The Blessed Hope Podcast -- with Dr. Kim Riddlebarger

Episode Synopsis:It has been said that prostitution is the world’s old profession.  In reality, tending a garden and naming animals is.  But if you lived in first century Corinth you lived in a city well-known for its prostitutes and rampant sexual immorality.  This creates a difficult situation for Christians who live there and who have been taught by Paul that sexual relations are limited to marriage.Paul has learned that some in the Corinthian church justified using the services of prostitutes by contending that Christian liberty allows it–the same excuse some were giving for eating food sacrificed to idols.  Yes, the temptations Christians faced were real and many engaged in such behavior before their conversion.  But as Paul has taught them, Christians must break with their pagan past and resist the pressure to continue to give into all bodily desires and urges.  Yes, Christians are free from law-keeping as a means of justification, but such freedom entails freedom to obey the commands of God, not freedom to indulge in seeking to satisfy every bodily urge.Paul reminds the Corinthians that they have been bought by a price (the shed blood of Jesus Christ) and indwelt by the Holy Spirit.  A Christian is no longer a slave to sin and now is a bond servant of Jesus Christ.  Their bodies belong to their creator-redeemer.  Paul asks, “how can someone in union with Jesus Christ unite themselves in a sexual union with someone who represents pagan religion and spirituality?”  Such a thing is unthinkable for Paul.For show notes and other recommended materials located at the Riddleblog as mentioned during the Blessed Hope Podcast, click here: https://www.kimriddlebarger.com/

Episode Synopsis:Corinth was a booming city with lots of new money and great stress upon the power and prestige that goes with it.  One way to enhance your public image was to take advantage of those who had something you wanted or needed, or to shame a rival or get a leg up on someone you didn’t like, was to sue them in civil court.  Corinth was a very litigious place with one citizen complaining that there were far too many lawyers in the city.  The legal system in Corinth was rigged to favor those of means who could bribe a judge or hire a lawyer to obtain a favorable verdict over someone who had no means of defending themselves.  Court proceedings took place in the city’s marketplace, so such lawsuits became a public spectacle.Upon learning that Christians were participating in this kind of civil litigation, Paul addresses the matter of how such practices harmed the church and its witness to the gospel of Jesus Christ no matter who won such a lawsuit.  Paul reminds the Corinthians that the church is the spiritual temple of God, composed of those redeemed by Jesus Christ and indwelt by the Holy Spirit.  Paul rebukes them for using the courts to exploit each other, an affront to the body of Christ.  He reminds them that since one day they will judge the world, what business do they have to engage in such practices before the watching pagans.  Such personal disputes are to settled within the church.Paul reminds the Corinthians of what they once had been–sexually immoral, liars, drunkards, swindlers, and the like.  But now, they are washed, sanctified, and justified in the name of Jesus Christ.  Given what they were in light of what they now are, how can the Corinthians continue to drag each other into court to gain advantage over a fellow believer?  This is a defeat for the Corinthians, no matter who wins or loses in court.  Better to lose than to participate in such an unjust system.  For show notes and other recommended materials located at the Riddleblog as mentioned during the Blessed Hope Podcast, click here: https://www.kimriddlebarger.com/

Episode Synopsis:When passing through Ephesus, where Paul was living at the time, members of Chloe’s family informed Paul of a situation in the Corinthian church of such a serious nature that Paul is taken aback.  A man in the Corinthian church (presumably known to the church but unnamed by Paul) is cohabiting with his father’s wife.  Such conduct was scandalous to the point that even the sexually libertine Greco-Roman pagans were offended by it.  While the man’s conduct was shameful, what troubles Paul more is that the leaders of the Corinthian church had done nothing about it. In chapter 5 of Paul’s letter to the Corinthians, Paul exhorts them to excommunicate the man so as to turn him over to Satan so that he might be saved on the day of judgment.  What Paul means by this is a matter of some controversy and we will address it in detail in this episode.  Paul tells the Corinthians that he has already pronounced judgment about the matter, and even though he cannot come to them in person, he is with them in spirit.  They must act and remove the man from the church.Paul’s exhortation to act must be seen in light of the removal of leaven in an act of “cleansing the temple,” along with the practice of the removal of all leaven from Jewish homes on the eve of the annual Passover celebration.  Leaven symbolizes uncleanness, and the danger it poses is that even a small amount quickly spreads throughout the loaf rendering the whole unclean.  Since the Corinthian church is the spiritual temple of Christ they cannot allow such scandalous immorality in their midst.Paul also learns that the Corinthians had badly misunderstood his prior letter to them.  They took his exhortation not to be “mixed up” with sexually immoral people as though Paul meant that they should avoid contact with all non-Christians.  Paul takes this opportunity to correct them.  The Corinthians have it backwards.  They are not to judge non-Christians.  God will do that.  But they are to judge those in their midst who claim to be followers of Christ but who still live like pagans.  For show notes and other recommended materials located at the Riddleblog as mentioned during the Blessed Hope Podcast, click here: https://www.kimriddlebarger.com/

Episode Synopsis:Paul expressed a fair bit of righteous anger in his letter to the Galatians–calling those taken in by false teachers foolish people who have been all-too easily bewitched by false teachers.  In 1 Corinthians 4, the apostle again expresses his frustration, speaking sarcastically of those who think of themselves as rich (when they are poor), and as kings who act as though they rule the church (when they are not).  But Paul will have none of it.  It matters not to him what the immature in Corinth think of him.  What matters is that God is judge of such things, not the Corinthians.Paul reminds them that ministers are God’s servants who proclaim the gospel of Christ crucified, not faction leaders who seek draw followers unto themselves.  God has entrusted the mysteries of the gospel to his ministers and he will judge their motives.  Neither Paul nor Apollos have sought to please them–both men sought to be faithful to the charge given them by Christ to preach the gospel.  Addicted to pagan ways of thinking and doing, the Corinthians still think and act like citizens of this present evil age, not as citizens of the age to come.  Since the Corinthians are puffed-up by their misguided pride, Paul reminds them of all that he has suffered for the sake of Christ so as to preach the gospel and conduct his missionary journeys.  When reviled he blesses.  When persecuted he presses on.  When slandered he is gracious.  Yet, he is still treated as scum and filth.  These immature Corinthians are unwitting slaves to their own pride and have earned the sarcastic rebuke from Paul we find in 1 Corinthians 4.As their father in the faith, Paul is not writing to shame them, but to urge them to imitate him.  So far, he has been prevented from returning to Corinth, so he sent Timothy in his absence.  Lord willing the apostle will make his way back to Corinth, but until be does, he reminds them that through this letter and in the power of the Holy Spirit he is present with them.  The question with which Paul leaves the Corinthians is, “when I come, shall I bring the rod, or shall I come in a spirit of love and gentleness?”  The choice is up to them.  Mend their ways and embrace humility, or face the discipline of the apostle.For show notes and other recommended materials located at the Riddleblog as mentioned during the Blessed Hope Podcast, click here: https://www.kimriddlebarger.com/

Episode Synopsis:So what will it be?  Milk or meat?  Are the Corinthians spiritual toddlers?  Or are they mature Christians?  Since they are being drawn to the factions forming within the church (“I follow Paul,” “I follow Apollos”) it is clear that no matter how mature they think they are, in reality they are immature.  Their lack of progress in Christian maturity provokes a response from Paul who challenges the Corinthians to consider who they are in Christ and how that should impact the way they understand the church and their relation to it as God’s temple, indwelt by the Holy Spirit.The foundation of the church in Corinth is the gospel Paul has preached to them (he was the sower).  Apollos came and helped build upon that foundation (the waterer).  Since both were fulfilling the roles assigned to them by God, so why would the Corinthians see themselves as followers of Paul or Apollos when they should see these men as servants sent by God to build the church, not as leaders of factions.The Corinthians are the temple of God, built upon the foundation of the gospel of Jesus Christ.  How will they build on that foundation?  Will they utilize the wisdom of God (Gold, silver, and precious stones)?  Or will they continue build using human wisdom (wood, hay, straw)?  Since they have chosen the latter, Paul exposes the fact that the divisions and factions within the Corinthian church are the result of spiritual immaturity which is ultimately a holdover from the Greco-Roman paganism in which the Corinthians had been raised.  The time has come to move past infancy to maturity. For show notes and other recommended materials located at the Riddleblog as mentioned during the Blessed Hope Podcast, click here: https://www.kimriddlebarger.com/

Episode Synopsis:Paul did not come to Corinth as a typical sage, sophist, or philosopher.  He was an unimpressive rabbi and made no attempt to embrace Greco-Roman rhetorical techniques to keep an audience entertained and wanting more.  Paul’s mission to the Gentiles was not about him, it was about the message he preached, Christ and him crucified. When Paul arrived in Corinth he was weak and fearful.  He impressed no one with his charisma or eloquent speech.  But he did know that the power and wisdom of God are revealed through the preaching of the cross.  Despite the fact that Jews and Greeks thought that the message of the cross was foolishness, scandalous, and a stumbling block, it was through this message that God saves sinners.  The proof that the Spirit of God was at work?  There was a thriving church in Corinth, which despite the issues plaguing them was filled with new converts, both Jews and Greeks.Paul reminds the Corinthians that the Holy Spirit knows the mind of God, revealing that Jesus is the Lord of glory.  But since God’s wisdom was hidden from the rulers of this age, they put Jesus to death.  While Greeks and Romans mock and detest the weakness and humiliation of the suffering Savior, it is through Jesus’s apparent weakness, shame, and suffering that the wisdom and power of God are displayed.  But apart from the work of the Holy Spirit opening their hearts to the truth, the rulers are doomed to pass away along with this present evil age. Paul tells the Corinthians that their focus should never be on him, or on Apollos or on Peter, but on the content of his message.  That which was hidden throughout the Old Testament has been revealed in the person and work of Jesus Christ through the demonstration of the power of the Holy Spirit.  Many of our contemporaries think this power is manifest in the signs and wonders that are supposedly present in Pentecostalism and charismatic worship.  But for Paul, the demonstration of the Spirit’s power is preaching the gospel and seeing people come to faith in Jesus.For show notes and other recommended materials located at the Riddleblog as mentioned during the Blessed Hope Podcast, click here: https://www.kimriddlebarger.com/

The podcast delves into the paradox of the cross, showing how it embodies divine wisdom contrary to human understanding. It discusses the scandalous nature of Christ's crucifixion and its implications across time. The transformative power of the Gospel for the early Corinthians is explored, emphasizing humility and grace in salvation. Lastly, it highlights the distinction between worldly and divine wisdom, challenging listeners to embrace the cross's message and its role in turning societal values upside down.

Tensions are brewing in the Corinthian church as factions form around different leaders. Paul, hearing about these divisions, emphasizes the need for unity in Christ, urging members to focus on their shared faith. The discussion highlights issues like misuse of spiritual gifts, baptism practices, and socioeconomic disparities within the community. The power of the cross is featured, contrasting divine strength with human eloquence. Ultimately, the message calls believers to transcend personal loyalties and embrace collective faith.

The conversation dives into Paul’s affirmation of his authority amidst challenges in the Corinthian church. Listeners explore the concept of 'ecclesia,' highlighting the church's identity as a divine assembly. Grace takes center stage as Paul emphasizes thanksgiving and spiritual transformation among believers. The discussion delves into the significance of spiritual gifts and the call for unity, encouraging a departure from past pagan influences. Finally, the anticipation of Christ's return is explored, reminding believers of their blameless status and urging holiness.

Dive into the rich theological insights of Paul's first letter to the Corinthians, which addresses divisions within the church and underscores the power of love and correct doctrine. Discover the pivotal role of the Holy Spirit, revealing divine wisdom amidst human folly. Explore core tenets like the significance of the cross and resurrection, while understanding the transformative implications for believers. The discussion highlights the responsibilities of church unity and the ethical conduct essential for a robust Christian community.