Bible Study Outline: 1 Corinthians Chapter 14
 "Key" Verses:

1 Corinthians 14:1; 2-5;39-40
Pursue love, and desire spiritual gifts, but especially that you may prophesy.

For he who speaks in a tongue does not speak to men but to God, for no one understands him; however, in the spirit he speaks mysteries. 3 But he who prophesies speaks edification and exhortation and comfort to men. 4 He who speaks in a tongue edifies himself, but he who prophesies edifies the church. 5 I wish you all spoke with tongues, but even more that you prophesied; for* he who prophesies is greater than he who speaks with tongues, unless indeed he interprets, that the church may receive edification.

39 Therefore, brethren, desire earnestly to prophesy, and do not forbid to speak with tongues. 40 Let all things be done decently and in order.     (NKJV)

                                  "Prophecy and Speaking in Tongues"
"
I.                   Gift of Prophecy versus Speaking in Tongues               (versus 1-5)

a.   Pursue love and desire spiritual gifts- especially prophesy.

b.   Things of "Disadvantage"about speaking in tongues without an interpreter

1.    The person (s) speaking in tongues are talking to God and not people.

2.    Nobody understands them.

3.    The person speaks mysteries in the spirit.

4.    The person edifies themselves. The church is edified only if there is an interpreter to convey the message spoken in tongues.

5.    Paul wished that the church (Corinthian) as a whole spoke with tongues, but perferredthat they all prophesied, that is proclaimed the Word of God and forthtold. 

c.    Things of "Advantage" about the gift of prophesy

1.    Prophesying speaks edification, exhorts and comforts the people.

2.    Prophesying edifies the church.

3.    Prophesying is a greater gift and is more valuable than speaking in tongues wher no interpreter is present..

II.            The Importance of Interpretation of tongues                     (versus 6-17)

a.   4 ways speaking in tongues(foreign language)  would be beneficial   (vs.6)

By revelation, by knowledge, by prophesying, and by doctrine

b.   Example: musical instruments have their own distinct sound- without the distinction in sound, you couldn’t tell which instrument is which.       (vs. 7)

c.    Military Example: Trumpet: if the trumpet gave an uncertain sound, the army would not know what to do next. The instrument would be useless…(vs. 8-11)

d.   By contrast, if there was no interpreter present, speaking in tongues (a foreign language) would be useless-  it’s barbaric-it would be as if no one is present when you speak because you can’t engage them in conversation. Speak in a language the people understand!

Conclusion:

A.   Seek to edify the church! SINCE you have a zeal for spiritual gifts.(vs. 12)

B.   Let the person who speaks in tongues, pray that God gives them the ability to interpret: pray in tongues (2 or 3 sentences at a time)…..BUT…

C.   If I pray in an unknown tongue, my spirit (pnuema) my psyche, mind (using my affections) but my understanding is “unfruitful”            (vs. 13)

 Barnes Commentary Notes makes the following analogy:

In 1 Corinthians 14:13, the word "spirit" is often used in the Scriptures as the seat of the affections, and emotions, and passions of various kinds; see Matt 5:3, "Blessed are the poor in spirit;" Luke 10:21, "Jesus rejoiced in spirit." So it is the seat of ardor or fervor (Luke 1:17; Acts 18:25; Rom 12:11); of grief or indignation; Mark 3:12; John 11:33; 13:21; Acts 17:16. It refers also to feelings, disposition, or temper of mind, in Luke 9:55; Rom 8:15.

Here it refers, to the person’s heart, their will, their disposition, their feelings, and the person’s sense is, "My feelings find utterance in prayer; my heart is engaged in devotion; my prayer will be acceptable to God, who looks upon the feelings of the heart, and I may have true enjoyment; but my understanding will be unfruitful, that is, will not profit others. What I say will not be understood by them; and of course, however much benefit I might derive from my devotions, yet they would be useless to others."

III.             Question: What Shall I do?                                                               (verse 15)

a.  I will pray with the spirit .. I will do all I can  to "blend" all the advantages I have from praying ; by using a common language all the people understand and I will "unite" all the benefits I get from it to so other people can benefit;. I deem it of vast importance to pray with the spirit in such a way that my "heart" and my "affections" may be engaged, so all can benefit.

b.     I will pray with the understanding So that others may understand me. I will make the appropriate use of the intellect, so that it may convey ideas, and make suitable impressions on the minds of others.

c.    I will sing with the spirit because it is evident that the same thing might take place in singing which occurred in prayer. It might be in a foreign language, and might be unintelligible to others. The affections of the man himself might be excited, and his heart engaged in the duty, but it would be profitless to others. Paul, therefore, says that he would so celebrate the praises of God as to excite the proper affections in his own mind, and so as to be intelligible and profitable to others.

This passage lets us know:

(1) The praises of God are to be celebrated among Christians, and that it is a very important part of worship;

(2) The person’s heart should be fully engaged when we give praises, and that it should be so performed as to excite proper affections in the hearts of those who are engaged in it; and,

(3) Giving praises should be so done as to be "intelligible" and edifying to others. The spoken words should be so uttered as to be distinct and understood. There should be clear enunciation as well as in prayer and preaching, since the design of sacred music in the worship of God is not only to utter praise, but it is to impress the sentiments which are sung on the heart by the aid of musical sounds and expression more deeply than could otherwise be done. If this is not done, the singing might as well be in a foreign language.

Note:    There is no part of public worship in which there is greater “imperfection” than the music ministry. At the same time, there is scarcely any part of the devotions of the sanctuary that may be made more edifying or impressive. It has the "advantage" –(the music ministry that is) an advantage which preaching and praying have not-of using the sweet tones of melody and harmony to "impress" sentiment on the heart and it should be done.

IV.              Sing with “the” understanding-    Otherwise if?                   (verses 17-18)

a.  If you bless with the spirit how would the “uninformed” know to say Amen when you give thanks in tongues? Remember:

1.    The uninformed doesn’t understand what’s being said.

2.    When you give thanks in this manner, without interpretation, others are not edified.

Paul’s response: I thank God that I speak with more tongues (languages) than all of you, yet…in the church, I rather speak 5 works with my understanding that I may teach others also rather than 10,000 words spoken in an unknown tongue.

V.               Tongues: a “sign” to unbelievers                                   (verses 20-25)

a.    Don’t be childish in your level of understanding .Stop acting immature. People are usually fascinated with anything spiritual or otherwise that is “novel”, the “exotic”, but might not have any real intrinsic value in their Christian walk.

b.   Don’t get hung up on speaking in tongues and stop having ill will towards each other. . Act worthy of the gifts God did give you.

c.   Remember in times past God used people who spoke a foreign language to get   Israel’s attention (Isaiah 28:11-12) holding them captive in a foreign land as God disciplined them for rebelling against HIM.

d.  Remember: tongues are for a “sign” to the unbeliever.

e.  Prophesying benefits the believers.                     (verse 24)

1.   If all prophesy in a common language, the unlearned and the unbeliever will be convicted of their sin, they will understand what was said. They will not have any excuse to repent and follow the dictates of the Gospel and give their lives to Jesus Christ,

2.   They are led to see the "real" designs and motives of their heart. Their conscience would be awakened; they would review their current state in life; and see it is steeped in evil; and the present state of his heart would be made known to himself. It is possible that he would "suppose that the speaker was aiming directly at him, and "revealing" his feelings to others; for such an effect is often produced. (The convicted sinner often supposes that the preacher knows their personal business, wonders how the preacher knows so much about them" and often supposes that preacher is about to put their business in the street.

VI.            Proper Order in the Worship Service                                               (verses 26-33)

a.  Let all things be done in order and for edification of the whole body, not just individuals.

b.  If any speak in other tongues: no more than 3 at one instance and out of the 3, one must interpret. If there is no “bonafide” interpreter, let all 3 remain silent and pray silently to themselves and to God.

c.  If 3 wish to prophesy, let 2 or 3 do so, while the others judge (give validity to or reject as a false prophecy)

d.  If something is revealed to a “sitter-by” allow them to speak while the first remain silent.

e.  You can prophesy one by one.

1.   That all may learn and all may be encouraged.

2.   The spirits of the prophets are subject to the prophets.

Remember: God is not the Author of Confusion…but Peace in all churches (vs.33)

f.    Let your women keep silent (Corinthian Church) Refer back to chapter 11 to get a fuller understanding if this declaration:

1.       They are not permitted to speak.

2.       They are to be submissive.

3.       If they need to learn something, ask their husbands at home.

4.       It is shameful for the women to speak in the church.

VII.         The Word of God: Did is “come out of you”? Or did it “come unto you only” ? (verse 36-40)

a.   Out of You:                                                      (verse 36)

The question is really asking:, "Is the church at Corinth the "mother church?" Was it first established; or has it been alone in sending forth the Word of God?  (No) You have adopted customs which are unusual. You have permitted women to speak in a manner unknown to other churches; (see 1 Corinthians 11:16). You have admitted irregularity and confusion unknown in all the other churches. You have allowed many to speak at the same time, and have tolerated confusion and disorder. Have you any "right" thus to differ from other churches? Have you any authority, as it were, to dictate to them, to teach them, contrary to their uniform custom, to allow these disorders? Should you not rather be conformed to them, and observe the rules of the churches which are older than yours?

" The "argument" here is, that the church at Corinth was "not" the first church that was established; that it was one of the "last" that had been founded; and because of this fact, that it couldn't, claim any right whatsoever to differ in any way from the other churches, or to prescribe to them.".

b.  Unto You only

The Question raised here is: since you are not the first church group of those who believed, neither are you the “only ones”. God has sent the same gospel to others, and it is traveling over the world. Others, therefore, have the same right as you to originate customs and special habits; and as this would be attended with confusion and disorder, you should all follow the same rule, and the customs which do not prevail in other churches should not be allowed in yours. 

VIII.      Pertaining to the call of a Prophet                                 (verses 37-40)

a.   If any man think (professes to be or is repudiated to be) he’s a prophet (vs. 37)

b.  Or professes to be “spiritual” ( under a “extraordinary” influence- prophetic anointing)

Show it by the following ways:

1.     Acknowledge My (Paul’s) authority (apostleship)

2.     Yield to the commands in obedience which I (Paul) utter by the authority of the Lord.

Every church is supposed to operate by the Word of God and the testimony of Jesus Christ

c.         If any be ignorant, that is if any reject the notion that  I (Paul) have authority under God and jurisdiction over the affairs of this church, or doubt that I’m  inspired under the unction of the will of God and the anointing of the Holy Spirit.

Let them be ignorant at their own risk and suffer the consequences. Noting:

1.    They do this at their own peril, if this their position and they refuse to change it,let him remain so, and suffer the consequences.

2.    I shall not take any further trouble to debate with them( I’m not going to argue with them) I have clearly stated my God given authority.

3.    I have delivered the commands of God. And now, if they disregard them, and still doubt whether all this is said by divine authority, let them suffer the consequences of rejecting the law of God. I have given full proof of my divine commission. I have nothing more to say on this matter. And now, if they choose to remain in ignorance or incredulity, the fault theirs, and they must answer for it to God.

 

Summation:                                                             (verses 39-40)

d.     Desire to prophesy for the purpose of edifying the Church and don’t forbid  anyone from speaking in tongues, as long as they follow spiritual protocol.

e.      Again, let everything be done DECENT AND IN ORDER!

Bible Study Series:  Outline: 1 Corinthians Chapter 13
                         " Ministry Gifts Must Be Exerciced in "Agape" Love"

I.                   Charity (Love) is “a Must”                                   Verses 1-3

A.   The Endowment of Speaking Other Languages Without Love (vs.1)

"Likened to being a loud  “noise maker” Your life's ministry work has no real value if is is not done with the love of God toward your fellow man. People will not really listen to what you say until they are convinced that you really care about their plight"!

Quote: “Tongues without love is like sounds without soul.”   ‎The sense is, "If I could speak all languages, yet if I had not love, It would be like the clattering. clanging sound of the cymbal, that contributes nothing to the welfare of others. It would all be hollow, vain, useless. It could neither save me nor others, any more than the notes of the trumpet, or the jingling of the cymbal, would promote salvation. "Love" is the vital principle; it is that without which all ether endowments are useless and vain." (from Barnes' Notes, Electronic Database Copyright © 1997, 2003, 2005, 2006 by Biblesoft, Inc. All rights reserved.)

B.   Even if I knew everything , fully acquainted with all the doctrines of religion and had “mountain moving faith: Without Charity (love) Nothing I do would have value in a person’s life, nothing I say would have any real credence. I wouldn’t be any real good to anyone.

Barnes  Note Commentary said it this way: [I am nothing] All would be of no value. it would not save me. I should still be an unredeemed, unpardoned sinner. I won’t do good to no one; I should answer none of the great purposes which God has designed; I should not by all this secure my salvation. All would be in vain in regard to the great purpose of my existence. None of these things could be placed before God as a ground of acceptance in the Day of Judgment. Unless I should have love, I should still be lost. A somewhat similar idea is expressed by the Savior, in regard to the Day of Judgment, in Matthew 7:22-23, "Many will say unto me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you depart from me, ye that work iniquity." 

C.   Even if I’m charitable- feed the poor, die a martyr’s death- there’s no benefit without God's love.

II.                The Character of "Agape" Love                                                             (verses 4-8)

1.     Longsuffering (a fruit of the Spirit). ‎It can endure evil, being injured, and provoked, without causing you to be filled with resentment, indignation, or revenge.

How does longsuffering do this? It does it by making the mind firm, giving it power over your angry passions, and furnishes you with a “persevering” patience, the kind of patience that would rather wait and wish for the reformation (change in) of a brother’s conduct and attitude than fly off the handle showing resentment in response to their behavior. Longsuffering gives you the ability to put up with many slights and neglects from ones you love, and will wait long to see the kindly effects of such patience on him.

2.  Kind—‎ ‎It is benign, bountiful; it is courteous and obliging. The law of kindness will be in your lips: in what you say,and in your heart – You become more compassionate toward your fellow man, It opens your arms- and you become more charity, ready to do more good and show more favor toward others and to do good. She seeks to be useful; and not only seizes on opportunities of doing good.

3.  Not envious: (or jealous) it is not grieved because of the good recognized in  others ( their gifts, their good character qualities, their accomplishments or what they physically possess)  "Envy" is the effect of ill-will.

4.  Not filled with pride or vain: Love is not puffed up (conceited, bigheaded or arrogant) Love does not go in competition with itself. True love causes you to esteem others above yourself and keeps you from putting them down yet causes you to build them up. Love bring to a person the Spirit of Goodwill.

5.  Does not misbehave: Love always shows respect for others, regardless of rank (social status) and  doesn’t act immoral or unmoral, is never vile. Love causes you to mind your own business, to show forth the character of God in all that you do, think or say. Love seek to mend fences wherever possible.

6.  Selfless: Love doesn’t seek its own praise, honor, profit, or pleasure. Self-love, in some degree, is natural to all men. You have to love yourself to a certain degree without becoming vain, conceited and self centered enters into their very constitution. Jesus said it. it’s the 2nd of the 2 “Love Laws, “Thou shall love thy neighbor as thyself”. The first law is to Love the Lord Our God with our all….

Note: Paul didn’t mean that charity destroys all regard to a person ‘s personal self; He didn’t mean that the charitable man should never challenge what is his own, he meant true love will cause us to place God first and foremost (Matthew 6:33), that is give Christ preeminence (1st place)

Charity must then root up that principle which is wrought into our nature. Godly love never seeks its own and hurt or neglect others in the process in fact, love often neglects its own for the sake of others. It esteems others, prefers their welfare, and satisfaction, and advantage, to its own; Love seeks to benefit the public sector, the community, whether civil or ecclesiastical, to its private advantage. It would not advance, nor aggrandize, nor enrich, nor gratify itself, at the cost and damage of the public.

7.    Not easily provoked : ‎Love corrects a “sharp temper”,You may get mad but, love keeps you from staying mad by sweetening and softening the mind,. When love burns in your heart, your anger will cool quicker and whatever irritation anger remain to be confined the passion of anger within proper limits, (righteous indignation Anger cannot be comfortable in the presence of Love). It is hard to be angry with those we love, but very easy to drop our resentments and be reconciled.

8.  Love thinks no evil. It produces no malice and does not seek to extract revenge at any time: It is never mischievous, nor inclined to revenge; it does not suspect evil of others it does not reason out evil, place guilt upon anyone by inference and innuendo,esoecially when no evidence of this sort appears out in the open. True love causes us to give others the benefit of the doubt. True love is not apt to be jealous and suspicious; It will seek to hide obvious faults that appear, and go out of its way to cover them up, instead of hunting and raking out those that lies that are covered and concealed: Love will never indulge in suspicion without proofs, but will have an inclination to darken and disbelieve evidence against the person it affects. It will hardly give into an ill opinion of another, and it will do it with regret and reluctance when the evidence cannot be resisted; hence it will never be forward to suspect ill, and reason itself into a bad opinion upon mere appearances, nor give way to suspicion without any. It will not make the worst construction of things, but put the best face that it can on circumstances that have no good appearance.

9.  Doesn’t rejoice in iniquity:. Love takes no pleasure in doing injury or hurt to anyone. Love does not think evil of anyone, without very clear proof. It wishes ill to none, much less will it hurt or do anyone wrong. Love does not rejoice in doing harm and mischief to anyone. Nor will it rejoice at the faults and failings of others, and triumph over them, either out of pride or ill-will, because it will set off its own excellences or gratify its spite. It gives it much satisfaction to see truth and justice prevail among men, innocent cleared, and mutual faith and trust established, and to see piety and true religion flourish.

10. It bears all things, it endures all things, Love covers all things. Love will cover a multitude of sins, (1 Peter 4:8). It will draw a veil over them, as far as it can consistently with duty. Agape love keeps us from putting others faults in the public tabloid until all has been done to correct the person privately and ending in failure. (Matthew 18:15-17) We are free to talk to our brother or sister in private concerning their faults not to ridicule or become condescending towards them, We would do all we could to keep our issues and faults private. God’s love  teaches us to do the same concerning the faults of others; not publish them to their shame and reproach, but cover them from public notice as long as we can, and be faithful to God and to others.

 

11. Charity believes and hopes well of others: Believes all things and hope for the best in all things and everybody until proven otherwise. You still must show prudence and discernment and use good judgment.  Love will cause you to give people the benefit of the doubt until they prove you wrong. Even with this real love will still cause you to hope for the best of an obvious bad situation until there is no real ground to do so.

III.       God’s love will never fail nor Pass away:” Love is the GREATEST”(verse 8-13)

A.   Things that will fail and pass away

1.    Prophecy and the gift of public speaking  either as a prophet or messenger  (minister) publicly conveying the Word of God and edifying the church will no longer be needed) Whatever we need o be taught “over yonder”, God will do it HIMSELF!                     (vs.8)

2.    Neither Faith nor your hope will be needed (in heaven)

3.    The speaking of different languages will cease. In heaven, we all will speak the same language.

4.    Knowledge will vanish away as we know it in this life on this side.

B.   We Possess Paritial Knowledge and We Prophesy in part  (vs.9-10)

1.  We don’t have complete knowledge of everything. God gave us His WORD in “peacemeal” and over the course of time in history (a span of 1500 years through 40 different “authors”)

2.  We receive and speak prophetically in part.

God’s seers in the Bible prophesied in part, forth-telling what God spoke to them to reveal. In the life of Abraham, God prophesied to Abraham concerning Isaac’s birth in “peacemeal”.  Concerning the birth of Jesus Christ, God revealed his birth in genesis 3:15 and throughout the Old Testament, in various books gave more details concerning Jesus revealing everything from his birthplace, the His ministry and sacrificial death. etc..

3.  When “that” which is perfect comes, everything that is ‘in part’ will be done away with

Note:     Children do childish things , they think childish, talk childishand act childish: When we grow up in the Faith we act like a mature Christians ought to.(vs. 11)

Where we are now: We see through a glass darkly.:  (vs.12)

This does not mean that we partly "know" the truths of religion, and partly "conjecture" and "guess" at them; or that we know only a part of them, and "conjecture" the remainder. But the apostle is showing the imperfection of the prophetic gift;, that there is the same imperfection which applies to knowledge. It is only in part; it is imperfect; when you compare, it to the full view of truth in heaven; it is obscure, and all that is imparted by that gift will soon become dim and lost in the superior brightness and glory of the heavenly world. The "argument" is, that we ought not to seek so anxiously that which is so imperfect and obscure, and which must soon vanish away; but we should rather seek that love which is permanent, expanding, and eternal.

Where we on day will be: Perfected

It means that when anything which is perfect is seen or enjoyed, everything that is imperfect is forgotten, laid aside, or vanishes. The sense here is, that "in heaven" - a state of absolute perfection and all that is "in part," or which is imperfect, shall be lost in the superior brightness from heaven. All imperfection will vanish. And all that we here possess that is obscure shall be lost in the superior and perfect glory of that eternal world. All our present unsatisfactory methods of obtaining knowledge shall become unknown. All shall be clear, bright, and eternal.

Bible Study Outline: 1 Corinthians Chapter 12 "Concerning the Use and Misuse of Spiritual Gifts"

Introduction: Paul addresses the “spiritual gifts that were abundant within the Corinthian church, but the powers and use were greatly being abused by certain individuals. God gave the church the Holy Spirit as our guide and through him empowered the ministers and fellow Christians to be “witnesses” (Acts 1:8) The purpose of this endowment was for conviction of unbelievers of their sin, and propagation of the gospel to compel them of the need to be saved and to confess their salvation in Jesus Christ alone. Simply put, some of the leaders and fellow members of this church began to misuse their spiritual gifts. Chapter 12 also concerns the Holy Spirit’s relationship to the Body of Christ. It’s a “2-fold” relationship:

A.   The Baptism of the Holy Spirit forms the “body” and unites all believers to Jesus Christ  and to each others as brothers and sisters in the faith.

B.   Every believer in the faith is given spiritual “enablement” through “gifts” to carry out a specific service within the ministry of the Christian religion. Nobody in the faith is destitute of at least one spiritual gift. The Holy Spirit endows each individual as HE sees fit for specific ministry assignment as He sees the need. We may choose to volunteer to a specific ministry, but the HOLY SPIRIT assigns us to the place God wants to use us. The Christian service we perform is a direct result of the endowment of spiritual gift given by the Holy Spirit.

I.       Concerning Spiritual Gifts      (No Ignorance)                        (verses 1-3)
Paul tells the members of the Corinthian church before they were converted:

a.    They were steeped in superstition, paganism and heathen practices.

b.    They were bewitched because they were led away by false doctrines doing and saying      perverse things.

Declaration: Nobody that speaks by the Spirit of God (Holy Spirit) says Jesus is accursed.

Nobody can say Jesus is Lord but by the Holy Ghost.

Notes from Barnes Commentary: "[But by the Holy Ghost]" That is, unless he is influenced by the Holy Spirit. This is a very important verse, not only in regard to the particular subject under consideration in the time of Paul, but also in its practical bearing at present. We may learn from it:

(1) That it is a proof that any man is under the influence of the Holy Spirit who is heartily disposed to honor the name and work of Jesus Christ.

(2) Those forms and modes of religion; those religious opinions and practices, will be most in accordance with the designs of the Spirit of God, which do most to honor the name and work of Jesus Christ.

(3) It is true that no man will ever cherish a proper regard for Jesus Christ, nor love his name and work, unless he is influenced by the Holy Spirit. No man loves the name and work of the Redeemer by following simply the inclinations of his own corrupt heart. In all instances of those who have been brought to a willingness to honor him, it has been by the agency of the Holy Spirit.

(4) If any man, in any way, is disposed to disparage the work of Christ, to speak lightly of his person or his name; or holds doctrines that infringe on the fullness of the truth respecting his divine nature, his purity, his atonement, it is proof that he is not under the influence of the Spirit of God. Just in proportion as he shall disparage that work or name, just in that proportion does he give evidence that he is not influenced by the Divine Spirit; but by proud reason, or by imagination, or by a heart that is not reconciled to God.

(5) All true religion is the production of the Holy Spirit. For religion consists essentially in a willingness to honor, and love, and serve the Lord Jesus Christ; and where that exists, it is produced by the Holy Spirit.

(6) The influence of the Holy Spirit should be cherished. To grieve away that Spirit is to drive all proper knowledge of the Redeemer from the soul; to do this is to leave the heart to coldness, and darkness, and barrenness, and spiritual death. 

II.                Concerning  Diversity of Gifts (All by the “Same” Holy Spirit)           (verses 4-7)

a.     Different endowment-same Spirit-Holy Spirit

b.     Different ministries- same Spirit- Holy Spirit

c.      Diversity of operations- works and miracles-same Spirit-Holy Spirit

d.     The “works” of the Holy Spirit given to all Christians as the Holy Spirit dictates (graces and endowments) for “profit” that is the common good and for advantage of the church’s ministry  and edification overall; They are not given for personal competition or “bragging rights”. God gives His gifts adequately not necessarily equally to every member.

This means we must: Concerning our attitude about gifts and services:

1.     Use these gifts to best uphold the church’s covenant, especially the following:

“We promise to strive for the advancement of this church in knowledge, holiness and comfort. To promote its (the church) prosperity and its spirituality; to sustain its worship, ordinances, disciplines and doctrines.

2.     Never get beside ourselves and think we are more important worthy, or endowed than any other saint, regardless of the number of gifts God bestows upon us.

3.     Never feel underappreciated, or fall into depression, as if whatever positions or ministry callings we hold in the church, ministry or otherwise are inferior to another person’s position or calling. Remember, God endowed you with “that gift or gifts” and He appointed and assigned you to the position you occupy no matter where it is.

4.     Be content in your duty station and allotment of spiritual gifts. Strive to make maximum use of the gifts and endowments to the glory of God and to their fullest

5.     Everybody should give of their time, talents, and resources for the common good of the fellowship and the advancement of the kingdom of Our Savior

III.          Spiritual Gifts Given    “Diversity of Gifts”                         (verses 8-11)

a.     Spirit of Wisdom- counselor, teacher, advisor

b.     Spirit of Knowledge- distinguished knowledge- They would have knowledge of the plan of salvation, the biblical doctrines and their application to the church, the individual, the family and the government. Both the wise person and the knowledged person would exemplify eminence and intelligence and are equally useful in the church.

c.      Gift of faith- having simple confidence in God.    Many of the most useful people in the church are distinguished mainly for their simple confidence in the promises of God; and often accomplish more by prayer and by their faith in God than others do who are distinguished for their wisdom and learning.

d.     Gift of healing- Jesus endowed his disciples the power to heal in HIS name as He sent them forth by 2. “Healings” were prevalent during the early church period. (Acts 5:12-16 and chapter 19:12)

e.      Gift of “working miracles”- This would mean the healing of “acute sickness and diseases., casting out demons, inflicting punishment or judgment upon an evil person as the Holy Spirit directs.

f.       Gift of Prophecy- 1. “forth-telling”, not “for-telling” the future and 2. Expounding on the Scriptures through teaching.

g.     Gift of discernment- the ability to discern the difference between a false prophet or teacher and a true prophet or teacher of God, a false miracle from a true miracle, a false prophecy from a true one.

h.     Gift of “different” kinds of Tongues- that is the ability to speak other languages under the power of the Holy Spirit that were not “formally” learned through formal education. These languages were given for the purpose of educating nationalist from other countries who sat in your ministry.

i.       Gift of “interpretation of Tongues- the ability to explain what the messenger said to those present who didn’t understand the language in which they messenger spoke.

Remember: all of these gifts are given by the Holy Spirit as “HE” will        (vs. 11)

A.   The Holy Spirit is a person in the Godhead. When we speak of the Holy Spirit is “it” we merely speak to the “acts” or the actions taken by the Holy Spirit in His ministry  of comforting, guidance and empowerment..

B.   The Holy Spirit is also “soverign”   He gives to all as he pleases. In regard to spiritual endowments of the highest order, he deals with people as he does in the common endowments bestowed upon people, and as he does in temporal blessings. He does not bestow the same blessings on all, nor make all alike. He dispenses his favors by a rule which he has not made known, but which, we may be assured, is in accordance with wisdom and goodness. He wrongs no one; and he gives to all the favors which might be connected with eternal life. (from Barnes Noble Commentary)

IV.             Concerning the  “Unity and Diversity” of the Body-The Church    (verses 12-14)

(Cross reference with Ephesians 4:1-16)

A.   Like the Human body- the church is one body made of many members.

B.   The church (organism- people) and one in Christ. Jesus Christ is the “head” of the church and all principalities and powers.

C.   The Holy Spirit baptizes us into “one spirit” formulating all of us into “one body” regardless of rank or position, state of status, even nationality.

V.             Schism (Classism)  infiltrated the Church                               (verses 14-19)

A.   “Because I hold a lower rank in position or not doing what someone else has been assigned to do am I not part of the body? (vs. 14-16)

B.   If we all did the same thing, the work would never get done. Everybody must do the work ‘God assigned them to do whether the work is out front or in the background. (vs. 17-19)

C.   Because we are dependent upon the work each other does, none of us can truly say: I don’t need you…..or your help!  (vs. 21)

1.     The weaker members – so we think (train them and they won’t be!) like it or not we need them too. And we should bestow the greater honor on them because they are equally as important in the background as we who are strong are in the forefront. (vs. 22)

2.     We are to protect and cover the weaker parts of the body of Christ (church) rather than throw them under the bus, exposing their weaknesses. (vs. 23)

3.     God has so fixed it that we are dependent upon each other whether we ant to be or not…I need you….you need me … the “Jesus” in you must see the “Jesus” in me and vice-versa. (vs. 24)

D.    Reiteration: There cannot be a schism in the Body of Christ(verses 25-27)

1.     Every member must care about one another.

2.     When one suffers in the body, we suffer with them by rallying to help them where we can especially in prayer.

3.     When one member is honored, we should all rejoice in their being honored.

4.      We are one body in Christ yet individuals yet members of that “ONE” Body in Christ.

E.               What God has set “SOME” (designated leaders)  in HIS CHURCH               (verses 28)

1.     Apostles- Highest rank in the Apostolic church realm

2.     Prophets

3.     Teachers

4.     Miracles

5.     Helps- minister, lay-people ( deacons)( pastor’s aides) ( pastoral assistants) who help in specific areas of the church’s ministry.

6.     Governments- Councils-Cabinets

F.     All will not have the same office (reiteration)                           (verses 29-31)

1. All will not be called to preach.

2.Have a zeal for the best  gift.

 3. Strive to obtain the highest gift God has in store for you.

Bible Study Outline: 1 Corinthians Chapter 11

I.     The Order of Christian Worship:" Headship to Followers": and "Christain Communion"

“Follow me as I follow Christ” ( Paul (pastor) said to the Corinthian church)

Chapter 11 is a continuation  of a question and answer session Paul has with this church in the first letter he wrote to the Corinthian church.:

Point A. What Paul addressed in chapter 11 to Corinth had absolutely nothing to do with the social custom in Corinth. However,asa a chilf of God we must scrutinize what we wear as the type of clothing  (satyle) is a reflection of the social norms of the day and may reflect carnality that is detrimental to the image of Christ that now dwells in the believer. thye Apostle used those Corinthian customs as an example of comparing the difference in “spiritually” doing things out of order in the church and propeerly reporesenting Jesus christ in every manner of our living.: He is addressing “HEADSHIP” not “Lordship” Adam is "headship" not lordship so far as man is concern, yet… ELOHIM God (Lord God) is both “HEAD AND LORD” of all and over all!

Point B. When men advocate their authority by acting independent of God’s protocol they create seedbed for disorder in 4 areas of life: personal, family, ecclesiastically (the institution church), and in government.

II.               Christian Headship: Christ-     `                                     (verses 2-16)

A.   Remember the Order: Jehovah God is First

Jesus Christ (for the sake of the Gospel- salvation and redemption of man) is covered by Jehovah. (Even though he is equally God (2nd person in the TRINITY) Christ is “HEAD of the CHURCH” first and foremost (This is His church and He sets up the order)

B.   Adam- the man (Refer to Titus 2:1-8) God is Christ’s covering- Christ is Man’s covering (Adam as both the man and Adam as the race) and Adam, the man is Eve’s covering.

Remember this:   Man is Woman’s "covering", not her God, especially in marriage and in the church: Problems will always arise when those who are covered act is if they are independent of that covering.   .        

1.  Every man praying or prophesying, having his head covered, dishonors his head.
The man does dishonor to Christ as his head that is, he does not, in HIS presence and in HIS service, observe the usual and proper custom by which a subordinate station is recognized, and which indicates respect for a superior. In the presence of a prince or a nobleman, it would be considered as a mark of disrespect should the head be covered. So in the presence of Christ, in whose name he ministers, it is a mark of disrespect if the head is covered. This illustration is drawn from the customs of all times and countries by which respect for a superior is indicated by removing the covering from the head. This is one reason why a man should not cover his head in public worship. Another is given in A covered head was a sign of being under subjection. In public worship, and in public ministry, whenever he was preaching or teaching the Word of God, he was representing Christ as his advocate or spokesperson conveying the message Christ gave him through the Holy Spirit to give to the congregation. This was diametrically opposite of the Jewish canon laws that required that a man veiled or covered his head with either a cap or a turban if he was to pray publicly. Their reasoning: This shows you are ashamed before God and unworthy to behold HIM. God wants us to behold HIM through Christ and the Holy Spirit      (vs. 4)

2.  When a woman prophesies or pray with her head uncovered, she dishonors her head that is, she shows a lack of proper respect to man, to her husband, to her father, to the sex in general.
The veil is a token of modesty and of sub-ordination. It is regarded among Jews, and everywhere, as an emblem of her sense of inferiority of rank and station. It is the customary mark of her sex, and that by which she evinces her modesty and sense of subordination. To remove that, is to remove the appropriate mark of such subordination, and is a public act by which she thus shows dishonor to the man. And as it is proper that the grades and ranks of life should be recognized in a suitable manner, so it is improper that, even on pretence of religion, and of being engaged in the service of God, these marks should be laid aside.[

Note: Women wore their hair long because her hair is her glory. (For that is even all one as if she were shaven] Long hair is, by the custom of the times, and of nearly all countries, a mark of the sex, an ornament of the female, and judged to be beautiful and comely. To remove that is to appear, in this respect, like the other sex, and to lay aside the badge of her own. This, says Paul, all would judge to be improper. You yourselves would not allow it. And yet to lay aside the veil-the appropriate badge of the sex, and of her sense of subordination-would be an act of the same kind. It would indicate the same feeling, the same forgetfulness of the proper sense of subordination; and if that is laid aside, ALL the usual indications of modesty and subordination might be removed also. Not even under religious pretences, therefore, are the usual marks of sex, and of propriety of place and rank, to be laid aside. Due respect is to be shown, in dress, and speech, and deportment, to those whom God has placed above us; and neither in language, in attire nor in habit are we to depart from what all judge to he proprieties of life, or from what God has judged and ordained to be the proper indications of the regular gradations in society. 

The woman had hers covered, because she was placed by the order of God in a state of subjection to the man, and because it was a custom, both among the Greeks and Romans, and among the Jews an express law. This was, and is, a common custom throughout the east, and none but public prostitutes go without veils. And if a woman should appear in public without a veil, she would dishonor her head-her husband. And she must appear like to those women who had their hair shorn off as the punishment of whoredom, or adultery.   (vs.5)

III.               Judge for yourselves and act accordingly                      (verses 13-16)

a.   By common sense and Christian practice.

b.   By the laws of nature.

c.   By God’s standard verses the radical antichristian movement.

d.   Examine yourself to see if you have adopted pagan standards and incorporated them into the church.

IV.            Divisions in the Church                                                  (verses 17-22)

a.     Heresies (False teachings crept in and being accepted)        (vs. 17-19)

b.     Perversion of the Lord’s Supper they came to eat and drink , (not just to celebrate the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ) (20-23)

c.      Eat your meals at home and celebrate the Lord’s Supper at Church

V.               The Lord’s Supper Explained  Communion                            (verses 23-26)

a.     Bread represents Jesus’ body- bruised, battered (consecrated)

b.     Wine represented the shedding of Jesus’ blood for the remission of our sins.

(Isaiah 53:1-12)

c.      As often as you do this: you are remembering that you were in bondage on every level- (mind,  body and spiritually) but Jesus sacrificed his life to free you from the bondage sin placed us in.

VI.            Danger in taking Communion for the wrong reason and purpose     (verses 27-34)

a.   We don’t take communion to celebrate “Passover” as the Hebrews do then or now. Communion is more than a “historic remembrance” It’s “personally” identifying on a “constant basis” what the Lord “actually” did for you.

Note: To eat and drink the bread and wine in the Lord's Supper unworthily, meant to eat and drink as the Corinthians did, who ate it not in reference to Jesus Christ's sacrificial death; but rather in such a way as the Israelites did the Passover, (as the last meal before the death angel passed over Egypt) which they celebrated in remembrance of their deliverance from Egyptian bondage. Likewise, these Christians at Corinth used it as a kind of historical commemoration of the death of Christ; and did not, in the whole institution, discern the Lord's body and blood as a sacrificial offering for sin: and besides, in their celebration of it they acted in a way utterly unbecoming the gravity of a sacred ordinance. Those who acknowledge it as a sacrificial offering, and receive it in remembrance of God's love to them in sending his Son into the world, can neither bring damnation upon themselves by so doing, nor eat nor drink unworthily. (Taken from Adam-Clarke Biblical Commentary)

b.  Examine yourself- why do you take communion?              (verses 28-34)

This examination should be minute and particular. It should extend to the words, the thoughts, the feelings, the conduct. We should inquire whether in our family and in our business; whether among Christians, and with the world, we have lived the life of a Christian. We should examine our private thoughts; our habits of secret prayer and of searching the Scriptures. Our examination should be directed to the inquiry whether we are gaining the victory over our easily besetting sins and becoming more and more conformed to the Saviour. It should, in short, extend to all our Christian character; and everything which goes to make up or to mar that character should be the subject of faithful and honest examination. It should be done because:

c.  (a) It is well to pause occasionally in life, and take an account of our standing in the sight of God. People make advances in business and in property only when they often examnine their accounts, and know just how they stand.

d.  (b) Because the observance of the Lord's Supper is a solemn act, and there will be fearful results if it is celebrated in an improper manner.

e.  (c) Because self-examination supposes seriousness and calmness, and prevents precipitation and rashness-states of mind entirely unfavorable to a proper observance of the Lord's Supper.

f.   (d) Because by self-examination one may search out and remove those things that are offensive to God, and the sins which so easily beset us may be known and abandoned.

g.  (e) Because the approach to the table of the Lord is a solemn approach to the Lord himself; is a solemn profession of attachment to him; is an act of consecration to his service in the presence of angels and of people; and this should be done in a calm, deliberate and sincere manner; such a manner as may be the result of a prayerful and honest self-examination.

Don’t take it unworthily

Don’t bring damnation to your soul

Don’t provoke God to wrath by misusing any of his ordinances. Some of the things you might be suffering may be the direct result of spiritual misuse

Judge yourselves before God has to judge you

If God has to judge you, it is to keep you from being condemned with this world

When you come together- for Communion, tarry one for another Do things decent, in order and with respect of why you are taken Communion.

Feast at home. The Communion wasn’t a common feast, a table spread. Don’t treat it as such and bring condemnation upon yourselves by God.

Paul would address other pertinent issues when he arrived at Corinth