1 Corinthians: A Realistic Picture of God's People

The apostle Paul wrote 1 Corinthians mainly as a practical book on how to solve problems within the Corinthian church. Influenced by the immoral culture around them, these believers faced division, stunted spiritual growth, sexual impurity, rampant divorce, problems with personal liberty, and the misuse of spiritual gifts, to name just a few of their issues.

Though God had done a great work in the city of Corinth, He wasn't finished with the church there yet. It wasn't perfect—and neither were any of the other early churches. I hope that encourages you, even if it does shatter the illusion that the New Testament church was somehow a flawless group of individuals.

It's been said that if you ever find a perfect church, don't join it—otherwise you'll spoil it. The body of Christ is simply made up of saved sinners. That's the toolbox God works from: "God has chosen the foolish things of this world to put to shame the wise" (1 Corinthians 1:27). Why? "That no flesh should glory in His presence" (v. 29).

First Corinthians reminds us that God uses common men and women armed with the uncommon message of the gospel to do His work and bring Him glory.

Think It Through

Read 1 Corinthians 6:9-11. Who did Paul list as people who won't go to heaven? What's the one hope the people who've committed these sins have, according to verse 11?

List the characteristics of love found in 1 Corinthians 13:4-8. Circle the one that challenges you the most, then look up several verses about that characteristic. Choose one to memorize.

Read 1 Corinthians 15, one of the greatest chapters in all of the Bible. Why is resurrection essential to Christianity?

A Word of Encouragement

First Corinthians is a reminder that God uses imperfect human beings—foolish things—to do His work. Why? Because when you see God mightily use a flawed instrument, His glory is more obvious. So be encouraged that God has chosen you.

Prayer

Father, it can be so hard not to give in to the permissive, Corinthian-like culture around me. I pray that the sins of my past would be left in the past, and that You would continue to change me and strengthen me to serve Your local church. Please use me, as weak and foolish as I am, for Your glory.

Land and Explore

If you're interested in digging deeper into what Paul had to say about church life in Corinth, download this teaching series from Pastor Skip on 1 Corinthians.