Paul wrote 1 Corinthians to address critical problems in a church he had founded that was now in crisis. Corinth itself was characterized by political division, moral compromise, idolatry, and materialistic ambition—cultural influences that had infiltrated the congregation.
The Corinthian church struggled with multiple internal issues, including:
- Social discrimination
- Tolerance of sexual immorality
- Lawsuits between believers
- Misunderstandings about Christian sexual ethics
- Confusion regarding marriage and singleness
- Inappropriate behavior during the Lord's Supper
1 Corinthians differs from Paul's other letters by tackling various topics one after another, showing how the gospel relates to each issue.
Today, we encounter challenges as our social environment influences our values, often causing conflict between cultural norms and biblical truth. Like the Corinthians, we navigate a world where prevailing ideas frequently contradict gospel principles.
1 Corinthians teaches us that the gospel of Jesus Christ is the ultimate solution to church issues, helping to heal divisions, correct immorality, and deepen our understanding of God's truth and love.
The Big Idea of 1 Corinthians
S: What should we do when the world influences and infects the church?
C: Correct these errors with the gospel.
BI: The gospel's truths solve the church's problems.
Introduction
1:1-9
S: Who are we?
C: Even at our worst, we are recipients of God’s grace and faithfulness.
BI: Even at your worst, you’re a saint based on God’s grace and faithfulness.
Problem #1: Divisions (1:10-4:21)
1:10-2:5
S: What should we boast in?
C/BI: Don’t boast in people or “success” but in the counter-intuitive message of the cross.
2:6-16
S: How can we live according to God’s wisdom instead of the world’s?
C: Only by the Spirit.
BI: Live according to God’s counter-intuitive wisdom through the ministry of the Spirit.
3:1-4:21
S: What is Christian ministry about?
C: Servanthood, not celebrity.
BI: Christian ministry is about servanthood, not celebrity.
Problem #2: Tolerating Sin (5)
5
S: How should a church respond to flagrant, unrepentant sin?
C: Through church discipline.
BI: Deal with flagrant sin with church discipline.
Problem #3: Lawsuits (6:1-11)
6:1-11
S: How should Christians handle disputes?
C: In line with their identity as the people of God.
BI: Build a community that reflects who you are.
Problem #4: Sex, Marriage, and Singleness (6:12-7)
6:12-20
S: Why is our sexuality important?
C: Because our sex lives matter to God.
BI: Your sex life matters to God.
7
S: What does the gospel say about singleness and marriage?
C: Submit your circumstance to Christ.
BI: Submit your sexuality, singleness, and marriage to the soon-returning Christ.
Problem #5: Food and Idols (8-11:1)
8
S: What happens when my rights clash with a weaker believer’s spiritual needs?
C/BI: Limit your freedom to what’s helpful for others.
9
S: What does it look like to surrender one’s rights?
C: It looks like elevating the other believers and the spread of the gospel over your rights.
BI: Prioritize others and the spread of the gospel over your rights.
10:1-11:1
S: What danger do we face?
C: Failing to live for the glory of God.
BI: Don’t blow your chance to live for the glory of God.
Problem #6: The Gathering (11:2-14:40)
11:2-16
S: How should we worship God?
C: In a way that honors your maleness and femaleness.
BI: Worship God with your maleness and femaleness.
11:17-34
S: How should we celebrate the Lord’s Supper?
C/BI: As one body, remember and proclaim what Jesus has done for us.
12
S: How should we use our gifts in the church?
C: To build up the body of Christ in reliance on others.
BI: Use your gifts as part of the body.
13
S: What’s even better than spiritual gifts?
C: Love.
BI: Spirituality is measured by love more than giftedness.
14
S: How should we use our gifts?
C: To build up the church to promote order and peace.
BI: Pursue gifts that help the body grow.
Problem #7: Denying the Resurrection (15)
15
S: What is the significance of the resurrection?
C/BI: The resurrection is central to the gospel, our lives, and our hope.
Collection (16)
S: How then should we live?
C: By making the most of your money and time.
BI: In light of Jesus, make the most of your money and time.
