The church in Corinth had problems with sin and factionalism, both of which the modern church must contend. In his first letter to the Corinthians, Paul addresses these and begins by explaining that God wants to use them for His glory.
1 Corinthians 2
While it’s vitally important that we know the Scriptures well so that we can tell others about Jesus in a clear and coherent manner, it’s the Holy Spirit who draws people to salvation.
1 Corinthians 3
Christ must be the foundation of the church and the Christian. Once the foundation of Christ has been laid, He desires to see us build on that foundation with works which bring Him glory, not efforts which please us.
1 Corinthians 4
Everything of worth in a believer’s life has been given to them by God. Our response should be to take instruction from those He has placed in our lives as teachers and to take seriously the responsibility that comes with being a follower of Christ.
1 Corinthians 5
It’s important for churches to not tolerate members who engage in obvious and unrepentant sin, while at the same time drawing unbelievers who may be engaged in the same type of sin.
1 Corinthians 6
Christian morality, both individual and corporately, must bring honor to the Lord.
1 Corinthians 7
Paul advises keeping change in your life to a minimum so that you can focus on serving Jesus.
1 Corinthians 8
Though believers are free from the law, we cannot allow our freedom to hurt other believers who aren’t as far along as we are.
1 Corinthians 9
We must be willing to forfeit our rights in order to serve others.
1 Corinthians 10
Every one of us faces temptation. But God has promised that He will give us a way out of every temptation if we will trust Him.
1 Corinthians 11
God expects to have order in the church. This begins with men taking seriously their responsibility to lead in the church and at home. Order also requires harmony among the fellowship and mutual respect.
1 Corinthians 12
Spiritual gifts are given to each believer for the benefit of the church and the glory of God. It’s important for every believer to identify and use their gifts, no matter what they are, so that the church will function correctly.
1 Corinthians 13
The “love chapter” is for more than just weddings.
1 Corinthians 14
Paul deals predominantly with the gift of tongues in this chapter, and writes that their use is for the edification of the church and that they must be used in order.
1 Corinthians 15
The longest chapter in 1 Corinthians deals not only with the reality of Jesus’ bodily resurrection, but with the truth that every follower of Christ will also be resurrected with a new body.
1 Corinthians 16
As Paul closes his first letter to the Corinthians he mentions a number of his fellow Christian workers. This gives us a glimpse into the workings of their evangelistic and church planting ministry.