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Introduction
to 1 Corinthians
The City of
Corinth and the Relevance of Paul’s Letter
Corinth was an influential city in the first century, known for its
wealth, commerce, and widespread immorality. Yet, even in this
challenging environment, the gospel of Jesus Christ took root and
the Lord's church was established. Paul’s first letter to the
Corinthians, written around the 50s AD, addresses real-life issues
faced by this congregation. These issues, from divisions to moral
challenges, remain highly relevant to churches today. In 1
Corinthians 1:1–3, Paul greets the
church of God which is at
Corinth. This greeting emphasizes the importance of belonging
to the body of Christ. The concept of a Christian who is not part of
the church is foreign to scripture. Just as Acts 2 shows that those
who believed and obeyed the gospel were added to the church, so it
remains today: the church is not optional, but essential to
salvation and spiritual growth.
The Eternal
Purpose and Sanctification of the Church
Paul begins by highlighting that the church is God’s, not man’s. In
Ephesians 3:10–11, we learn that the church was part of God’s
eternal plan, designed to reveal His manifold wisdom. It was not an
afterthought or a temporary measure. The church is the body of
Christ, and its members are
sanctified in Christ Jesus (1 Corinthians 1:2). Sanctification
means being set apart for God’s purposes. Paul reminds the
Corinthians in 1 Corinthians 6:11 that they were once fornicators,
idolaters, drunkards, and more, but they were
washed,
sanctified, and
justified through Christ.
Sanctification is inseparable from being in Christ’s church. Outside
of the church, there is no sanctification.
The Call to
Be Saints Through the Gospel
The Corinthians were called to
be saints, and so are all who obey the gospel. This calling is
not mystical or individualistic; it comes through the message of the
gospel itself. In 1 Corinthians 15:1–4, Paul summarizes this gospel:
that Christ died for our sins, was buried, and rose again according
to the Scriptures. 2 Thessalonians 2:13–14 confirms that we are
called to salvation through the gospel. The title “saint” does not
describe a special class of Christians but all faithful believers.
Saints, disciples, and Christians are synonymous terms in scripture.
This calling applies to all who
call on the name of Jesus
Christ our Lord in every place, affirming the unity of
believers everywhere.
Grace and
Spiritual Enrichment
Paul expresses gratitude for the grace of God given to the
Corinthians through Christ (1 Corinthians 1:4–7). Grace is God’s
unmerited favor, fully demonstrated in the cross of Christ. The
Corinthians were enriched in speech, knowledge, and spiritual gifts.
These gifts were given in the first century to confirm the truth of
the gospel before the New Testament was fully written (Hebrews
2:3–4). Paul later explains in 1 Corinthians 13 that such gifts were
temporary, serving like scaffolding during the construction of a
building. Once the gospel message was complete and confirmed, these
miraculous gifts were no longer needed. Today, we are enriched
through the completed Word of God, which equips us for every good
work (2 Timothy 3:16–17).
Eagerly
Waiting for Christ
Paul commends the Corinthians for
eagerly waiting for the
revelation of our Lord Jesus Christ (1 Corinthians 1:7). Every
Christian should share this longing for Christ’s return. However,
this expectation must be grounded in truth. Jesus taught in Matthew
24 that no one knows the day or hour of His coming. Our task is not
to speculate about the end but to remain faithful and ready. Paul
reassures the Corinthians that Christ will
confirm you to the end, that
you may be blameless (1 Corinthians 1:8). This is not a
guarantee apart from faithfulness. Revelation 2:10 urges believers
to be faithful until death
to receive the crown of life. Even Paul recognized the need for
discipline and perseverance, lest he be disqualified (1 Corinthians
9:27).
God’s
Faithfulness and Our Assurance
In verse 9, Paul assures the church that
God is faithful. The same
God who called them into the fellowship of His Son will not fail to
keep His promises. Our salvation is secure as long as we remain
steadfast in Christ. Satan cannot forcibly remove us from God’s
hand, but we must not abandon the faith. God’s faithfulness should
fill us with confidence and motivate us to live faithfully, knowing
that our labor in the Lord is never in vain.
Introduction to 1 Corinthians Sermon Outline:
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The City of
Corinth and Paul’s Audience
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Corinth’s wealth, immorality, and commercial significance (1
Corinthians 1:1–3)
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The
church’s importance and relevance for today (Acts 2:47; Acts
11:26)
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The Eternal
Purpose of the Church
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The Call to
Be Saints
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Grace and
Enrichment
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Eagerly
Waiting for Christ’s Return
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The
Christian’s hope and anticipation (1 Corinthians 1:7; 2
Peter 3:11–12)
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Faithfulness required to receive the crown of life
(Revelation 2:10)
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Paul’s
own self-discipline (1 Corinthians 9:27)
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God’s
Faithfulness
Call to
Action
The opening of 1 Corinthians challenges us to see the church as
vital, not optional. We are called by the gospel to be sanctified
saints, set apart for God’s work. Have you responded to that call?
Are you living faithfully as part of the Lord’s body, eagerly
awaiting Christ’s return? Today is the day to examine your faith and
fully commit to walking with God.
Key
Takeaways
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The church
was part of God’s eternal plan (Ephesians 3:10–11)
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Christians
are sanctified and called by the gospel (1 Corinthians 1:2; 2
Thessalonians 2:14)
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Grace
enriches us in all spiritual things (1 Corinthians 1:4–7)
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Faithfulness
to the end is required for eternal life (Revelation 2:10)
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God is
faithful to His promises (1 Corinthians 1:9)
Scripture
Reference List
1 Corinthians 1:1–9 – Paul’s greeting and themes of sanctification,
grace, and calling
Acts 2:47 – The Lord added the saved to the church
Acts 11:26 – Disciples first called Christians at Antioch
Ephesians 3:10–11 – The church demonstrates God’s eternal purpose
1 Corinthians 6:9–11 – Washed, sanctified, and justified in Christ
1 Corinthians 15:1–4 – The gospel of Christ’s death, burial, and
resurrection
2 Thessalonians 2:13–14 – Called to salvation by the gospel
Hebrews 2:3–4 – Miraculous gifts confirmed the message
1 Corinthians 13:8–10 – Spiritual gifts ceased when the perfect came
Matthew 24:36 – No one knows the day or hour of Christ’s return
Revelation 2:10 – Faithfulness unto death receives the crown of life
1 Corinthians 9:27 – Paul disciplines himself to avoid
disqualification
Hebrews 10:23–25 – Hold fast and encourage one another
Prepared by Bobby Stafford of the church of Christ at
Granby, MO
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The
church of Christ
