I Corinthians
Lesson 51
The Book:
This letter is obviously Pauls’ answer to a letter he had received (I Cor. 7:1) in which questions were asked concerning the church in Corinth. Paul’s reply is a letter of correction of errors and confirmation of truth.
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Paul wrote I Corinthains from Ephesus (Acts 20:31; I Cor. 16:5-8). This book deals with fractions in the church at that time and amazing as it may seem, many of the same things remain in the church today. This Book is one of the vital parts of Scripture which should be taught in all churches for “doctrine” “reproof” and “correction”.
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The city of Corinth was the “sin center” of the Roman Empire in Paul’s day. It was located about forty miles west of Athens. It was a commercial center of the Roman Empire with three great harbors.
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The ruins of the old city of Corinth can be today. To go there and see the background and the setting helps one to understand the preaching and teaching of Paul.
The Central Message:
"The Wisdom of God”- I Corinthians 1:24, 30, 2:4-8- note 1:30 and 2:7.
​The Structure of the Book:
Salutation and Thanksgiving- 1:1-9
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Correction Concerning Divisions in the Church-1:10-Chapter 6
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Answers Concerning Problems- Chapter 7-16
Salutation and Thanksgiving: 1:1-9
In these nine verse the Lord Jesus Christ is mentioned six times.
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Notice how Paul affirms the fact the people of Corithian Church were “saved”, “sanctified”, “called to be saints”, and the grace of God given by the Lord Jesus Christ and Paul affirms the fact of their faith.
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So, Paul is not writing to unbelievers, but he is writing to a church whom Paul says, “are yet carnal” and “babes in Christ” (3:1-4).
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So, Paul says these glorious things about their faith and about the grace of God “in them” before he starts to correct them.
Correction Concerning Divisions in the Church-1:10-Chapter 6
Chapter One
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Paul says first- “there are contentions among you” (1:11). The contentions (division, strife) were caused by the people exalting certain men instead of the Lord Jesus. Some followed Paul , some Apollos (Acts 18:24-28), other Cephas (Peter) and finally others Christ.
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The bragging group, who followed Paul, bragged of their Gospel freedom.
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The Apollos group, the intellectuals, swayed by his personality and brilliance.
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The Cephas group who said their leader (Peter) was the authority of the apostles.
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The “Christ” group wo used the term “I am of Christ” in a way that implied inferiority of all the others.
Chapter Two
Paul teaches that true wisdom is of God. No man can understand spiritual things until the Holy Spirit teaches him (v.11-12).
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Verse 13-14 Compare spiritual things to spiritual things.
Chapter Three
The correction needed by the church was that they leaned wrongly on men instead of God. We are but servant of God.
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Look at Paul’s writing in verse 6, one plants, one waters, but God gives the increase. Ministries that are built on anything, but Christ will not stand the fire test (v.13).
Chapter Four
The ministers of Christ are stewards of the mysteries of God.
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They should be examples of humility and faith (9-10).
Chapter Five
Scandals in the church at Corinth (5:1-6:20). The evil of incest (v.1) with a stepmother, the church ignored it.
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Paul says in v.4-5, “put him out of fellowship until repentance, destruction of sinful nature.
Chapter 6
Differences between believers should be settled within the fold of believers. Believers should not take believers to a court of law to be judged by unbelievers. (V. 6, 11, 19-20).
Chapters 7-10
Answers questions concerning conduct and Christian liberty.
Chapter 11
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Duties of man and woman within the body of Christ.
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The Lord’s Table-V.17-34
Chapters 12-14
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Diversity of gifts, but one Spirit. (12)
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I will show you a more excellent way (12:31) Love (13)
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Follow Love (14)
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Gifts of the Spirit (14)
Chapter 15
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Paul begins with the Cross-V.3-4 “Christ died, for our sins, buried, He rose again.
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Order of the Resurection-V.20-28
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Pattern or features of our resurrection-V.42-50
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Challenge of Paul- V.58
Chapter 16
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Concerning the collection of giving.
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Roman 12:8 “he that giveth, let him do it with simplicity.
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Simplicity meaning- pure of heart, undivided devotion to God, integrity, and sincerity.
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Giving to God is a Gift.
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