Overview

In these thirteen studies, you will see that the issues facing the Corinthian church are similar to those your church struggles with year after year. Here is practical advice for overcoming the challenges of life together.

Introduction

Getting the Most Out of 1 Corinthians
This section introduces the topic, explains the structure followed in each study and offers tips for those approaching the study on their own as well as those participating in a group.

Session One

Called in Christ: Thankful Together or Falling Apart
How did Paul conduct himself in Corinth to avoid, if possible, the problem of a personality cult? What evidence of hero worship do you observe in the church today?
1 Corinthians 1

Session Two

Mind of Christ: True Wisdom from the Spirit
Why didn't Paul rely on his great wisdom and his obvious communication skills while preaching in Corinth? How have Christians today sometimes adopted the world's methods in spreading the gospel?
1 Corinthians 2:1-3:4

Session Three

Founded on Christ: Working Together with God
In what ways is God's church like a field being planted? Why is it foolish to exalt those who work in the field?
1 Corinthians 3:5-23

Session Four

Servants of Christ: At the End of the Parade
In contrast to the hero worship in Corinth, how do Paul and his coworkers wish to be regarded? What standards do we often use to evaluate God's servant-leaders today?
1 Corinthians 4

Session Five

Members of Christ: The Body Is Meant for the Lord
How is Paul's strategy of discipline designed to bring health to both the church and the individual? Why do you think so few churches today practice this kind of discipline?
1 Corinthians 5-6

Session Six

Devoted to Christ: Marrying When Time Is Short
Paul's emphasis is not on what a spouse should expect but what a spouse should give. How would this attitude of giving transform marriages you know?
1 Corinthians 7

Session Seven

Living for Christ: The Right to Relinquish Rights
According to Paul, what do mature Christians know about food sacrifiecd to idols? What "knowledge" and freedom that you currently enjoy would you be willing to give up in order to not destroy a weaker brother?
1 Corinthians 8-9

Session Eight

Eating with Christ: All for the Glory of God
How does Paul counter the idea that some temptations are just too strong to be resisted? In what ways has God in fact provided an escape in the midst of your temptation?
1 Corinthians 10

Session Nine

Headship of Christ: Truly Worshiping Together
Paul balances his previous statements by saying that "in the Lord" man is not independent of woman. Why is this balance important? What difference will this truth make in your relationship to the opposite sex?
1 Corinthians 11

Session Ten

Body of Christ: Manifestations for the Common Good
According to Paul, how can we make every part of the body feel special? How could you apply these principles in your church or group?
1 Corinthians 12

Session Eleven

Love of Christ: The Most Excellent Way
What is so tragic about using our gifts without love? How can we know whether our personal ministry is marked by such lovelessness?
1 Corinthians 13

Session Twelve

Speaking for Christ: Mature & Orderly Worship
In what ways might we be guilty of meaningless or mindless worship today? What does Paul say about the purpose of tongues and of prophecy?
1 Corinthians 14

Session Thirteen

Hope in Christ: The Resurrection & the Life
How did your view of life after death change when you came to Christ? Why is "fallen asleep" a good way to describe the dead in Christ?
1 Corinthians 15-16

Total number of pages - 96 pages

Paul Stevens is Professor Emeritus of Marketplace Theology and Leadership at Regent College (Vancouver, British Columbia), and a marketplace ministry mentor. He has worked as a carpenter and businessman, and served as the pastor of an inner-city church in Montreal. He has written many books and Bible studies, including the LifeGuide® Bible Studies 2 Corinthians, Revelation, End Times, Job and Spiritual Gifts.

Dan Williams serves as a pastor of New Life Community Church in Burnaby, British Columbia, and as administrator of the Equippers, a lay training network.