The church at Corinth has many lessons that we can learn. There are the six key lessons that are taught by Paul in this letter.

1. The importance of unity

This is a priority in the lessons. There was a tremendous problem with disunity that was caused by personalities rather than doctrine. They were following human leaders rather than the Lord. God is not divided. We must support unity by our words and deeds.

2 – The centrality of the cross

There was confusion about the message of the gospel. It was being compromised. It was becoming either intellectual or mystical. The gospel message is about Christ dying on the cross for each person’s sins, that we may no longer be separated from God. Our confidence is to be in the finished work of Christ.

3 – Belief and behaviour

There was sexual immorality, food offered to idols, abuse of alcohol, legal fights and marriage problems. What we believe must be demonstrated by how we behave. We are to watch our words, attitudes and how we relate to others in and out of the church.

4 – Life in the spirit

The Christian life is to be a spirit filled life. The life in Corinth was fleshy. There was little depth of spiritual maturity. They were behaving like spiritual babies. God wants us to grow up spiritually. To move from milk to meat. To demonstrate the fruits of the Spirit. To use their spiritual gifts for the good of others and the glory of God. We are to seek God each day.

5 – A worshipping church

There was great division when they came together. There was no order and structure. There need to be humility and love. There needs to be accountability to God and those who are elders in the Church. We are to worship God.

6 – A future hope

There is a great future to come. We are to live our lives in the shadow of what is to come. We live between the first and second comings of Jesus. There will be a bodily resurrection. God is not finished with the believer when we die.

Categories: 1 Corinthians