Off the Shelf Sunday School-1 Corinthians

Introduction

Paul wrote this letter to the Christians in Corinth around 56AD while he was in Ephesus (1 Cor 16:5-8). The city of Corinth is located in southern Greece, to the west of Athens. It was located on major trade routes during the time of Paul. It was a large and prosperous city that had a reputation for the grossest forms of immorality. Paul established the church several years before, during his second missionary journey (Acts 18:1-11). Paul wrote this letter because the Corinthian Christians were not living moral lives. Disputes, factions and sexual immorality were among the problems that Paul hoped to correct. The Corinthian Christians lacked integrity and self-discipline. Many were living disgraceful lives that gratified their sinful desires.

The Grace of God (1:1-9)

Paul, called to be an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, and our brother Sosthenes, To the church of God in Corinth, to those sanctified in Christ Jesus and called to be holy, together with all those everywhere who call on the name of our Lord Jesus Christ—their Lord and ours: Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. I always thank God for you because of his grace given you in Christ Jesus. For in him you have been enriched in every way—in all your speaking and in all your knowledge—because our testimony about Christ was confirmed in you. Therefore you do not lack any spiritual gift as you eagerly wait for our Lord Jesus Christ to be revealed. He will keep you strong to the end, so that you will be blameless on the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. God, who has called you into fellowship with his Son Jesus Christ our Lord, is faithful.  

1.        Paul begins this letter in a formal manner by reminding the Corinthian Christians that he is an apostle called by God. In this way, he reinforces that what he is about to say comes from a person that has been given special authority by God, to proclaim the gospel, instruct and correct in righteousness. (Gal 1:11-24) Why do you think Paul does this? What are some ways that God confirmed that Paul is an apostle?

2.        Born-again Christians are made holy through faith in Jesus. Their sins are forgiven, and they are accepted as God’s children. (Jn 1: 10-13) Therefore, they have peace with God. This is completely due to the work and will of God and does not involve human effort. (Eph 2:8-9)

3.        Paul uses the title of “Lord Jesus Christ” many times in these opening verses. He reminds them that they are saved to serve Jesus as their Lord. Christians are purchased by the blood of Jesus and are his servants. Christians must seek to know and obey God’s will. This is why it is important to know the Bible, pray and be part of a group of born-again Christians. (1 Cor 6:19-20)

4.        Paul says that God had given them knowledge and spiritual gifts that confirmed that they were born-again. This comes from the presence, enlightenment and power of the Holy Spirit, who indwells born-again believers. What are some spiritual gifts that you have, or that other Christians have (and have) blessed you with?  (1 Cor 12:7-11)

5.        Jesus is faithful. He is the source of our righteousness, and he lives forever at the right hand of God the Father to help us. He has called us into a holy relationship that can’t be broken. (Rom 8:28-39; Heb 7:24-25)