1 Corinthians (2023) Archives

Introduction and Disunity in the Church (1 Corinthians 1:1-13)

We begin this series by considering the background of the church in Corinth and why Paul wrote this letter. The more we understand the culture of ancient Corinth, the better we can appreciate how counter-cultural Paul's admonitions were! In this message we also tackle the first problem Paul addresses: disunity in the church. Although Jesus

Introduction and Disunity in the Church (1 Corinthians 1:1-13) View Lesson

The Message of the Cross (1 Corinthians 1:14-25)

Paul preached the message of Jesus' death on the cross, demonstrating both the wisdom and power of God. Why did so many in Paul’s day reject that message? And why do most churches today promote a very different gospel message? With the help of Paul and insights from early Christians, we return to the original gospel:

The Message of the Cross (1 Corinthians 1:14-25) View Lesson

They Mystery of God's Hidden Wisdom (1 Corinthians 1:26-2:16)

Paul explains there are two types of wisdom: the world's wisdom and God's wisdom. He clarifies that while God's wisdom is greater by far, it is a mystery: something hidden from view that now has been revealed. May we embrace God's wisdom in our own lives and share it with others! Teaching Notes 1

They Mystery of God's Hidden Wisdom (1 Corinthians 1:26-2:16) View Lesson

Three Analogies for a Healthy, Unified Church (1 Corinthians 3:1-17)

Paul gives three analogies to illustrate how people can be doing different things, yet still working together in unity to build the church. We consider the spiritual foundation that Paul laid as an “expert builder”, in contrast with the faulty foundations so popular today. In this text we also find a statement that an early

Three Analogies for a Healthy, Unified Church (1 Corinthians 3:1-17) View Lesson

The Two Kinds of Wisdom (1 Corinthians 3:18-4:21)

Paul contrasts the kind of wisdom valued by the world with the wisdom of God. Worldly wisdom includes focusing on prominent human leaders, fostering division in the church. We explore how to gain true Godly wisdom and how Paul relied on the Old Testament to bring God's wisdom to the Gentile church in Corinth. Should

The Two Kinds of Wisdom (1 Corinthians 3:18-4:21) View Lesson

Judging and Expelling Wicked People from the Church (1 Corinthians 5)

In what would be considered quite controversial today for many Christians, Paul instructs the Corinthian church to expel a wicked brother from the fellowship. We consider the various reasons Paul gives for this public discipline. We also tackle an extremely misunderstood topic: what the Scriptures teach about judging others, including when we are called to

Judging and Expelling Wicked People from the Church (1 Corinthians 5) View Lesson

On Sexual Immorality and Lawsuits (1 Corinthians 6)

Here Paul first addresses conflicts among brothers that had escalated to lawsuits in secular courts. Paul explains how and why such conflicts must be resolved solely within the church. Second, he admonishes Christians to "flee from sexual immorality”, providing several reasons why this terrible sin must be uprooted from the body of Christ. Two memorable

On Sexual Immorality and Lawsuits (1 Corinthians 6) View Lesson

On Marriage and Separation (1 Corinthians 7:1-24)

Paul offers practical teaching on the relations of husbands and wives, including refraining from intimacy during times of prayer and fasting. He also tackles a number of questions. Should widows or widowers remarry after the death of their spouse? During times of struggle, is separation from your Christian spouse ever appropriate? What about divorce? And finally, what if a

On Marriage and Separation (1 Corinthians 7:1-24) View Lesson

On the Single Way of Life (1 Corinthians 7:25-40)

In many churches, the ‘ideal’ Christian lifestyle held up is to be married with a family. However, Paul (and Jesus) had a rather different perspective. In this message we explore Paul’s view on the spiritual advantages of the single way of life. This is an important lesson for those who are single, for church leaders,

On the Single Way of Life (1 Corinthians 7:25-40) View Lesson

On Idolatry and Loving Others (1 Corinthians 8:1-13)

Eating meat sacrificed to idols? What does that topic offer Christians today? Perhaps more than you realize! Well over a billion people belong to religions where classical idolatry is still rampant. Plus, various forms of idolatry have crept into the Christian church. We also gain important insights as Paul emphasizes the importance of loving others

On Idolatry and Loving Others (1 Corinthians 8:1-13) View Lesson