1 Corinthians Study – Set 1 (Chapters 1–4)
Unity in Christ and True Wisdom
1. Summary of the Chapters
- Chapter 1: Paul greets the church in Corinth and addresses divisions among them. Some claim to follow Paul, Apollos, or Cephas, but Paul reminds them that Christ is not divided. The message of the cross is God’s power and wisdom, even if the world sees it as foolishness.
- Chapter 2: Paul explains that his preaching did not rely on eloquence but on the Spirit’s power. True wisdom is revealed by the Spirit, not human intellect.
- Chapter 3: Paul calls the Corinthians “infants in Christ” because of their jealousy and quarrelling. He teaches that leaders like Paul and Apollos are only servants—God gives the growth. Believers are God’s temple, and His Spirit dwells in them.
- Chapter 4: Paul describes the role of apostles as servants and stewards of God’s mysteries. He urges the Corinthians to imitate his example of humility and faithfulness.
2. Key Themes and Lessons
| Theme | Lesson |
|---|---|
| Unity in Christ | The church must not divide over personalities or preferences. |
| The Cross as Wisdom | God’s power is revealed in what seems weak or foolish to the world. |
| Servants, Not Celebrities | Leaders are instruments; God alone gives growth. |
| Spiritual Maturity | True growth comes from the Spirit, not human pride. |
| Imitating Christlike Humility | Faithfulness and humility define true leadership. |
3. Encouragement
Paul says, ‘Is Christ divided?’ Of course not! Why would we divide into camps when Jesus is our unity?
The cross looks foolish to the world, but it is the wisdom of God.
That means you don’t need to impress anyone—you just need to live in Him.
Stop exalting men; it’s God who makes things grow.
And do not forget: you are His temple, His Spirit lives in you.
Sister, grow up into Him. Don’t settle for immaturity when Christ has made you new.
Live humble, live faithful, live united—because the world sees Jesus when we love one another.
4. Reflection Questions
- Where might I be tempted to divide or show partiality in the body of Christ?
- How does the cross shape the way I see God’s wisdom compared to the world’s?
- Do I sometimes place too much weight on human leaders instead of God?
- What does it mean for me to live daily as God’s temple, filled with His Spirit?
- How can I grow in humility and maturity to reflect Christ more fully?
1 Corinthians Study – Set 2 (Chapters 5–8)
Discipline, Purity, and Freedom in Love
1. Summary of the Chapters
- Chapter 5: Paul rebukes the church for tolerating sexual immorality. He urges them to discipline the offender for the sake of holiness, comparing sin to leaven that spreads.
- Chapter 6: Paul confronts believers taking one another to court. He reminds them that they are washed, sanctified, and justified in Christ. He warns against sexual sin, teaching that the body is a temple of the Holy Spirit.
- Chapter 7: Paul addresses questions about marriage, singleness, and celibacy. He teaches that each should live faithfully in their calling, honouring God in their relationships.
- Chapter 8: Paul deals with food sacrificed to idols. While knowledge puffs up, love builds up. Believers should use their freedom responsibly, not causing others to stumble.
2. Key Themes and Lessons
| Theme | Lesson |
|---|---|
| Holiness in the Church | Sin must not be tolerated; discipline protects purity. |
| Identity in Christ | Believers are washed, sanctified, and justified. |
| Body as God’s Temple | Sexual sin dishonours the body where God’s Spirit dwells. |
| Marriage and Singleness | Both are gifts—each can glorify God in its context. |
| Freedom with Responsibility | Christian liberty must always be guided by love. |
3. Encouragement
Paul says you are the temple of the Holy Spirit—do you get that? God Himself lives in you.
That means your body isn’t for sin—it’s for glory.
You are not your own, you were bought with a price.
And freedom? It’s not about doing whatever you want—it’s about loving so well that others are lifted up.
Knowledge can puff you up, but love will always build you up.
Sister, whether married or single, eating or refraining, living or dying—it’s all unto the Lord.
That’s freedom. That’s love. That’s Christ in you.
4. Reflection Questions
- How does seeing myself as God’s temple affect the way I treat my body?
- Where do I need to pursue greater holiness and accountability in my life?
- How can I glorify God in my current season of life, whether married or single?
- Do I ever use my freedom carelessly, and how can I let love guide my choices?
- How can I build others up rather than cause them to stumble?
1 Corinthians Study – Set 3 (Chapters 9–12)
Rights, Discipline, Worship, and Spiritual Gifts
1. Summary of the Chapters
- Chapter 9: Paul defends his rights as an apostle but chooses not to use them for the sake of the gospel. He adapts to different people to win them for Christ, running the race with discipline and purpose.
- Chapter 10: Paul warns against idolatry, using Israel’s history as an example. He reminds believers that everything should be done for God’s glory and that they should not use their freedom to harm others.
- Chapter 11: Paul addresses proper order in worship, including head coverings and conduct at the Lord’s Supper. He warns against abusing communion and urges reverence, unity, and self-examination.
- Chapter 12: Paul teaches on spiritual gifts, showing that they come from the same Spirit. The church is one body with many parts, each vital and honourable. Gifts are given for the common good.
2. Key Themes and Lessons
| Theme | Lesson |
|---|---|
| Laying Down Rights | True freedom is using our rights to serve, not to demand. |
| Discipline for the Gospel | Spiritual endurance requires intentional focus. |
| Worship with Reverence | Communion and gathering are holy, not casual. |
| Spiritual Gifts | Every believer is gifted by the Spirit to build up the body. |
| Unity in Diversity | The church flourishes when each member values and serves others. |
3. Encouragement
Paul said, ‘I became all things to all people so I might win some.’ That’s not compromise—it’s love.
He didn’t live for himself; he lived for the gospel.
Sister, that’s your call too. Run your race with purpose!
And when you gather for worship, remember—it’s about Him, not you.
Honour the body, discern the Lord, and love the church.
And those gifts you carry? They’re not for showing off—they’re for serving.
You’re part of His body, and every part matters. You matter. So shine your gift, in love, for His glory.
4. Reflection Questions
- Where is God asking me to lay down my rights for the sake of others?
- How can I run my spiritual race with greater focus and discipline?
- What does it mean for me to approach worship and communion with reverence?
- What spiritual gifts has God given me, and how am I using them for the good of the body?
- How can I value and honour others in the church more fully?
1 Corinthians Study – Set 4 (Chapters 13–16)
Love, Resurrection, and Final Instructions
1. Summary of the Chapters
- Chapter 13: Paul describes love as the greatest virtue—greater than gifts, knowledge, or faith. Love is patient, kind, and enduring; without love, all else is empty.
- Chapter 14: Paul urges believers to desire spiritual gifts, especially prophecy, which builds up the church. He gives guidance for orderly worship, ensuring that gatherings are edifying and peaceful.
- Chapter 15: Paul presents the resurrection as central to the gospel. Christ died, was buried, and rose again. If Christ has not been raised, faith is in vain. But in fact, He is risen, guaranteeing resurrection for all who belong to Him. Death is swallowed up in victory.
- Chapter 16: Paul gives final instructions about collections for the saints, travel plans, and greetings. He exhorts the church to stand firm, be strong, and let everything be done in love.
2. Key Themes and Lessons
| Theme | Lesson |
|---|---|
| Supremacy of Love | Love is the foundation of Christian life and ministry. |
| Order in Worship | Spiritual gifts must be exercised in a way that builds up the church. |
| Centrality of Resurrection | The resurrection of Christ secures our victory and hope. |
| Standing Firm | Believers are called to steadfast faith, strength, and love. |
| Generosity and Unity | Practical care and support for others reflects Christ’s heart. |
3. Encouragement
“Paul says you can speak with tongues, move mountains, give everything away—but without love, it’s nothing.
Sister, love is who you are in Him. Let love define you, because God is love.
And remember: Jesus rose from the dead! That’s not a doctrine—it’s your reality.
Because He lives, you live. Death has no sting, the grave has no victory.
So stand firm, be immovable, overflow in His work.
And whatever you do, let it all be done in love.
That’s the gospel lived out—Christ in you, the hope of glory.
4. Reflection Questions
- How can I live with love as the foundation of all I do?
- In what ways can I use my spiritual gifts to strengthen and build up others?
- How does the resurrection of Christ give me hope and courage each day?
- Where do I need to stand firm and remain immovable in faith?
- How can I reflect Christ’s love in practical care, generosity, and unity with others?
Overall Summary of 1 Corinthians
1. Big-Picture Summary
1 Corinthians is Paul’s pastoral letter to a church full of spiritual gifts yet struggling with immaturity, division, and sin. He addresses issues of unity, morality, worship, spiritual gifts, and the resurrection.
At its core, the letter calls believers to live as one body in Christ, shaped not by worldly wisdom but by the cross. Paul reminds them that love is the highest way, that spiritual gifts must serve the body, and that the resurrection of Jesus is the unshakable foundation of their faith and hope.
It is both a correction and a vision: to live holy, unified, Spirit-filled lives marked by love, order, and resurrection hope.
2. Major Movements
- Divisions and True Wisdom (Chs. 1–4): Christ, not human leaders, is the source of unity.
- Purity and Freedom (Chs. 5–8): Holiness, accountability, and freedom guided by love.
- Gifts and Worship (Chs. 9–12): Rights surrendered, reverence in worship, and the body strengthened by spiritual gifts.
- Love and Resurrection (Chs. 13–16): Love as the greatest virtue, the resurrection as central, and practical encouragements for living strong in faith.
3. Key Themes and Lessons
| Theme | Lesson |
|---|---|
| Unity in Christ | Believers are one body under one Lord. |
| Holiness and Integrity | The church must reflect God’s character in purity and accountability. |
| Freedom in Love | Christian liberty is always guided by love for others. |
| Spiritual Gifts | Every gift is from the Spirit and meant to build up the church. |
| Supremacy of Love | Love is the most excellent way, greater than all gifts or knowledge. |
| Hope of Resurrection | Christ’s resurrection secures eternal life and victory over death. |
4. Encouragement
Corinth was gifted but divided—Paul said, ‘Is Christ divided?’ No!
The cross brings us together. You are not just individuals—you are His body. And in His body, love rules.
Without love, even miracles and prophecy mean nothing.
Love is who you are in Him.
And the resurrection—oh, it changes everything! Death has no sting, the grave no victory.
So live holy, live free, live united.
Use your gifts to build, not boast. Let love be your nature, and resurrection your confidence.
That’s 1 Corinthians—Christ in you, love through you, and victory ahead of you.
5. Reflection Questions
- Where do I need to seek greater unity with others in the body of Christ?
- How can I live with holiness and integrity in a culture that tolerates compromise?
- How can I use my freedom in Christ to love and serve others rather than myself?
- What spiritual gifts has God given me, and how am I using them for His glory?
- How does the truth of the resurrection shape my daily hope and courage?