Casuistry Issues in Applying the Gospel I

A Topical Survey of I Corinthians
(An overview of previous lessons)

Messy Christianity (Ch 1)
Divided Christianity (Ch 2-4)
Immoral Christianity (Ch 5)
Unethical Christianity 1&2 (Ch 6:1-11)
Sexual Immorality (6:12-20)
Sex in Marriage (7:1-9)
Problems at Home / singleness (7:10-40)

The four states he considers are:
 
Being Circumcised versus uncircumcised 17-19
Being Slave versus Free 20-23
Being Married or Single 24-27
Being Widowed or Divorced versus remarried 39-40

What on earth is Casuistry?

It is not something casual nor is it coincidence
This refers to issues related with the person’s conscience and religious liberty
It is simpler than what it looks and more complex than what it appears to be
Paul’s answer to casuistry issues is that love precedes

knowledge and the Gospel precedes personal convictions

CHANGING SUBJECTS

I – THE PROBLEM 1-3

Paul exalts love over Knowledge: love is the hallmark of knowing God end most importantly, of being known by God

II - THE FACTS 4-6

God the Father, the originator & source of all things for whom we exist.

Jesus Christ, the Lord, the agent through whom all things came into existence.

There is only one God!

III - APPLYING THE GOSPEL TO CASUISTRY 7-8

Not all men have this knowledge …

IV - APPLYING THE GOSPEL TO OUR RELATIONSHIPS 9-12

by sinning against the brethren and wounding their conscience when it is weak, you sin against Christ.

V – REFRAIN YOUR LIBERTY FOR THE GOSPEL

The best light for the conscience is the liberating light of the Gospel.

In the meantime, love your brother and don’t offend him!