1 Corinthians study section

1 Corinthians themes

1 Corinthians develops the wisdom of the cross, church unity, holiness, love, and the resurrection.

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1. The Wisdom of the Cross

Against the world’s prized wisdom and eloquence, Paul proclaims Christ crucified — folly to the perishing but the power and wisdom of God to those being saved. The cross reorders all human values.

2. The Unity of the Church

Paul rebukes the factions gathered around human leaders, insisting that Christ is not divided and that His people are one body. Divisions betray the gospel; the church is God’s temple and Christ’s body.

3. Holiness and the Body

Because believers are bought with a price and are temples of the Holy Spirit, they must flee immorality and “glorify God in your body.” The gospel demands purity in a corrupt culture.

4. Christian Liberty Exercised in Love

In matters not clearly forbidden, freedom must be governed by love that seeks the good of others and does not cause the weak to stumble. “Knowledge puffs up, but love builds up.”

5. Spiritual Gifts and the Supremacy of Love

The Spirit gives varied gifts for the common good, to be used in orderly, edifying worship. But without love, even the greatest gifts are nothing; love is “the more excellent way” that never ends.

6. The Resurrection and Christian Hope

The resurrection of Christ is the foundation of the faith, and the resurrection of believers is its sure hope. Because Christ is risen, death is defeated and our labor in the Lord is not in vain.

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