great significance:

Verses 21-22 form a beautiful picture of the work of the Spirit between Paul and the Corinthian brethren. His relationship with them is not tertiary, but deeply integrated. He is at one with them in spirit and heart. Paul's anointing is drawn upon by them. God intended to weld them together. To prove this comradery was from heaven, the Spirit of God has sealed them and becomes a guarantor in their lives.

These two verses challenge us to examine who we fellowship with and determines how we fellowship within the body of Christ. Profundity is a given when the Spirit seals us to a work.

When the Spirit establishes a person to a work, power can flow from the Lord and authority is given to accomplish His leading. The anointing surrounding that union is earth shattering. Participants can bind and loose, confront sin and command principalities and powers.

Oh, that the modern church would seek leadership by the "establishment of the Holy Ghost."

In chapter 3, Paul draws upon his "establishment" and clarifies his ministry among them.

Credentialism fades in the face of "establishment." Recommendations from religious prelates fade in light of being "established by the Spirit." Papers fade in comparison to being "written on the heart."

Corinthian epistles are readable people! See it in their faces, hear them when they speak, observe their candor and holiness—THAT IS THE ASSEMBLY to be a part of. All else is superficial and has no credence.

Hear Paul exalt such a union.

My spirit longs to resound the importance of this verse.

Ministry is not definable in any other way than "sufficiency from the Spirit." Ministry of the new covenant is the only true ministry there is in Christendom.

The life-giving flow from the Spirit will draw the souls of men and cause the great awakening which must come.

Dear Reader, think of it. The glory is missing in so much of what we call "ministry" because so much of religion does not draw from the Spirit.

Paul declares the veil that was on Moses and his congregation still remains—shielding the glory.

Hear him say:

Thank and bless the Lord for verses 17-18. Ah! The transforming power from glory to glory flows around us, in us and through us. Like Ezekiel in the river—we can't touch bottom as we swim around in the glory! Transforming liberty touches the captive heart and releases the power to throw off the chains of addiction and walk in the light of freedom.

Once again, Paul says the Spirit guarantees our eternal freedom. We will exchange mortality for immortality. We desire to be clothed in glory and leave those realms that hinder its flow. In these next verses, Paul breaks the impediments that have restrained him and opens his heart for examination. Nothing will stand in his way and hinder his ministry with them.

Look at what Paul has to break through in order to stand before them. Look at verse 11 and hear the tear stained appeal. This was a man who cried out, "let me be accursed in order to see my fellow Jews be redeemed." There is no barrier big enough that he would not climb over in order to get to them. Every aspect of verses 3-10 show the love he had for the Corinthian church.

Now it is the Corinthian church's time to open their hearts.

Here is the zinger, "but you are restricted by your own affections." Slam Dunk, folks! That is what hinders the modern church, and it is high time to address it.

Now, Paul closes with a salutation from an open heart.

Oh! This is what we need: Grace, Love and Communion. It is through grace we are redeemed, and it is the love from God that came to our rescue, and it is the "companionismo" with the Spirit that sustains us. Fellowship with the Spirit is often neglected. He, who comes along side us and is a constant source of energy and direction in us, must be allowed an open heart.

Our next study: Romans

Dr. Cosby R. Oliver, PhD.