church of Christ Sermon Outlines
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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. |
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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. |
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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. |
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.
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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. |
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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. |
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.
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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. |
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The
church of Christ
