Evening Bible Study- (1 Corinthians 11:31-34-12:6- Matthew 18:1-11)
1 Corinthians 11:31-34
"Unity at the Eucharist"
For if we would judge ourselves, we would not be judged. 32 But when we are judged, we are chastened by the Lord, that we may not be condemned with the world.
33 Therefore, my brethren, when you come together to eat, wait for one another. 34 But if anyone is hungry, let him eat at home, lest you come together for judgment. And the rest I will set in order when I come.
We see in vv. 31-32- God's promise if we "JUDGE OURSELVES" none of us will be "CONDEMNED WITH THE WORLD" see v. 32.
We see in vv. 33-34: This is an agape meal, and is connected to the Eucharist, was conducted with the same respect as the Eucharist. The Corinthian church ate before Communion and present day Orthodox Christians fast, the spirit of their eating was the same as our fasting: preparation.
1 Corinthians 12:1-6
"Spiritual Gifts"
Spiritual Gifts: Unity in Diversity
12 Now concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I do not want you to be ignorant: 2 You know that[a] you were Gentiles, carried away to these dumb[b] idols, however you were led. 3 Therefore I make known to you that no one speaking by the Spirit of God calls Jesus [c]accursed, and no one can say that Jesus is Lord except by the Holy Spirit.
4 There are [d]diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. 5 There are differences of ministries, but the same Lord. 6 And there are diversities of activities, but it is the same God who works [e]all in all.
We see v. 1- That the Corinthians were "IGNORANT" not of the spiritual gifts but how they were to be used in service to God.
We see in v. 2- That it can be possible to get "CARRIED AWAY AND LED" into error. Not all gifts are from the Holy Spirit. It is true that "DEMONS" lurk behind "DUMB IDOLS" (see v. 2), speaking evil prophecies through the religious ecstasies of their priests -( see and reference Acts 16:16). Religious ecstasy or enthusiasm is no proof of true spirituality.
We see in v. 3- That the sign of the Holy Spirit speaking is when Christians say from the heart, "JESUS IS LORD." When we say the Nicene Creed sincerely at Divine Liturgy (Speaking of Orthodox Christians), for example, we are gifted by the Holy Spirit to do so.
Looking at vv. 4-6: Every true spiritual gift and ministry in the Church manifests the Holy Trinity: "THE SPIRIT" (v. 4), the Son, the Lord (v. 5) Jesus Christ, and the Father, God (v. 6). While the working out of our chrismation is primarily the grace of the Holy Spirit, it is the work of the Trinity as well. See there are "DIVERSITIES" or "DIFFERENCES" of "GIFTS" and "ACTIVITIES"- no two Christians are alike.
Matthew 18:1-11
Who Is the Greatest?
18 At that time the disciples came to Jesus, saying, “Who then is greatest in the kingdom of heaven?”
2 Then Jesus called a little child to Him, set him in the midst of them, 3 and said, “Assuredly, I say to you, unless you are converted and become as little children, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven. 4 Therefore whoever humbles himself as this little child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. 5 Whoever receives one little child like this in My name receives Me.
Jesus Warns of Offenses
6 “But whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in Me to sin, it would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck, and he were drowned in the depth of the sea. 7 Woe to the world because of [a]offenses! For offenses must come, but woe to that man by whom the offense comes!
8 “If your hand or foot causes you to sin, cut it off and cast it from you. It is better for you to enter into life lame or maimed, rather than having two hands or two feet, to be cast into the everlasting fire. 9 And if your eye causes you to sin, pluck it out and cast it from you. It is better for you to enter into life with one eye, rather than having two eyes, to be cast into [b]hell fire.
The Parable of the Lost Sheep
10 “Take heed that you do not despise one of these little ones, for I say to you that in heaven their angels alwayssee the face of My Father who is in heaven. 11 For[c] the Son of Man has come to save that which was lost.
18:1-5: THIS QUESTION IS POINTING TO A SELFISH INTEREST IN WORLDLY POWER: Pointing to a LITTLE CHILD as an example or a model of what true DISCIPLESHIP really is: Yeshua is empathizing the virtues that are required to enter the KINGDOM OF HEAVEN: Humility, dependence, lowliness, simplicity, obedience, and a willingness to love and to be loved!!! (John 6:9)- In Orthodox iconography, St. Ignatius of Antioch is depicted as this child. In certain legends of saints, he is the boy who gave th3 loaves and fishes (see John 6:9).
18:7-6: LITTLE ONES: include all who have childlike humility and simplicity , all who are poor in spirit!!!
18:8-9: SEE MATTHEW 5:29: Referencing to mutilation is an illustration of making extreme actions to avoid sin and does not advocate one bit of a literal amputation!!! read (Luke 14:26; 1 Corinthians 5:5):
18:10-11: LITTLE ONES: SEE NOTE FOR (v. 6): ANGELS: St. John Chrysostom taught that not only saints but we all have guardian angels: Early Saints also taught that angels of the humble people have a greater boldness and greater honor before THE FACE OF GOD because of the humility of the person they guard: It was also taught it's not the nature of God, but the weakness of all, that requires the angels' service!!!
