INTRODUCTION – 1 CORINTHIANS CHAPTER SIXTEEN

This chapter has categories of four (4) messages that reveal Paul’s determination to ensure that the faith of the Corinthians Believers were established on sound Church financial policies management, marrying personal plans with ministry plans, being established in the Christian faith and show of solidarity and cooperation through greetings and farewell messages from spiritual Church fathers, ministry partners and helpers and all Believing Christians who form the Body of Christ.

For our study, understanding, obedience, blessings and edification, let us be guided by the Holy Spirit who enlightens our minds and hearts to believe in the word of God. 

1.         Collection for the Saints: 1 Corinthians 16:1 – 4

2.         Personal Plans: 1 Corinthians 16:5 – 12

3.         Final Exhortations: 1 Corinthians 16:13 – 18

4.         Effects of Denying the Resurrection: 1 Corinthians 16:19 – 24

The first category emphasized on Paul’s teachings on financial policy areas and management in the Church of Corinth. His emphasis on Believing Christians as individual members of the local Church and members of the Body of Christ revealed that the Church of Corinth had internal and external financial obligations towards the poor and needy. The first day of the week as their meeting day was the day of collection of money to facilitate contributions by Church members.

Besides, Paul’s interest was the human resource personnel who would handle all the monies especially with distribution to the saints in the Jerusalem Church. It revealed also Paul’s desire to accompany the sender or team of messengers as his personal commitment to attend to the poor and needy in the Churches.

The second category emphasized on Paul’s personal plans to visit the Corinthians Believers in Corinth and also go to Jerusalem. In his letter, he stated reasons for the delays but trusted God and found ways to achieve these set goals. Though some of his personal plans contrasted ministry plans that the Lord wanted to him to handle in given situations at Macedonia and Ephesus, he learnt how to obey the Lord and be in His perfect will. It teaches us to marry personal plans with ministry plans and be in God’s perfect will.

Though Paul could not go to Corinth as planned, he assured them of the coming of ministry partners such as Timothy and Apollos. What he desired of them for Timothy was to accord him with the same respect, acceptance and provisions of food, shelter and clothing as one of their own; member of the Body of Christ. With Apollos, the good news was that he was willing to go to Corinth and become a blessing to the Church. For Paul’s earlier information to the Church of Corinth about his coming could not take place for the simple reason of being busy with the Lord’s work in other places.

The third category of Paul’s message focused on final exhortations to strengthen, encourage and edify the Church of Corinth. His letters emphasized on personal development of their Christian faith to be watchful, stand fast, brave, strong and do all things in love.

Besides, he emphasized on interpersonal relationships with other ministry partners and helpers such as the household of Stephanas. For this household had the impeccable record as his first fruits of Achaia in the Lord in terms of commitment to doing the works of the Lord. Paul extended his message on submission to the likes of Stephanas, Fortunatus and Achaicus whose role as ministry helpers was credited with supplying the lacks of the Corinthians Believers in his apostolic ministry. They performed certain assignments for Paul which the Corinthians Believers were not prepared and well equipped to do it. As Paul puts it, they refreshed his spirit and deserved commendation and acknowledgement.   

It teaches us that personal growth and development of faith in Christ must correspond to enhanced interpersonal relationships and acceptance of other ministry partners and helps to Ministers and the Church. For they fit into the perfect will of God for His Church and Ministers.

The fourth and conclusive category of Paul’s message centred on greetings and a solemn farewell message to the Church of Corinth. Again, Paul highlighted on unity of faith and purpose as a Church of individual members and members of the Body of Christ. Sending them greetings from the Churches in Asia, Aquila and Priscilla, and the local Church in their house, and brethren in the Lord, Paul’s edification was purposed driven to maintain their faith in Christ unto God. Showing love and affection was the grace of God to order their lives, ministries and Church relationships and works.

Also Paul defended his apostolic messages in this chapter and the whole of the first epistle to the Corinthians as the salutation of his own hand. With this information, he debunked false teachings and doctrines, and assured them of the truthfulness and scriptural authority of his messages. He warned them also about being the accursed of the Lord if they rejected the word of the Lord, like one under the influence of the spirit of the antichrist. By this truth, he reminded them of the second coming of Christ to judge all people and the nations as revealed deeply in his messages in 1 Corinthians Chapter Fifteen.

As he completed the writing of the sixteenth chapter and first epistle to the Corinthians, he established them with the legacy of gospel of Jesus Christ and the scriptures, the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ and his love for them all shown as a true spiritual father to the Church of Corinth. Finally, he sounded the trumpet of “amen” just as he announced the salutation of his own hand and glorified God as His instrument of blessing to them. Indeed, Paul affirmed his identity as an Apostle of the Lord Jesus Christ. 

By the time you complete reading, learning and understand Paul’s messages in this sixteenth chapter of his first epistle, you will agree with Paul as a passionate seeker of the spiritual and physical wellbeing of the Church of Corinth with the word of God in Christ by the Holy Spirit.

It teaches us that no matter the corrupt nature of a Church in idolism, witchcraft, occult, sexual immoralities, sectarianism, compliant and divisions, righteous interventions by the Holy Spirit like prayers and fastings, instructions, corrections, rebukes and sound Christian teachings and doctrines can reorder the lives to the state of spiritual growth, maturity, excellence, dignity, honorable and perfection.

It means to state that a corrupt Church that ignores Paul’s reformation measures is bound to waste righteous investments in its establishment and delay in fulfillment of Christ’s mission to the world. The blame game ends when you allow yourself to be used by God as revivalist in your local Church and betterment of the Body of Christ. See yourself as part of Christ’s mission and vision for the world. 

I have done my best with the grace of God upon my life and ministry to explain verse by verse or combination of verses in bringing out the quality of Paul’s messages to the Corinthians. 

Like a weaned child just weaned from milk and drawn from the breasts, the word of God is taught precept upon precept, line upon line, here a little, there a little (Isaiah 28:9 & 10). More importantly, Jesus said that when the Holy Spirit comes, He shall guide us unto all truths (John 16:13). The dispensation of the Holy Spirit; knowing all gospel truths.

Connect to other writings of the Church and bible commentaries as the Holy Spirit enlightens your understanding because grace and truth emanated from our Lord Jesus Christ unto us as Believing Christians (John 1:17). For this study, additional biblical information from the New King James Bible Commentary and quotations added fresh revelations to enhance understanding.  

Study and know its relevance to your life first as a Christian before you apply it to other Believing Christians, Church workers, Church leaders, Ministers and Christian leaders. I trust God that you will be equipped with His knowledge and show continuous belief in Christ’s salvation work on the cross and resurrection from the dead. This is, however, tied to obedience, knowledge, spiritual wisdom, humility, spiritual growth and maturity as a Church. Know that Holy Spirit is Your Helper.  

The focus here is your obedience to gain insight and understanding of Paul’s messages unto spiritual growth and maturity of the local Church and Body of Christ. It is my prayer and hope that you shall be an instrument in the Lord’s service to bring sound Christian teachings, doctrines and practices to your local Church and Body of Christ.

INTRODUCTION – 1 CORINTHIANS CHAPTER FIFTEEN

This chapter has categories of six (6) messages that reveal Paul’s determination to ensure that the faith of the Corinthians Believers were established on the true teachings of our Lord Jesus Christ and hope of resurrection. For our study, understanding, obedience, blessings and edification, let us be guided by the Holy Spirit who enlightens our minds and hearts to believe in the word of God.  

1.         The Risen Christ, Faith’s Reality: 1 Corinthians 15:1 – 11

2.         The Risen Christ, Our Hope: 1 Corinthians 15:12 – 19

3.         The Last Enemy Destroyed: 1 Corinthians 15:20 – 28

4.         Effects of Denying the Resurrection: 1 Corinthians 15:29 – 34

5.         A Glorious Body: 1 Corinthians 15:35 – 49

6.         Our Final Victory: 1 Corinthians 15:50 – 58

The first category emphasized on his apostolic authority to have delivered the unadulterated message of Christ’s death on the cross, burial in the grave, resurrection from the dead and ascension to heaven according to the scriptures. This was important to instill confidence among the Corinthians Believers in the midst of false doctrines that paraded the region. Besides, neither Paul nor ministry partners were the focus but the crucified Christ, risen Christ, and the ascended Christ. For the eternal results was based on their faith in Him.

The second category emphasized Paul’s convincing proofs of Christ’s resurrection from the dead as the basis of the Christian faith. Since there were still doubting Thomas’s in the Church of Corinth who were influenced largely by false information, his strong argumentative approach built his message of Christ’s resurrection on the basis of the Christian faith. Its ripple effects awakened the conscience of the Corinthians Believers about the emptiness of their preaching as apostles and faith of the Corinthians Believers as well as the danger of being false witnesses to what does not exist.

He taught further that since Christ was the central theme of their apostolic message and work in Corinth, then belief in the non – resurrection of Christ from the dead meant they were still in their sins. There was no hope of eternal salvation for those who had died in the Lord as well as the living; the Church.

The third category of Paul’s message focused on overturning the personal and religious opinions and judgments of the Jews, especially the Sadducees group and Unbelieving Gentiles. Paul’s defense of Christ’s resurrection was based on the scriptures and baptism of the Holy Spirit as a messianic example to all Believing Christians who have hope of resurrection. Death was inevitable but its power of denial of life had been destroyed by Christ’s resurrection to live forever in the presence of the Father.

With this message, Paul emphasized on the work of Christ to put an end to all rule be it political, laws, social, academic, science and technology, entertainment, systems, dominion, religion and attachments and associations with the devil’s kingdom and demonic realms. For His work of reconciliation through the Church would be completed on earth before the Church is raptured eternally. 

Paul revealed that Christ’s return and resurrection of the saints would mark the presentation of the Church in a perfect state to the Father. Then Christ Himself would submit to the Father in all righteousness so that God would be one in all. You will learn that this is a revealed mystery of divine order and a blessing for the Church because it is tied to our Christian faith. It has other relevant biblical information of the works of the Church before Christ returns, and the reign of Christ with the Church in eternity.     

The fourth category of Paul’s message centred on a series of questions with analytical connotations that expressed the extent of work done and risks taken to preach, teach and reveal Christ to people. If there was no resurrection of the dead, then all those risks taken were in vain. If the dead do not rise up, then baptism of new Believers in Christ was in vain. It meant also that fighting beasts in Ephesus with strong demonic entities and realms to make the gospel of Jesus Christ preached and believed for receipt for salvation and eternal life was also in vain. Clearly, effects of Christ’s non – resurrection from the dead would have been devastating to the Church with no hope of eternal life. 

Hence, he warned the Corinthians Believers to be wary of bad friends who influenced them negatively and polluted the Christian faith with false teachings, beliefs and practices. 

The fifth category of Paul’s message focused on having glorified bodies in the likeness of Christ in eternity. He taught extensively on the beauty and glory of God’s creation on earth and in the universe using terrestrial bodies and celestial bodies. With their unique creation and glories, Paul explained that it follows the same pattern of glory with resurrected bodies according to God’s perfect work and design. As evident in terrestrial bodies on earth, the death of the physical body is likened to the seed that dies in the ground before it germinates into a plant, grows and bears fruit and seeds of its kind. In truth, the body dies in weakness from sin, old age, sicknesses and diseases, and sometimes of hunger, poverty, persecutions and sufferings but it is raised in honor and power.

With this revelation, Paul distinguished between the natural and the spiritual with the earth and heaven semblances. The hope of the Believing Christian is the transition from the earthly realm of sin and its limitations to the heavenly realm of having glorified resurrected bodies just like our Lord Jesus Christ. With this message, he encouraged the Church to remain focused and faithful to the end of their earthly lives and have the hope of resurrection when Christ returns.     

Paul’s conclusive message in this sixth chapter was the final victory of the Church with the return of Christ. Thus he revealed the triumphant call of God through the voice of an Archangel where the death in Christ would be raptured first and follow second by the living Church of Believing Christians to be with our Lord Jesus Christ forever. With this assurance of eternal rest in an incorruptible and immortality state, the power of death and the strength of the law to make us sin would be broken forever having attained full completion of our Christian faith. He encouraged the Corinthians Believers to be committed and faithful in the Lord’s work, believing also that God shall reward them righteously for their eternal contributions.   

By the time you complete reading, learning and understand Paul’s messages in this fifteenth chapter of his first epistle, you will understand why Paul revisited the basics of Christ’s death, burial, resurrection, ascension, and taught us the hope of resurrection through glorified bodies according to the scriptures.

I have done my best with the grace of God upon my life and ministry to explain verse by verse or combination of verses in bringing out the quality of Paul’s messages to the Corinthians. 

Like a weaned child just weaned from milk and drawn from the breasts, the word of God is taught precept upon precept, line upon line, here a little, there a little (Isaiah 28:9 & 10). Jesus said that when the Holy Spirit comes, He shall guide us unto all truths (John 16:13).

Connect to other writings of the Church and bible commentaries as the Holy Spirit enlightens your understanding because grace and truth emanated from our Lord Jesus Christ unto us as Believing Christians (John 1:17). For this study, additional biblical information from the New King James Bible Commentary added fresh revelations to enhance understanding.  

Study and know its relevance to your life first as a Christian before you apply it to other Believing Christians, Church workers, Church leaders, Ministers and Christian leaders. I trust God that you will be equipped with His knowledge and show continuous belief in Christ’s salvation work on the cross as tied to obedience, knowledge, spiritual wisdom, humility, spiritual growth and maturity. Know that Holy Spirit is Your Helper.  

The focus here is your obedience to gain insight and understanding of Paul’s messages unto spiritual growth and maturity of the Church and Body of Christ. It is my prayer and hope that you shall be an instrument in the Lord’s service to bring sound Christian teachings, doctrines and practices to your local Church and Body of Christ. In Jesus’ name. Amen. Hallelujah!

INTRODUCTION – 1 CORINTHIANS CHAPTER FOURTEEN

This chapter has categories of four (4) messages that reveal Paul’s determination to ensure that spirituality of the Corinthians Believers attained the level of Church edification beyond personal edification. For our study, understanding, obedience, blessings and edification, let us be guided by the Holy Spirit who enlightens our minds and hearts to believe in the word of God.  

1. Prophecy and Tongues: 1 Corinthians 14:1 – 5  
2. Tongues must be interpreted: 1 Corinthians 14:6 – 19
3. Tongues as a sign to Unbelievers: 1 Corinthians 14:20 – 23
4. Order in Church Meetings: 1 Corinthians 14:24 – 40   

The first category revealed Paul’s interest for the Church of Corinth to pursue love and desire spiritual gifts. He wanted them to maintain their spiritual level and not be associated with carnality in backsliding. Therefore, he emphasized and focused on prophecy and tongues as gifts of the Holy Spirit needed to build the Lord’s Church and to fulfill His vision and mission. Through Paul’s teaching, the distinction between personal edification and Church edification was made known through tongues speaking and prophesying respectively. 

The second category also emphasized Paul’s teaching on tongues to be interpreted for understanding and edification at the Church level. He defended this truth using the sound of musical instruments and diversity of languages to explain meaningful information that benefits hearers in a culture of growth and development. For the Church is grown spiritually and numerically with clear and understanding messages beyond tongues speaking.

In his revelation that zealousness for spiritual gifts should be for the edification of the Church, he charged the Corinthians Believers to interpret tongues speaking through prayer and singing and make God’s word in Christ by the Holy Spirit clear in understanding to all. Besides, Paul likened interpretation of tongues to prophesying because of understanding and corporate edification.

In this truth, Paul reminded them of his apostolic ministry that was evidenced with clear messages to make them understand the word, ways and will of God in Christ, though being a prolific tongues speaker.     

The third category of Paul’s message focused on tongues speaking as a sign to Unbelievers and prophesying as a blessing to Believing Christians. That God was in the business of using the gift of tongues speaking in Believing Christians to express their ignorance and confusion of Unbelievers who come to the Church. Thus he distinguished between through tongues speaking as a sign to Unbelievers and prophesying to convict them when they come into the Church or fold of Believing Christians. Hence Paul advocated for tongues speaking and prophesying at the Church level to fulfill scripture and God’s purposes in Christ.    

The fourth category by Paul concluded messages to establish decency and order in the Corinthian Church. He instituted strong administrative measures to regulate multiple tongue speaking and prophesying to benefit the Church. These measures of two or three tongues speakers and one interprets and two or three prophesying and one speaks to the Church in turn was purposed driven to make the whole Church receive and understand God’s inspired word. Besides, his administrative policies put in place counter measures of judges as Prophets or spiritual people to check abuse in the Church.

Another area of Paul’s righteous intervention to make the Church of Corinth a place of decency and order was the ability to silence the rich and arrogant women who disrespected the word of God and leadership authority. Though a subject of controversy, it has been explained with precision by placing emphasis on Church edification as the way to go in all righteousness.

This was Paul’s direction of Church policy and just like rebuking tongues speaking without interpretation and prophesying haphazardly without edification, he rebuked those women to stop speaking discouraging words and learn at home with their Believing spouses. In this truth, Paul instituted home cell meeting which begins with marriage couples and children to learn and know gospel truths for personal edification to make Church contributions and edification beneficial to all.  

By the time you complete reading, learning and understand Paul’s messages in this fourteenth chapter of his first epistle, you will understand why Paul charged the Corinthians Believers to do all things in decency and order. I have done my best with the grace of God upon my life and ministry to explain verse by verse or combination of verses in bringing out the quality of Paul’s messages to the Corinthians. 

Like a weaned child just weaned from milk and drawn from the breasts, the word of God is taught precept upon precept, line upon line, here a little, there a little (Isaiah 28:9 & 10).  Truly, the Holy Spirit has come to guide us unto all truths (John 16:13).

Connect to other writings of the Church and bible commentaries as the Holy Spirit enlightens your understanding because grace and truth emanated from our Lord Jesus Christ unto us as Believing Christians (John 1:17). For this study, additional biblical information from the New King James Bible Commentary added fresh revelations to enhance understanding.  

Study and know its relevance to your life first as a Christian before you apply it to other Believing Christians, Church workers, Church leaders, Ministers and Christian leaders. I trust God that you will be equipped with His knowledge and show continuous belief in Christ’s salvation work on the cross as tied to obedience, knowledge, spiritual wisdom, humility, spiritual growth and maturity. You are not alone because the Holy Spirit is Your Helper.  

The focus here is your obedience to gain insight and understanding of Paul’s messages unto spiritual growth and maturity of the Church and Body of Christ. It is my prayer and hope that you shall be an instrument in the Lord’s service to bring sound Christian teachings and practices to your local Church and Body of Christ. In Jesus’ name. Amen. Hallelujah!

INTRODUCTION – 1 CORINTHIANS CHAPTER THIRTEEN

This whole chapter is beautifully titled the greatest gift to describe Paul’s excellent way of love in divine and Christian relationships; in and outside the Church. I have also done my best to categorize Paul’s messages on love into five sections of the chapter for our study, understanding, obedience, blessings and edification. They are:

1. Spiritual Gifts without Love: 1 Corinthians 13:1 – 3  
2. The true picture of Love: 1 Corinthians 13:4 – 8a
3. Love has strong eternal influence unlike spiritual gifts: 1 Corinthians 13:8b – 10
4. Love in spiritual growth and maturity: 1 Corinthians 13:11 & 12 
5. Love is the Greatest: 1 Corinthians 13:13

Clearly it portrays Paul as the spiritual father to the Church of Corinth with interest and passion to the faith of the Corinthian Believers, Christian teachings and doctrines, spiritual growth and maturity. At the tail end of chapter twelve, he promised to show the excellent way of love even as they desire the best gifts (1 Corinthians 12:31) and he fulfilled it in chapter thirteen as a true and genuine spiritual father. For he advocated and taught them how to edify the Church and Body of Christ with the spiritual gifts and love.

The first section revealed Paul’s emphasis and caution of administering spiritual gifts without love. The danger revealed being noise makers compared to a sounding brass or clanging cymbal without any purpose and drive in the Church.  

The second section also revealed Paul’s great teaching on the true picture of love that beautifies, excels, perfects and glorifies the works of God in Christ by the Holy Spirit. Here he listed eight points each of what constitutes love and does not constitute love in the Christian faith and in the Church. For he preferred edification to encourage mass acceptance and participation and fulfill Christ’s vision and mission to individual gifts and talents and praise.

The third section revealed Paul’s revelation on the strong influence of love eternally unlike the spiritual gifts. The Church of Corinth was blessed with the abundance of spiritual gifts to do the works of God in Christ by the Holy Spirit. Yet Paul enlightened them that they were needed to fulfill ministries, bless and edify the Church. Besides, he revealed that unlike love which never fails, prophecies will fail, speaking in tongues will cease and knowledge will varnish away when we come into the full love, knowledge and power of God in eternity.

With the fourth section, Paul’s teaching was on love in spiritual growth and maturity. It revealed the necessity and importance of the correlation of spiritual growth and maturity with love. In this truth, Paul wanted to see love at work in the Church of Corinth in the attainment spiritual growth and maturity. This was a righteous sign that full spiritual growth and maturity would be attained in eternity when we come face to face with God and our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ and we know in full of all mysteries and not in part.  

The fifth section by Paul concluded this thirteenth chapter with a message on love as the greatest. He emphasized on the uncompromising three cardinal Christian virtues of faith, hope and love as taught the Corinthians Believers from the first day he visited Corinth and preached Christ to them, through to Church formation, correction of errors and righteous instructions. He counseled and taught them to crown faith and hope with love though the three are needed in all Christian relationships and works. For love does not fail.

To enable readers and the Churches and Body of Christ understand the thirteenth chapter of Paul’s epistle, I have done my best with the grace of God upon my life and ministry to explain verse by verse or combination of verses in bringing out the quality of Paul’s messages to the Corinthians. 

Like a weaned child just weaned from milk and drawn from the breasts, the word of God is taught precept upon precept, line upon line, here a little, there a little (Isaiah 28:9 & 10).  Truly, the Holy Spirit has come to guide us unto all truths (John 16:13).

Connect to other writings of the Church and bible commentaries as the Holy Spirit enlightens your understanding because grace and truth emanated from our Lord Jesus Christ unto us as Believing Christians (John 1:17). For this study, additional biblical information from the New King James Bible Commentary added fresh revelations to enhance understanding.  

Study and know its relevance to your life first as a Christian before you apply it to other Believing Christians, Church workers, Church leaders, Ministers and Christian leaders. I trust God that you will be equipped with His knowledge and show continuous belief in Christ’s salvation work on the cross as tied to obedience, knowledge, spiritual wisdom, humility, spiritual growth and maturity. You are not alone because the Holy Spirit is Your Helper.  

The focus here is your obedience to gain insight and understanding of Paul’s messages unto spiritual growth and maturity of the Church and Body of Christ. It is my prayer and hope that you shall be an instrument in the Lord’s service to bring sound Christian teachings and practices to your local Church and Body of Christ. In Jesus’ name. Amen. Hallelujah!

INTRODUCTION – 1 CORINTHIANS CHAPTER TWELVE

This chapter is apportioned with two (2) sections in the bible that reveal Paul’s messages to the Corinthians for our study, understanding, obedience, blessings and edification.

1. Spiritual Gifts: Unity in Diversity: 1 Corinthians 12:1 – 11
2. Unity and Diversity in One Body: 1 Corinthians 12:12 – 31

Clearly it portrays Paul as the spiritual father to the Church of Corinth with interest and passion to the faith of the Corinthian Believers, Christian teachings and doctrines, spiritual growth and maturity.

The first section revealed Paul’s description of the nine (9) spiritual gifts available to the Church of Corinth through the Holy Spirit. They are classified into three (3) areas based on their diversity and functions. They are the revelation gifts which comprise word of wisdom, word of knowledge and discerning of spirits. They bring to light what is hidden; unravel mysteries, plan and purposes of God hidden in time past but revealed in Christ. The power gifts comprise faith, gifts of healings and working of miracles. They display God’s power in a visible form to change people and situations. The communication gifts comprise prophecy, speaking in diverse tongues and interpretation. They articulate the speaking of God audibly in diverse ways to know His mind, will and purposes. 

He explained further that the gifts of the Holy Spirit are diversified but reflect the same spirit. They perform different functions but are all sourced of the Holy Spirit. They are united in the achievement of Christ’s vision and mission by the Church. In the idolized Corinthians society, his teaching on the availability and use of the spiritual gifts was necessary to make them depend on the Holy Spirit and not the culture of brute force, oratory skills and demonic manipulations through idol worship and association.

The message revealed that the baptism of the Holy Spirit is the Lord’s blessing to the Church because it is associated with given spiritual gifts. It is the working of the Holy Spirit in the distribution and manifestation of these spiritual gifts, and ensures unity of faith and purpose. Besides the Lord’s sovereignty was revealed to the Corinthians Believers about the free distribution of the spiritual gifts to each Believing Christian as He wills. That is there is no human or demonic manipulation and control with the free distribution. It means to say that God looks at the heart of a Believing Christian and the Holy Spirit distributes at His own freewill. Know also that unbelieving and sinners cannot receive the gifts of the Holy Spirit because they testify of Jesus as the Son of God, Messiah, and the Christ.         

The second section revealed Paul’s teaching on unity and diversity in one Body of Christ. He emphasized that the Corinthians Believers must have a sense of belonging in the local Church of Corinth as individual members and a broader perception of belonging to the Body of Christ.

Also Paul revealed that God’s wisdom and sovereignty in the diverse human parts to the body is the same reflection to the Church where there is interdependence in a well – coordinated fashion to ensure spiritual growth and maturity and fulfillment of the Great Commission.

Again he revealed that just as members of human body have stronger and weaker parts, God’s wisdom and remedy to the Church is that the stronger members cover and shield the weaker ones to ensure equal benefits to the Body of Christ in the spirit of unity. 

Besides, Paul taught that unity of faith and purpose in complementing the ministries and spiritual gifts of individual members should avert division in the local Churches. Hence the need to show love and care as one another’s keeper.

He concluded this twelfth chapter with a message on desiring the best and profitable spiritual gifts that edify the Church and not be seekers of worldly gifts that exalts oneself and contradicts the righteous intent and purposes of God in Christ by the Holy Spirit. By this teaching, Paul awakened the conscience of the Corinthians Believers to be desirous of spiritual gifts for the work of the ministry and edify the Church and Body of Christ, and not showmanship of power like the culture of the Corinthians.

To enable readers and the Churches and Body of Christ as a whole understand the twelfth chapter of Paul’s epistle, I have done my best with the grace of God upon my life and ministry to explain verse by verse or combination of verses in bringing out the quality of Paul’s messages to the Corinthians.

Like a weaned child just weaned from milk and drawn from the breasts, the word of God is taught precept upon precept, line upon line, here a little, there a little (Isaiah 28:9 & 10).  Truly, the Holy Spirit has come to guide us unto all truths (John 16:13).

Connect to other writings of the Church and bible commentaries as the Holy Spirit enlightens your understanding because grace and truth emanated from our Lord Jesus Christ (John 1:17). For this study, additional biblical information from the New King James Bible Commentary added fresh revelations to enhance understanding. 

Study and know its relevance to your life first as a Christian before you apply it to other Believing Christians, Church workers, Church leaders, Ministers and Christian leaders. I trust God that you will be equipped with His knowledge and continuous belief in Christ’s salvation work on the cross as tied to obedience, knowledge, spiritual wisdom, humility, spiritual growth and maturity. You are not alone because the Holy Spirit is Your Helper. 

The focus here is your obedience to gain insight and understanding of Paul’s messages unto spiritual growth and maturity of the Church and Body of Christ. It is my prayer and hope that you shall be an instrument in the Lord’s service to bring sound Christian teachings and practices to your local Church and Body of Christ. In Jesus’ name. Amen. Hallelujah!

1 CORINTHIANS CHAPTER ELEVEN – INTRODUCTION

This chapter is apportioned with four (4) sections in the bible that reveal Paul’s messages to the Corinthians for our study, understanding, obedience, blessings and edification.

1. Head Coverings: 1 Corinthians 11:1 – 16
2. Conduct at the Lord’s Supper: 1 Corinthians 11:17 – 22
3. Institution of the Lord’s Supper: 1 Corinthians 11:23 – 26
4. Examine Yourself: 1 Corinthians 11:27 – 34

Clearly it portrays Paul as the spiritual father to the Church of Corinth with interest and passion to the faith of the Corinthian Believers, Christian teachings and doctrines, spiritual growth and maturity.

The first section revealed Paul’s commendation of praise to the Corinthians Believers because of higher level of obedience to his instructions and interventions. This joy inspired him to instruct them on head coverings symbolic of submissiveness, and authority with humanity and divinity. It revealed levels of glory as heads where obedience and submissiveness ensure order and peace in the home, Church and God. It revealed the head of the woman as man because the woman was taken from the man. It revealed the head of the man as Christ because man was created in the image and glory of God. It revealed that Christ’s is God’s because God is the Creator and the Father of all.   

The second section revealed Paul’s discontentment of the Corinthians Believers with regards to negative attitudes portrayed at the conduct of the Lord’s Supper. He rebuked them for their backsliding attitude of having self – beliefs contrary to the teachings of our Lord Jesus Christ. He realized that motives for Church meetings and gatherings were wrong to defeat the blessing of edification. Hence their carnality displayed with regards to how they despised the Lord’s Supper with eating it to satisfy their flesh other than I revelation to establish their faith and connection with the Lord Jesus Christ.

The third section revealed Paul’s reference to the origination of the Lord’s Supper by our Lord Jesus Christ to affirm its conduct and participation. By this truth to the Church of Corinth, he emphasized in doing it the Lord’s way to achieve His purposes and righteousness. For the power of the Body and Blood of Christ still worked for their redemption in the Christian faith anytime they practiced it as a Church for edification. The charge to partake of the Holy Communion in remembrance of Christ was reiterated by Paul to enforce its participation in the Church. With scriptural basis and origination by our Lord Jesus Christ, the Church was reminded that its practice enhances our Christian faith with the benefits of commitment, faithfulness and hope of His second coming; proclaim the Lord’s death till He comes.

The fourth section revealed Paul’s message to the Corinthians Believers to examine themselves before they partake of the Lord’s Table. For God was ready to bless those who partook it in righteousness but judge those who partook it in sin; being guilty of the body and blood of Jesus.

In his word of counsel, he told the Corinthians to judge themselves to avert the Lord’s judgment or allow the Lord to judge and chasten them in order to escape His judgment of the world. He counseled them also to perceive and approach the Lord’s Table with spirituality and not carnality. They were to come together to the Lord’s Table in the spirit of unity and not in divisions of eating at home and giving a second place to the holy sacrament. Besides he cautioned them against coming to eat of Lord’s Table like breakfast, lunch and supper but counseled them to keep such eating and drinking at home. Hence his famous position of self – examination to avert the Lord’s judgment.     

To enable readers and the Churches and Body of Christ as a whole understand the eleventh chapter of Paul’s epistle, I have done my best with the grace of God upon my life and ministry to explain verse by verse or combination of verses in bringing out the quality of Paul’s messages to the Corinthians.

Like a weaned child just weaned from milk and drawn from the breasts, the word of God is taught precept upon precept, line upon line, here a little, there a little (Isaiah 28:9 & 10). Jesus said that when the Holy Spirit comes, He shall guide us unto all truths (John 16:13).

Connect to other writings of the Church and bible commentaries as the Holy Spirit enlightens your understanding because grace and truth emanated from our Lord Jesus Christ (John 1:17). For this study, additional biblical information from the New King James Bible Commentary added fresh revelations to enhance understanding. 

Study and know its relevance to your life first as a Christian before you apply it to other Believing Christians, Church workers, Church leaders, Ministers and Christian leaders. I trust God that you will be equipped with His knowledge and continuous belief in Christ’s salvation work on the cross as tied to obedience, knowledge, spiritual wisdom, humility, spiritual growth and maturity. You are not alone because the Holy Spirit is Your Helper. 

The focus here is your obedience to gain insight and understanding of Paul’s messages unto spiritual growth and maturity of the Church. It is my prayer and hope that you shall be an instrument in the Lord’s service to bring sound Christian teachings and practices to your local Church and Body of Christ. In Jesus’ name. Amen. Hallelujah!

INTRODUCTION – 1 CORINTHIANS CHAPTER TEN

This chapter is apportioned with three (3) sections in the bible that reveal Paul’s messages to the Corinthians for our study, understanding, obedience, blessings and edification.

1. Old Testament Examples: 1 Corinthians 10:1 – 13
2. Flee from idolatry: 1 Corinthians 10:14 – 22
3. All to the glory of God: 1 Corinthians 10:23 – 33

Clearly it portrays Paul as the spiritual father to the Church of Corinth with interest and passion to the faith of the Corinthian Believers, Christian teachings and doctrines, spiritual growth and maturity.

The first section emphasized on Paul’s desire to correct the recurrence of sin of disobedience and rebellion in the Church of Corinth. He used God’s dealings with the Israelites from their deliverance, crossing the Red Sea walking and wilderness experiences to inherit their Promised Land, and warned them about God’s punishment against all forms of disobedience and rebellion in unfaithfulness. Also the revelation was that all can be blessed by God in terms of provisions, protection and preservation but disobedience and rebellion would not be tolerated as happened to Israelites under God’s punishment.

The second section involves Paul’s command to the Corinthians Believers to flee from idolatry and be committed to Christ. Though the city of Corinth was noted for idols everywhere on the streets, and households, Paul commanded them to flee from idolatry. He likened idol worship to taking the Holy Communion where both show forth deep fellowship. Drinking the cup of the Lord and the cup of demons was to be stopped because God is holy and demands holiness as part of the Church’s covenanted relationship with Him in Christ by the Holy Spirit. Besides, the danger of provocation and God’s punishment against idolatry was inevitable. Hence the need to rise above the false impression of being self – dependent and stronger than God.       

The third section shows Paul’s teaching of giving God all the glory through commitment and faithfulness and edification of the Church. He broke the Corinthians belief that one could do anything by law to commit sexual immorality. Hence his famous stance that though all things are lawful, they are not always helpful, beneficial and edifying. He advocated for the latter to be practiced through having a good conscience to seek the interest of other people beyond self. He advocated for personal and societal relationships with a good conscience and knowledge of the truth that God owns everything on earth (Psalms 24:1).

He encouraged having the spirit of thanksgiving in prayer to eat any food through invitations at the interpersonal and societal levels, and then reveal Christ to people. In so doing, there will be no offense against the Jews, Greeks even the Church of God because all is done to give glory to God and not to self. He ended by saying that pleasing all people involves a state of lowliness and humility and not self – high esteem and pride. For accepting all classes of people is the effective means to preach and reveal Christ to them.

To enable readers and the Churches and Body of Christ as a whole understand the tenth chapter of Paul’s epistle, I have done my best with the grace of God upon my life and ministry to explain verse by verse or combination of verses in bringing out the quality of Paul’s messages to the Corinthians.

Like a weaned child just weaned from milk and drawn from the breasts, the word of God is taught precept upon precept, line upon line, here a little, there a little (Isaiah 28:9 & 10). Jesus said that when the Holy Spirit comes, He shall guide us unto all truths (John 16:13).

Connect to other writings of the Church and bible commentaries as the Holy Spirit enlightens your understanding because grace and truth emanated from our Lord Jesus Christ (John 1:17). For this study, additional biblical information from the New King James Bible Commentary added fresh revelations to enhance understanding. 

Study and know its relevance to your life first as a Christian before you apply it to other Believing Christians, Church workers, Church leaders, Ministers and Christian leaders. I trust God that you will be equipped with His knowledge and continuous belief in Christ’s salvation work on the cross as tied to obedience, knowledge, spiritual wisdom, humility, spiritual growth and maturity. You are not alone because the Holy Spirit is Your Helper. 

The focus here is your obedience to gain insight and understanding of Paul’s messages unto spiritual growth and maturity of the Church. It is my prayer and hope that you shall be an instrument in the Lord’s service to bring sound Christian teachings and practices to your local Church and Body of Christ. In Jesus’ name. Amen. Hallelujah!

INTRODUCTION – 1 CORINTHIANS CHAPTER NINE

This chapter is apportioned with three (3) sections in the bible that reveal Paul’s messages to the Corinthians for our study, understanding, obedience, blessings and edification.

1. A Pattern of Self – Denial (1 Corinthians 9:1 – 18)

2. Serving All Men (1 Corinthians 9:19 – 23)

3. Striving for a Crown (1 Corinthians 9:24 – 27)

Clearly it portrays Paul as the spiritual father to the Church of Corinth with interest and passion to the faith of the Corinthian Believers, Christian teachings and doctrines, spiritual growth and maturity.

The first section emphasized on Paul’s strong defense against those who examined his ministry works in the Church of Corinth. He elaborated on his call and ministry as divine and not earthly which had produced the Church of Corinth with many Believing Christians. Besides, he confronted his critics by revealing the right and authority he and his ministry partners had with regard to making demands for provisions from the Church. Though he had a right to marry, he practiced celibacy for the sake of the kingdom of God and the Church to fulfill his apostolic ministry in God’s will.  

But he never acted on it because he worked with his own hands to provide for himself and ministry the basic necessities of life. Again, Paul revealed that they had a right to marry and enjoy life just like brethren in the Church but refused to take advantage of them though in God’s will. His interests was in their spiritual prosperity beyond physical prosperity hence receiving material benefits from them was something small in his eyes. In summary, his major reason for this position was not to hinder the gospel of Jesus Christ. Hence he endured all things for edification purpose (1 Corinthians 9:12b).

The second section emphasized on humility to serve all people for the sake of the gospel of Jesus Christ after silencing his critics. He revealed and counseled the Church of Corinth to use human strategies with divine connotations to win souls for Christ. Strategies of preaching Jews, Gentiles, practitioners of the Law and without the Law, and all manner of people have also been explained extensively as taught by Paul. Note that these strategies are useful in evangelistic and disciple making drives to guide the Church in winning and maintaining souls for Christ in the perfect will of God.    

The third section emphasized on striving for the imperishable crown after showing various ways of evangelizing, preaching, teaching, counseling and instructing all manner of people in accordance with the Great Commission. He revealed that though the promise of receiving the imperishable crown is given to the Church, every Minister, Church worker, Church leader, Christian leader and Believing Christian must live disciplined lives and make their bodies subject to Christ and the Holy Spirit in the perfect will of God. Hence he counseled that it is God’s perfect will for both the Preacher and the Church receive the gift of eternal life and imperishable crowns in eternity with our Lord Jesus Christ.   

To enable readers and the Churches and Body of Christ as a whole understand the ninth chapter of Paul’s epistle, I have done my best with the grace of God upon my life and ministry to explain verse by verse or combination of verses in bringing out the quality of Paul’s messages to the Corinthians.

Like a weaned child just weaned from milk and drawn from the breasts, the word of God is taught precept upon precept, line upon line, here a little, there a little (Isaiah 28:9 & 10). Jesus said that when the Holy Spirit comes, He shall guide us unto all truths (John 16:13).

Connect to other writings of the Church and bible commentaries as the Holy Spirit enlightens your understanding because grace and truth emanated from our Lord Jesus Christ (John 1:17). For this study, additional biblical information from the New King James Bible Commentary added fresh revelations to enhance understanding. 

Study and know its relevance to your life first as a Christian before you apply it to other Believing Christians, Church workers, Church leaders, Ministers and Christian leaders. I trust God that you will be equipped with His knowledge and continuous belief in Christ’s salvation work on the cross as tied to obedience, knowledge, spiritual wisdom, humility, spiritual growth and maturity. You are not alone because the Holy Spirit is Your Helper. 

The focus here is your obedience to gain insight and understanding of Paul’s messages unto spiritual growth and maturity of the Church. It is my prayer and hope that you shall be an instrument in the Lord’s service to bring sound Christian teachings and practices to your local Church and Body of Christ. In Jesus’ name. Amen. Hallelujah!