We have not received the spirit of the world but the Spirit who is from God, that we may understand what God has freely given us. I Corinthians 2:12 (Acts 18:12-19:22, I Corinthians 1-3)
The church in Corinth was established during Paul’s second missionary journey. This bustling city was one of the largest, richest and most important in all the Roman Empire. Here East met West with all the vices and pagan worship practices you can imagine. There were no Christian churches built until after the persecution, so believers met as small groups in homes and places of business throughout the city, all under individual leadership. They began to compete and develop conflicting understandings, theologies and liturgies. As Paul is traveling through Galatia and Phrygia on his third missionary endeavor, he became concerned for those who were previously converted. While Paul was in Ephesus, Timothy brought a least one letter from the church in Corinth, but it has been lost. What we title I Corinthians is actually Paul’s first response to their proposed questions regarding marriage, singleness, food sacrifices, idols, spiritual gifts, contributions and fellowship with pagans.
Satan’s method of operation is divide and conquer. This was evident in the rival cliques that arose among believers in this young church. They were confused by the baptism of John verses that of Jesus, and differing leadership such as Paul, Apollo and Peter. Mixed with pride and the arrogance of Greek philosophy, it is easy to understand the struggle facing Paul as he wrote to straighten things out. This was a sign of spiritual infancy and he calls this people to ‘Grow up!’ and demand maturity of themselves.
Paul begins my defining what they had in common; the Spirit of God. The world has many spirits, all leading to wickedness, self satisfaction, gratification and personal agenda, but the Spirit of the One True Living God, freely given, creates in us one mind and heart. There is simply no room for divisiveness when seeking to please God rather than man.
Have a Terrific Tuesday,
Gretchen