1 Corinthians

The Church debates over spiritual gifts as some say they no longer apply, while others devote too much emphasis on them. As usual, both extremes are wrong, as Paul teaches.

Discussion of men’s and women’s roles in the church can be a minefield; understanding Paul’s principle and his supporting arguments should clear up the confusion often present in today’s church.

Paul warns in chapter 10 to learn lessons from the past, giving specifics from Jewish history - lessons which the church needs to learn from.

TV preachers give the Christian idea of supporting pastors a bad name. Yet Paul’s teaching on this idea is clear and should solve problems regarding how much to give.

Legalism causes problems for many in the church, as the attitude of the Pharisees continues to this day. How can we live by grace, yet still respect our weaker legalistic brother?

Marriage and divorce cause much confusion as some change the Bible’s teaching for modern terms. Even Christian leaders and entertainers get divorced, and the divorce rate in the church mirrors that of society as a whole.

Paul’s instruction on Christian’s using the law against other Christians. His instruction does not negate Christians using the courts when necessary, but warns those who would use the courts as a method for revenge.

Paul moves from divisions to church discipline - how do you handle the unrepentant brother continuing to live in sin? Should the church take action, or just continue to allow it? The church at Corinth had problems in this area, and Paul takes the whole chapter to lay out the correct path of action.

Paul’s final warning about church divisions and pride by making the point all you have is a gift from God, so how can you be prideful?

The carnal Christian fails to walk by the spirit and grace, instead being legalistic. Frequently division and strife result, and a forfeit of eternal rewards.

Chapter two continues the discussion of divisions, but Paul switches tactics to demonstrate the superiority of God’s wisdom over man’s.

Paul begins his corrective letter to the Church at Corinth with a discussion of divisions in the church.

Paul spent several years and wrote four letters to the church at Corinth. Yet Corinth remained a troubled church for a long time, as they became too much like the environment they found themselves in. His letters aren’t heavy with theology (like Romans), but rather filled with practical advice on spiritual gifts, communion, marriage, divorce, legal issues, Christian liberty and more.

The letter contains much corrective action, and parts of it will be uncomfortable for every Christian, as the problems facing Corinth are still common issues facing Christians today.

Roles of women in the church and spiritual gifts remain two issues causing problems in today’s church, just as it did at Corinth. But this needs not be so if we make a careful examination of Paul’s teaching in chapters 11 and 12 of 1 Corinthians and simply seek to see what the text says plainly.