A Bible Study Series on 1 Corinthians

The book of 1 Corinthians is a powerful and practical epistle, rich with instruction for the church of Christ today. Written by the apostle Paul to a congregation in a morally corrupt city, this inspired letter addresses real challenges faced by early Christians—division, immorality, false doctrine, and spiritual immaturity—and applies eternal truths to help the Lord’s church remain holy, unified, and faithful. Each lesson in this Bible study series focuses on key doctrinal and practical themes relevant for every local congregation seeking to follow New Testament Christianity.

Introduction to 1 Corinthians
(1 Corinthians 1:1–9)

Paul’s first letter to the Corinthians addresses real problems in a real church, offering divine solutions that still apply today. From its opening verses, the epistle emphasizes the importance of the church, the call of the gospel, and the faithfulness of God—laying a foundation for faithful living and doctrinal clarity.

1 Corinthians Introduction Part 2
(1 Corinthians 1:1–9)

In this second look at Paul’s introduction to 1 Corinthians, we see the deep importance of the church, sanctification in Christ, and our shared calling through the gospel. Paul emphasizes God’s grace, the purpose of spiritual gifts, and the need for enduring faith—all grounded in the unshakable faithfulness of God.

Sectarianism  
(1 Corinthians 2:1–8)

In 1 Corinthians 2, Paul continues addressing a problem he introduced in the first chapter—division within the church. Some brethren in Corinth were rallying around different men, forming parties based on personalities rather than truth. This mindset led to sectarianism—elevating men above the message of Christ. Paul responds by focusing the Corinthians on the wisdom that comes from God and the power of the gospel message. He teaches that salvation is not rooted in presentation, education, or the approval of men, but in the divine truth delivered through the Spirit.

The Revealed Wisdom of God: Contrasting Divine Revelation with Human Reason
(1 Corinthians 2:6–12)

This lesson from 1 Corinthians 2:6–12 highlights the vast difference between human reasoning and God’s revealed truth. Salvation, the gospel, and the church were not products of man’s imagination but were divinely revealed by the Holy Spirit. Understanding this helps us rely solely on Scripture for truth and direction.

The Mind of Christ and Spiritual Maturity
(1 Corinthians 2:13-3:4)

Paul teaches that God’s word came through inspired men, revealing the mind of Christ. The Corinthians struggled to grow spiritually, remaining immature and divided. This lesson examines the divine origin of Scripture, the call to maturity, and how God’s complete word equips Christians for faithful, united living.

Avoiding Worldly Wisdom
(1 Corinthians 3:12–23)

Paul writes to the church at Corinth to remind them of the difference between God’s wisdom and the wisdom of the world. The Corinthians had fallen into strife, division, and pride by elevating men above Christ and by relying on worldly ways to guide the church. In this section, Paul speaks about the testing of faith, the temple of God, and the emptiness of human wisdom. Every Christian will face trials, and every congregation must guard against defilement by worldly methods. Our task is to remain faithful to Christ and His word, for His wisdom alone endures.

Stewards of the Mysteries of God
(1 Corinthians 4:1-5)

In 1 Corinthians 4:1–5, Paul gives a sober reminder of how Christians must view themselves. We are not exalted leaders, not lords over others, not celebrities to be praised. Instead, we are servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God. A steward is someone entrusted with what belongs to another, responsible to manage it faithfully. Paul emphasizes that stewards must be found faithful, and that faithfulness is judged not by men, not even by ourselves, but by God alone. This passage calls us to humility, accountability, and trust in the final judgment of the Lord.

Pride and Humility in the Church
1 Corinthians 4:6–21

Paul confronts pride in Corinth, exposing sectarian boasting with sharp irony. He sets the apostles’ suffering as the true pattern of leadership—humble, reviled, enduring. Like a father, he warns beloved children to imitate Christ, pursue repentance and unity, and welcome his visit in love and gentleness rather than disciplinary severity.

Judging Those Inside
1 Corinthians 5:9–13 and 6:1–3

Paul’s words in 1 Corinthians 5:9–13 and 6:1–3 form a challenging and often misunderstood section of scripture. The inspired apostle reminds the church at Corinth that Christians have a responsibility not only to remain pure themselves, but also to keep the church pure. The church had failed to do this, tolerating sins among their members and even boasting about their tolerance. Paul makes it clear that unrepented sin of any kind—sexual immorality, covetousness, idolatry, drunkenness, dishonesty, or any other—must not be ignored or condoned.

Matters Among Brethren
Text: 1 Corinthians 6:1–6

Paul addresses an uncomfortable but real problem—Christians taking one another to court. The question he raises is not just about legal disputes, but about how the church of God should handle differences among its own. His inspired words call us to consider judgment, reputation, unity, and the eternal destiny of souls.