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Lesson 2.3 Obedience is rather an ambivalent thing with Paul as far as his churches are concerned. (Ernest Best in Interpretation series, 2 Corinthians, Kindle edition, p 23) Paul does not command obedience from the Corinthians he begs them to act in an appropriate fashion.(v 8)On the other hand he demands obedience because of his apostolic position as having seen the Lord. Best suggests that as we exercise our pastoral care we often tend to face the same dilemma as Paul- it becomes easier to concentrate on demanding instead of pleading. To summarize , if we can plead with those who err than we often get a better result than demanding. The old proverb says “You catch more bees with honey than with vinegar.” On the other hand there are times when a leader must demand certain things in order to get a desired result. Wisdom and prayer are needed by a leader to discern when to plead and when to order. Obedience to self serving leaders can lead to a situation are performing practices which are indecent and immoral and are hurting people and the church. This was the situation that was confronting Martin Luther in his time. Luther responded by issuing 95 theses on indulgences which led to the reformation. Paul who is pleading and demanding obedience did so with the authority of seeing Christ behind him while those who opposed him did not. If those in the church are teaching Jesus' gospel than if not we should be like Martin Luther. We need to test the doctrine against the scripture and the tradition of the church. Obedience to Jesus' Gospel is good. Otherwise we have a schism. Which may be good for the church in the long run.

Lesson 2.1 God anoints us and places his seal upon us to make us his own. The seal is the Holy spirit. In the first century a seal was used to mark the property of the one who had possesion of the seal. The property was marked by the seal and it clearly was owned by the owner of the seal. We are marked by the sacrement of baptism where we are marked the sign of the cross and the laying on of hands. This act of anoiting is an age old custom. We first hear of it in the Old Testament when the prophet Samuel annoited Saul and also David. After the act Saul and David received the Holy Spirit. (1 Samuel 9 and 10) The presence of the Holy Spirit sets us apart for Jesus' service. In other words we are made Holy for Christ and thus belong to Christ and are unified with him through the Holy Spirit. Iii) The promise of future presence of the Spirit is guaranted by the presence of the spirit. This contradictory but we belong to a paradoxial God where we must always begin at the beginning again. Paul uses the example of commerce to explain. In the first century a first instalment was called an 'earnest' was given as a pledge to make further payment. The Holy Spirit's presence in the world today is a guarantee, an earnest that we will receive more of the Spirit in the future! Is it not to good to be true?

What would you have to do to really let go of your resentment and give it to God? . (2 Corinthians 2:10-11) How does Satan take advantage of our unforgiveness? What are the symptoms in our own heart of unforgiveness? According to Matthew 6:14-15, how does holding unforgiveness hurt our spiritual lives? What would you have to do to really let go of your resentment and give it to God? Satan takes advantage of our unfogiveness because whe we have resentment in our souls we are not very open to God, we are cut of from God and cannot feel his love and care . When the snake told eve that God had lied to her and Adam she felt resentment and fell into sin. Unforgiveness and resentment are satin's biggest and best tool. If we do not forgive our heavenly father will not forgive us, a void then grows in our heart and is filled with Satan 's darkness. To really let go we need to submit to God's love and love our neighbor as ourselves. This is the love of God.

To lord it over someone is to act mightier than thou- to act as you are smarter than others or have authority than another. It is a feeling of bigness. this a very different way toact than what Paul recommends in philippians 2. 3 , where he writes to regard in humility othiers as better than your self. Good leadership involves neither laissez faire or micromanaging but involves letting others work in their own style within appropriate guidelines. An authoritative style can lead to disgruntled troops and poor moral as can weak leadership. The leader needs to point the way, give support and guidance and get out of the way. Jesus spent three years training his and then supplied the support and guidance of the Holy Spirit.

Lesson 1.3 Paul asks people to pray for him because he knows the power of prayer. Psalm 102.1 “Hear my prayer, O Lord, and let my prayer come to you” and (102.7) “He will hear the prayer of the destitute. There has been a long history of prayer for the Jewish people. As well Jesus daid “Whenever two or three are gathered together, I will be there.”(Matthew 16.20) Prayer is a mystery, yet we as Christians know that it is effective for God has promised this effectiveness. It seems that the prayers of many break through to God more so than those of an individual and we in this individualistic society seem to find it odd but we are members of a community and parts of a community joined and melded togetherinto one. When this one body acts as one it is much more powerful voice in prayer than the individual alone. We in a rational society find it irrational to think of the mystic power of the community. Hmmmm! What have we lost. In may situations where intercessary prayer seemed apparent- one was offered.

Q1. (2 Corinthians 1:3-7) What kind of comfort do you receive from your faith in God? From your personal daily relationship with God? How might you share the blessing of this kind of comfort with a friend or relative who is currently suffering? What words of comfort can you bring to others? Lesson 1, Question 1 Our faith in God gives us comfort for we know then in his son Jesus we have the answer to all suffering. Suffering does several things according to Bultman (1) . Comfort does not mean that suffering will disappear or be taken away rather it means that the one suffering is freed from the solitariness of suffering and sets that one in community. The togetherness of community enables the one suffering to more easily bear the effects of suffering. In some way the comfort allows a degree of sharing of the suffering. We can say with Paul “we are hard pressed between the two (death and life). My desire is to depart and be with Christ for that is far better.” (Pphilippians 1: 21-23) So then if our suffering leads to death and eternal life with Jesus. The notes suggest that Paul links our suffering with “the suffering of Christ”. Often we suffer heartache and trouble that is common to all humankind. But sometimes we suffer for our commitment to a lifestyle congruent with his notes. My granddaughter’s teacher told her class that although Jesus did live his resurrection was impossible. My granddaughter and five others in the class who were Christians were outraged and felt that they were ‘alone’ and had to stand against the wall of public opinion. Think of a family with an athlete who has practice for a game at church time. What pressure is excerted on them. These are every day examples of the persecution that Christian modern society must resist. Here and now we are suffering for Christ. (‘we’ rather than ‘them’ because the body of Christ is one.) Secondly Paul suggests that God has graciously granted us the privilege not only of believing in Christ but of suffering with him as well (1.29) Really it is a blessing to suffer, as Jesus did, for “suffering refines and purifies the one who suffers”. As a Christian church we suffer not as individuals but we suffer as a community supported and defined by Christ. Jesus, the Lamb, has suffered for us and in his suffering we are promised an eternal relationship with God in Jesus. (ii) In our daily relationship with Christ we get comfort from (a) prayer support from the church - the body of Christ and © from Christ’s daily participation in our lives which indicate a purpose and a plan in the affairs of humankind. (iii) We are able to share (a) our own receipt of comfort in telling the story that Jesus is alive and well and willing and able to share his comfort with them © reminding them of the Holy Spirit the advocate and comforter who comes from Christ and (d) a prayer to thoughtfully bring them a sense of grace, quietness and comfort. (iv) The words of Jesus, Paul, the apostles and the saints of the church which enable the community to share in the suffering. As we see ourselves as members of the body of Christ, we are able to be comforted knowing Christ also suffered and he is, in fact, suffering along with us.

Q4. (1 Corinthians 16:22) Whom does Paul curse in this verse? In this verse Paul curses "anyone does not love the Lord ". No doubt Paul is cursing those in Corinth but the statement is universal-it applies to anyone in all ages and all places. so the curse still applies today. Whom does he invite to come quickly? and Paul looks forward so much to Christ’s coming? Come, O Lord!" paul is asking Jesus to return and quickly. We all can ask the same, for the day of the Lord will be a day when the wolf will lie down with the lamb. As Jesus proclaimed in Luke 4:16-19: “The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to set the oppressed free, 19 to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor. What a wonderful era when all will be equal- there will no more be Jew and Greek, slave or free, male or female for all will be one in Christ. This is why Paul asks Jesus to come.

Q3. (1 Corinthians 16:8-9) What does it take to continue to minister in the face of opposition? Why does opposition nearly always accompany success? To continue to minister in the face of opposition requires courage, faith, trust and a fear of the Lord. When we consider fallen heroes like Martin Luther King Jr., Bishop Oscar Romeno who was assassinated the altar of his church, Thomas a Beckett who was assassinated on his altar by knights of King Henry and Father Ignacio Ella, and other Jesuit priests who were assassinated for their work for the poor, these all had a trust in Jesus that allowed them to live their lives according to (Luke 9:23-24) "If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will save it." To face opposition we must put Jesus first, not our personal safety. Fear is a normal reaction to attack. But if you let fear paralyze you and keep you from completing your mission (notes) than you must put Jesus first in their lives. The following quote from a later section on exhortation answers the question well: Be alert. "Be on your guard" (NIV), "keep alert" (NRSV), "watch" (KJV) is grēgoreō, basically, "to stay awake," here, by extension, "to be in constant readiness, be on the alert. Be steadfast. "Stand firm" (NIV, NRSV), "stand fast" (KJV) is stēkō, "stand," here, by extension, "to be firmly committed in conviction or belief, stand firm, be steadfast. Be courageous. "Be men of courage" (NIV), "be courageous" (NRSV), "quit you like men" (KJV) is andrizomai, literally, "be a man, a male," figuratively, "conduct oneself in a courageous way." Be strong. The verb is krataioō, "become strong." Be loving. "Do everything in love" (16:14). What a wonderful word to live by. So many of the Corinthian church's problems relate to their own selfishness and immaturity. So a call to "do everything in love," is indeed the answer to many of their problems Why does opposition nearly always accompany success? When we succeed we draw attention to our success and the powers that fear this success and they will act against us and try to turn the success into failure. In what way does this require spiritual warfare? ​Often the forces that are against the success are spiritual forces and the must be met with spiritual warfare. Therefor put on the armour of God. (Ephesians 6: 10-17)

Q2. (1 Corinthians 16:4-7) What does Paul's wording, "if the Lord permits" teach us about making plans? Why is planning without this mindset actually arrogant? I sometimes think God must smile when we make plans for the days to come. Does God smile and say oh no your day will be different. Paul seems to be ready to make his plans in contingent with those plans which God has for him. We should all plan 'if the Lord is willing' otherwise we may appear arrogant in front of the Lord. we should plan 'if the Lord permits.'

Q1. (1 Corinthians 16:2) What does this teach us about regular giving? About proportional giving? Giving is good. It is good for the giver and it is good for the receiver. The Lord teaches us in both the old and new testament to give. To look after the poor, the needy, the sick. In Leviticus 19. 9-10 we read: “‘When you reap the harvest of your land, do not reap to the very edges of your field or gather the gleanings of your harvest. 10 Do not go over your vineyard a second time or pick up the grapes that have fallen. Leave them for the poor and the foreigner. I am the Lord your God." This leaving of the gleanings was a form of giving. Today our entrepreneurs are taught to leave nothing ' All is mine' is the cry. Dr. Ralph writes " Particularly significant for disciples who are seeking to give to the Lord appropriately is the instruction, "in keeping with his income" (NIV) or "as God hath prospered him" (KJV). Acts teaches us the same "The disciples, each according to his ability decided to provide help for the brothers living in Judea." (Acts 11:29) We see here in this chapter Paul urging the Corinthians to give for it is : An acknowledgement by the Gentile churches of the spiritual debt they owed to the mother church in Jerusalem (Romans 15:27), A practical token to the Jerusalem church of the genuineness of the Gentiles' faith, and A means of binding Jewish and Gentile Christians more closely together There are two other points in these verses. One we should give regularly, say, every Sunday morning and secondly we give according to our income.

Qu 5 Q5. (1 Corinthians 15:58) Why do we sometimes get discouraged serving the Lord? What does this exhortation contain to encourage and motivate us? We get discouraged serving the Lord because we hate washing dishes! The job is never done- the dirty dishes just seem to appear and we need to do them all over again. Similarly, the work of the Lord is also never done. No matter how many sick people we visit, no matter the comforting of the mourning, the feeding of the poor, no matter how much peace making is done, no matter how much persecution for righteousness sake, the Lord's work is never done. The harvest is bountiful but the workers are few, (mattew 9.37) We must continue to work because we will always have the poor with us. (matt 26.11) we must continue to work knowing that in the Lord our labour is not in vain for three reasons: Kingdom-building. Christ's kingdom is built on your service, stone upon stone, act of kindness upon teaching the junior boys' Sunday school class, upon serving refreshments, upon spending time with a grief-stricken believer. Joy. Seeing your faithful service brings joy to God's heart. Reward. God will reward you for your faithfulness, even when no one else sees. His ledger book gets fresh notations every time you serve Him. In a word, your labor is not in vain in the Lord Death has been swallowed up in victory (15.53) "Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting?" (15:55). No more is death seen as as the end but as the beginning because as the words of Paul and through the action of Jesus we have a conenant with God through His Son Jesus. For we are told by Paul "Believe on the Lord Jesus and you will be saved, you and your hold household." (Note the community aspect of salvation here!) Jesus also said "I will not leave you alone I will send you a comforter." (John 15.26) All of this gives us great comfort as we read Paul's words - "Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain." (15:58, RSV)

Q4. (1 Corinthians 15:51-52 ) What does this passage teach us about Christ’s coming? In what ways does it encourage us? In these verses Paul gives his understanding at that time of the Second coming of Christ. Paul says that they, here it seems to refer to those to whom he is writing and other Christians of his time will not all die but some will be changed bodily- the physical body will be changed into a spiritual body , probably like that of Jesus when he had returned to the earth. For he told Mary "Do not hold me for I have not yet returned to the Father." (John 20.17) All this will happen in a flash. "The dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed." (15:51-52)" (notes) There will be a Heavenly trumpet sounded, to call attention of all Christians, perhaps today it will be a text message, " and we will be changed." (15:52) At that time we will be changed." (15:52) In these verses Paul is being very descriptive and is trying to paint a picture of what he sees as the second coming of Jesus. It seems quite clear that Paul thought that this event would happen in his life time and that the dead would rise at that time. However in Philippians 1.23 he teaches "I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far;"There seems to be a discontinuity in Paul's teaching here. The Philippians quote seems to imply that we are with Jesus as soon as we die. This than is how we are encouraged. Jesus is standing at the right hand of God the Father and is waiting for us. (Acts 7.56)

Q4. (1 Corinthians 15:51-52 ) What does this passage teach us about Christ’s coming? In what ways does it encourage us? In these verses Paul gives his understanding at that time of the Second coming of Christ. Paul says that they, here it seems to refer to those to whom he is writing and other Christians of his time will not all die but some will be changed bodily- the physical body will be changed into a spiritual body , probably like that of Jesus when he had returned to the earth. For he told Mary "Do not hold me for I have not yet returned to the Father." (John 20.17) All this will happen in a flash. "The dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed." (15:51-52)" (notes) There will be a Heavenly trumpet sounded, to call attention of all Christians, perhaps today it will be a text message, " and we will be changed." (15:52) At that time we will be changed." (15:52) In these verses Paul is being very descriptive and is trying to paint a picture of what he sees as the second coming of Jesus. It seems quite clear that Paul thought that this event would happen in his life time and that the dead would rise at that time. However in Philippians 1.23 he teaches "I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far;"There seems to be a discontinuity in Paul's teaching here. The Philippians quote seems to imply that we are with Jesus as soon as we die. This than is how we are encouraged. Jesus is standing at the right hand of God the Father and is waiting for us. (Acts 7.56)

the doctrine of the Trinity declares that the Father and Son and Holy Spirit are equal in Person, but the Son and Holy Spirit are subordinate in role -- "ontological equality, but economic subordination," that is, "equal in being, but subordinate in role.(notes) just as in a family, the father andthe heir are equal as far as preserving the families continuity but the father's role is more important at the present. Take the queen and her son Charles, her role is supreme but his is just as important for continuity purposes.

Q2. (1 Corinthians 15:3-7 ) What is the core of the gospel according to this verse? The core is that Jesus died for our sins, was buried and was raised on the third day when he was seen by Peter; the 12 and by 500 other 'disciples;, Then he appeared to James and than to Paul. Paraphrase it in your own words based on this passage. What more is there to say!

Q1. (1 Corinthians 15:1-2) In what sense is our salvation dependent upon us continuing in faith? ​John Wesley formally developed justification and sanctification. We are justified by Christ at the moment that we believe that Jesus is the Son of God, that he died for the sins of the world and was raised again and now lives both with God the Father and also lives and works within us with the aid and assistance of the Holy Spirit. At that moment we are cloaked with a robe of righteousness that makes us righteous before God. As we continue our life in Christ we, as we perform the works of piety in Christ we gradually become sanctified, a process where we through the actions of Christ become holy, separated from the world onto God. This is a gradual process, a life time process where we continue to do the work of God, pray, read the Holy scripture and life our lives in and through Christ. It is only through such perseverance of the saints that we continue to live in Christ. It is necessary to continue to believe and work in Christ. The notes continue "The perseverance of the saints means that all those who are truly born again will be kept by God's power and will persevere as Christians until the end of their lives ... and that only those who persevere until the end have been truly born again." While Calvinists and Arminians disagree on whether a truly born again person can lose his or her salvation, both agree that the true saints are those who persevere in their faith. (notes) But the quotes in the notes seem to make clear the necessity of continuing in Christ to the end. "... If you continue in your faith, established and firm, not moved from the hope held out in the gospel." (Colossians 1:23) "He who stands firm to the end will be saved." (Matthew 24:13; Mark 13:3) "And we are his house, if we hold on to our courage and the hope of which we boast." (Hebrews 3:6) "But we are not of those who shrink back and are destroyed, but of those who believe and are saved." (Hebrews 10:39) "The seed on good soil stands for those with a noble and good heart, who hear the word, retain it, and by persevering produce a crop." (Luke 8:15) Why is the doctrine of the Perseverance of the Saints important for us to understand? The parable of the seed referred to in the notes (Luke 8:4-15) makes it quite clear that in order to produce a yield for the Lord we must hear the word, retain it, and by persevering produce a crop.

Question 4 Verse 40 sounds very much like our church. Verse 39 are not gives that our church pursues.

Q3. (1 Corinthians 14:26-33) How are Paul’s instructions to those who speak in tongues in verses 27-28 similar to his instructions to those who prophecy in verses 29-32? The similarities: a) let there be two or at most three Take turns, don't interrupt ​How do they differ difference in tongues -differences in prophecy -keep silent if there is no interpreter -church weighs what is said - speak quietly to God - If there is a revelation be silent and restart later - prophecy one by one. everyone - the spirits of prophets are subject to the prophets -meaning we are responsible and can be in control How might we hold meetings today that allow for the Spirit to inspire spontaneous contributions to the gathered people? -Work in small groups , it is easier to participate in a small group -Do not stress a particular gift but be open to all gifts -no pressure - talk and discuss the gifts, have people think of them.

Q2. (1 Corinthians 14:5-25) Paul does value speaking in tongues. What does its value seem to be according to verses 2, 4, 17, and (perhaps) Romans 8:26-27? According to these verses tongues is used to fortify the speaker and gives the speaker a spiritual gift that lasts for days, sometimes years. Paul is concerned about the use of tongues in church for if it is not interpreted it is of little use to others except as an example of virtuous love for God and the return of that love. If one speaks tongues in public two things happen 1) others wonder why this one has the gift and not them and 2) there can develop a jealousy between members over the value of the gift. Paul seems to think that tongues should be used in private prayer. How are the Corinthians abusing speaking in tongues? It seems as if the Corinthians in the ecstasy of their experience of the Holy Spirit and of their fellowship are speaking out of order in the worship service. This is highly frowned upon by Paul as we will see in later verses. This confusion leads to babble and onlookers and unbelievers are given a platform to criticize and berate the church. But Paul is somewhat contrary here as he also says that prophecy is for unbelievers and prophecy is for believers.

Q1. (1 Corinthians 14:1-4) What is the value of prophecy over tongues, according to verse 4? Speaking in tongues is directed to God, while prophecy is directed toward men and women. Speaking in tongues can be a type of prayer. Later in this chapter Paul links it with praise (14:15-16). Here Paul says that a person is "speaking mysteries (mystērion, "secret truths" to God." The purpose of congregational prophecy is three-fold -- strengthening, encouragement, and comfort. The tongues speaker builds up himself, while prophecy builds up the church. (notes) What does prophecy typically do to benefit the church, according to verse 3? Prophecy in the church is viewed differently than in ancient Israel. Prophecy is a speaking the words of the Lord as the speaker is inspired by God to strengthen , encourage and comfort the church. When one prophecies these are the things which we should attempt, in God's name to fulfill. "Strengthening" (NIV), "upbuilding" (NRSV), "edification" (KJV) is the noun form (oikodomē) of the verb we discussed above (oikodomeō). It refers here to spiritual strengthening and building up. "Encouragement" (NIV, NRSV), "exhortation" (KJV) is paraklēsis, "act of emboldening another in belief or course of action, encouragement, exhortation."It isn't necessarily harsh, but it is motivating. "Comfort" (NIV, KJV), "consolation" (NRSV) is paramythia, "that which serves as encouragement to one who is depressed or in grief, encouragement, comfort, consolation." (n0tes)

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Q1. (1 Corinthians 14:1-4) What is the value of prophecy over tongues, according to verse 4? The value of a spiritual gift is the degree to which it builds up the church. Speaking in tongues is rather a selfish exercise, IT is directed to God,. Speaking in tongues can be a type of prayer. Later in (14:15-16) Paul links tongues with praise. Here Paul says that a person is "speaking mysteries (mystērion), "secret truths" to God. (notes) The tongues speaker builds up himself, while prophecy builds up the church. What does prophecy typically do to benefit the church, according to verse 3? Paul gives three roles strengthening, encouragement, and comfort should characterize the tone of prophecy in our churches. In the notes these are described as follows: "Strengthening" (NIV), "upbuilding" (NRSV), "edification" (KJV) is the noun form (oikodomē) of the verb we discussed above (oikodomeō). It refers here to spiritual strengthening and building up "Encouragement" (NIV, NRSV), "exhortation" (KJV) is paraklēsis, "act of emboldening another in belief or course of action, encouragement, exhortation." It isn't necessarily harsh, but it is motivating. "Comfort" (NIV, KJV), "consolation" (NRSV) is paramythia, "that which serves as encouragement to one who is depressed or in grief, encouragement, comfort, consolation. These three edify the church.