THIS BOOK CONTAINS GOD'S INSTRUCTIONS TO A CHURCH WITH EVERY MAJOR TROUBLE

1. This Church was split with sectarianism, immorality and false doctrine, but still a church
2. Every church since then has needed this medicine- some as a cure for their sin,-or prevention
3. We need to study this book carefully, and walk prayerfully. The spirit of city-invaded church

The seeds of these sins are in every church, do we nourish them or weed them out?

I. PERSONALITY PROBLEMS - Division of the church over men- godly men!

The proper Social affections and love was counterfeited by partiality and favoritism

A.- DIVISIONS AND CONTENTIONS WERE REPORTED TO PAUL BY THE HOUSEHOLD OF CHLOE 1:10-11

1. People claimed to follow Peter, Paul, Apollos and even Christ- should compliment- not conflict
2. Cliques over men & personal desires split a church- If you dare discriminate-you sin
3. The power of Christ lies not in personalities, but in the Cross of Christ- v. 17, 29

B.- CARNALITY AND SPIRITUALITY SHOWS A SHARP CONTRAST, AND PAUL HAD TO JUDGE THROUGH EYES OF CHRIST

1. The end of gossip will come when we know only Christ, and Him crucified- nothing else is true
2. Only through knowing Christ- v. 2:2, can we compare spiritual things- v13, not carnal glory
3. The Spiritual man evaluates all- v. 2:15, but the carnal man divides - envy, strife - v.3:3,4

C.- MAN IS NOT CAPABLE OF ADEQUATE JUDGEMENT UNTIL THE LORD COMES, SO WHY BE FOOLISH NOW?

1. They were seekers of the glory of men, eyes blinded by glitter, but forgot to be faithful-
2. Paul refused to even juDge himself - 4:5- no one can anyway, personality gets in the way!
3. We foolishly judge clothes, mannerisms, & Glory foolishly- and get puffed up & down preachers

If we obeyed the Lord and loved one another, there would be no such divisions or judging

II.- MORALIT Y PROBLEMS Division over sexual matters - God's pattern polluted

Physical love was counterfeited and contaminated by the pollution of Satan- lust

A.- IMMORALITY CARRIES ITSELF IN MANY WAYS IN THE ACTIONS OF MEN - Many levels of sin

1. One man lived in fornication- 5:1, and the others swelled with self-righteousness - v.9 - did nothing
2. The church also refused to judge smaller matters, and went to law before world- ch. 6
3. The sanctity of Marriage is plainly covered 6:9 7:1-40 -we are not left ignorant- marriage or carnage

B.- THE NEW MORALITY WE HEAR OF TODAY IS NOTHING BUT THE SAME OLD IMMORALITY, deadly as ever

1. Virtue is a fragile flower-  once it is lost or even touched- it is never again as beautiful
2. Sex is a sacred ordinance between a husband and wife united in God's will- this is glorious
3. But the violation of a home is a terrible sin against God- legal or not, nothing erases stain

C. WE MUST BEWARE NOT ONLY THE MAJOR MORAL PROBLEMS, BUT ALSO THE SMALL THINGS OVERLOOKED OFTEN

1. Spiritual adultery involved Idol worship- and to eat meat offered to idols hinted at it-  Ch. 8
2. Paul knew that he must be doubly careful if he was to serve the Lord- 9:27 always controlled
3. The examples of OT immorality were shown, and we know that they died by thousands- so will we?

If any man love the Lord- the same is known of him- 8:3 What is known about you?

III. DOCTRINAL PROBLEMS Division over difference in doctrinal belief & practice

Spiritual love was counterfeited by proud display of what they thought to be spiritual gifts Ch. 12-14

A.- THE IMPROPER EMPHASIS OVER POSSESSION OF CERTAIN SUPPOSED SPIRITUAL GIFTS

1. We must not be ignorant of spiritual gifts- but we also must not counterfeit them for pride
2. While they argued over tongues and miracles they missed the more excellent way- love 12:31-
3. Every Christian has his gifts, and when used for church- no disorder- so follow love -14:1 Ch. 15

B.- THE ARGUMENT OVER THE RESURRECTION, AND THE DEADLINESS OF ANY COMPROMISE ON THIS Ch. 15

1. Paul presented eyewitnesses - yet alive v.6, and logic -v.17 If not so- we are yet in sins
2. Paul's argument consisted of question and answer method- then direct statement v.57
3. The conclusion- life is not in vain- v.58 and how our youth needs this-

C.- THE FACT OF DOCTRINE TRUTH INVOLVES OUR OBEDIENCE WITH DOLLARS- 16:1,2

1. The principle of N.T. Storehouse tithing is involved here- also special offerings- face it!
2. Christianity is to make men watchful, firm, courageous, and strong- 16:13 real men!
3. Christian Doctrine also demands that all things be done with the motive of Christian love-14

If any man love not the Lord- let him be cursed- our Lord cometh- 16:22

MORE WEALTH THAN CORINTH IS AVAILABLE FOR US - Psychology- Morality- Doctrine- DO WE HAVE IT?

1. God's word today is free- ignorance is by choice- no person is without a chance
2. Willingness is the key- Are you willing to seek Christ? Spiritual life is available!
3. If we walk with the Lord we will be blessed, but our lack of blessing show our need for revival.