1 Corinthians 11:17–22 (ESV) — 17 But in the following instructions I do not commend you, because when you come together it is not for the better but for the worse. 18 For, in the first place, when you come together as a church, I hear that there are divisions among you. And I believe it in part, 19 for there must be factions among you in order that those who are genuine among you may be recognized. 20 When you come together, it is not the Lord’s supper that you eat. 21 For in eating, each one goes ahead with his own meal. One goes hungry, another gets drunk. 22 What! Do you not have houses to eat and drink in? Or do you despise the church of God and humiliate those who have nothing? What shall I say to you? Shall I commend you in this? No, I will not.

EVEN AT TIMES WHEN NOTHING SEEMS PRAISE WORTHY, TRUST GOD HE IS FAITHFUL OVER ALL TIME!

THE “PRESENTLY HOPELESS”  STATE OF THINGS IN CORINTH (V17)

(1)   THEYARE DISTRACTED / DERAILED  FROM WHAT THEYKNOW….

Division  over philosophy and  leaders -  Ch 1-3

(2)   THEY ARE DISTRACTED / DERAILED  FROM SHOWINGTHEIR TESTIMONY AND FRUIT IN CHRIST

 Division in lawsuits Ch 6

  division and selfishness in liberties Ch 8-10

   division and selfishness in gluttony and drunkenness Ch 11:20-22

(3)   THEYARE DISTRACTED / DERAILED  FROM GROWINGIN THEIR GIFTS BECAUSE

            Division and selfishness in gifts Ch 12-14

THE PRESENT HOPE FOR CORINTH (AND US)  BECAUSE THE SOVEREIGNTY OF GOD (v18-19)

DEFINITIONS AND RELATIONSHIP OF PRESENT DIVISION ANDDECLARED FUTURE FACTIONS

Matthew 13:18–23, 1 John 2:18–22, 1 Timothy 5:24–25

OUR TRIALS ARE NOT HOPELESS THEY ARE:

TEMPORARY, NECESSARY, GRIEVOUS, VARIOUS, & PURPOSED TO KEEP US AND DRAW US CLOSE IN CHRIST

1 Peter 1:6–9 (ESV) — 6 In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, 7 so that the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ. 8 Though you have not seen him, you love him. Though you do not now see him, you believe in him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory, 9 obtaining the outcome of your faith, the salvation of your souls.

UNDER HIS SOVEREIGN HAND AS HE SHOWS PERFECT LOVE AND JUSTICE,

2 Peter 2:9–10 (ESV) — 9 …the Lord knows how to rescue the godly from trials, and to keep the unrighteous under punishment until the day of judgment…

OPPORTUNITIES TO STAND STEADFAST IN HIS PURPOSES AND PROMISES…  

James 1:12(ESV) — 12 Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him.

GOD’S FAITHFULNESS TO SHOW HISAPPROVED EVEN THROUGH DIVISION IN PAUL’S LIFE

Acts 13:13–14, ( Paul’s First Missionary Journey A.D.47-48)   

Acts 15:36–41, (Paul’s second missionary Journey A.D. 49-52)  

2 Timothy 4:11 (Paul’s 2nd Letter to Timothy A.D. 67-68)