Immersion Bible Studies: 1 & 2 Corinthians
()
About this ebook
Immersion, inspired by a fresh translation--the Common English Bible--stands firmly on Scripture and helps readers explore the emotional, spiritual, and intellectual needs of their personal faith. More importantly, they’ll be able to discover God’s revelation through readings and reflections.
Rev. James L. Evans
James L. Evans has been pastor of Auburn First Baptist Church in Auburn, Alabama since 2004. Prior to moving to Auburn Jim served other Alabama churches in Atmore, Selma, Montevallo, and most recently Crosscreek Baptist in Pelham. A 1970 graduate of W.S. Neal High School in East Brewton, Alabama, Jim received a BA in Religion and History from the University of Mobile, the Master of Divinity from Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary in Wake Forest, and the Doctor of Ministry from Beeson Divinity School in Birmingham. Jim has many varied interests and involvements. He has served on the Board of Regents at the University of Mobile and was the founding president of the Interfaith Alliance of Alabama. For six years he wrote a weekly religion column for the Birmingham Post-Herald called Faith Matters. Since the Post-Herald folded, Jim s column now appears regularly in the Decatur Daily, the Anniston Star, the Montgomery Advertiser, the Blount Countian, the
Related to Immersion Bible Studies
Related ebooks
The Triune God Speaks to the Saints: An Expository Commentary Based upon Paul’s Letter to the Ephesians Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsRoadmap to Renewal: Rediscovering the Church’s Mission—Revised Edition with Study Guide Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsNeither Jew Nor Gentile Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsThe Parables of Jesus: What Do They Mean? Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsiParent: Parenting Prodigals and Children in the 21st Century Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsGod's Plumb Line: Aligning Our Hearts with the Heart of God Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsGrace Now Devotional: A 90 Day Devotional Journey with the Holy Spirit Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsThe Mission of God Study Bible: On Mission. With God. Wherever You Are. Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsDivided We Stand: How to Love When We Disagree Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsWalking as Mature Christians: An Expository Commentary Based upon Paul’s Letter to the Ephesians Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsHIS Story: Get to Know Jesus Like You've Never Known Him Before Rating: 2 out of 5 stars2/5The Visible Shape of Christ's Life in Us: Meditations on The Fruit of the Spirit Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsDay by Day with Hebrews Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsCreated for God's Glory: The Women of God's Word Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsThe Bible’s Hidden Treasure: James: the Precious Pearl Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsExperience the Book of Acts Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsSeeing God as a Perfect Father Bible Study Guide plus Streaming Video: and Seeing You as Loved, Pursued, and Secure Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsPsalm 118 Fulfilled Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsNeeding Isaiah's God in Troubled Times: Reflections on Twelve of Isaiah's Words Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsDarkness Visible: A Study of Isaiah 14:3–23 as Christian Scripture Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsPhilippians and Philemon: Belief: A Theological Commentary on the Bible Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5The Open Bible: The Gospel of Matthew: Chapter 21 Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsHearts in Healing: A Devotional Journey from Battling Trials to Realizing Blessings Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsConverge Bible Studies: Sharing the Gospel Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsGenesis to Revelation: 1-2 Corinthians, Galatians, Ephesians Leader Guide: A Comprehensive Verse-by-Verse Exploration of the Bible Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsRose Guide to the Gospels: Side-by-Side Charts and Overviews Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5Abingdon New Testament Commentaries: Colossians Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5Game Plan: Develop a Spiritually Winning Strategy for Adults and Teens in Today's Culture Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsThe Church God Blesses Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5
Christianity For You
The Four Loves Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Boundaries Updated and Expanded Edition: When to Say Yes, How to Say No To Take Control of Your Life Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Mere Christianity Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5The 5 Love Languages: The Secret to Love that Lasts Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Decluttering at the Speed of Life: Winning Your Never-Ending Battle with Stuff Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Good Boundaries and Goodbyes: Loving Others Without Losing the Best of Who You Are Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5The Screwtape Letters Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Winning the War in Your Mind: Change Your Thinking, Change Your Life Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5The Purpose Driven Life: What on Earth Am I Here For? Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5The Book of Enoch Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Present Over Perfect: Leaving Behind Frantic for a Simpler, More Soulful Way of Living Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5The Stories We Tell: Every Piece of Your Story Matters Rating: 3 out of 5 stars3/5Your Brain's Not Broken: Strategies for Navigating Your Emotions and Life with ADHD Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5I'll Start Again Monday: Break the Cycle of Unhealthy Eating Habits with Lasting Spiritual Satisfaction Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Changes That Heal: Four Practical Steps to a Happier, Healthier You Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Law of Connection: Lesson 10 from The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Uninvited: Living Loved When You Feel Less Than, Left Out, and Lonely Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Wild at Heart Expanded Edition: Discovering the Secret of a Man's Soul Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Anxious for Nothing: Finding Calm in a Chaotic World Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Boundaries Workbook: When to Say Yes, How to Say No to Take Control of Your Life Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5A Grief Observed Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5NIV, Holy Bible Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Unoffendable: How Just One Change Can Make All of Life Better (updated with two new chapters) Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5The Bible Recap: A One-Year Guide to Reading and Understanding the Entire Bible Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5How to Lead When You're Not in Charge: Leveraging Influence When You Lack Authority Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership: Follow Them and People Will Follow You Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5The Story: The Bible as One Continuing Story of God and His People Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Girl, Wash Your Face: Stop Believing the Lies About Who You Are so You Can Become Who You Were Meant to Be Rating: 3 out of 5 stars3/5
Reviews for Immersion Bible Studies
0 ratings0 reviews
Book preview
Immersion Bible Studies - Rev. James L. Evans
1 & 2 CORINTHIANS
Praise for IMMERSION
IMMERSION BIBLE STUDIES is a powerful tool in helping readers to hear God speak through Scripture and to experience a deeper faith as a result.
Adam Hamilton, author of 24 Hours That Changed the World
This unique Bible study makes Scripture come alive for students. Through the study, students are invited to move beyond the head into the heart of faith.
Bishop Joseph W. Walker, author of Love and Intimacy
If you're looking for a deeper knowledge and understanding of God's Word, you must dive into IMMERSION BIBLE STUDIES ! Whether in a group setting or as an individual, you will experience God and his unconditional love for each of us in a whole new way.
Pete Wilson, founding and senior pastor of Cross Point Church
This beautiful series helps readers become fluent in the words and thoughts of God, for purposes of illumination, strength building, and developing a closer walk with the One who loves us so.
Laurie Beth Jones, author of Jesus, CEO and The Path
I highly commend to you IMMERSION BIBLE STUDIES , which tells us what the Bible teaches and how to apply it personally.
John Ed Mathison, author of Treasures of the Transformed Life
The IMMERSION BIBLE STUDIES series is no less than a game changer. It ignites the purpose and power of Scripture by showing us how to do more than just know God or love God; it gives us the tools to love like God as well.
Shane Stanford, author of You Can't Do Everything . . . So Do Something
Image21 & 2 CORINTHIANS
IMMERSION BIBLE STUDIES
by James L. Evans
Copyright © 2011 by Abingdon Press
All rights reserved.
No part of this work may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying and recording, or by any information storage or retrieval system, except as may be expressly permitted by the 1976 Copyright Act or in writing from the publisher. Requests for permission should be addressed in writing to Permissions Office, 201 Eighth Avenue, South, P. O. Box 801, Nashville, Tennessee 37202-0801, faxed to 615-749-6128, or e-mailed to permissions@abingdonpress.com.
Scripture quotations in this publication, unless otherwise indicated, are from the Common English Bible, © Copyright 2010 by Common English Bible, and are used by permission.
Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data
Evans, James L., 1952–
1 and 2 Corinthians / James L. Evans.
p. cm. — (Immersion Bible studies)
ISBN 978-1-4267-0987-6(curriculum—printed/text plus-cover, adhesive-perfect binding : alk. paper)
1. Bible. N.T. Corinthians—Textbooks. I. Title.
BS2675.55.E93 2011
227'.2007—dc22
2011010752
Editor: Stan Purdum
Leader Guide Writer: Stan Purdum
11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20––10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1
Manufactured in the United States of America
cContents
IMMERSION BIBLE STUDIES
1. Partnership in the Wisdom of God
2. Where the World Stops and the Church Begins
3. The Gifts of the Spirit
4. Hope Really Does Float
5. When a Tough but Truthful Word Is Needed
6. Mending Our Relationships
Leader Guide
REVIEW TEAM
cIMMERSION BIBLE STUDIES
A fresh new look at the Bible, from beginning to end,
and what it means in your life.
Welcome to IMMERSION!
We've asked some of the leading Bible scholars, teachers, and pastors to help us with a new kind of Bible study. IMMERSION remains true to Scripture but always asks, Where are you in your life? What do you struggle with? What makes you rejoice?
Then it helps you read the Scriptures to discover their deep, abiding truths. IMMERSION is about God and God's Word, and it is also about you––not just your thoughts, but your feelings and your faith.
In each study you will prayerfully read the Scripture and reflect on it.
Then you will engage it in three ways:
Claim Your Story
Through stories and questions, think about your life, with its struggles and joys.
Enter the Bible Story
Explore Scripture and consider what God is saying to you.
Live the Story
Reflect on what you have discovered, and put it into practice in your life.
IMMERSION makes use of an exciting new translation of Scripture, the Common English Bible (CEB). The CEB and IMMERSION BIBLE STUDIES will offer adults:
the emotional expectation to find the love of God
the rational expectation to find the knowledge of God
reliable, genuine, and credible power to transform lives
clarity of language
Whether you are using the Common English Bible or another translation, IMMERSION BIBLE STUDIES will offer a refreshing plunge into God's Word, your life, and your life with God.
c1.
Partnership in the Wisdom of God
1 Corinthians 1–4
Claim Your Story
Who tells you who you are?
The question was posed by a visiting preacher during a chapel service my freshman year in college. He went on to say, "Initially, it is your family that tells you who you are: son, daughter, brother, sister. Then you start school, and that institution enters your world: first-grader, second-grader, high-school graduate. The region of the world where you grow up also tells you who you are: Southerner, Easterner, Westerner, or American. Culture also chimes in: baby-boomer, middle-class, white-collar, blue-collar. Then you get a job or go into the military, and they tell you who you are.
Then one day you join the church; and from that moment on, everything that you have been told about who you are becomes subject to a new authority. Everything we think about ourselves or know about who we are must be held up to the light of our new relationship in Christ. Ultimately, as followers of Jesus, if Jesus is in fact the center of our lives as he should be, it's the Lord who tells us who we are.
So, there are many voices telling you who you are; but which one are you listening to when claiming your identity?
Enter the Bible Story
Introduction
The 2000 film Remember the Titans tells the story of the members of a football team struggling with the new reality of desegregation in their school. In an effort to deal with the challenges the young men on the team and people in the community are facing, the local school board hires Herman Boone, an African American, as head coach. Coach Boone works his players hard, not only to be good players individually but also to be true team players. The coach understands that unless there is unity on the team there will never be success on the field.
The apostle Paul, while never playing football, certainly understood the importance of unity. Our effectiveness as followers of Jesus is seriously hindered if we lack unity of purpose and identity. If anything of substance is going to be accomplished by the church, we must act together.
Paul also knew the danger of factions. Dividing ourselves up among competing loyalties, whether they be racial as it was for the Titans, or theological and sociological as it was for Paul's friends in Corinth, divisions mean defeat for the church. Paul's correspondence to the church in Corinth was his effort to bring unity and peace to a congregation