Many people complain that the Bible is an outdated book which is irrelevant today. It may well have importance because of its contribution to our literary heritage or how it has shaped culture, but they do not feel it has any day-to-day significance that can influence and guide our lives today.
Christians believe that the Bible is a living word, relevant not only because of what it teaches us about the past but because it guides our behaviour in the present and teaches us about the future. Heb 4:12 tells us ‘the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.‘
As we study 1 Corinthians, one of the reasons for doing so is because the issues and problems faced by Christians in that church still apply today. Eccl 1:9 reminds us that ‘there is nothing new under the sun.’ Human nature has not changed over the years. The selfishness, sinfulness and immaturity shown by the Corinthian Christians can still be found in modern society, where power struggles, sexual immorality, demandingness over rights (without necessarily acknowledging any responsibilities) and lack of respect still abound. The immorality and competitive spirit of Corinth can be found in most Western cities. We need to understand the influences of the world and see that there is a radical need for change if we are to be a church which moulds our culture instead of us being moulded by the culture around us.
Paul writes to people ‘sanctified in Christ Jesus and called to be his holy people.’ (1 Cor 1:2) As we read this letter, we find much that is neither sanctified nor holy in the people’s behaviour and attitudes. As we look at the church overall in the world today, we may well feel discouraged and frustrated. But as we learn from Paul how to tackle the problems, we will find the Bible still relevant today: still speaking, still working, still answering our complex questions, still penetrating, judging and moulding us.