The Berean Post Podcast

This passage is truly intriguing. Paul presents a series of 7 consecutive questions within this text, each followed by a condemnation or a negative undertone fact statement. As we delve into this passage, it becomes apparent that there is a shift in topics. As we progress through this book, we will uncover eleven concerns that Paul addresses.

Paul's voice channeled through the ages, reclaims its resonance, challenging us to embrace our fellow humans without the weight of misguided righteousness. His words do not erect walls against those who stand apart, nor do they endorse self-righteous isolation. Instead, Paul's essence beckons believers to engage with a world vibrant in its diversity, reminding us that the teachings of the faith ar...

To understand what Paul means here in this text, we must first understand how the early Christians viewed the Old Testament after Christ died. Everything they saw in the Old Testament pointed to fulfillment in Christ. Interestingly, a Christ-centered view of the Old Testament scripture was predicated on Jesus' words.

Let's learn from the early church in Corinth and the Bible's teachings. They had a problem tolerating and celebrating sin, which is dangerous for any church community. Though their time differed from ours, we can still find valuable lessons for today. We should be careful not to misunderstand Christian love and acceptance. While God's grace is for everyone, it doesn't mean we should accept sin wit...

In this scenario, Paul suggests that we let them return to the old city and allow them to experience it again. If a person wants to persist in lying, let them return to the city where it is practiced. Where they can lie, and be lied to, where they cheat and be cheated, where they can steal and be stolen from, where they can be foolish and drunken, and where they can experience the affects and effe...

The famous phrase "The Bible says not to judge" is not only false (because “do not judge” is not the categorical or exhaustive teaching on what the bible says about judgement), it is also an uninformed statement. The Bible contains numerous passages that call for exercising judgment, except for determining someone's eternal state. Both individual Christians and the church are meant to exercise jud...

In the letter, Paul addresses a serious problem in the Corinthian church. He mentions that a man within the church is in an inappropriate relationship with his stepmother. This behavior is not acceptable, even in the surrounding non-Christian culture. Paul emphasizes its severity, indicating that even non-believers would consider it wrong. It's a strong accusation, and Paul wants the Corinthian ch...

Paul's statement that the kingdom of God is not in word but in power does not refer solely to demonstrative gifts of the Spirit. The Corinthian church had experienced numerous testimonies and evidence of the Spirit's demonstrative power, yet Paul addressed them as spiritual babes. This shows that God's movement through a church or group of people is not solely an indication of spiritual growth but...

We think there is much to be learned from how Paul viewed his role in the church, not merely as an administrator but as a spiritual father. His relationship with Timothy exemplifies this perspective, as he treats him like a son rather than a delegate or subordinate. Paul's approach reflects the New Testament's depiction of the church as a vital organism, where relationships are familial and interd...

In the text, Paul contrasts his own experience as an apostle serving the kingdom with the collective experience of the Corinthian church. He emphasizes that while he and other believers endured suffering, the Corinthians seemed to "reign as Kings" in comparison. However, Paul clarifies that he did not intend to shame them with this comparison. His purpose was to warn and caution them. Paul explici...

Based on our previous experiences within various Apostolic/Prophetic movements, we have consistently observed certain common traits among their "apostles." These individuals can captivate their audience through a magnetic presence, exuding confidence that positions them as authorities on matters of faith. They demonstrate exceptional oratory skills and effectively engage their listeners through co...

As we reflect upon this passage from the past, it has consistently presented itself as a delightful text that raises the question of whether Paul's words were imbued with facetiousness or sarcasm. We contend that he did, in fact, employ sarcasm in a manner characterized by both affection and confrontation. Allow us to elucidate the reasons behind our interpretation.

When Paul urges the Corinthians not to go beyond what is written, he argues that they should hold to what today we call a biblical worldview. Paul's frequent use of Old Testament scriptures in his writings indicates his continuity with an affirmation of the premises set forth by the prophets who came before him regarding the nature of God in relationship to humanity. Through his references, Paul u...

Judge nothing before the time Paul's reminder to "judge nothing before the time" serves as a caution against hasty judgments and highlights the importance of relying on the wisdom and judgment of the Lord. A story from Paul's own life exemplifies this lesson. Once known as Saul, he harshly judged the followers of Jesus, believing they were misguided and heretical. However, a transformative encount...

These words from the apostle Paul are as relevant today as when he wrote them to the Corinthians. In a world filled with competing ideas, ideologies, and wisdom, it is crucial to discern the truth and not be swayed by deception. In a world divided by various allegiances and ideologies, remember that we are Christ. This affirmation calls us to recognize our unity with Him and to obey His teachings.

When we ask the question, “What is a temple” the concise answer would be it is where God dwells or a place where God meets man. In that sense, then, we understand that Jesus was, in fact, a temple in that God was in Christ reconciling the world to himself. However, one of Jesus’ last prayers included the notion that we would be one with himself and with the Father even as they were one. The prayer...

Paul was indeed a master builder; however, while Paul played a significant role in shaping early Christianity, the faith itself is founded upon Jesus Christ and the teachings of the original apostles. The influence of other early Christian leaders, such as Peter, James, and John, would still have played a vital role in the growth and development of the Church in the absence of Paul. Returning to t...

No matter how profound the knowledge of Scripture, how extensive the spiritual insights, how precise the theological accuracies are, or even how remarkable the display of spiritual gifts may be, it holds little significance if, within the church, there exists jealousy, competition, and a lack of unity. In such an environment, we find a church that is both carnal and spiritually immature, despite t...

While this may come as a shock to the reader (or listener) and those one may even be offended at the following statement, nevertheless, it is true. Ready for it? We are not the best judge of our own spirituality. Consider the following text: 1 Corinthians 4:3-4: "But with me, it is a very small thing that I should be judged by you or by any human court. In fact, I do not even judge myself. For I a...

Our passage today emphasizes the distinction between man’s and God’s wisdom. When Paul speaks, he does not rely on worldly wisdom but on the teachings of the Holy Spirit. Without spiritual discernment, the natural man cannot fully grasp or receive the things of God. The message of the Gospel, including concepts like the crucifixion and the spiritual significance of Jesus' words, may appear foolish...

The verse discussed today and the other verses we have referenced convey that the kingdom of God is not merely a futuristic concept but a present reality to be experienced daily. In his letter to the Corinthians, Paul reminds them of their identity, their Spiritual dwelling amid this world, and the abundant blessings bestowed upon them by God. The world's system and order are at odds with God and...

From our passage this morning we can recognize that just as the spirit of man provides insight into our own thoughts and experiences, we need the Spirit of God to understand the deep things of God. May we foster a personal relationship with the Holy Spirit through prayer, meditation, and studying God's Word, and today, may we invite the Holy Spirit to guide and reveal God's truth.

We can see from the text of scripture that the Spirit is described as helping, interceding, and having a mind, indicating personal attributes. These passages, among others in the New Testament, provide evidence for the personhood of the Holy Spirit, including personal actions, characteristics, and interactions with believers. There is much more to be discussed regarding this passage, but we must p...

According to Paul, there is no greater mystery coming! We are not saying there are no other mysteries, for even later in this same letter, Paul speaks of a mystery stating that “we shall not all sleep,” in which the word sleep is a euphemism for death. However, the greatest mystery in history has happened. God was in Christ, reconciling the world to himself. That is to say, God entered the world a...

Those with spiritual insight understand the profound meaning behind this statement, while the simple-minded may only perceive it as a license for anything. However, the clear teaching of the New Testament is that love should be our motivation. We love God because He loved us first. The essence of the law lies in loving God and our neighbour. Adding the phrase "and your neighbour" is redundant beca...