Through The Bible - Tamil - 49 (1 Corinthians - 1) by Zac Poonen
Summary
The speaker discusses the importance of a local Church of God, which should be a visible light within its city. He emphasizes that when correcting others, one must first appreciate the good things present—the 'Blackboard'—before addressing faults to ensure the correction is received well. The message also touches on the proper structure for church guidance, noting the New Testament pattern involving apostles planting churches and guiding elders.
Outline
The message in plain words, in the order it unfolds. Select a time to jump the video to that moment.
The local Church of God in CorinthGod wants local church witnesses in every city, acting as a lampstand, just as He placed a local church in Corinth.1 Corinthians 1:2
Starting with appreciation before correctionWhen correcting others, we should follow Paul's and Jesus's example by first appreciating any small bit of good, acting as a Blackboard for our words.
Addressing divisions and the New Testament pattern of elders and apostlesPaul moves to exhort the church against quarrels and divisions, highlighting the New Testament pattern where apostles act as fathers to the churches and elders.
Spiritual divisions and refusing human followersPaul condemns the carnal divisions where people claimed loyalty to specific leaders like Paul or Apollos, refusing to let anyone follow him instead of Christ.
Preaching the word of the cross without clevernessPaul states his primary calling was to preach the gospel rather than baptize, doing so without human cleverness of speech so faith rests on God's power.
God chooses the weak so no one can boastGod calls the foolish, weak, and despised people of the world rather than many wise or noble ones, ensuring that all boasting is in the Lord.
God reveals deep things through the Holy SpiritThe natural man cannot understand the deep things God has prepared, but God reveals them to us through His Spirit.Isaiah 64:4
Jealousy and strife prove spiritual infancyPaul explains that the Corinthians are still babes who can only drink milk because jealousy and strife remain active among them.
Testing our work with fireEvery person's ministry and work will be tested by fire, revealing whether they built with gold and precious stones or shallow wood, hay, and stubble.
The humble suffering of true apostlesWhile worldly believers sought status and royalty, the true apostles endured hunger, thirst, rough treatment, and being regarded as the rubbish of the world.
Do not judge before the Lord comesPaul advises believers to stop judging others before the time, because human beings lack all the facts until the Lord Himself brings light to hidden things.
Teachers versus fathers in the kingdom of GodPaul distinguishes between having ten thousand teachers who work for a salary and a spiritual father who cares for his children without selfish motives.
