July 14, 2024

REPEATING HISTORY: LET THE VEIL DOWN

July 14, 2024

Teaching Pastor Charles Billingsley

 

As we continue to study Paul’s letter to the believers in Corinth—a city filled with gross immorality —we have to cut through the cultural significance of many requirements of that time and pursue the bottom line that Paul lays out for us. For new believers of today who read 1 Cor. 10 and 11, there may be some subjects that confuse them, but when read in context of the Corinthians’ lifestyles of idol worship, gender perplexity, and sexual sins, Paul is in line with all of Scripture: to be a follower of Jesus Christ is to live our lives in obedience to God’s two commandments, to love and obey Him with all we are, and to love other people as we love ourselves. That may sometimes be difficult, but it should never be impossible: our making the correct choice is the hardest part.

 

Focal Passages: 1 Corinthians 10, 11; Proverbs 4:23.

 

The veil of our past mistakes:

  • Read 1 Cor. 10:1-5. What was the significance of the veil in the temple, torn in two, when Jesus was crucified? What is a veil for? Read Psa. 139:1-2,7, 16. Why is it so useless to try to keep our failures, sins, or faults from God? Why does He want us to come to Him?
  • Read 1 Cor. 10:6-11. Why are the stories of mistakes, sins, etc., written in the Bible? Why would we want to remember our past? What are some of the sins today that the people of Corinth had to deal with also?
  • Read verse 12. What does this verse mean? What is at the root of this verse? What three situations will leave you most vulnerable to being tempted? How would severe stress, great tiredness or just coming off a victory render us being susceptible to temptation? Read Jas. 1:13-15. Where does temptation come from?
  • Read 1 Cor. 10:13. Does everyone struggle with sin? What are some sins that seem too great to bear? What are some ways God makes so that we can get away from sin?

The veil of our unconfessed sin:                                                                                                                         

  • Read 1 Cor. 10:14. Are you aware there are movements teaching we can reach sinless perfection in this life? Can you think of Scriptures that deny this?
  • Read 1 John 1:8-9. Why would these verses be in Scripture if we could be perfect?
  • Read Rom. 7:14-25. Did the apostle Paul have a problem with sin? How does sin usually show itself, slowly or instantly? Can you give an example of reaping what we sow?
  • Read 1 Cor. 10:21-22. What is an idol? What are some of our idols? Why did the Corinthians offer meat to idols? Why does God call the idols demons?

The veil of abused liberty:

  • Read verse 23. What do we mean by abusing our liberty in Christ?
  • Read 2 Cor 8:9-13. What does Paul mean when he says all things are lawful for us? Why might they not be good for us?
  • Give some examples of things we can do that might be divisive. What are some things that may make a brother or new believer stumble? Should we do them?
  • What are some things that you should question yourself about before you leave your house? How do you distinguish between religious freedom and legalism?
  • Read verse 24. What are the three tests you can apply to make sure you are within bounds of righteousness? (The test of Utility, Authority, and Charity…what did Charles mean?) Read 10:31-33-11:2. What 2 verses are helpful to memorize? Why?

The veil of confusion:

  • Read 11:3-4. What did the Greek word “head” mean in vs. 3? What was the reason Paul needed to give the roles of authority to these believers? What were some of the situations going on in Corinth? How is that different than today?
  • Read verse 5. Why did he have to address the symbolism of a woman wearing a covering on her head? Why did it matter? Who was supposed to see her beauty? Does this mean we (in America) need to cover our heads when in church?
  • Read vv. 7-16. Who is the author of confusion? Why do we get confused about these issues?

The veil of misplaced glory:

  • Read 2 Cor. 3:17-18. Who should get the glory whenever we are doing anything good? If we are doing it for ourselves, how does that make it wrong? Is it true that with Christian liberty comes Christian responsibility?

TAKE AWAYS: Let the veil down and worship Him:                                                                                                     

1) The veil of your past mistakes—let it go                                                                                                                        

2) The veil of your unconfessed sin—get rid of it                                                                                                     

3) The veil of abused liberties—don’t do it                                                                                                                    

4) The veil of confusion about your role or identity—embrace your true identity                                 

5) The veil of misplaced glory—never compete for the glory that should go to God or be a distraction to others.

Close:        

Hopefully this sermon has cleared up much that ma have confused you or caused you to question if we still should be under some of these mandates. Charles gave us the reasons for the cultural status quo in Corinth, which is something that America has not seen, therefore as Christians we have the liberty to be free of the head coverings and other standards found in countries that require them. As mentioned earlier, as long as we can look in the mirror before we leave home, see we are modestly dressed, and will not, by any appearance of our actions or looks, do anything except bring God glory, we are good to go. We are His people, called by His name. We must humble ourselves, pray, seek His face, and turn from our wicked ways, He will hear and heal our land. Praise Him!

 

By Sandy Day

July 14, 2024

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