New Testament Bible Study by John Stanko

1 Corinthians Study 15

Dear Student,

Well, here it is--the final installment of our First Corinthians study.  It certainly took much longer than I expected.  First I had trouble sending these studies due to technical issues and then my computer crashed.  I thank God that He enabled me to finish and now it's time to move on to Second Corinthians.  But first let's finish up this study.

It is interesting to me that both the start and close of Paul's letters have so much content.  There were and are no idle words.  We would do well to pay attention to every word, for the Spirit had some reason for including them as Paul wrote. This week I wrote about 1 Corinthians 16:9:

vs. 8&9 -- Paul was in Ephesus when he wrote this letter and something significant was going on there.  God had opened a door of significant ministry for him there.  When God opens a door, no man can close it.  When He closes a door, no man can open it.  But along with the door comes opposition.  It is easy to interpret opposition to mean that you are doing something wrong, but often it appears to prove and confirm that you are doing something right. 

Where is the greatest opposition in your life right now?  Is it hiding or blocking a door of oportunity?  Furthermore, don't just expect the opposition to be external.  Where is your greatest internal opposition?  Where do you battle fear, low self-esteem or rejection, causing you to procrastinate or flee?  Paul was going to stay on until Pentecost, however long that was in spite of the opponents.  You and I need to do the same.

Remember that the Bible study archives of 13 other New Testament studies can be found on my website along with The Faith Files.  You can unsubscribe by clicking on the link below (if you receive this through Feedblitz).  You can give a gift subscription by going to the site where these studies are posted every week. 

Feel free to add your comments or insights to this study at the end of this post on the site where it is located.

Here is this week's study:  Download 1_corinthians_study_15.doc

Technorati Tags: First Corinthians, New Testament, opposition

1 Corinthians Study 13

Dear Student of the Word,

I am in Williamsburg, Virginia for a weekend of ministry with my friend, Father Michael Pacella and his wife Doreen.  Father Michael is a study in purpose but that isn't the purpose for this post.  This is for the weekly Bible study, so let's get that taken care of right away.

There are only two studies left in First Corinthians after this one. This week and next, we will examine Paul's famous chapter 15 that focuses on the resurrection.  In this week's installment, I wrote:

v. 12 -- After an 11-verse introduction, Paul got to the crux of the matter:  some Corinthians said that there was to be no resurrection from the dead.  It seems that there was no end to the mis-steps of this church and its members, which causes me to reflect on Paul's strategy for church planting.  Due to the urgency of what Paul was doing, he did not linger long in any one area or city.  Even when he tried to stay, it seems that the Spirit moved him on.  From my perspective, the new churches weren't ready for Paul's departure.  The Spirit obviously felt otherwise.

Jesus knows how to build His Church.  Too often, I have been afraid to let go of God's work because the work "needs me."  Yet Paul moved on and corrected the problems that he knew would arise from another city where he was ministering.  He wrote letters, sent emissaries and prayed a lot.  The problems he faced were serious, but Paul trusted in the Spirit's role to build the Church and not in his own efforts.  I think we can all learn something from this model--not to be perfectionists where Jesus' work is concerned but to trust Him as we carry out His purpose for our lives and His Church. 

Remember that the Bible study archives of 13 other New Testament studies can be found on my website along with The Faith Files.  You can unsubscribe by clicking on the link below (if you receive this through Feedblitz).  You can give a gift subscription by going to the site where these studies are posted every week.  And please feel free to post your own comments, insights, and questions at the same site (just click on the word at the "comments" at the bottom of this post).

Here is this week's study:  Download 1_corinthians_study_13.doc

Technorati Tags: 1 Corinthians, New Testament, resurrection

1 Corinthians Study 12

Dear Student of the Word,

I got back from Africa last night and it's great to be home!  I was upgraded to business class out of Amsterdam and that enabled me to work on this week's study and complete it all on the plane.  I was tempted to watch a movie, but felt it was a better use of time to finish the study.  Plus I wanted to put the upgrade that God provided to good use.  Are you putting your time and opportunities to good use?

This week we read how Paul took great pains to explain how speaking in tongues and prophecy were to be expressed and managed in the public meetings at Corinth.  About this I wrote:

v. 9 -- Paul went on to finish his analogy of a trumpet making an uncertain sound, tying it to the need for those speaking in a church seeting to use words that people can understand.  Truthfully I am surprised both by how much Paul wrote about this topic and the patience he exhibited in answering the questions raised by the Corinthians.  This was due to a few possible reasons:

First, this must have been an important issue either to Paul, the Corinthians or both.  Perhaps speaking in tongues was more prevalent than we imagine, both in the church and in the pagan cults.  Second, it seems that there were no minor issues where the life of the church was concerned.  If it affected and impacted the churches he planted, then Paul took the issue seriously.  Third, Paul seized every opportunity to teach and leave a set of written instructions for the church present and future.  As I've stated in other studies, Paul was an excellent pastor and apostle, and provided loving and completer care for those he oversaw.

Remember that the Bible study archives of 13 other New Testament studies can be found on my website along with The Faith Files.  You can unsubscribe by clicking on the link below (if you receive this through Feedblitz).  You can give a gift subscription by going to the site where these studies are posted every week.  And please feel free to post your own comments, insights, and questions at the same site (just click on the word at the "comments" at the bottom of this post).

Here is this week's study:  Download 1_corinthians_study_12.doc

1 Corinthians Study 11

Dear Student of the Word,

It's time for another dose of Corinthians!  This week's study takes us up to chapter 14, which means we have only a few weeks left before we start 2 Corinthians.  But there is much to look at in these last chapters.  This week we look at Paul's famous discourse on love in chapter 13 and the move into a study of what he had to say about tongues and prophecy.  Paul was so practical, and was always looking to help the church be more effective in their public meetings and daily walk.  I hope that you have the same goal in what you do.  This week I wrote:

Bear with my application of verses 14:7-8 for a moment.  Clarity is essential for effectiveness.  If you can't clearly describe who you are and what your purpose is, then no one will rally to your cause.  I have heard people describe their purpose in this manner:  "Well, it's sort of like, you know, helping people, but it's not me but Jesus who is sort of working with the people to bring them some sort of assistance."  What does that mean?  How could someone respond to that and say, "Oh, I see.  Could you please help me?"  it won't happen.

So are you clear about what you are supposed to do?  Is your organization clear?  Can you state it simply and in just a few words?  Or are you blowing a trumpet, producing an unclear sound, and wondering why things aren't happening for you?  Is your company or ministry trying to be everything to everyone?  When that happens, you lose any chance to be profitable or effective. 

Now let's return to Paul's meaning.  If you are involved in a church, are your public meetings effective?  Do people leave confused or clear?  Are they edified or bored?  Do they feel like they've heard from the Lord or are they just fulfilling their duty of going to church?

People often say to me, "I enjoyed your message."  I sometimes respond, "Thank you and then ask, "What did I say?"  I want to see if I have been clear and whether or not I connected with the listeners.  It isn't enough that people enjoyed my style, humor or delivery.  I want to know if they heard and understood me.  Otherwise I may be making an unclear sound that isn't capable of moving people in the direction that the Lord has chosen.  Does this make sense?  Are you clear?  If not, then your ability to help people using your gifts and your love for them are both hindered and ineffective.

Remember that the Bible study archives of 13 other New Testament studies can be found on my website along with The Faith Files.  You can unsubscribe by clicking on the link below (if you receive this through Feedblitz).  You can give a gift subscription by going to the site where these studies are posted every week.  And please feel free to post your own comments, insights, and questions at the same site (just click on the word at the "comments" at the bottom of this post).

Here is this week's study: Download 1_corinthians_study_11.doc

1 Corinthians Study 10

Dear Student of the Word,

I am busy for the next week, away from my hotel from morning till night.  So before it becomes impossible to do so, I had better send you this week's Bible study.  No matter how busy we are, we must make every effort to stay close to God's word.  I trust that these studies helpy you do just that.

In our study this week, Paul continued to educate the Corinthians about life and practices in a local church.  They obviously had some kind of problem around the communion rite, and then Paul moved on to a discussion of spiritual gifts.  This week I wrote:

v. 8 -- The first two gifts that Paul mentioned were wisdom and knowledge.  I have always considered knowledge to be special understanding and insight into some truth, like the grace of God, church government, administration, or prayer.  I have then considered wisdom knowing how to apply those special insights.  For example, I have knowledge about purpose, but I meet with many people to give them wisdom of how to apply the purpose principles to their lives at any specific point in time.

Furthermore, I think that knowledge is something you study to obtain and wisdom is something that you seek from God.  While the Spirit is the source of both, both require cooperation from the recipient.  Are you doing your part to be the recipient of God's spiritual gifts?  Are you using those gifts in ways that will glorify Him?

Remember that the Bible study archives of 13 other New Testament studies can be found on my website along with The Faith Files.  You can unsubscribe by clicking on the link below (if you receive this through Feedblitz).  You can give a gift subscription by going to the site where these studies are posted every week.  And please feel free to post your own comments, insights, and questions at the same site (just click on the word at the "comments" at the bottom of this post).

Here is this week's study: Download 1_corinthians_study_10.doc

1 Corinthians Study 9

Dear Student of the Word,

In a few hours, I head off to Kenya.  Before I do, I want to post this latest installment of our Corinthian study.  I have now reconstructed both studies that I lost in my recent computer crash, so from this point I will be creating new material, not re-creating old. 

In this installment, we look at the difficult subjects of eating food sacrificed to idols and women and head coverings.  Both are difficult because they are so culturally removed from what we experience today.  I have tried to do the best I could do on these topics, but I feel inadequate to address them without more understanding of the culture at the time Paul wrote.

At any rate, this week I wrote:

v. 16 -- Ah, this may be the problem that Paul was really addressing.  There were those who were being contentious about these issues and Paul wanted to bring order and peace to the church.  I am sure you can tell that I am ready to move on from this passage and these verses, for I have no insight or perspective that would be helpful to anyone at this point.  So, let's move on.

Before we do, however, I want to pray: Lord, show me where I have blind spots where Your doctrine and practices are concerned.  Show me where I have replaced Your word with my traditions and opinions.  I submit to Your word, even this passage, Lord, and ask that You show me the truth.  Give me any insight that I need and use my readers to present it to be if necessary.  Amen!

Remember that the Bible study archives of 13 other New Testament studies can be found on my website along with The Faith Files.  You can unsubscribe by clicking on the link below (if you receive this through Feedblitz).  You can give a gift subscription by going to the site where these studies are posted every week.  And please feel free to post your own comments, insights, and questions at the same site (just click on the word at the "comments" at the bottom of this post).

Here is this week's study:  Download 1_corinthians_study_9.doc

1 Corinthians Study 8

Dear Student of the Word,

You didn't receive an installment of this study last week because my computer crashed.  When it went down, I had two weeks of finished studies that were lost.  I guess there was something in those studies that the Lord didn't want you to read!  It's' also a good reminder to you to back up your work! So I have re-written them both and here is the one that you should have received last week.

As we study Corinthians, I can't help admire Paul and what he was able to accomplish!  He was so focused, and made such an impact wherever he went.  This week I wrote:

v. 26 -- There was purpose to what Paul did.  Without it, he likened himself (or anyone for that matter) to a runner who sets out and determines her own course or a boxer who just pummels the air instead of his opponent.  Both those images are ludicrous, but that was how Paul felt about anyone who did not maintain the discipline and focus necessary to do the will of God.

Are you running with purpose and boxing according to the rules?  Do you take your discipleship seriously or does your discipleship consist of attending Sunday service only?  Are you growing in wisdom and the knowledge of God?  I hope you are.  If you're not, what can you do to improve or get back on track?

Remember that the Bible study archives of 13 other New Testament studies can be found on my website along with The Faith Files.  You can unsubscribe by clicking on the link below (if you receive this through Feedblitz).  You can give a gift subscription by going to the site where these studies are posted every week.  And please feel free to post your own comments, insights, and questions at the same site (just click on the word at the "comments" at the bottom of this post).

Here is this week's study:  Download 1_corinthians_8.doc

1 Corinthians Study 7

Dear Student of the Word,

I am heading out the door to Zambia, but before I go, I want to post this latest study from Corinthians.  I hope you are enjoying these as much as I enjoy writing them!  This is a great tool to keep me in the Word every day, and I hope it is for you as well. 

This week we continue to follow Paul as he instructed his young Gentile believers in Corinth.  This week I wrote:

v. 11 -- I have often said that I can be driving and have a green light, yet strike a pedestrian who is crossing against the light.  In a sense, I am "correct" if I keep on driving for the light is green.  But if I see that person crossing, even though that person is in the wrong, I step on the brake and limit my progress to acknowledge that there is a higher principle involved.  I limit my freedom so as not to cause them harm.  I even have to apply this where doctrine is concerned, limiting at times my worship preferences at times so I can maintain my fellowship and friendship with someone who believes differently than I do.

For me the basic principle is not to assume that others believe like I do in every area.  I must be sensitive to watch and listen in order to discern cluse that will help me maintain peace with my brethren. 

v. 12  Paul wrote that when I don't do this, I sin against Jesus.  Ouch!  That is a serious charge.  When I am insensitive to my brother and wound the other person who is part of Jesus' body just like I am, then I have "missed the mark" where my relationship with Jesus is concerned.  I have sinned, even though I may not be involved in any activity that is wrong.  But someone else may think it's wrong and, if I proceed and offend them, then I have sinned against Christ.

Is there any area where you have been enjoying your freedom--food, drink speech or entertainment--that is causing someone else a problem?  Even though you aren't involved in any sinful activity, your insensitivity to that other person may in and of itself be sinful.

Remember that the Bible study archives of 13 other New Testament studies can be found on my website along with The Faith Files.  You can unsubscribe by clicking on the link below (if you receive this through Feedblitz).  You can give a gift subscription by going to the site where these studies are posted every week.  And please feel free to post your own comments, insights, and questions at the same site (just click on the word at the "comments" at the bottom of this post).

Here is this week's study:  Download 1_corinthians_study_7.doc

1 Corinthians Study 6

Dear Student of the Word,

Time once again for your dose of the Word.  Below you will find the sixth installment from our First Corinthians study.  We focus this week on Paul's need to address many practical issues in his apostolic work, issues such as marriage, sex, divorce, and food sold or served that had ties to idol worship.  It wasn't enough for Paul to teach the great truths of the faith; he also had to help people apply those truths to everyday life.

This week I wrote:

v. 19 -- I am constantly amazed at Paul's theological transformation and flexibility, given his background and training.  For example, there were men called Judaizers (believing Jews) who taught that men who were saved still had to keep the Law of Moses, including circumcision.  Paul vehemently opposed these brethren, some of whom were probably former friends and colleagues. 

Paul was adamantly opposed to anything or anyone who took away from the primacy of faith in Christ for salvation.   Thus he declared that circumcision had no meaning in the new economy of Christ.  This shows the radical change that had taken place in Paul for him to make such a statement.  There was nothing in him that was prepared to defend or maintain his past belief system.  Paul was indeed a new man in Christ; the old had passed away.

How about you?  Are you a new person, or are you still clinging to past traditinos or thought patterns that are contrary to faith and life in Jesus Christ?  Don't answer too quickly.  Ask the Lord to show you "you" and see if you measure up to the Apostle Paul where flexibility and change are concerned.  Are you more committed to Christ or your traditions?

Remember that the Bible study archives of 13 other New Testament studies can be found on my website along with The Faith Files.  You can unsubscribe by clicking on the link below (if you receive this through Feedblitz).  You can give a gift subscription by going to the site where these studies are posted every week.  And please feel free to post your own comments, insights, and questions at the same site (just click on the word at the "comments" at the bottom of this post).

Here is this week's study: Download 1_corinthians_study_6.doc

Technorati Tags: 1 Corinthians, Bible study, marriage

1 Corinthians Study 5

Dear Student of the Word,

I am so glad to be sending you this installment from Kenya.  It means that this new format and system are working, serving to reduce the time and effort it once took to send out these studies.  I hope you are enjoying our study of Paul and his efforts to educate the church in Corinth as they walked out of paganism into the kingdom of God.

Paul was writing the Corinthians, but he was also providing helpful teaching for us under the inspiration of the Spirit of God.  This week I explained how I applied something Paul taught the Corinthians to my own life:

v. 7 --In the previous study, I alluded to this decision to lose out rather than going to court against a brother.  I don't speak from inexperience here.  At one point in my life, a brother wronged me and many told me I could take legal recourse.  I chose not to do so.  I thought about the dishonor and shame that would bring to the body of Christ.  Since there was no one who could or would arbitrate, then I chose to suffer loss, trusting God to restore what was gone. (I am not saying that it is always wrong to go to court to address a grievance against a brother.)

Shortly after I made that decision, I sensed God was posing this question to me one morning in prayer. "John, do you want Me to vindicate you or would you rather have ministry opportunities?" I knew I only had only choice and I immediately knew what that choice would be.  I chose the opportunities (although the vindication was tempting!).

The next day I had the idea for the Bible study that I am writing today, ths studies I have been producing for almost five years!  I'm glad I chose to trust God and not take matters into my own hands.  Can you apply this principle any place in your own life at this point in time?  Can you trust God to fight your battles rather than take them to secular agencies?

Remember that the Bible study archives of 13 other New Testament studies can be found on my website along with The Faith Files.  You can unsubscribe by clicking on the link below (if you receive this through Feedblitz).  You can give a gift subscription by going to the site where these studies are posted every week.  And please feel free to post your own comments, insights, and questions at the same site (just click on the word at the "comments" at the bottom of this post).

Here is this week's study: Download 1_corinthians_study_5.doc

Technorati Tags: 1 Corinthians, Bible study, Christians suing Christians