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II. Disorders in the Corinthian Community
A. Divisions in the Church
Groups and Slogans. I urge you, brothers, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree in what you say, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be united in the same mind and in the same purpose.
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For since in the wisdom of God the world did not come to know God through wisdom, it was the will of God through the foolishness of the proclamation to save those who have faith.
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Chapter 2
When I came to you, brothers, proclaiming the mystery of God, I did not come with sublimity of words or of wisdom.
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the work of each will come to light, for the Day will disclose it. It will be revealed with fire, and the fire [itself] will test the quality of each one’s work.
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Therefore, do not make any judgment before the appointed time, until the Lord comes, for he will bring to light what is hidden in darkness and will manifest the motives of our hearts, and then everyone will receive praise from God. Paul’s Life as Pattern.
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Some have become inflated with pride, as if I were not coming to you.
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But I will come to you soon, if the Lord is willing, and I shall ascertain not the talk of these inflated people but their power.
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Which do you prefer? Shall I come to you with a rod, or with love and a gentle spirit?
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I, for my part, although absent in body but present in spirit, have already, as if present, pronounced judgment on the one who has committed this deed,
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Avoid immorality. Every other sin a person commits is outside the body, but the immoral person sins against his own body.
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This I say by way of concession, however, not as a command.
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Circumcision means nothing, and uncircumcision means nothing; what matters is keeping God’s commandments.
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Advice to Virgins and Widows. Now in regard to virgins I have no commandment from the Lord, but I give my opinion as one who by the Lord’s mercy is trustworthy.
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If anyone thinks he is behaving improperly toward his virgin, and if a critical moment has come and so it has to be, let him do as he wishes. He is committing no sin; let them get married.
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The one who stands firm in his resolve, however, who is not under compulsion but has power over his own will, and has made up his mind to keep his virgin, will be doing well.
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These things happened to them as an example, and they have been written down as a warning to us, upon whom the end of the ages has come.
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No trial has come to you but what is human. God is faithful and will not let you be tried beyond your strength; but with the trial he will also provide a way out, so that you may be able to bear it. Warning Against Idolatry.
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For man did not come from woman, but woman from man;
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For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the death of the Lord until he comes.
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Therefore, my brothers, when you come together to eat, wait for one another.
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If anyone is hungry, he should eat at home, so that your meetings may not result in judgment. The other matters I shall set in order when I come.
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And if I have the gift of prophecy and comprehend all mysteries and all knowledge; if I have all faith so as to move mountains but do not have love, I am nothing.
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but when the perfect comes, the partial will pass away.
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Now, brothers, if I should come to you speaking in tongues, what good will I do you if I do not speak to you by way of revelation, or knowledge, or prophecy, or instruction?
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So if the whole church meets in one place and everyone speaks in tongues, and then uninstructed people or unbelievers should come in, will they not say that you are out of your minds?