This week we venture into I Corinthians. Paul wrote this letter to the church in Corinth to tell them to start applying the truths they knew. They were living like the world instead of acting differently because of their new-found faith in Christ. In chapters 1 to 6 , Paul corrects their sin. And in chapters 7 to 16, he answers questions they had sent to him.
This week, we’ll cover the first seven chapters. There’s so much doctrine packed into these chapters! Here are some highlights of Paul’s teachings:
- The Holy Spirit explains the mind of Christ (2:10), which is in us (2:16).
- We must be unified as the body of Christ. We cannot divide over petty, “gray” issues. Stand firm on the truth of God’s Word.
- Believers are entrusted with the Word of God.
- The root of the problems in the church in Corinth was pride (4:6).
- Sin is sin. God’s standards don’t change with the culture. Don’t let sin permeate the church like it permeates the world.
- Treat your body as God’s temple. Honor Him in the conduct of your body.
- Be focused on the Lord’s work and have an undivided devotion to God (7:34).
This last point really hit me: have an undivided devotion to God. This means that I must be more dedicated to Bible study, to prayer, to serving God and to serving others.
The bottom line from these first seven chapters is that as a Christian, I must look and act differently than the world!