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Chapter Summary
v1-6 - This chapter addresses another problem facing the Corinthian church: there was an issue between members being argued out in court. This is a problem for two reasons. First, because it makes no sense to look for justice amongst the ungodly (literally: unjust). Secondly, because it makes the church look foolish in front of the people we're supposed to be demonstrating justice to (v5).
v7-11 - Becoming a Christian is much easier than actually living as a Christian. These verse show the massive commitment required to live as a Christian; there are many times where you must turn the other cheek and allow yourself to be wronged and cheated (v7). Of course we know that living this Christian lifestyle is not the basis of our salvation, but v9 reminds us that your Christian lifestyle is one of the biggest indicators of your faith. If your lifestyle is not reflective of Godly values, it's quite likely that your faith is not fully placed in Christ, and therefore you won't inherit the Kingdom of God (v9). Of course the society we live in is working overtime to try and normalize the deviancy spelled out in v9-10, but always remember, this society is not your home; you're a citizen of the Kingdom of God. You've been washed, sanctified (made holy), and justified in the name of Jesus and by the Holy Spirit (v11).
v12-17 - As we mentioned a few days ago, we have so much in common with these ancient Corinthians, and v12-13 give further evidence of that. The quotations you see were taken from sayings that were popular in communities like Corinth, and they would be very popular in our society as well. Don't be pushed around by the wisdom of this world. Apply your renewed mind to the things you hear and see and evaluate them from a Biblical perspective.
v18-20 - This entire chapter is summed up by the implications of v20:
You are not your own; you were bought at a price.
OLD TESTAMENT REFERENCE:
Proverbs 5:7-14 contain advice to a young man who is being seduced by the temptations of the world. As someone who has been bought at a price, learn to value the wisdom of God's Word before you get entrapped in a snare.
Discuss:
Use the comment box below to discuss one or more of these questions:
EYE FOR DETAIL—From what you recall seeing in this chapter, try answering the following question without looking at your Bible: Bible: In this chapter Paul uses two phrases to describe our bodies; what are they? (See v15 and 19.)
Paraphrase v20 in your own words
Question 1 taken from The Complete Bible Discussion Guide: New Testament
Follow the AAA Prayer Pattern:
ACKNOWLEDGE WHO GOD IS: By His power God raised Christ from the dead, and He will raise you also (v14)
ALIGN YOUR LIFE WITH GOD'S WILL: Pray that in all things you will honor God with your body (v20)
ASK GOD FOR WHAT YOU NEED:
