Bible Studies: Paul’s First Letter to the Corinthians

In 1 Corinthians 16, Paul writes about what seems like ministry management issues; however, at heart, Paul is addressing the chief priorities of ongoing life in the church: mercy ministry, the word, and our common hope in Christ’s return. (Exposition of 1 Corinthians 16)

In 1 Corinthians 15, Paul teaches that Christ is the firstfruits of God’s resurrection harvest. The gospel declares that because Christ was resurrected from the dead, so will we also. In this stunning chapter, Paul traces the whole redemptive plan of God, from first creation to the final consummation when Christ returns.

In 1 Corinthians 14, Paul teaches that God’s word must have center stage in worship. The reason is simple: worship is a dialogue between God and his people. (Exposition of 1 Corinthians 14:1–40)

In one of the most famous passages in all the Bible, Paul critiques the Corinthians’ lack of love. Everything is nothing without love. (Exposition of 1 Corinthians 13:1–13)

In 1 Corinthians 12, Paul speaks about the diversity and the unity of the body of Christ, teaching that God has arranged and honored every member in the body of Christ. (Exposition of 1 Corinthians 12:1–31)

In 1 Corinthians 11, Paul deals with two major issues concerning public worship. First, it is glory for men to rule, and it is glory for women to reveal. Second, Christ delivers himself to us in the Lord’s Supper. (Exposition of 1 Corinthians 11:2–34)

In 1 Corinthians 10, Paul concludes his arguments about food sacrificed to idols. We must do everything to the glory of God, and for the advantage of our neighbor as imitators of Christ. (Exposition of 1 Corinthians 10:1–11:1).

Holiness drives us to seek Christ in every facet of our lives. It is better to be deprived of our rights than of Christ’s reward. (Exposition of 1 Corinthians 8:1–9:27)

In 1 Corinthians 7, Paul urges married and single people alike to live in light of looming eternity. Regardless of whether we marry in the Lord, God calls us to holy devotion to the Lord. (Exposition of 1 Corinthians 7:1–40)

Faith alone saves, but saving faith is never alone. Christianity announces that we have been set apart as holy to the Lord. In Christ, you are not now what you were once. (Exposition of 1 Corinthians 6:1–20)

Church discipline is critical to preserve and protect the holiness of Christ’s church. Thus, the Lord Jesus commands excommunication to sanctify his church and to save unrepentant sinners. (Exposition of 1 Corinthians 5:1–13)

What is the nature of true Christian ministry? How should pastors relate to congregations, and vice versa? King Jesus appoints ministers to administer the rule of his reign in his church (Exposition of 1 Corinthians 3:18–4:21)

God builds his Church spiritually—through the accomplished work Jesus Christ and him crucified, and by the work of the Holy Spirit. God alone gives the growth, but his people are the instruments by which God gives the growth. (Exposition of 1 Corinthians 3:1–17)

In his wisdom, God planned in eternity past to save sinners by the person and work of Jesus Christ, but the world cannot discern that wisdom. Thus, God sends his Holy Spirit to reveal his hidden wisdom in Christ. (Exposition of 1 Corinthians 2:6–16)

If the cross is foolishness, and preaching is weakness, how does anyone ever come to believe in Christ? God calls his people to boast in Christ by the power of the Holy Spirit. (Exposition of 1 Corinthians 1:26–2:5)

The cross seems to be folly, yet, to those who are called, it is the power of God and the wisdom of God unto salvation. God calls fools to faith by the folly of the cross. (Exposition of 1 Corinthians 1:18–25)

The people in the Church of God are called to be holy, and yet are sinfully divided. You cannot have the whole Christ without the whole Church. (Exposition of 1 Corinthians 1:1–17)