Case Law
What church are we currently studying through Paul's first letter?
Corinth.
“Someone in church has a spiritual gift and uses it.”
“What determines whether its USE is in order?”
LEGAL.
Gifting is legal. Self-centered use of gifting can still be disorderly.
“Let all things be done decently and ______.”
In order
Two believers have a dispute, and one takes the other to court before unbelievers. What issue does Paul address?
Believers suing one another
A believer says, “If the Bible doesn’t specifically say I can’t do it, then it’s okay.” What verse would you use to challenge that argument?
1 Corinthians 6:12 or 10:23 — all things may be lawful, but not all things are beneficial.
Who informed Paul that there were divisions occurring in the Corinthian church?
Chloe's household.
“A believer says, ‘The Bible doesn't specifically say I can't do it, so I'm doing it.’”
“All things are lawful unto me, but all things are not expedient.”
Illegal
“Knowledge puffeth up, but ______ edifieth.”
Charity/Love
Members of the church are saying, “I am of Paul,” “I am of Apollos,” and “I am of Cephas.” What crime against Divine Order is taking place?
Division / factionalism
A church member says, “My gift isn’t as visible as yours, so mine must not be important.” What would Paul say?
Every member of the Body is necessary — 1 Corinthians 12:14–22.
What was one of the first major charges Paul brought against Corinth?
Division.
Nobody can tell me what to do with my body. It's mine.”
OUT OF ORDER.
“Ye are not your own… ye are bought with a price.”
“Bad company corrupts ______.”
Good morals / good character
At the Lord’s Supper, some people are eating plenty while others are left hungry. What problem is Paul correcting?
Disorder, selfishness, and division at Communion
A believer says, “I know I’m right, so I don’t care how my actions affect another Christian.” What principle from Paul defeats that argument?
Knowledge must be governed by love; don’t use liberty in a way that harms another believer
According to 1 Corinthians 12, why can't the eye say to the hand, “I have no need of thee”?
Because although the members have different functions, they belong to one body and depend upon one another.
“God gave me this spiritual gift. When I feel the Spirit moving, I have no control over what happens. I just HAVE to do it.”
OUT OF ORDER.
“The spirits of the prophets are subject to the prophets.”
“For God is not the author of confusion, but of ______.”
Peace
A church member is highly gifted but arrogant, rude, impatient, and unloving. According to Paul, what is missing?
Love
Someone says, “If the Holy Spirit is really moving, there shouldn’t be any structure.” What Scripture would you use against that argument?
God is not the author of confusion; everything should be done decently and in order.
According to 1 Corinthians 13:1–3, what can a believer possess and STILL be “nothing” without love?
Tongues.
Prophecy.
Understanding mysteries.
Knowledge.
Faith.
Generosity/sacrifice.
“I know doing this around them bothers their conscience, but they're too sensitive. I know I'm free, so I'm going to do it anyway.”
Illegal
Your freedom is not the highest law in the Kingdom.
“Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he ______.”
Fall
A church member believes their role is unimportant because it is not visible or publicly recognized. What chapter proves their argument wrong?
the Body has many members, and every part is necessary.
A believer says, “God still uses me, so there can’t be anything wrong with how I live.” What evidence from Corinth disproves that?
The Corinthians were highly gifted and came behind in no gift, yet Paul still had to correct serious disorder — 1 Corinthians 1:4–7 and the rest of the letter.