Resources

1 Corinthians: Real Church, Part 1

The Church in Union with Christ

The church must live in light of the fact that it is united to Christ.

1 Corinthians: Real Church, Part 2

Divisions

When we want what we want more than what God wants, divisions occur. The way to heal divisions is by believers coming under the power of God displayed at the cross by a crucified Messiah.

1 Corinthians: Real Church, Part 3

The Unimpressive Power of the Cross

1 Corinthians: Real Church, Part 4

The Wisdom of the Spirit

God’s wisdom is not the wisdom of this age. Rather, the wisdom of God is the gospel of God revealed by the Spirit of God.

1 Corinthians: Real Church, Part 5

Leaders are Servants

One of the main causes of the disunity in the Corinthian church was a misunderstanding of the nature of leadership and Christian ministry.

1 Corinthians: Real Church, Part 6

How to Build a Church

To build a church, we have to build carefully, sustainably, soberly, and humbly.

1 Corinthians: Real Church, Part 7

How to Regard Leaders

Leaders are servants of a special kind—stewards. Regarding leaders, Paul warns the church to avoid pronouncing judgment, becoming puffed up, and misunderstanding the times.

1 Corinthians: Real Church, Part 8

Raising the Bottom

Excommunication is a way to bring an awareness of the extreme severity of a person’s sin in such a way that the brother or sister might be awakened and repent and turn to Jesus.

1 Corinthians: Real Church, Part 9

Disputes Between Believers

When brothers and sisters in Christ take each other to court to settle minor grievances, they threaten the order of the church and harm her witness to the world.

1 Corinthians: Real Church, Part 10

Glorify God in Your Body

Christian bodies are raised by the Father, members of the Son, and temples of the Holy Spirit. Therefore, flee sexual immorality and glorify God in your body.

1 Corinthians: Real Church, Part 11

Live as You Were Called

Paul teaches married couples to remain one flesh and committed in marriage and to be at peace when marriage ends.

1 Corinthians: Real Church, Part 12

The Gift of Singleness

Marriage is good, but singleness can be better. It allows undivided devotion to God.

1 Corinthians: Real Church, Part 13

Don’t Flaunt Your Freedom

You will honor God and will serve the soul of your brother or sister if you prioritize the protection of their conscience.

1 Corinthians: Real Church, Part 14

Paul and His Rights

Following in Christ’s footsteps, Paul set an example for the Corinthian church by not insisting on his rights. He did this to advance the gospel and care for others’ consciences.

1 Corinthians: Real Church, Part 15

Self-Denial for the Sake of the Gospel

Self-denial is always for a greater goal. When Paul calls Christians to deny themselves by accommodating others and disciplining themselves, he does so for the advance of the gospel.

1 Corinthians: Real Church, Part 16

Boundary Lines and Warnings

There are boundary lines between the territory of faith and the territory of unbelief. Participation in idolatry is absolutely unacceptable.

1 Corinthians: Real Church, Part 17

Let Love Lead Liberty to the Glory of God

Loving others involves doing what is best for them. Loving God involves showing he is best. This is bringing glory to him, doing all to his glory.

1 Corinthians: Real Church, Part 18

Proper Worship

Worship gatherings are not a place where we come to fight our cultural battles. Instead, they should have a relentless focus on Jesus and building people up in him. Everything else is a distraction.

1 Corinthians: Real Church, Part 19

The Most Important Message

As Paul concludes his letter to the Corinthian church, he reminds them of the most important message: the resurrection of Christ is the power for salvation and renewal.

1 Corinthians: Real Church, Part 20

In Fact, Christ Has Been Raised

There is nothing more consequential than the truth of the resurrection, not only for when we die but also for how we live.

1 Corinthians: Real Church, Part 21

The Resurrection of the Body

Christian, upon your death, your body will be sown into the earth like a seed, but one day your body will be raised incorruptible. You will be the same person you are now but in a glorious spiritual body that will be like Jesus’ resurrection body.

1 Corinthians: Real Church, Part 22

Giving to the Church

The Bible is clear that the family of God should meet one another’s needs in response to the gospel of Christ. Christians should contribute thoughtfully, consistently, and proportionally. The church, then, should handle that giving honorably.

1 Corinthians: Real Church, Part 23

Final Words

In the final words of 1 Corinthians, Paul gathers a potpourri of items that he deems important and wants to make sure he relates.

1 Corinthians: Real Church, Part 24

Growth in a Gospel Environment

Spiritual growth is best fostered in an environment that alleviates shame and admonishes with the gospel in the context of real relationships.