1 Corinthians 1

vv. 1–9) Introduction to 1 Corinthians:

Author, Date, and Recipients:

The apostle Paul wrote this letter to the Corinthians church in the spring of A.D. 53, 54, or 55. This was near the end of his three-year ministry in Ephesus. Altogether Paul wrote four letters to this church:

The previous letter mentioned in 1 Corinthians 5:9.

The letter of 1 Corinthians

The tearful severe letter mentioned in 2 Corinthians 2:3-4.

Lastly, 2 Corinthians.

Out of these 4 letters only 1 and 2 corinthians survived.

Purpose:

Paul received a report and a letter from this church. Revealing a church struggling with division, immorality, idolatry, and a lot of theological confusion. Paul wrote them this letter so they would become a true dwelling place for God’s Spirit, stay faithful to the gospel, and be guiltless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Theme:

This church was divided because of the arrogance of its more influential members. Rather than working together for the advancement of the gospel, they were squabbling. A major theme of this letter is unity:

1 Corinthians 1:10 NKJV

10 Now I plead with you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment.

Rather than fighting one another or having pointless rivalries, there is a genuine need to build up the faith of those who are weak, and witness effectively to unbelievers.

Another major theme is this: Christians should edify, build up, the church (not a building but a particular people, God’s people):

There is a need to be sensitive to those with fragile faith.

There is a need to win unbelievers to the faith.

There is a need to conduct worship services in such a way so unbelievers might come to faith.

There is a need for corporate worship and the need for spiritual gifts to edify the body of Christ, this isn’t for personal pride, or for evaluating who has the better gift, but to build up the church.

Let’s not forget a huge part of this letter address sexual immorality, referred to as fornication. Sexual relations form a union between a man and a woman, there is a reason God establishes marriage. Sex outside of marriage is a sin, not only against yourself but also against God.

vv. 10–13) Unity in the Church:

Unity Game: "Team Tower Build"

Instructions:

Divide the students into small groups (3-5 per group).

Each group has a set of items to build the tallest tower they can within a time limit (e.g., 5 minutes).

Halfway through, give each group a random challenge, like building without talking or using only one hand.

At the end, discuss how they worked together and what challenges they faced when there was a change or lack of communication.

Connection to the Lesson:

Talk about how unity and effective teamwork relate to the church staying united (1 Corinthians 1:10-13).

Highlight that when believers work in harmony, they accomplish more for God.

Theme:

Paul emphasizes the importance of unity among believers and warns against divisions.

Questions:

What are some common reasons people in your school or community argue or become divided?

Why do you think unity is so important in the church? Should it be important to you?

What are some practical ways we can work toward unity with others, even when we disagree?

How does Jesus help us to stay united as Christians?

Application:

Encourage students to value unity over arguments and cliques. Emphasize that as followers of Christ, we are one family.

Supporting Scripture:

Philippians 2:2 NKJV

2 fulfill my joy by being like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind.

Ephesians 4:3 NKJV

3 endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.

vv. 18–25) The Power of the Cross:

Theme:

Paul speaks about the message of the cross being foolishness to those who are perishing, but to believers, it is the power of God.

Questions:

Why does Paul say the message of the cross is “foolishness” to those perishing? What does that mean?

How can we have confidence in our faith when others might mock or question it?

Have you ever felt pressured to hid your faith or try to avoid talking about Jesus because of what others might think?

Why is it important for us to know God’s wisdom is different from the world’s wisdom?

Application:

Remind students that following Christ might seem strange to others, but God’s wisdom often contrasts with the world’s views.

Encourage confidence in faith even when not fully understood.

Supporting Scripture:

Romans 1:16 NKJV

16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek.

Isaiah 55:8–9 NKJV

8 “For My thoughts are not your thoughts, Nor are your ways My ways,” says the Lord. 9 “For as the heavens are higher than the earth, So are My ways higher than your ways, And My thoughts than your thoughts.

vv. 26–31) God’s Wisdom vs. Human Wisdom:

Theme:

Paul teaches that God often chooses what the world sees as weak or foolish to accomplish His purposes, highlighting His glory over human pride.

Questions:

Why do you think God chooses to use those who might be considered “weak” or “foolish” by the world?

Can you think of a Bible story where God used someone who seemed unlikely to do something great? (David and Goliath, Gideon, etc.)

How does this idea challenge the way we measure success or worth in today’s world?

Application:

Encourage students to recognize that their value comes from God and that He can use anyone, regardless of their status or perceived abilities.

Challenge them to trust in God's plan for their lives, even if it doesn’t align with worldly standards.

Supporting Scripture:

Proverbs 3:5–6 NKJV

5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; 6 In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths.

James 1:5 NKJV

5 If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him.

vv. 30–31) Boasting in the Lord:

Theme:

Paul concludes by reminding believers that their righteousness, sanctification, and redemption come from God alone, and therefore, boasting should be only in Him.

Application:

Teach students that true success and self-worth come from their relationship with God, not from their accomplishments or others’ opinions.

Encourage them to praise God for every blessing and achievement.

Supporting Scripture:

Jeremiah 9:23–24 NKJV

23 Thus says the Lord: “Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, Let not the mighty man glory in his might, Nor let the rich man glory in his riches; 24 But let him who glories glory in this, That he understands and knows Me, That I am the Lord, exercising lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness in the earth. For in these I delight,” says the Lord.

Galatians 6:14 NKJV

14 But God forbid that I should boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world.