In 1 Corinthians 5, Paul addresses an instance of appalling sexual immorality within the Church and aims to correct not only the behavior of the sexually immoral man but also the Church’s boastful tolerance of sin. Read through the following cross references, then answer the question: What is immorality, and what is God’s view toward it? (1 Thes 4:1–8, Rev 21:8; Col 3:5; Eph 5:3; Gal 5:19; Phil 4:8; Prov 4:23). Is this problem prevalent today? What steps can you take to guard against sexual immorality in your own life?
Paul continues to address the conduct of the Corinthians believers, condemning them for using a distorted understanding of freedom in Christ to validate their involvement with prostitutes in 1 Corinthians 6:12–20. Then in verse 12 he says “all things are lawful for me.” Does this mean everything is okay for believers to do? What principle do you think Paul is teaching? (See 1 Cor 10:18–33 and Rom 12:1–2.)
Now in 1 Corinthians 7:1–24 Paul addresses questions from the Corinthians believers, specifically about sex in marriage, celebacy, and divorce (vv. 1–16). These are big issues that relate to deep parts of our heart. Why does Paul treat these topics with such seriousness? (Recall what you learned in 1 Corinthians 5 and 6.) How does God’s view of sin compare with the world’s view? How does Paul exhort believers to respond in verses 17–24?
Idols and accompanying rituals were a major problem in Paul’s day. When new believers came out of this environment, they questioned whether they could still be involved with these practices—specifically whether it was okay to eat food sacrificed to idols or not (1 Cor 8:1–13). Paul’s answer wasn’t definitive. What was the more important principle he focused on? (See also 1 Cor 16:14; Rom 14:5–21.)
In 1 Corinthians 8, Paul described a specific way Christian freedom is to be used: for others, not oneself. Now in chapter 9 he presents his personal principle of Christian ministry and life: to give up rights and privileges and be a slave to all. Why did he live his life this way? (v. 23) What might this principle look like acted out in your own life?
New Testament Reading Plan Week 29: 1 Cor 5–9