1 Corinthians 5:1–13: Cleansing the Church
Church discipline is critical to preserve and protect the holiness of Christ’s church. Thus, the Lord Jesus commands excommunication to sanctify his church and to save unrepentant sinners. (Exposition of 1 Corinthians 5:1–13)
Why Do We Need Creeds, Confessions, and Catechisms?
If we have the Bible, why do we need creeds, confessions, and catechisms? Here are nine reasons why we need confessional statements that bring us back to the Bible, not beyond it.
Becoming What You Are vs Remaining What You Were (1 Corinthians 5:6–8)
In 1 Corinthians 5:6–8, the Apostle Paul exhorts the church toward holiness. By becoming what we are in Christ, we pursue our holy calling. But, by remaining what we were, we presume on our holy identity.
Who is Responsible for Church Discipline? (1 Corinthians 5:1–5)
Church discipline is painful and messy. Even the very lowest levels of church discipline are agonizing, when we admonish someone we notice to be sinning. The pain of church discipline only ratchets up, though, as we approach the ultimate censure of the church:...
The Better Promises of the New Covenant to the Children of Believers
God made promises to the children of believers under the old covenant, what about in the new covenant? In fact, God makes even better promises to the children of believers under the new covenant than in the old.
True Pastors are Fathers, Teachers, and Rulers (1 Corinthians 4:14–21)
In 1 Corinthians 4, Paul ruses a wide range of images to depict the nature of true pastors. In 1 Corinthians 4:14–21, he describes true pastors as compassionate fathers, consistent teachers, and committed rulers.
1 Corinthians 3:18–4:21: True Christian Ministry
What is the nature of true Christian ministry? How should pastors relate to congregations, and vice versa? King Jesus appoints ministers to administer the rule of his reign in his church (Exposition of 1 Corinthians 3:18–4:21)
Living Now in Christ’s Already/Not Yet Kingdom (1 Corinthians 4:8–13)
The kingdom of Christ has already come, but it has not yet come in its fullness. How do we pursue satisfaction, riches, and the reign of his kingdom now, in the tension between the already and the not yet?
Is God Sovereign Over My Salvation? (Discipleship Training)
Discipleship Training #4: Is God actually sovereign over the salvation of people? Does he predestine some to life, and foreordain others to condemnation? Here is what the Bible teaches on this “high mystery.”
Learning Not to Go Beyond What is Written (1 Corinthians 4:6)
Why do we get bored with the Bible? Why do we find ourselves restless for something beyond the gospel of Jesus Christ? Why does God warn us not to go beyond what is written? How do we learn to be satisfied with the Scriptures?
What Do I Covet?
God forbids covetousness because covetousness is idolatry. But, how do we figure out what it is that we covet? This article will help you answer the question, “What do I covet?”
What Kind of Authority Do Pastors Have? (1 Corinthians 4:1)
What kind of authority do pastors have? Pastors are servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God. That is, pastors are men under authority with a charge to administer Christ’s authority by dispensing his Word.