The Corinthians Help Us Learn about Conversion (Matthew 18:3)
Introduction:
1. Jesus clearly taught in this verse that "conversion" is a requirement for entering God's kingdom. 2. We conclude that conversion is an important subject that deserves our careful attention. 3. In our lesson we are studying passages relating to conversion that involve the Corinthians. 4. The main point we are emphasizing is that "the Corinthians help us learn about conversion." a. We will first consider what Luke wrote in Acts 18:1-11 about the conversions of many people in Corinth. b. We will then consider some information from 1&2 Corinthians that relates to conversion.
Discussion:
I. (Acts 18:1-11) LUKE WROTE ABOUT THE CONVERSIONS OF MANY PEOPLE IN CORINTH
A. According to vs.1, Paul traveled to Corinth from Athens. B. We learn from vs.2-3 that Paul lived and worked with Aquila and Priscilla. 1. Aquila and Priscilla had recently moved to Corinth from Italy. 2. Because they also worked as tentmakers, Paul lived and worked with them. C. (vs.4) Paul worked as a tentmaker; however, he taught in the synagogue every Sabbath. D. (vs.5) Silas and Timothy joined Paul in Corinth. 1. Silas and Timothy had been in Macedonia. 2. Paul indicated in 2 Corinthians 11:9 that they brought a gift to him. 3. Consequently, Paul earnestly declared to the Jews that Jesus is Christ. E. (vs.6) After the Jews rejected his message, Paul turned to the Gentiles. F. (vs.7) Paul went to the home of Justus. G. Vs.8 is a key verse in our study -- Crispus, his household, and many people in Corinth were converted [they heard the Gospel, they believed it, and they were baptized -- Mark 16:15-16]. H. (vs.9-11) The Lord encouraged Paul, and he taught in Corinth for a year and six months. I. Later, Paul wrote two letters to the Christians in Corinth that have been preserved for us.
II. INFORMATION FROM 1 & 2 CORINTHIANS RELATING TO CONVERSION
A. (2 Corinthians 5:17) When we are converted we become new creatures. B. (1 Corinthians 6:9-11) This occurs when a person is "washed," "sanctified," and "justified in the name of the Lord." C. (1 Corinthians 12:13) It is through baptism that we enter the Lord's one body (Romans 6:3-4; Galatians 3:27). D. In 1 Corinthians 12, Paul especially emphasized the fact that Christians are members of the one body (vs.12, 14, 20, 27).
Conclusion:
1. We began with the Lord's statement in Matthew 18:3 that shows how conversion is a requirement for entering God's kingdom. 2. We pointed out what conversion involves from the example set by people in Corinth in Acts 18. 3. We also covered some information from 1&2 Corinthians that relates to conversion. 4. Are you in need of conversion?
