Snoopy Considers 1 Corinthians

[Jaebius]

Ya --he is certainly Chastising their Unrighteous Behaviour with harsh words ----and he is Rightly exercising his Righteous Judgment to bring the Church back to acting and behaving Rightly in accordance to God's will -----

So many Christians will say we are not to Judge ---but we are to rightly Judge a Brother or Sister in Christ when we see them going astray with wrong behaviour ---Jesus did it with the Pharisees many times --calling them vipers ----hypocrites ---acting whitewashed on the outside but being filthy on the inside --and Paul is certainly doing it with the Corinthian Church ----

We True Christians are Not to Judge the people of this world -----as they are acting rightly to their worldly standards of worldly living ---

Let's balance righteous judgement within the Church with the love that Jesus demonstrated. It must come from a place of humility. Remember, Jesus showed compassion to those who were straying.

As for judging those outside the church, I agree we must understand that they operate under different standards. Our role is to be a light, showing them the way to God's transformative power

 

[unsafe]

Is Paul talking about Christian brothers and sisters holding each other accountable here?

AI

yes, Christian brothers (and sisters) should hold each other accountable, as the Bible encourages believers to "spur one another on to love and good deeds" and to gently confront each other when necessary to help them grow spiritually and live righteously; this is often cited as a demonstration of love and concern within the community.

As Christians, our ultimate goal is to be continuously sanctified by the Holy Spirit and become more like Jesus Christ. Holding each other accountable helps us to grow in holiness and become more like Him in our thoughts, actions, and words

Galatians 6:1 AMPC B​

6 Brethren, if any person is overtaken in misconduct or sin of any sort, you who are spiritual [who are responsive to and controlled by the Spirit] should set him right and restore and reinstate him, without any sense of superiority and with all gentleness, keeping an attentive eye on yourself, lest you should be tempted also.

 

[Jaebius]

Corinth had more slaves than any city in ancient Greece. In his book, "Greek Homosexuality," K. J. Dover argues that the Greek terms used in 1Cirinthian 6:9 refer to the regular rape of coerced slave call boys owned by their wealthy Greek masters.

The Greek world had social and economic systems different from our own. The horrors of slavery and the exploitation of individuals are reminders of humanity's capacity for cruelty.

Let's approach texts like 6:9 with a heart for compassion. The broader message of the Good News is one of love.

We Christians must advocate for the vulnerable. This commitment includes working towards a future where injustices are no longer tolerated

 

[Jaebius]

Were there mostly gentiles in the Corinth church? Possibly not understanding the Jewish customs and history right away? Or the why of things?

Yes Waterfall, in 1 Corinthians, Paul addresses an audience primarily consisting of Gentiles. Corinth was a diverse city known for its blend of cultures. Most converts were unfamiliar with Jewish customs, which makes sense given their varied backgrounds. Paul often had to contextualize Jewish teachings, explaining them in ways that Gentile believers could relate to.

There were also some Jewish converts in the Corinthian church, as Paul himself was a Jew and initially preached in the synagogues

 

[Waterfall]

@Jae this was seen in the Ephesian church as well.
How easy would it be for Gentiles to assimilate to Christianity as taught by the Jewish back then? The gentiles were probably thought of as needing saving judging from the Christian/Jews presumed superiority.
How easy was it for the indigenous to accept Christianity from the Europeans within our own experience today?
Judging others by our own moralities, I'm sure according to some civilizations that have formed within their own culture, must think " the others" are heathens unless they change their "wicked" ways.

 

[paradox3]

1 Corinthians 7: 1-16

Bible Gateway passage: 1 Corinthians 7:1-16 - New English Translation

Celibacy and Marriage - Now with regard to the issues you wrote about: “It is good for a man not to have sexual relations with a woman.” But because of immoralities, each man should have relations with his own wife and each woman with her own husband. A husband should fulfill his marital...

www.biblegateway.com

Today's passage includes the well-known line, For it is better to marry than to burn with sexual desire.

It is preferable for widows and the unmarried to remain that way, but they can get married if they lack self-control.

Married men and women are to meet each other's needs. But they can abstain by mutual agreement for a specified period to devote themselves to prayer.

The Lord's command is that married people should not divorce. However, no one is bound to an unbeliever. If an unbeliever wants a divorce, let it take place.

If they are happy to live together, the believing spouse will sanctify the unbeliever. And the children will be holy.

 

[paradox3]

Snoopy's Snappy Question: 1 Corinthians 7: 1-16

What about interfaith marriage? Would Paul have called the non-Christian partner an unbeliever?

 

[Jaebius]

1 Corinthians 7: 1-16

Bible Gateway passage: 1 Corinthians 7:1-16 - New English Translation

Celibacy and Marriage - Now with regard to the issues you wrote about: “It is good for a man not to have sexual relations with a woman.” But because of immoralities, each man should have relations with his own wife and each woman with her own husband. A husband should fulfill his marital...

www.biblegateway.com

Today's passage includes the well-known line, For it is better to marry than to burn with sexual desire.

It is preferable for widows and the unmarried to remain that way, but they can get married if they lack self-control.

Married men and women are to meet each other's needs. But they can abstain by mutual agreement for a specified period to devote themselves to prayer.

The Lord's command is that married people should not divorce. However, no one is bound to an unbeliever. If an unbeliever wants a divorce, let it take place.

If they are happy to live together, the believing spouse will sanctify the unbeliever. And the children will be holy.

Paul's advice here speaks volumes about respecting individual choices. He recognizes that most of us are not wired for singleness and that it's perfectly okay. His message emphasizes that marriage is a beautiful way to express love.

The emphasis on mutual respect and support within marriage rings true. Paul encourages married couples to fulfill each other's needs. It's a reminder that marriage is a partnership, grounded in love, with both partners working together to support each other.

The passage also addresses the complex issue of divorce

 

[Jaebius]

Snoopy's Snappy Question: 1 Corinthians 7: 1-16

What about interfaith marriage? Would Paul have called the non-Christian partner an unbeliever?

Within 7:1-16, Paul provides guidance on maintaining mixed marriages, highlighting the potential for a believing spouse to positively influence their unbelieving partner.

Paul's approach is one of hope. He emphasizes that the believing spouse sanctifies the marriage and their children, indicating that the presence of faith within the union will have a big impact. It’s a message of grace.

In modern times, interfaith marriages continue to be a topic of discussion within the church. We Presbyterians uphold the importance of love. Differences in faith offer chances for growth

 

[paradox3]

That's great @Jae but you didn't answer the question about Paul's view of non-Christians in marriage.

I wonder if such indiduals were people of no faith or people of other faiths.

 

[unsafe]

Chapter 7 is all about Marriage and being Single --and having sexual relations

So we see that the Corinthian Church wrote Paul asking some Questions ---

So we see in the first line that it is not OK for a single man to have sexual relations before he is married in God's eyes ----as it can tempt one into impurity and immorality -----

The AMPC B states it plainly ----
7 It is well [and by that I mean advantageous, expedient, profitable, and wholesome] for a man not to touch a woman [to cohabit with her] but to remain unmarried.

So Paul says it is better for the man to have a wife and a woman to have a husband and each should give conjugal rights to each other ----treat each other with kindness and respect in all areas of their marriage relationship ---

Paul says that neither the husband or the wife has authority or complete control over their own bodies ---the husband has his rights and the wife has her rights and each are not to refuse or defraud each other of their due martial rights except by mutual agreement for a time of Fasting and Prayer ---afterwards return to your martial relations so that Satan doesn't tempt you into sexual sin because of your lack of self control in your sexual desires ----

We saw this in Chapter 6 where some Corinthian Church members though it was fine to hire prostitutes --

Satan's Strategy when it comes to sex in the marriage is to do what he can to
encourage sex outside the marriage and discourage sex within the marriage ===Satan very much dislikes Christ centered Families and will do whatever he can to cause conflict and disunity in the Family ---

We have to know our Enemy and how he works as you are fighting a Spiritual War ---not flesh and blood -----

From google
People also ask---

Why is Satan targeting the family?
Satan wants to direct the family's attention away from Christ
When there is chaos and confusion in the family then people are busy fighting battles, of adultery, insubordination, disrespect, etc., and cannot find the time to give God their complete attention.

Paul says it is Ok for true Christians to be single but you need self control over your sexual desires and if you don't have it --you should marry ----

Paul says in the next section which is about divorce ------

That the Lord not him gives charge that a wife should not leave her husband but if she does she is to remain single --unless she goes back to her husband ----and a man should not leave or divorce his wife

Verse 12 is interesting here because Paul says this ---this is what--- I declare ----not the Lord Jesus -- I believe he is inspired by the Holy Spirit to declare this ---

12 To the rest I declare—I, not the Lord [for Jesus did not discuss this]—that if any brother has a wife who does not believe [in Christ] and she consents to live with him, he should not leave or divorce her.

In Matthew 19 Jesus did discusses that the Man and Woman become one under marriage and therefore should not separate ----

Paul says if a believing woman has an unbelieving husband and he consents to remain with her she should not leave or divorce him ---- as the husband is set apart and concreted by the believing wife --and the same goes for the Believing Husband and the unbelieving wife-

Does this mean the unbelieving Spouse is saved ---No ---for a believing spouse can't save their unbelieving spouse ----they have to receive Jesus through faith the same as everyone does to be saved ---

So what it does mean is that because of the Christ like Attitude and Character and behaviour change in the believing Spouse ---that this witnessing could bring the unbelieving Spouse to want to be saved ------

Paul says --but if the unbelieving spouse wants to leave then it is Ok for him to do so --and the sister or brother is not morally responsible and God gives us peace in that ----

 

[paradox3]

Anyone here have an unbelieving spouse? How do you react to Paul's theology?

 

[unsafe]

Anyone here have an unbelieving spouse? How do you react to Paul's theology?

paradox3----- can you give the part of the scripture that your not understanding ----or expand on what you want Clarification on about the unbelieving spouse ---it might make it easier to answer your question ----is it all his theology on the believing and unbelieving spouse or a certain part of his theology 0n-it--------I am just a bit confused on what your question is on it ---

Is it about leaving or staying or the unbelieving spouse being concreted by the believing spouse ????

 

[paradox3]

Thanks for asking @unsafe. The confusing part of the passage for me is the sanctification of the unbelieving spouse and the offspring being made holy.

Does this mean the believing spouse brings the unbeliever to Christ? Is Paul talking about a conversion experience or something else?

 

[Mystic]

That's great @Jae but you didn't answer the question about Paul's view of non-Christians in marriage.

I wonder if such indiduals were people of no faith or people of other faiths.

Paul prohibits marriage between a Christian and an non-Christian:

"Do not be mismatched with unbelievers; for what partnership is there between righteouwness and lawlessness? Or what fellowship is there between light and darkness (2 Corinthians 5:14)?"

But in the mass conversions at Corinth, there are cases where only one spouse is converted. In that case, Jesus' prohibition against seeking divorce applies (7:10). But if the unbelieving spouse takes the initiative for a divorce, the believer "is not bound" to remain in the marriage:

"But if the unbelieving partner separates, let it be so; in such a case the brother or sister is not bound. It is to peace that God has called you."
The believer is then free to divorce and remarry. This teaching is consistent with Jesus' exceptive clause which allows the believer to divorce and remarry in the case of adultery (Matthew 19:9)."

 

[unsafe]

Does this mean the believing spouse brings the unbeliever to Christ? Is Paul talking about a conversion experience or something else?

Does this mean the unbelieving Spouse is saved ---No ---for a believing spouse can't save their unbelieving spouse ----they have to receive Jesus through faith the same as everyone does to be saved ---

So what it does mean is that because of the Christ like Attitude and Character and behaviour change in the believing Spouse ---that this witnessing could bring the unbelieving Spouse to want to be saved

--Children will be saved the same way everyone is --receiving Jesus -----when they are able to make that choice

BUT -----I believe in the Age of accountability ---many Christians don't--- but I do ---

This is about Jesus coming here ----and what I believe is giving a Grace period to Children who have no Spiritual knowledge about good and evil -----Kids know right from wrong but they do not know the Spiritual concept of it and God through His Love and Grace gives them time to learn this ---

Isaiah 7 NIV​

The Sign of Immanuel​

13 Then Isaiah said, “Hear now, you house of David! Is it not enough to try the patience of humans? Will you try the patience of my God also?

14 Therefore the Lord himself will give youa sign: The virgin will call him Immanuel

15 He will be eating curds and honey when he knows enough to reject the wrong and choose the right,

16 for before the boy knows enough to reject the wrong and choose the right, the land of the two kings you dread will be laid waste.

17 The Lord will bring on you and on your people and on the house of your father a time unlike any since Ephraim broke away from Judah—he will bring the king of Assyria.”


Also in Deuteronomy 1---if you read it ----God is angry with the Israelites and says he will give the land to their innocent children who do not yet know Spiritually good from evil -----that is that God will make them accountable for their bad actions

37 Because of you the Lord became angry with me also and said, “You shall not enter it, either.

38 But your assistant, Joshua son of Nun, will enter it. Encourage him, because he will lead Israel to inherit it.

39 And the little ones that you said would be taken captive, your children who do not yet know good from bad—they will enter the land. I will give it to them and they will take possession of it.

 

[paradox3]

@Mystic Oh I see. These marriages discussed in today's text were initially between two unbelievers? And one of the spouses later converted?

Then Paul provided guidance for these situations?

 

[paradox3]

@unsafe
So you are talking about the believing spouse witnessing to the unbeliever?

 

[unsafe]

So you are talking about the believing spouse witnessing to the unbeliever?

Yes the believer by and through their righteous conduct can have an impact on the unbelieving spouse and by and through that the Spouse will want to be saved as well -----

No priest --and no other person can ever save you -----even people thinking that God is a loving God and so his love by itself will save you in the end ---is deception ----only receiving Jesus can save you ---

God's light shines through believers in their righteous actions and attitude ----

also witnessing how one came to Christ is very powerful and can have an impact on another person ---I myself telling my Aunt who was an atheist how I came to Christ ---changed her to be a believer -----

 

[Jaebius]

That's great @Jae but you didn't answer the question about Paul's view of non-Christians in marriage.

I wonder if such indiduals were people of no faith or people of other faiths.

Believe that Paul places people into only two categories: believers (Christians), and non-believers (everyone else). His concern is the potential for harmony and sanctification within marriages. The overall message is one of grace and hope, showing that God's love can work in even the most unexpected places