Paul’s Take on Problem Solving

1 CORINTHIANS 1:1-17

(August 4)

I am a problem solver. I love the challenge of finding the solution and making things go smoother. Am I always successful? NOPE! But I do my best.

Sometimes the problems are ministry/work related. Other times, they may be financial, medical, or schedule oriented. But the ones that I take the most seriously are the family problems ... problems with relationships that are important to me. That is where I really try to put my thinking cap on and find a solution.

As we begin the book of 1 Corinthians, it is good to understand that this is often known as the "problem book". Why? Because Paul is observing the problems that are going on in the wicked city of Corinth and he sees the struggles the congregation is facing ... hero worship, division, immoral behavior, legal issues, marriage struggles, questionable activities, and keeping a tight rein on spiritual gifts.

Paul wrote this book while he was visiting Ephesus during his third missionary journey. During his second missionary journey, he had spent 18 months in Corinth.

While in Ephesus, which faced Corinth across the Aegean Sea, he heard about the problems that were taking place in Corinth. It was about this time that a delegation from the church in Corinth came to ask him for guidance and help solving their conflicts. Paul wrote this letter to give them some guidance.

He writes to them, greeting them warmly and reaffirming that all his thoughts of their possessing great spiritual gifts. He assures them that Christ will be their strength so that they can remain blameless in the sight of God.

He begs them to live together in harmony, without any division in the beloved church. He reminds them that he has heard of their quarrels and division, and that some were saying they followed others, instead of Christ. (Using such names as Peter, Apollos, or even Paul, himself).

Paul reminds them that neither he, nor any of those other names, were the ones who suffered crucifixion for them. That was Jesus. He also expressed his thankfulness that he hadn't baptized many people, so that no one could say they were baptized in his name. There is only one name under which we should be baptized. That is Jesus.

Paul is simply called to preach the Good News. That is what he has been doing throughout his three missionary journeys, and throughout all his days since his conversion. That is what he will continue to do as long as he can. He is standing strong in his faith. And he is urging these believers in Corinth to do the same. Only in this way, will their struggles, their problems, be solved.

How about you? How do you solve your problems? Do you tend to lean on your own understanding, or do you seek God for guidance?

Do you stand strong in your faith in Christ, following him and only him, or are you lulled in by the "wannabees" of the world ... the "preachers & teachers" who are seeking fame and notoriety by using the word of God? Be careful. They are everywhere.

But the good thing is ... so is God!