THE GOSPEL OF CHRIST

1 Corinthians 1

STUDY 1

Cliques and quarreling factions remind us of junior high school days. But they also characterize many churches. Some Christians become very attached to one particular leader. They read only his books and listen only to his taped messages and lessons, taking great pride in being followers of this famous person. Paul was concerned about this kind of exclusiveness and overemphasis on human leaders. His letter to the people in Corinth can help us today to focus on Jesus-the only one who can ultimately give us the wisdom and leadership we need.

1. What images come to your mind when you think of a successful person?

Read 1 Corinthians 1:1-31.

2. In the first verse what do we learn about the writer of this letter?

3. From verse 2 how would you define what a local church is?

4. How does Paul describe the church he is writing to (verses 4-9)?

5. What assurances does the apostle give to the Corinthians about God?

6. What news about the Christian community at Corinth has come to Paul (verses 1O-12)?

7. What line of reasoning does Paul use to help the Corinthians see their error (verses 13 -17)?

8. What does Paul say about the wisdom of the world in verses 18-21, 25?

Of what value, then, is human intelligence and wisdom?

9. In what ways was the gospel "a stumbling block" to the Jews? Why was it "foolishness" to the Gentiles (verses 22-25)?

10. In what way is Christ the power and wisdom of God (verse 24)? How have this power and wisdom been at work in your own life?

11. From Paul's comments about the Christians at Corinth, what backgrounds do you think they have come from (verses 26-29)?

12. What is God's reason for choosing the foolish and weak to shame the wise and strong? How does this contradict the typical image of success and power?

13. In verse 30 Paul declares what Christ has become for the Christian believer. What is the meaning of each word? (Use a dictionary if necessary.) Why should this teaching about Christ keep us from boasting about ourselves?