The Blessed Hope Podcast -- with Dr. Kim Riddlebarger

Episode Synopsis:If you have ever wondered what it would be like for Paul to teach you how to read and understand the Old Testament in light of the coming of Jesus Christ, in 1 Corinthians 10:1-13, the apostle does exactly that.  The birth of Israel stems from deliverance from their bondage in Egypt, followed by the Passover, and then the Exodus through the Red Sea before heading into the Sinai wilderness on their way to the promised land of Canaan.  For Paul, this is an important period in Israel’s history because it illustrates and foretells the future course of redemptive history–something with which all Christians (like those in Corinth) should be familiar. In this section of his Corinthian letter, Paul reinterprets all of these events in Israel’s history in light of the coming of Jesus and the dawn of a new exodus to the heavenly city.  Paul tells us that the exodus and Israel’s time in the wilderness is both an example and a warning to those in Corinth who seek to indulge their sinful urges, who seek to hang on to as much of their pagan past as they can, and who grumble at the fact that God calls them to leave behind any and all attraction to Greco-Roman paganism.Paul realizes that the pagan temptation is great.  But as the Corinthians are warned to separate themselves from the sort of pagan revelry in which Israel engaged, then so too are we.  Unlike the ancient Israelites who remained Egyptians in their hearts, we must focus upon Christ and follow him as as he leads us through the wilderness of this present evil age to the glories of the age to come.  Jesus has promised to rescue us from the temptations we face, and tells us that he will never give us more than we can endure.  Jesus has given us his word and sacraments to sustain us, just as he provided Israel with water and the manna from heaven.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:If we were to find Paul’s notes for an upcoming lecture on “my philosophy of ministry,” we would probably find the words of 1 Corinthians 9:19–23,"For though I am free from all, I have made myself a servant to all, that I might win more of them.  To the Jews I became as a Jew, in order to win Jews.  To those under the law I became as one under the law (though not being myself under the law) that I might win those under the law.  To those outside the law I became as one outside the law (not being outside the law of God but under the law of Christ) that I might win those outside the law.  To the weak I became weak, that I might win the weak. I have become all things to all people, that by all means I might save some.  I do it all for the sake of the gospel, that I may share with them in its blessings."In this chapter, Paul defends his apostolic office and explains his methods and purposes to the Corinthians.  Recall that Paul had spent a fair bit of time in Corinth, but has been in Ephesus for several years.  During his time away, many in Corinth had fallen back into pagan ways and began challenging Paul’s authority and integrity.  One thing Paul must do as he addresses the various struggles facing the Corinthians is to remind them of his own calling to share the gospel with both Jew and Gentile.Paul is an apostle who has seen the risen Lord.  Everything he has done has been to further the cause of Jesus Christ and the gospel.  Paul has consistently put the needs of others first and foremost–something which Paul also expects of the Corinthians.  Although entitled to financial support, Paul took nothing from them while in Corinth in order to set an example to the strong as to how they should treat the weak.  Paul is concerned to run the race and win the prize so that by all means he may win more to Christ.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:The church in Corinth was plagued by factions.  One source of division was ethnicity–the church was made up of Jews, Greeks, Romans, and likely a number of other nationalities.  Then there were the factions formed by church members who identified with Paul, Peter, or Apollos, as their favorite teachers.  There were also deep cultural divisions between the wealthy and the poor who found it difficult to socialize with one another even within the body of Christ.  But in this section of Paul’s Corinthian letter (chapter 8), we encounter yet another kind of division–that between the strong and the weak.The strong were those who understood that if God created all things, then the idols invented by pagans were nothing but lifeless statues, with assorted trinkets and amulets, and pointless ceremonies and useless sacrifices.  There is no occult reality behind these images and the temples which housed them.  Therefore, why should Christians not be free to eat the leftover meat and food which the pagans sacrificed to their imaginary gods.  The weak, on the other hand, were those who had trouble understanding how any Christian could eat food that had come remotely near a pagan feast or temple–seeing such food as possessing an occult reality. Paul warns the strong (who are correct about the falsity of pagan religion) not to attempt to coerce the weak to violate their consciences, as that might destroy the faith of those (the weak) who have not yet advanced in their knowledge of the Christian faith sufficiently to leave such concerns behind.  Until the weak Corinthian Christians gain sufficient knowledge to dismiss paganism as the mere superstition which it is, Paul challenges the strong to put the weak first and give up the freedom to eat all foods.  In light of the harm the strong can bring upon those weak in faith, Paul tells the strong that just because they are free to eat all things, doesn’t mean that they should.  This is not about food but about the circumstances in which it is eaten.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:In 1 Corinthians 7:17-40, Paul teaches what I call the “you can’t unscramble eggs” doctrine.  What should a new Christian do when they come to faith in Jesus Christ?  Do they quit their current “secular” job to devote themselves full-time to Jesus Christ and to the work of ministry?  Should they rush into marriage to avoid the lusts of the flesh?  Or conversely, should they seek to end an engagement because the time of the end might be drawing near?  What about those widowed, single, or divorced?  Now that they are Christians, what are they to seek to do?  Paul tells them all to “stay put.”  What they’ve done, they’ve done.  And as he cautions them, when a crisis is at hand, that is not the time to make big changes.Paul is addressing a congregation in the midst of serious difficulties of some sort–a regional famine or the consequences of the divisions the church was then facing.  Paul assumes his readers know to what he is referring, so he offers little clarification.  But what he does offer is wise advice for those bought by the blood of Jesus Christ.  Slaves ought not seek immediate freedom–in Christ they are free people.  Gentiles ought not seek to be circumcised–now in Christ, the old covenant sign has been replaced by baptism.  And for the time being, the unmarried ought not seek to get married–at least until the crisis has come to an end.Paul tells the Corinthians to wait for the crisis in Corinth to be resolved before they make major life changing decisions.  Christians would be wise to wait for things to sort themselves out, and then make an informed and not a rash decision about significant events in their lives.  Paul’s instructions make plain that he’s not concerned with fixing all those things new converts may have done in the past, but rather with teaching them the traditions passed down so that they learn how to live the Christian life and become better able to move forward in their lives now set free from the guilt and power of sin.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 discussion tackles the complexities of mixed marriages where one spouse is a believer and the other is not. Insights from 1 Corinthians highlight guidance on whether to stay in the marriage if the unbeliever is willing. The term 'holy' is explored regarding both the spouse and their children, raising questions about covenant membership and infant baptism. The episode also examines Paul's broader teachings on marriage, authority, and the impact of faith on family dynamics, all while contextualizing these issues in the early church.

The discussion dives into the complexities of sex and marriage in the Corinthian context, highlighting the clash between biblical sexual ethics and Greco-Roman norms. Listeners explore Paul's teachings on mutual sexual rights within marriage and the importance of a lifelong commitment. The podcast also addresses the cultural challenges faced by new Christians, and the balance between celibacy and marriage in preventing temptation. Kim Riddlebarger emphasizes the significance of mutual authority in relationships and previews Paul's upcoming insights on divorce.

Explore the challenges faced by early Christians in Corinth, where sexual immorality was rampant. Discover how they misunderstood Christian freedom, thinking it allowed for indulgence. Delve into Paul's teachings on why our bodies matter—they're temples of the Holy Spirit bought at a price. Learn how sexual unions go beyond physical connections, creating lasting spiritual bonds. Finally, understand the urgent call to flee from immorality and live in a way that honors God with our bodies.

Explore the litigious nature of first-century Corinth and how it affected Christian conduct. Paul warns against internal lawsuits, emphasizing the importance of resolving disputes within the church. Discover the cultural context of public court spectacles and how wealth skewed justice. Kim links Paul's teachings to modern legalism and provides insights on the church's unity. The episode also discusses the transformative power of faith and believers' identity in Christ, urging a shift away from public disputes.

In a shocking tale from Corinth, a man is living with his father's wife, and the church's leaders are doing nothing about it. Paul’s response reveals his outrage at their arrogance and calls for decisive action. The concept of excommunication features prominently, as he discusses handing the man over to Satan for potential redemption. Kim links this to the Passover analogy, warning that a little sin can infect the entire community. The discussion emphasizes that discipline should aim for restoration, not just punishment, making it clear that accountability among believers is essential.

The discussion dives into Paul's righteous anger towards the Corinthians, highlighting their misguided pride. Paul critiques their self-perception as rich and powerful while emphasizing the true role of ministers as servants of God. Sarcasm underscores his points about their immaturity and factionalism. The podcast also contrasts the power of God’s kingdom with mere human boasting, culminating in Paul’s fatherly appeal for humility. Listeners are left contemplating the choice between discipline and grace, as Paul prepares to confront the Corinthians upon his return.