1 Corinthians 1–4
Common Theme
God dismantles human pride by revealing that true wisdom and power are found in the message of the cross, not in human status or eloquence. He calls His people to unity and spiritual maturity by aligning their allegiance with Christ alone.
Questions
- Where might human wisdom or preference be subtly replacing dependence on God’s truth?
- How do divisions reveal misplaced loyalty or misunderstanding of spiritual leadership?
God Shot
God reveals Himself as infinitely wise, choosing what the world calls foolish to display His glory and power. He is the source of all true growth, faithfully working through His servants to accomplish His purposes.
Deeper
1 Corinthians 1
Paul, called by God’s will to be an apostle, addresses the church in Corinth, extending grace and peace. He expresses gratitude for the grace given to them in Christ, noting their enrichment in speech and knowledge, and assures them of God’s faithfulness. Paul appeals for unity among the believers, urging them to avoid divisions and quarreling over allegiance to different leaders. He emphasizes that Christ is not divided and that he was sent to preach the gospel, not to baptize. Paul contrasts worldly wisdom with the power of the cross, stating that the message of Christ crucified is seen as foolishness by many but is the power of God for those being saved. He reminds them that God chose the weak and foolish to confound the wise, ensuring that no one can boast before Him, and that their identity in Christ brings wisdom, righteousness, sanctification, and redemption.
1 Corinthians 2
The passage emphasizes the importance of proclaiming Jesus Christ and his crucifixion without relying on human wisdom or eloquence. The speaker expresses that their message was delivered in weakness, relying on the Spirit’s power to strengthen faith. It contrasts worldly wisdom with the hidden wisdom of God, which is revealed through the Spirit. The text highlights that only those with the Spirit can understand divine truths, while the natural person finds them foolish. Ultimately, believers possess the mind of Christ, enabling them to discern spiritual matters.
1 Corinthians 3
The text discusses divisions within the Church, addressing the congregation as immature and still influenced by jealousy and strife. The author emphasizes that both Paul and Apollos are merely servants of God, with God being the true source of growth. Each person’s work will be tested, and rewards will be given based on the quality of their contributions. The congregation is reminded that they are God’s temple, and destroying it will lead to divine consequences. The text warns against worldly wisdom, asserting that true wisdom comes from God, and encourages unity in Christ, who belongs to God.
1 Corinthians 4
The text discusses how apostles should be viewed as servants of Christ and stewards of God’s mysteries, emphasizing the importance of faithfulness. The author expresses indifference to human judgment, stating that only the Lord can judge. He advises against premature judgment and encourages humility, reminding the audience that all they have is received from God. The apostles are portrayed as suffering and disreputable, contrasting with the perceived success of the Corinthians. The author seeks to admonish rather than shame them, urging imitation of his ways. He plans to visit soon to assess the true power of the community, questioning whether he should come with discipline or gentleness.