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1 Corinthians // "The Messy Bride" // Chapter 1
How are we looking for the grace of Christ in others?
- In attempt to restore unity in the church of Corinth, Paul spends the first part of this letter reminding them where they came from 1 Corinthians 1:1-9. He does so by re-writing their history through the lenses of the Gospel. He shows them what the Gospel has done in their past 1:4-6, their present 1:7, and their future 1:8-9. Although Paul is frustrated with this compromising church, he still looks at the grace of God in their lives. What an encouraging & challenging message to us from Paul! How are we looking for the grace of Christ in others?
How do we deal with disunity?
Paul spends the next 8 verses confronting the disunity in the church 1:10-17. He listed several things here:
- He appeals to them as brothers - reminding them that they are a family & Jesus is the head.
- He pleads with them to have the same mind & judgement - reminding them to figure out the essential & non-essential things. Cling to essentials (1:17) and to be open to non-essentials (like which preacher you listen to or who preformed your baptism service) 1:12-16.
If the church is a family, we must have essential truths that bring us together. What are the essentials & the non-essentials for us? Do we create division other non-essential things? Do we know what things are essential & where we won't compromise?
How essential is the Gospel?
Paul spends the last section of chapter 1 dealing with the importance of Gospel-centeredness 1:18-31.
There are several elements here:
- It is the power of God 1:18
- It cannot be obtained by the wisdom of man 1:19-25
- It is received by His grace 1:26-31
Implications:
- Our culture changes but the Gospel doesn't
- The Gospel will always outlive the wisdom of man
- The Gospel is a gift given to us ONLY by the grace of Christ. We can't boast in ourselves for obtaining it. We can only boast in Him.
Do we try to change the Gospel because it is offensive to our culture? Are we arrogant in how we carry the Gospel or (because of the Gospel) do we approach others with grace & humility?
Integrity Church // Greenville, NC
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1 Corinthians :: Summary of Chapter One
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