Category Archives: 1 Corinthians

Click here for 1 Corinthians 6 audio:

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Paul first rebukes the Corinthians for dragging one another into secular courts over “trivial cases” instead of settling matters within the church family (vv. 1–2). He reminds them that the saints will one day “judge the world” and even angels with Christ, so they should be able to handle everyday disputes wisely now (vv. 2–3; cf. Dan. 7:22). By taking their brothers and sisters before unbelieving judges, they have already lost, because they are harming their witness and acting more like the world than like God’s holy people (vv. 5–7). Paul even says it would be better to be wronged or defrauded than to damage the church’s testimony in this way (vv. 7–8; cf. Matt. 18:15–17).

Next, Paul warns that those whose lives are marked by ongoing, unrepentant sin will not inherit the kingdom of God—whether sexual immorality, idolatry, theft, greed, drunkenness, reviling, or swindling (vv. 9–10). Then he gives one of the most hopeful lines in the chapter: “And such were some of you” (v. 11). Their old identity is in the past. In Christ they have been washed, sanctified, and justified—made clean, set apart as holy, and declared righteous “in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God” (v. 11; cf. 2 Cor. 5:17). Their new life should now match that new identity.

Finally, Paul corrects their misuse of “freedom.” Some were saying, “All things are lawful,” and treating sex like a mere bodily appetite, as if it did not matter what they did with their bodies (vv. 12–13). Paul insists that while many things may be “lawful,” not everything is helpful—and nothing should be allowed to enslave them (v. 12; cf. Gal. 5:13). Because God raised the Lord Jesus and will also raise believers, their bodies are eternal and are members of Christ Himself (vv. 14–15). Joining Christ’s members to a prostitute is unthinkable, because sexual sin forms a “one flesh” union and uniquely sins against one’s own body (vv. 16–18; cf. Gen. 2:24). Instead, believers must “flee from sexual immorality” (v. 18). Their bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, and they are not their own—they were “bought with a price,” the blood of Christ (vv. 19–20; cf. 1 Pet. 1:18–19). Therefore, they must glorify God with their bodies (v. 20).

🌀 Reflection:
This chapter presses you to ask: Do my conflicts, my habits, and my sexuality reflect that I belong to Jesus? You have been washed, set apart, and declared righteous in Him (v. 11). Your body is not cheap or disposable—it is Christ’s, a temple of the Holy Spirit (v. 19). Where might God be calling you today to let your new identity shape your choices, especially in how you treat others and how you use your body?

💬 Mission Challenge:
Choose one concrete way to “glorify God in your body” today (v. 20). It might mean seeking peace instead of pressing for your rights in a conflict, setting a needed boundary with a temptation, or using your time and energy to serve someone in Jesus’s name.

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Click here for 1 Corinthians 5 audio:

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Paul confronts a shocking situation in the church at Corinth: a man is in an ongoing sexual relationship with his father’s wife—his stepmother—and the church is tolerating it (v. 1; cf. Lev. 18:8). Instead of mourning over this sin, they are arrogant, acting as if it does not matter (v. 2). Paul says that when the church gathers, they must “deliver this man to Satan,” removing him from their fellowship so that his sinful “flesh” might be destroyed and his spirit may yet be saved on the day of the Lord (vv. 4–5). The goal is not revenge but loving discipline that aims at repentance and restoration (cf. 2 Thess. 3:14–15).

To explain why this matters, Paul uses the picture of leaven (fermented dough): “Do you not know that a little leaven leavens the whole lump?” (v. 6). Just as a small amount of leaven spreads through the whole batch, tolerated sin can spread its influence through the entire church (vv. 6–7). Because Christ, our Passover Lamb, has been sacrificed, the church is called to live as God’s “unleavened” people—set apart from sin—putting away “the old leaven” of malice and evil and walking in sincerity and truth (vv. 7–8; cf. Ex. 12:14–20; John 1:29).

Paul also clears up a misunderstanding from a previous letter. He did not mean believers must avoid all contact with unbelievers who are immoral—that would mean leaving the world entirely (vv. 9–10). Instead, they must not continue close fellowship with someone who claims to be a brother or sister in Christ but stubbornly lives in unrepentant sin, such as sexual immorality, greed, idolatry, reviling, drunkenness, or swindling (v. 11). Christians are not called to judge outsiders—that is God’s role—but they are responsible to address serious, ongoing sin inside the church: “Purge the evil person from among you” (vv. 12–13; cf. Deut. 17:7).

🌀 Reflection:
This chapter invites you to take sin seriously—not only in “other people,” but in your own heart and in your church family. Because Jesus, your Passover Lamb, has already died to free you from the old life, ask the Lord to show you any “leaven” you’ve been excusing or ignoring, and to help you walk in sincerity and truth for His sake (vv. 7–8).

💬 Mission Challenge:
Love someone enough to care about their holiness. If you know a fellow believer who is drifting into clear, unrepentant sin, gently reach out this week—pray for them, speak with humility, and point them back to Christ and His grace, aiming not to shame them but to win them back to the Lord.

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Click here for 1 Corinthians 4 audio:

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Paul explains how the Corinthians should view Christian leaders like himself and Apollos: as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God who are called to be found faithful (vv. 1–2). Because the Lord is the true Judge, Paul is not controlled by the Corinthians’ opinions—or even his own self-assessment—but looks ahead to the time when Jesus will bring hidden things to light and expose the motives of every heart (vv. 3–5). Only then will each one receive praise from God. Paul urges them not to go beyond what is written in Scripture and reminds them that everything they have is a gift from God, leaving no room for pride or boasting (vv. 6–7; cf. Jas. 1:17).

To humble their arrogance, Paul contrasts the Corinthians’ self-satisfied attitude with the apostles’ costly path. They think they are already rich and reigning, but the apostles are treated like those “sentenced to death,” considered fools for Christ, weak, dishonored, hungry, poorly clothed, beaten, homeless, and working with their own hands (vv. 8–12). When reviled, they bless; when persecuted, they endure; when slandered, they answer kindly, becoming like the “scum of the world” in the eyes of others (vv. 12–13). Yet Paul says this not to shame them, but to admonish them as his beloved children. Though they have many guides, he became their spiritual father through the gospel, and he calls them to imitate his Christ-centered way of life (vv. 14–16; cf. 11:1).

Because he loves them, Paul has sent Timothy to remind them of his ways in Christ, and he plans to come himself if the Lord wills (vv. 17–19). Some arrogant people act as if he will never return, but Paul warns that the kingdom of God does not consist in talk but in power—the real work of God in and through His people (vv. 19–20). He closes with a tender but firm question: should he come with a rod of discipline, or with love and a spirit of gentleness (v. 21)?

🌀 Reflection:
Where are you tempted to boast in yourself—your gifts, position, or spiritual progress—instead of seeing everything as received from God? Let Paul’s words re-center your heart in humility: leaders are servants, success is a stewardship, and any fruit in your life is grace from beginning to end.

💬 Mission Challenge:
Practice humble gratitude today. Thank God specifically for two or three gifts or opportunities He has given you, and then encourage a pastor, teacher, or mentor—reminding them (and yourself) that all true ministry is Christ’s work through faithful servants.

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Click here for 1 Corinthians 3 audio:

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Paul tells the Corinthians he cannot address them as mature, spiritual people but as “people of the flesh,” spiritual infants who still need milk instead of solid food (vv. 1–2). Their jealousy, strife, and slogans like “I follow Paul” or “I follow Apollos” show they are thinking and acting just like the unbelieving world (vv. 3–4). Paul reminds them that he and Apollos are only servants—one planted, one watered—but it is God alone who gives the growth (vv. 5–7). Together they are God’s fellow workers, and the church is both God’s field and God’s building, belonging to Him rather than to any human leader (vv. 8–9).

Using the image of a building, Paul explains that as a wise master builder he laid a foundation in Corinth, and that foundation is Jesus Christ Himself (vv. 10–11). Others build on this foundation, but each one must take care how they build (v. 10). Some build with “gold, silver, precious stones” and others with “wood, hay, straw,” representing work done in faithful obedience versus work done carelessly or in a worldly way (v. 12). On the “Day,” God will test each one’s work by fire—if it survives, that person will receive a reward; if it is burned up, they will suffer loss, though they themselves will be saved “but only as through fire” (vv. 13–15; cf. 2 Cor. 5:10).

Paul then gives a serious warning: the church is God’s temple, and God’s Spirit dwells among them (v. 16; cf. Eph. 2:21–22). Anyone who destroys God’s temple—by tearing down the church through division and false values—will be destroyed by God, for His temple is holy (v. 17). Therefore, the Corinthians must stop deceiving themselves by chasing worldly wisdom, which God calls foolish (vv. 18–20). Instead of boasting in human leaders, they must remember that “all things” are theirs—whether Paul, Apollos, Cephas, the world, life, death, the present, or the future—because they belong to Christ, and Christ belongs to God (vv. 21–23).

🌀 Reflection:
How are you building on the foundation of Jesus in your life and in your church? This chapter reminds you that your service, words, attitudes, and relationships in the body of Christ will be tested. Ask God to help you turn from jealousy, comparison, and human pride so that, by the Spirit, you build in ways that honor Christ and reflect that you are part of God’s holy temple.

💬 Mission Challenge:
Invest in building up Christ’s church today. Encourage a fellow believer who serves faithfully, speak a unifying word where there’s tension, or take a concrete step to serve in your local church—doing it consciously “on the foundation” of Jesus and for His glory, not for recognition.

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Click here to return to the contents page for Phase 2.2 — The Savior, His Church, and the Mission.

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Click here for 1 Corinthians 2 audio:

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Paul reminds the Corinthians how he first came to them—not with lofty speech or impressive rhetoric, but with a simple, clear message centered on “Jesus Christ and him crucified” (2:1–2). He came in weakness, fear, and trembling, refusing to rely on persuasive techniques so that their faith would rest not on human wisdom but on the power of God (2:3–5). Paul wanted them to understand that salvation is not produced by clever arguments or human brilliance, but by the Holy Spirit working through the proclamation of the gospel (cf. Rom. 1:16; 1 Thess. 1:5).

Paul explains that while he does speak wisdom among the mature, it is not the world’s wisdom or the wisdom of the rulers who crucified Jesus (2:6–8). Rather, he speaks God’s hidden wisdom—His eternal plan to save sinners through the death of Christ, a plan established before the ages and revealed only by God (2:7; cf. Eph. 1:4–5; Acts 20:27). Human eyes, ears, and minds could never discover this on their own (2:9; cf. Isa. 64:4). Only the Spirit of God, who searches even the deep things of God, can make the meaning of the cross known (2:10–11).

Because of this, the Corinthians must recognize that spiritual truth can only be understood through the Spirit. Believers have received the Spirit who is from God so they may grasp what God has freely given them in Christ (2:12). The apostles taught this truth in Spirit-given words (2:13), and only those who have the Spirit can understand it. The natural person, who does not have the Spirit, cannot receive the things of God and considers them foolishness (2:14). But the spiritual person—every genuine Christian—has been given the mind of Christ and can discern the wisdom of God revealed in the gospel (2:15–16; cf. Rom. 8:9).

🌀 Reflection:
Where are you tempted to rely on human strength—your words, abilities, or wisdom—rather than on the simple power of the gospel? Paul teaches that true understanding and true faith come only through the Spirit. Ask Him today to deepen your grasp of Christ crucified and to help you depend less on yourself and more on God’s power.

💬 Mission Challenge:
Share the gospel simply with someone today. Don’t wait for perfect words—just point them to Jesus, trusting the Spirit to work through the message rather than your skill.

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Click here for 1 Corinthians 1 audio:

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Paul opens his letter by reminding the Corinthians who they are and whose they are. He writes as one called to be an apostle of Christ Jesus, and he addresses them as those who have been sanctified in Christ and called to be God’s holy people together with all who call on Jesus everywhere (1:1–2). He thanks God for the grace given to them in Christ—that they have been enriched in all speech and knowledge and are not lacking in any spiritual gift as they wait for Jesus to be revealed (1:4–7). Even though they are flawed, Paul assures them that God will sustain them to the end and keep them guiltless on the day of the Lord Jesus, because God Himself is faithful and has called them into the fellowship of His Son (1:8–9).

From there, Paul moves straight to one of the church’s main problems: division. He urges them, in the name of the Lord Jesus, to agree and be united in mind and judgment instead of splitting into parties around their favorite leaders (1:10–12). Reports from Chloe’s people say some are claiming, “I follow Paul,” “I follow Apollos,” “I follow Cephas,” or even “I follow Christ” (1:11–12). Paul rebukes this kind of boasting in human leaders—Christ is not divided, and it was Christ, not Paul, who was crucified for them (1:13). He is thankful he baptized only a few of them, because his main calling was to preach the gospel, not with impressive words of human wisdom, but in a way that keeps the power centered on the cross of Christ (1:14–17).

Paul then explains why the Corinthians must cling to the cross instead of human wisdom. The “word of the cross” sounds like foolishness to those who are perishing, but to those who are being saved it is the power of God (1:18). Jews demand miraculous signs and Greeks search for philosophical wisdom, but Paul preaches Christ crucified—a stumbling block to Jews and folly to Gentiles, yet to those whom God has called, Christ is the power and wisdom of God (1:22–24). God has deliberately chosen what is foolish, weak, and despised in the world to shame the wise and strong, so that no one may boast in themselves (1:26–29). Because of God, believers are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God—our righteousness, sanctification, and redemption—so that, as Scripture says, “Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord” (1:30–31; cf. Jer. 9:24).

🌀 Reflection:
Where do you tend to boast—in your abilities, your church, or your favorite leaders? Paul reminds us that everything we have in Christ is a gift of God’s grace, from our calling to our spiritual growth (1:4–9, 1:26–30). Let this chapter draw your heart away from pride and toward humble confidence in Jesus alone.

💬 Mission Challenge:
Boast in the Lord today. Tell one person—face to face, by text, or online—something specific God has done for you in Christ, giving Him the credit instead of yourself, and invite them to trust Him too.

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Click here to return to the contents page for Phase 2.2 — The Savior, His Church, and the Mission.

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