divisiveness among the members, the lawsuits between Christians and even the discussions on “Christian Liberty”. The teaching on the gifts of the Spirit and administration of the gifts of the Spirit within the church are amazing in this book. We have the chapter of love (13) and the chapter of resurrection (15). 1 Corinthians provides us with many of the doctrines and practices for New Testament Christianity.
I want to look at why Paul had to write this letter.
The church was filled with new believers who were all brand new to the God of the bible
There were many questions on what was acceptable to God
There were issues with sin and schism
If you were raised in a “Christian” environment prior to being born again your acclimation and indoctrination into New Testament Christianity is on a completely different curve than someone who has come from a Muslim, Buddhist, Atheist, Agnostic, Hindu or just plain heathen background. The Corinthians were mostly gentile, whose only knowledge of Jesus Christ came from the church after they had been born again.
The Christians of Corinth were blank slates. They had wholeheartedly accepted Christ, but everything about Him was new.
Talk about culture shock – they experienced it. Most had a polytheistic background that involved feasts, celebrations, rituals and even offering and sacrifices to multiple deities. Roman and Greek cultural practices were very different from Old & New Testament ways of living. Morality was different, family life was different, worship was different – they were truly translated out of one kingdom and into another.
Notice that we are not talking about their love for God, His Word or their commitment to their faith.