Q2010 – Celebrating 50 Years of NYI Quizzing

The Corinthian church was experiencing divisions. People were apparently setting themselves up as teachers and gathering followings, creating divisions in the church.

Paul spends most of chapter 3 and going in to chapter 4 downplaying normal human views of a person’s stature. He goes out of his way to say he and Apollos are “Only servants, through whom you came to believe—as the Lord has assigned to each his task.” (1 Corinthians 3:5).

It appears, based on 1 Corinthians 4:6, that Paul was using himself, Peter and Apollos as examples in his discussions to avoid naming names and further stoking the divisive fire. These things are all of the things he’s been discussing going back to 1 Corinthians 1:10 when Paul starts talking about the divisions. He continues in verse 7 to hammer them on the fact that any gifts they have at all are only due to Christ.

Paul then continues to point out the arrogance of the Corinthians. They are apparently in a place of stature in the community. They seem to have some regard accorded to them. They need a heavy dose of humility. Paul uses some irony as well. “We are fools for Christ, but you are so wise in Christ!” (1 Corinthians 5:10)

Divisive, egotistical, arrogant and in need of humility. Paul finishes chapter 4 with a warning. “What do you prefer? Shall I come to you with a whip, or in love and with a gentle spirit?” (1 Corinthians 5:21) Paul takes seriously his responsibility to disciple and hold accountable those he has brought to Christ.

I memorized about 60 or 70 percent of 1st and 2nd Corinthians when I was a sophomore at Farmington High School. I’ve coached over the material a few times since then. I remember much of it.

At NYI convention, someone gave me a new look at part of it. One thing we know about the church in Corinth is that they were pretty messed up.

Paul usually opens his letters with some sort of thanks for something that a church is doing well. Some examples:

• He thanks the Philippians for their “partnership in the gospel from the first day until now” Philippians 1:5
• Ephesians, “ever since I heard about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all the saints, I have not stopped giving thanks for you” Ephesians 1:15-16
• Colossians, “we have heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and of the love you have for all the saints” Colossians 1:4
• Thessalonians, “your work produced by faith, your labor prompted by love, and your endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ” 1 Thessalonians 1
• Romans, “because your faith is being reported all over the world” Romans 1:8

So, you might ask, how is he thankful for the Corinthians? Here’s how:

“I always thank God for you because of his grace given you in Christ Jesus.” 1 Corinthians 1:4

He’s thankful for the opportunity God has to show grace because they are so messed up. Paul does go on to talk about how He has enriched them in all ways, but think about it. He’s thankful for the grace God has shown them.

I’m learning a lot about God’s grace and how I cannot assume that someone doesn’t get a chance to take advantage of it. God offers it to all. The Corinthian church (and Paul himself) give us biblical examples of what God can forgive. No one is beyond salvation.

I compare Paul’s treatment of Corinth to Jonah’s reaction to the grace God showed the Ninevites. In Jonah 4:2, he says, “I knew that you are a gracious and compassionate God, slow to anger and abounding in love, a God who relents from sending calamity.”

Jonah knew God had enough grace even for the Ninevites, so he tried to avoid going there because he didn’t want them saved. Be honest. There are people you’ve felt that way about. I have. The biggest area of growth all Christians need is to see people with Christ’s perfect love. Jonah didn’t and Paul did. Do you?