1 Corinthians

AUTHOR:

Paul

AUDIENCE:

The church in Corinth

PURPOSE:

To identify problems in the Corinthian church, to offer solutions, and to teach them how to live for Christ in a corrupt society.

The church in Corinth struggled with divisions that threatened to tear the congregation apart. The apostle Paul wrote 1 Corinthians to instruct them on how to remain true to Christ while living in a pagan culture. He urged them to seek a spirit of unity, which included the poor, the sick, and the suffering. Motivated by his pastoral heart for the believers in Corinth, Paul admonished them to love one another unreservedly—without prejudice. In worship and service, they were to proclaim the death and resurrection of Christ until his promised return (1 Cor 11:26).

The book of 1 Corinthians speaks to the twenty-first-century church that lives in a culture that sees those who are weak and disabled as being irrelevant—even expendable. Paul’s teachings on what it means to be the body of Christ are foundational for congregations that claim Jesus Christ as Lord. We must remain alert, stand strong, and love courageously if we are to be his witnesses to our generation.

SUFFERING AND DISABILITY THEMES

  floral bullet  The power of love. The underlying theme of this book is love. God’s love was made known to the world through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Christians are to love each other as evidence of our life in Christ. Jesus said, “Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples” (John 13:35).

  floral bullet  God’s gifts are for all people. The church is one body but with many parts. God’s gifts are perfect for each person. God, in his sovereignty, gives every believer—without exception—unique gifts that are specific to his purposes. Regardless of their abilities or disabilities, all gifts are meant to be shared with one another for the sake of building up the body. Paul said, “God has put each part just where he wants it” (1 Cor 12:18).

  floral bullet  The power of the Resurrection. Jesus Christ conquered sin and death—once and for all. Because he has overcome them, he invites us to share in his resurrected life. As a result, we can live in the ongoing victory of Christ over every circumstance. In God’s power, Christians can remain faithful in a hostile world and live in a manner consistent with their beliefs.