Morality 101 The Sequel - 1 Corinthians 6

Does it bug you when you see someone that appears to be going backwards in their development? That was the deal for Paul writing to the Corinthians believers. He had to berate them about their disputes, and how they took each other to a secular court rather than finding a way together as brothers or sisters in Christ. In verse 8 he is effectively saying 'you behaviour is descending'!

Morality 101 - 1 Corinthians 5

Just about all people have some kind of morality code or standards they live by. When Paul preached in Corinth he preached to broadly two types of people. First the Jews, who had a strong morality code based on Old Testament Law, and second to the Greek culture. This was much more fluid, but even in that culture philosophers had written forms of behaviour code. The fact is that any group of people develop codes between themselves. Sometimes they take time, sometimes driven by the bad things that happen - for example Facebook 'Groups' first developed levels of permission, now have options for 'group codes of conduct' etc. In the fluid situation of Corinth, where there certainly were excesses, Paul preached Jesus Christ crucified and raised. Some responded ... and those that did are now working out what it means for them to live in obedience to Jesus.

[IN] To what extent are you making your daily choices obedient to the way Jesus wants you to live?

Challenge: Be open with a trusted prayer partner about areas of difficulty

Slum Dog Apostles - 1 Corinthians 4

This week we have seen the mother of all processions! Everyone perfectly dressed and in step, pomp & circumstance like no other, crowds lining streets with respect and cheers. Paul wrote to the Corinthian Christians about another procession. It too had king & soldiers finely dressed, marching in step as well as crowds along the streets. But a key difference is that at the back were an additional group of people, dressed in rags and dragged by chains. The crowds jeer at them as they pass. This was the scene of the victory return of a conquering king, with the conquered captives dragged behind.

Build Your Core: Christ Crucified - 1 Corinthians 1:18 - 2:5

Last week we started the series hearing how faith in the life, death and resurrection of Jesus is primary, and all else is secondary. That means there may be other things where we disagree - in fact working through 1 Corinthians in this series will likely touch on subjects where we hold different views - but in these we can hold quiet accord because we are together in our faith in Jesus.

No Badge but Jesus - 1 Corinthians 1

Paul starts this letter like his others: celebrating who the recipients are in Jesus, and what Jesus has done for them. In v4 he writes of the grace given in Jesus, v5 the enriching in Jesus, v8 how Jesus will keep them to the end, and v9 how God has called them into fellowship with His Son - Jesus. Paul is only able to write to them as believers because of what God has done through Jesus. Paul's original job in Corinth was to bear witness to Jesus, the rest was God's work through Jesus to those in Corinth - who now believe and are a collection of people to write to. In short it is all about Jesus, and God's work through Jesus.

[UP] How does the life, death & resurrection of Jesus set the tone for everything you do?

 Challenge: Reflect on who you are in Christ

Keys to the Kingdom - Matthew 16

In a marriage two people come together and unite their lives. In doing so they move in with each other - they effectively give each other keys to their house. Yet not just their house - their whole lives, their bodies, everything. Marriage is mutual invitation from one to another to fully come into their life.

Temple of the Holy Spirit - 1 Cor 6:12 - 20

Although today's passage talks about sexual morality, today we are focusing on Paul's assertion that our bodies are Temples of the Holy Spirit. This echoes 1 Corinthians 3:16, and also in Ephesians 2:19 - 22. Paul is arguing that a life that indulges sexual immorality is incompatible with our status as a temple of the Holy Spirit.

[IN] Do I keep in mind that my body is a temple of the Holy Spirit?

Challenge: Honour God with your body, welcome His presence in you.