The Christian calling is a high and holy calling. It is ONE and the SAME calling for ALL Christians EVERYWHERE (v.2). ALL Christians are called and sanctified (Saints) unto the fellowship of the Lord Jesus Christ (v.9). There is therefore only one true Church of God, for Christ is not divided. All faithfuls who are baptized into Christ are one body all over the world and all through the ages. (Eph.4:1-9).

The gospel should not be preached according to man’s wisdom or denominational tastes but according to scriptural and apostolic faith (2Pet.3:2). The gospel should not be preached to exalt persons but to lift Jesus high. Thus it is called the ‘Testimony of Christ’ (v.6) or the ‘Message of the Cross of Christ’ (v.17-18).

Since the message is one, the calling one and the Church one, then Christians must be united in speech, thought (mind), judgment (opinion), and be perfectly joined together without divisions (v.10), as Christ fervently prayed in John 17:11,12,22,23 “that they may be one”.

DISCUSSIONS

(1) What is a true Church?

(2) Give reasons why there is ONE, holy, catholic (i.e. Universal) and Apostolic Church.

(3) Why are there divisions among Christians? (vs.12,13; 3:1-5; Eph.4:14).

(4) How are divisions brought about? (v.11; 2Pet.2:1-3,10,12,17-19).

(5) What is meant by the word “Confirm” in verses 6 and 8? If we let the testimony of Christ to be FIRMLY ESTABLISHED in us, then Christ will FIRMLY ESTABLISH us till the end.

(6) What should be our attitude in the Church of today? (v.10; Thes.5:18-24).

MEMORISE VERSE: 1 Corinthians 1:10.

Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment. (1Co 1:10)

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THEME: THE SOUND DOCTRINE OF CHRIST

TOPIC: ON CHRISTIAN SERVICE

TEXT: 1CORINTHIANS 3

INTRODUCTION

Every Christian is a servant (i.e. minister) of God. In Christian service, we must remember that:

(1) The Church is one body (of Christ) irrespective of denominational tastes and doctrinal differences, which are mainly due to our carnal tendencies. “Every congregation of faithful (believing) men where the pure Word is preached and the sacraments of Christ ministered is a true Church acceptable to Christ.”

(2) In order to avoid mistakes, every doctrine must be diligently balanced on the whole Scripture so as to make it more accurate and helpful for believers to walk in the way of the Lord (2:1-4; Acts 18:24-26).

(3) In the Church, there are various kinds of Christians and various stages of believers: not all are weak or strong; not all are babes or mature; not all are carnal or spiritual, not all are unlearned or knowledgeable. Yet all are baptized into the one body of Christ with the same Holy Spirit (12:13), and are indwelled by the Holy Spirit both individually (6:19) and collectively (3:16,17).

Therefore as servants (Ministers) of God in Christ, we should maintain the unity (not uniformity) of the Church (Eph.4:1-7); be humble and careful with our preaching (2:1-4) admitting our mistakes, ready to learn (3:18; 8:2). We should build with good material so as not to lose our reward (3:9-15). If anyone defiles God’s temple, God will destroy him in hell. (3:17; Matt.10:28).

DISCUSSION

1. What do we learn from the Apostles’ method of planned teaching? (3:1,2; 9:20-22; Heb.5:11- 6:3; 1Pet.2:2)

2. We may categorise works of Christian service into four; those

(i) that always edify

(ii) that may edify,

(iii) that may defile, and

(iv) that always defile.

Give examples. (Faith, Fruit, Gifts, Goodworks, Counsel, Uncontrolled emotional zeal, Carnality; Gal. 5:19-21, etc) What should be our attitude? (2:1-4); Rom. 14:19).

3. What does “all things are yours” mean? (3:21-23; 1 Tim 4:8); Rom. 8:28, 35-39)

CONCLUSION

May the Lord enable us to labour with Him (3:9; Jn 5:17) May we work under God while it is day (Jn 9:4,5). May we, after doing all things still humbly say, “We are unprofitable servants” (Lk. 17:10), Amen

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THEME: THE SOUND DOCTRINE OF CHRIST

TOPIC: ON APOSTLES’ EXAMPLE

TEXT: 1CORINTHIANS 4

INTRODUCTION

When you repent of your sinfulness towards God and believe in Jesus as the Christ and the Son of God, receiving Him to be the Saviour and the Lord of your life, then you are forgiven, justified, sanctified, born again and baptized into Christ’s body through the work of the Holy Spirit and by the grace of God. This is called salvation.

The Holy Spirit also gives every believer, some gift(s) with which to serve Christ as the Lord and take charge of the mysteries of God, which is in Christ. (4:1; 7:7). As believers serve and take charge, they must be ready to give account of their faithfulness to God, the Judge of all (4:2,5). After-all everything we have is given to us by God by His grace (4:7; Lk.17:10).

This was the way the Apostles saw themselves in relation to the Lord and we should follow their examples (4:1,6,16).

Notice that although these Corinthians were boastful, puffed up, talkative, preferring and despising some Apostles, and so were causing divisions in the Church, (4:15,19), Yet Paul saw them as BELOVED CHILDREN begotten (ie Born again) through the Gospel of Christ (4:14-15)

DISCUSSIONS:

1. Following the Apostles’ examples, we are also SERVANTS, MINISTERS and STEWARDS of God and His Christ. What do these titles imply?

2. What is expected of us in our service? (4:1,2,6,17; 2 Cor. 3:5-6; Eph. 6:19-21; Col. 4:7).

What then does God mean by FAITHFULNESS (Trustworthiness)? Lk. 12-48; Col. 4:3-4).

3. In what ways were the Corinthian brethren not following the Apostles’ examples? (4:6, 8-10,15), What about you and I?

4. What other service qualities must we learn from the Apostles? (4:11-14; 2 Cor. 6:1-13).

CONCLUSION

May we do away with contentions, talkativeness, arrogance and carnality, and rather hold onto love, gentleness, humility and spirituality and in all things, be faithful to God by Christ Jesus, Amen.

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THEME: THE SOUND DOCTRINE OF CHRIST

TOPIC: AGAINST IMMORALITY AND LAWSUITS

TEXT: 1CORINTHIANS 5 AND 6

INTRODUCTION

The congregation at Corinth was part of the Church of God because they called on the Name of Jesus Christ as their Lord (1:2; 12:3). They were Saints because they had been washed with water and the blood (Heb. 10:22; 1 John 5:6-8) and by the word (Eph. 5:26), baptized with the Holy Spirit (12:13) and sanctified by the Holy Spirit (Rom. 15:16). All these happened when they believed the Word of the Truth the Gospel (2 Thes 2:13; Eph. 1:13; Acts 26:18). They were therefore justified, made righteous and redeemed by God (1:30; 6:11), as well as indwelled by the Holy Spirit (6:19). This is salvation and New Birth.

But many of them were behaving like unbelievers, walking carnally (3:1;4; 5:11; 6:8-11a). Yet, the carnal brethren were not disciplined! (5:1,2). So Paul passed judgement, (5:3-5) and warned them (6:9,10, 16-20; Gal. 5:19-21). After our salvation, we must walk in the Spirit (Gal. 5:24-26) and behave as citizens of Heaven (Col. 3:1-10); but carnality incurs God‘s displeasure (Rm. 8:6-8) and leads to death (Gal. 6:7,8).

Some of them, instead of settling their quarrels out-of-court among the Saints (6:1-3), sued themselves in Courts (6:6). This was shameful and wrong (6:5,7).

DISCUSSIONS:

1. Every unrighteousness is sin (whether by a believer or unbeliever) but the sin of sexual immorality (Fornication, Adultery, and Homosexuality, see 6:9; Rom. 1:26,27) is very serious. Why? (6:13-18). Sexual relationship is ONLY allowed in marriage (7:2,36,37; Heb. 13:4).

2. Children of God should not sin at all (1 Jn 3:9 and 5:18). But if they sin, what should they do? (2 Cor.7:9-10; 1 Jn 1:18 ; 2:2).

3. Christians should respect the courts and governments (Rom. 13:1- 7). What is the difference between the result of court judgement (Rom. 13:4) and settlement by the saints? (2 Tim. 3:15-18 and 4:2).

4. Whom should the Church discipline and how? (15:9-13; Matt. 18:15-20). What motive should be behind such discipline? (4:18-21; 5:4-7).

5. But could Christians judge? (4:5; Matt. 7:1). We shall judge the world and angels on the last day (2:15; 6:2-3; Heb/ 11:7). But for now, how far could we judge? (5:3; 6:4-5; 11:31-32; Rom 14:11-13). Our judgement should be based on God’s word and Christ’s standards (Jn. 7:27).

MEMORY VERSE: 1 Corinthians 6:19 and 20.

What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's.

(1Co 6:19-20)

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THEME: THE SOUND DOCTRINE OF CHRIST

TOPIC: ON THE CHRISTIAN AND MARRIAGE

TEXT: 1CORINTHIANS 7

INTRODUCTION

After exhorting and admonishing the Corinthian brethren, Paul now turns to answer the questions they asked him. This time questions are on the Christian and marriage, as follows:

1. Are married couples free to continue sexual relations after conversions Paul answers, “Yes” (7:1-7).

2. Should single Christians marry? Paul says, “It depends. Single life is better if the Christian has the gift of celibacy, while married life is better if the Christian has sexual passions”. (7:8,9, Matt. 19:10-12).

3. Is divorce permitted between a Christian couple? “NO” But if they separate because of a quarrel, they should never remarry as long as one of them lives, else they should quickly be reconciled”. (7:10, 11; Matt 5:31, 32; Matt. 19:3-9; Mk. 10:12; Lk. 16:18).

4. What if the other partner was a pagan? Paul says, “Stick to your pagan partner peacefully except and until that unbeliever partner separates himself or herself, at which point the believer is free to remarry” (7:12-16, 20-24).

5. What about Christians already engaged, could they disengage to become celibates? Paul says, “Yes; however if after due consideration of circumstances of social distress and demands of their ministry, they are still convinced to marry, they should go head Marriage is no sin” (7:25-38). In fact, marriage is good, pure and honourable. (Heb. 13:4; Prov. 18:22).

6. Could a widow remarry? “Yes, if need be, but not to an unbeliever.” (7:39,40; Rom 7:1-3; 2 Cor. 6:14).

DISCUSSIONS:

1. Can we baptize children from mixed marriage households? Why? (7:14; 2 Tim 1:5; 2 Tim. 3:15; Matt. 18:5,6; Acts 16:14, 15, 31).

2. A Christian may only remarry if the unbelieving partner departs or if the other partner dies. (7:10, 11, 15, 39). What about Matt. 19:9)? But should believers fornicate? (5:11).

3. What is the gift of celibacy or continence? (7:9; Matt. 19:10-12). Of what advantage are this gift and the single life? (7:28, 31-35, 38,40).

4. A married Christian cares both to please the Lord and please the other partner. Should this be so? (7:3-5; Eph. 5:21-25).

MEMORY VERSE: 1 Corinthians 7:9

But if they cannot contain, let them marry: for it is better to marry than to burn.

(1Co 7:9)

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THEME: THE SOUND DOCTRINE OF CHRIST

TOPIC: ON PAUL’S USE OF LIBERTY

TEXT: 1CORINTHIANS 9

INTRODUCTION

In chapter 8, Paul had explained that Christians have liberty/freedom to do anything which is not sin; BUT because of the weak amongst us and the conscience of others, we should deny ourselves some of that liberty with the aim of showing loves, building up one another, keeping ourselves from sinning and wining souls.

Now Paul gives his life’s testimony as an example. As an Apostle, Paul had rights and liberty to be fed and provided for, by the Church (v. 4); to marry and lead a wife. (v.5) And to go “full-time” without doing any other work (v.6). But he denied himself all these rights (v.15) so as not to hinder the Gospel (v. 12 and 18).

As a free Roman citizen (Acts 22:26-28), Paul had the right to show-off and intimidate people everywhere, but he did not use that liberty, rather he became “ALL THINGS TO ALL MEN” (vs. 19-22), so that all may be saved (v.23).

Another reason why Paul denied himself much of his liberty and exercised self-control was so that he might not be disqualified in his Christian race (v.27).

DISCUSSIONS:

1. To show that Gospel Ministers should be supported materially by their congregation (v.14), what three common examples did Paul give? (v. 7)? What two scriptural citations did he make? (v. 8-13; 1 Tim. 5:18; Gal. 6:6).

2. What other support should be given to Gospel Ministers? (1 Thes 5:12,13; 1 Tim. 5:17; Heb. 13:7; 1 Cor. 16:16; Col. 4:3) How far do you practice this?

3. How did Paul see his calling to the Gospel Ministry? (V.16-18) “(16) I do not preach proudly but I preach dutifully as I am constrained to do. (17) Whether I preach willingly or reluctantly, with pay or without pay, I am still a Minister of Christ. (18) My consolation is that I preach without pay, and without insisting on my rights.”

4. We have no right to, and cannot afford to compromise our FAITH But could we compromise our LIBERTY?. From Paul example, for what purposes should we compromise our Liberty? (v.19-23).

5. What danger is there in abuse of (or lack of self-control in exercising) Christian liberty? (V. 24-27).

CONCLUSION: 1 Peter 2:16-19

As free, and not using your liberty for a cloak of maliciousness, but as the servants of God. Honor all men. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the king. Servants, be subject to your masters with all fear; not only to the good and gentle, but also to the froward. For this is thankworthy, if a man for conscience toward God endure grief, suffering wrongfully.

(1Pe 2:16-19)

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THEME: THE SOUND DOCTRINE OF CHRIST

TOPIC: ON PROPER USE OF LIBERTY

TEXT: 1CORINTHIANS 10 (ROMANS 14)

INTRODUCTION

The importance of self-control and the danger of taking everything for granted when exercising our Christian liberty is exemplified here with the wilderness experience of the Israelites (10:1-12). Even temptation is no excuse for falling into sin (10:13).

**What could we learn from this?

Paul then looked at things offered to idols from two points of views (The Gentile unbeliever and the weak brother on one side and the strong knowledgeable brother on the other) (10:14-29a).

**In what ways is each of these views more careful?

Our Christian Liberty does not include sin (10:8-10; 6:9,10), therefore we should walk carefully, not overdoing things, as Paul said in Gal. 5:16-25. For, if we do not follow the principles of liberty well, we shall fall away from grace and salvation. (9:27; 10:12; Jn. 15:1-8; Heb. 6:4-6; 1 Jon. 5:16,17). Therefore you should not listen to those who encourage you to exercise your liberty to the full - that is not Sound Doctrine (2 Pet. 2:18-21).

**Give instances where we overdo our liberty (Fashion, Time, Emotionalism, Noise, Association, Business, at home etc).

Your conscience may be clear about what you do, but is the other person’s conscience clear? (8:10-15; 10:27-32) We may not have right to judge you (10:29; Rom 14:5,6), but must you please yourself? (8:13; 10:33; Rom. 14:15).

DISCUSSIONS: Give examples for each principle below.

Principles of Christian Liberty:

1. Be wise and sensible to know what you should do to glorify God (10:15; Eph. 5:15-17).

2. Do only those things that are edifying and necessary (10:23, 24)

3. Don’t give trouble to both unbelievers and the Church but glorify God in all things (10:31-33; Rom 14:18).

4. Neither Judge nor despise others’ liberties but respect their views for peace (Rom 15:1-7; 2 Cr. 13:11).

5. Endeavour to be of one mind and one voice with the brethren (1:10; Rom. 15:1-7; 2 Cor. 13:11).

6. Don’t do what will lead other brethren to sin (Rom. 14:13; 19-21)

7. Behave like Christ, as the Apostles did, both in word and deed (4:17; 11:1).

CONCLUSION:

In everything, do exactly what you know that Jesus would do or be pleased with.

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THEME: THE SOUND DOCTRINE OF CHRIST

TOPIC: ON ORDER IN PUBLIC WORSHIP

TEXT: 1CORINTHIANS 11:1-16

INTRODUCTION:

The Ancient Church had an Apostolic Custom or Tradition such that women veiled their head and men kept their head open during public worship (11:16). This was neither Jewish nor Roman, nor even Greek culture. Rather it was peculiar Church Custom (vs. 2 and 16).

The Corinthian Church had kept this tradition or ordinance as delivered by the Apostle Paul. But now they wanted to know why, having obeyed first (11:2).

So Paul gives an intelligible explanation so as to make them understand (11:3a).

EXPOSITION:

1. God has set the ORDER OF HEADSHIP as follows: -

First: God (the Father)

Next: Christ (begotten of the Father)

Thirdly: The man (made in the image of Christ)

Then: The woman (made in the image of Christ, but from the man) (11:3)

NOTE: The Holy Spirit proceeds from the Father and the Son UNTO men and women alike.

2. The reason for this is to avoid confusion and maintain divine order and peace (14:33), to avoid strife and evil work (Jas. 3:16).

3. There must be order in the Church (14:33, 27, 40). This is the Lord’s commandment (14:37). And we have no right to disobey or change it to sooth our convenience (11:16), whatever our culture (14:36).

4. God has set signs and symbols for this order:

The man and the woman are the Image of God (Gen. 1:27)

The Man’s head symbolizes God’s Glory (i.e Christ)

The Woman’s head symbolizes man’s Glory (11:7)

The Woman’s hair symbolizes woman’s Glory 911:15).

5. In public worship (11:4; 14:23, 26), which is also attended by Angels (11:10) and unbelievers (14:23), believers should all endeavour to maintain this cosmological order. For this reason men should leave their head unveiled (to keep the glory of God and Christ open). Women should on the other hand veil their head (to cover the human fallen glory) (11:4-7).

6. God had already shown His intension to cover the fallen glory of the man, which is the woman’s shameful baldhead (11:13-14). If the glory of the man is shameful in the physical, the glory of the woman is also shameful in the spiritual.

7. Veiling does not MAKE a woman inferior, it only SHOWS (Signifies or symbolizes) or serves as a TOKEN of her subjection/conformity to ORDER OF HEADSHIP (Authority or Power) as set by God (11:10). OR IT ONLY SHOWS THAT SHE RECOGNIZES WHAT SYMBOLIC TOKEN HER HEAD STANDS FOR. AFTERALL, THOUGH THE WOMAN WAS MADE FROM THE MAN, YET THE MAN IS BORN OF THE WOMAN

8. The long hair is TO and FOR the woman (11:15).

The woman is OF and FOR the man (11:8-9).

The man is BY the Woman 911:12).

All things are FOR, OF and BY God (8:6).

“IN UNDERSTANDING BE MEN”. (14:20B).

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THEME: THE SOUND DOCTRINE OF CHRIST

TOPIC: ON SPIRITUAL GIFTS AND THE CHURCH

TEXT: 1CORINTHIANS 12. (ROM 12; EPH. 4)

INTRODUCTION:

The Church is not just an ORGANISATION but a LIVING ORGANISM. She is the Bride of Christ and the Body of Christ, Christians make up various parts of that Body (1 Cor. 12:13-27; Rom. 12:5; Eph. 4:16).

A true Christian is one who believes in the mystery of Christ as Lord, Saviour and the Son of God (1 John 4:15; 5:1); who serves God out of a pure conscience (1Tim. 3:9; 2 Tim. 1:3; 1 Pet 3:2). He is one who calls on the name of Jesus Christ as Lord without iniquity (Matt. 7:21-23); who is sanctified in Christ – SAINTS (1 Cor. 1:2); WHO HAS RECEIVED THE Holy Spirit of adoption (1 Cor. 2:3; Rom 8:15).

Every Christian became Spiritually Baptized into the Body of Christ (1 Cor. 12:13) when he/she believed (Eph. 1:13). No one becomes a part of Christ’s Body (i.e. SAVED or BORN AGAIN) except the Holy Spirit comes to dwell in him/her (Rom. 8:9). This is the scriptural meaning of the Holy Spirit Baptism. What we call ‘Holy Spirit Baptism’ today is what the Scripture calls ‘Spirit Fullness’.

Here Paul explains that all who truly confess Jesus as Lord have all received the Holy Spirit – they have been baptised into Christ with the Holy Spirit already. (1 Cor . 12:3, 13). But NOT all who have this same Spirit are given the same Spiritual Gifts (1 Cor. 12:4). Every believer has been given a gift according to God’s will (1 Cor. 12:11; Eph. 4:7) for the profit of others (1 Cor. 12:7).

DISCUSSIONS:

1. It is true that we are saved by grace through faith and not of works (Eph. 2:8-10; Gal 2:16, 17; 3:24-26): could we then continue in iniquity? (2 Tim. 2:19; Rom 6:11-18).

2. It is true that believers have all been baptized with the Holy Spirit (1 Cor 12:13). But are they all filled with the Holy Spirit? (Acts 4:8, 31; 9:17; 13:9; Eph. 5:18). How then could they be filled again and again?

3. From 1 Cor. 12:4,10,14,19 and 30, was Paul teaching that all who are baptized with the Holy Spirit shall speak in Tongues?

4. Why are Christians given different gifts? (1 Cor 12:7; Eph. 4:11-13; Rom. 12:4-10) And could we pray for any gifts (1Tim 4:14; 1Cor. 12:31; 14:1, 13 Rom. 1:11).

5. Should anyone be seen as more spiritual by virtue of the type of gift he/she has? (Rom 12:3; 1 Cor. 12:21-25)

6. How many Spiritual gifts can you number from Rom. 12:6-8; 1 Cor. 12:7-10, 28-30 and Eph. 4:11?

CONCLUSION:

Discover your gifts, fan them into flame and use them for the good of all and to the glory of God. (2 Tim. 1:6; 1 Pet. 4:10, 11) Spiritual gifts are special abilities given by God through the Holy Spirit to every believer to be manifested for the profit of other members of the Church of Christ.

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THEME: THE SOUND DOCTRINE OF CHRIST

TOPIC: ON THE SUPERIORITY OF LOVE

TEXT: 1CORINTHIANS 13. (1 JOHN 4)

INTRODUCTION:

Christ has commanded us to love (John 15:8-11; 1 John 4:21) To believe in God is to love Him and our fellow men (Mark 12:29-31). Whoever does not love does not know God. Whoever loves is in God and God in Him (1 John 4:11-16). Love is the matrix of the fruit of the Spirit.

After explaining the DIVERSITIES of Spiritual gifts and their UNITY of purpose in the Church (1 Cor. 12), Paul sets out to show us the more excellent away (1 Cor. 12:31) of desiring and exercising Spiritual gifts to glory of God, and to the profit of the Church and our own selves. This is by first FOLLOWING AFTER LOVE before we EARNESTLY DESIRE and exercise spiritual gifts (1 Cor. 14:1).

Here Paul explains how and why we should love. He declares the uselessness of Spiritual gifts without love (13:1-3). Next he paints the true picture of Divine love (God’s kind of love 13:4-8). This is the true picture of Christ! Christians, who do not love, even with all their spiritual gifts, can at their best be NOTHING (13:1-3) or at most babies in Christ or carnal Christian (3:1-4). Mature, perfect, or Spiritual Christianity is to love (13:11). But all true believers have received this Divine love through the Holy Spirit (Rom 5:5) who dwells in them from when they believed (Gal. 3:3,14). They have all been baptized with the Holy Spirit (1 Cor. 12:13; Eph. 4:13; 1 John 4:13). Amen.

In this Sound Doctrine of Christ, the Apostle Paul explains that spiritual gifts are temporary (only as long as we live in the flesh). But the Spiritual Fruit (especially of love) remains even after death – till we get to the New Heaven and New Earth (13:13; Rev. 21:1-4). Then Glorious Sight will replace Faith when we see Him “Face to face” (13:12). Then hope will become perfect Reality when we shall dwell in glory (Co. 1:27; Rom 8:24). But love – the Greatest – will only become more excellent and easier when we get to the bosom of our Lord in our glorious bodies. Hallelujah!

DISCUSSIONS:

1. Is there any good AT ALL in desiring Spiritual gifts without first following after love? (1 Cor. 13:1-3).

2. Which attributes are NOT typical of loves? (1 Cor. 13:4-6; 1 John 4:18, 20).

3. Which qualities are positive attributes of love? (1 Cor. 13:4a, 6-8a; 1 John 4:17).

4. The earthly Church needs Spiritual gifts (Eph. 4:8, 12-13), but shall they be needed in heaven? (1 Cor. 13:8-10).

5. Spiritual gifts do not always edify (1 Cor. 13:1-3). What about the Spiritual fruit (especially of Love)? (Gal. 5:22-23)

6. In what practical ways could we PURSUE (or follow after) Love in our Christian lives? (Col. 3:12-23; 4:1-2).

CONCLUSION:

Oh what a glorious revelation we have in this wonderful Hymn of love! May such Divine Love be ever real in our lives through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

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THEME: THE SOUND DOCTRINE OF CHRIST

TOPIC: ON EXERCISING SPIRITUAL GIFTS

TEXT: 1CORINTHIANS 14.

INTRODUCTION:

In this chapter, we are given Christ’s sound doctrine on exercising spiritual gifts especially of tongues in Church meetings (14:37). Paul, here instructed and commanded that we follow the excellent way of desiring spiritual gifts (12:31). That is by first following after love and then earnestly desiring spiritual gifts especially prophesy and especially not tongues (14:1,511). Not to forget that gifts are variously given by the Holy Spirit according to His will (912:4,11).

Speaking in tongues is self-centred, edifying only the speaker while the others have neither physical nor spiritual benefit from it. But when tongues are interpreted others benefit having understood the mysterious prayer of thanksgiving made to God (14:6-11). Therefore, those with gift of tongues particularly should earnestly desire the fight of interpretation or tongues so as to benefit the Church (14:12-13).

Uninterpreted tongues in the Church is childish and selfish (14:4,18-20) and therefore carnal (3:1). It makes the Church look like a congregation for madness and disorderly confusion (14:23).

Prophesying, interpreted tongues and prayers should be done ONE BY ONE, not disorderly, when Christians gather together (14:26-23, 39-40).

Women who asked and discussed questions noisily (in their women’s corner) during fellowship/service were to be ashamed and stop such to maintain orderliness in the congregation (14:33-35). This also applies to men who behave similarly.

DISCUSSIONS:

1. From verses 2, and 14-17, what is the general content of tongues when those with that gift exercise it? (Also Acts 2:11; Acts 10:46) (Mysterious thanksgiving and adoration said or sung in the spirit unto God, and not a message to men).

2. From verses 3, 24 and 25, what is the general content and purpose of prophesy? (Edification, encouragement, comfort, conviction, judgement and exposition of secrets unto men to lead them to conversion and/or giving glory to God).

3. From verses 26-33, when Christians gather together for worship/fellowship should they speak in tongues, prophesy or even pray independently, all at the same time?

4. How then should the gift of tongues be exercised? (14:27-28). What warning did Paul give about those who preach and practice otherwise? (14:6-38)

CONCLUSION:

Our God is not a God of confusion but of orderliness (14:33,40)

BE WARNED.

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THEME: THE SOUND DOCTRINE OF CHRIST

TOPIC: ON THE HOPE OF THE RESURRECTION

TEXT: 1CORINTHIANS 15. ( 1 THESSALONIANS 4)

INTRODUCTION:

The sound apostolic gospel message is that salvation is only by FAITH in the Lord Jesus Christ. (Acts 2:36; Acts 16:31; Acts 13: 38-39; Acts 20:21; Rom. 3:22-24). The Gospels were written only to bear this testimony (John 20:31; Lk. 24:46-48). This also was Christ’s testimony (John 6:28,29).

But which Christ should we believe in? Or what should we believe about Christ? In answer to his Paul here gives the oldest detailed documentation of the Apostles Creed: That our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ (the Son of God) DIED (to save us from our sins); that He was BURIED: and that HE RESURRECTED (not resuscitation) on the THIRD DAY: and that all these were in fulfilment of (and in accordance with) the Scriptures. (1Cor. 15:1-4). The Apostles were appointed as WITNESSES to all these for Christ (1 Cor. 15:5; Acts 1:8, 22), in the Power of the Holy Spirit. The Apostles summarised this witness in one Creed thus: “JESUS IS LORD” (1 Cor. 12:3) or “JESUS IS THE SON OF GOD” (1John 4:15; 5:5) or “JESUS IS THE CHRIST” (1 John 2:22-24; 4:2-3; 5:1). To the Apostles, this confession was the proof of the Holy Spirit’s presence.

The RESURRECTION of Jesus is the proof of all the Apostolic testimony and confession or witness (Acts 17:31; 1 Cor. 15:14-15; Rom. 1:4). Therefore, anyone who does not believe in the Resurrection shall not be saved (1 Cor. 15:16-21). Those who are saved (i.e Bono Again) are they, which shall partake the GLORIOUS RESURRECTION (i.e Rapture) (Col. 1:27; Rom 8:23-25; 1 Cor. 15:43; 1 Thes. 4:17; Rev. 20:4-6). These Saints are a GIFT from the Father to the Son (Jn 6:37-44). Amen.

DISCUSSIONS:

1. On what evidence do Christians believe in he Resurrection of Christ? (1 Cor. 15:5-8; 11, 30; Mk. 16:6; John 10:14-18, 27,29; John 21:24).

2. If there were no resurrection, what implication does this have on the Gospel of Christ and on Christians? (1 Cor .15:12-19; 1 Thes 4:12, 18).

3. In what order (or sequence) is the plan of resurrection? (1 Cor. 15:23-25, 51-53; 1 Thes 4:13-17).

4. What differences are there between the resurrection Body and the Body of flesh? (1 Cor. 15; 35-50).

CONCLUSION:

Our last enemy (DEATH) shall be destroyed (1 Cor 15:26) at the RAPTURE, when sleeping (Triumphant) Saints shall RESURRECT and the labouring (Militant) Saints shall be TRANSLATED, at the sound of the last trumpet. Believers in Christ (Christians) should not only believe in and know about the Resurrection, but should also BE PREPARED for it! (1 Cor. 15:34, 58).

CHRIST IS RISEN! HE IS RISEN IN DEED!! 9Lk. 24:34)

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THEME: THE SOUND DOCTRINE OF CHRIST

TOPIC: ON THE FELLOWSHIP OF THE SAINTS

TEXT: 1CORINTHIANS 16

INTRODUCTION:

The saints (both militant and triumphant) are all those whom God has saved (i.e begotten again) by His grace (and through their faith) in Christ Jesus. The Saints are he redeemed people of God - The Church. (Acts 9:32, 41, Phil. 1:1; Cor. 1:2).

The Church is an assembly, a nation, a brotherhood and a Fellowship of Saints who have been sanctified in Christ Jesus in the power of the Holy Spirit. (2 Cor 1:1; Phi. 4:21, 22; Col 1:2; 1 Pet. 2:9; Heb 12:22-24). Fellowship implies communal sharing of interests, treasures, feelings and experiences (1 Cor. 1:9,10) God has bound the Church into one with the seven Marks of Unity (Eph. 4:3-7).

The Saints of the Apostolic Church always had fellowship meetings on the first day of the week (Sunday) for Worship, Ministration of the word and for Holy Communion (Acts 20:7). Here Paul instructs them to also make weekly collection during such services (16:2). This practice started on the Lord’s resurrection day (John 20:19; Lk 24:1, 33-36) and has ever continued as a commemoration of the Lord’s resurrection and as a reminder of our hope of resurrection. It was also on a Sunday (he Lord’s Day) that Christ appeared to John and gave him the Revelation (Rev. 1:10).

DISCUSSION:

1. How did the Gentile Saints share and partake with he Jewish Saints of Jerusalem? (16:1; Acts 11:28-30; Rom 15:25-27).

2. We should give willingly, cheerfully, regularly and bountifully according to how God has prospered us. (16:1,2; 2 Cor. 8:11-13; 2 Cor. 9:6-8). For what purposes should the Saints give?

(a) 16:1; Acts 11:28-30 (b) 16:6, 11

(e) Others?

3. There is only one, holy, catholic (i.e Universal), and apostolic Church of Christ (Eph. 2:18-22; Eph. 4:4-6, ! Cor. 12:13).

How should Churches, Ministers, and every Christian relate to one another?

(a) 16:10. 11; 1 Tim 5:17, 18, (b) 16:15-18; 4:17

(e) Gal. 1:18, 19; Acts 15:4-6; Gal. 2:1.

CONCLUSION:

Having known the SOUND DOCTRINE OF CHRIST, we should watch against false teaching, be steadfast in the faith, be strong and brave and relate to one another in the affectionate love of Christ in all things (16:13, 14.

LORD COME, MARANA THA (16:22b)

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Last revised: January 14, 2006

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