1 Corinthians 1:1-3 (Part 1) The Letter Is Written To

• Men of flesh (carnal)

• Babes in Christ

• Still fleshly (carnal)

The theme: Problems that arise from carnality and the solutions to them

The letter is structured around the problems--which are . . .

1. The problem of dissension--1:10-4:21

2. The problem of morality--5:1-13

3. The problem of litigation--6:1-20

4. The problem of marriage--7:1-40

5. The problem of liberty--8:1-11:1

6. The problem of worship--11:2-14:40

• Pertaining to women

• Pertaining to the whole

7. The problem of the resurrection--15:1-58

The first division of the letter--1:1-9

• Paul's greeting--1:1-3

• Preamble of hope--1:4-9

Paul's Greeting--1:1-3

• Author

• Recipient

• Greeting

The author--v. 1

• His divine summons--shown by . . . 1) The word "called"; 2) Historical event (Acts 9; 3) The statement of Gal. 1:15

• His divinely given office: 1) "Apostle": a) Divinely chosen to be the vehicle of truth (revelation); b) Represents--"of Jesus Christ"; c) Authorization--"by the will of God"

The recipients--v. 2

• Their earthly residence--"at Corinth"

• Their spiritual position--"In Christ" (to be in union with Christ): 1) This will be the motivation to right conduct throughout the letter

Three aspects of sanctification

• Positional

• Practical

• Ultimate

The greeting--v. 3

• Basic principle of the church age--grace

• Basic blessing of the church age--peace