1 Corinthians Chapter 1

I divided the chapter into 4 parts:

1. Our identity as believers
2. The need for unity in the body of Christ
3. Foolish message of the Cross
4. Not many wise are called

1. I think the primary thing Paul stresses to the church in Corinth is their new standing with God. "...those who are sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints..." "...you were enriched in everything by Him in all utterance and all knowledge...so that you come short in no gift..." Paul wanted to give the foundation for his rebuke of the sin in the church the sure footing of our identity with Christ. He stresses that we are not to live in bondage to the flesh. Later he reminds us: "Or do you not know...you are not your own? For you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God's." We have been set apart for God's glory as believers and this is our purpose in life. Not only does the burden lie on us to serve out of duty or responsiblity, but Paul goes on to show us that Christ has enriched us in everything as well. We have receieved new life and life abundantly. As an aside, keep in mind Paul is addressing the corporate body here.

2. Now Paul begins his rebuke of certain practices within the church at Corinth that were troubling to him. The issue of unity is challenged by groups within the church identifying themselves with various ministers of the Word. Paul's concern is that the church would recognize that no one should base their identity on anything except Jesus Christ. Further, Paul explained he was not sent to establish a church that clung to him, but rather he was sent to preach the gospel of Christ to them, and not with "wisdom of words", but simply the message of the Cross. This issue is particulary relevant to myself and my family as we seek to be content in our local congregation. In a time of information overload and availability of every preacher's sermons and pictures of every congregation around the globe, it is easy to identify yourself with a style and method of preaching and church setting that you like. But I have found that the danger in this indentity is a discontentment with your local church. It is encouraging for me to read the words of Paul and take heart that my identity is tied to Christ and no other. And from this basis I can battle the sin of covetousness that lies in my own heart and seek contentment with serving and worshiping with my local church.

3. The next theme I found interesting was the subject of the Cross. Paul claims, "For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God." What do I belive concerning the cross? Do I understand the cross as the center of power in my life? This was the beginning of my true life, Christ's death and ressurection. I think Paul is challenging the church to see that they seek so often to achieve understanding and power thru their own reasoning and through miraculous happenings. "For Jews request a sign, and Greeks seek after wisdom." Paul shows us that our understanding and our power are rooted in Christ and His accomplishment. This is offensive to a modern culture that prides itself in accomplishments and education. This sets up Pauls next point.

4. The final theme of chapter 1 was "that no flesh should glory in His presence." Paul has set us up to see that "not many wise according to the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called. But God has chosen the foolish things of the world to put to shame the wise..." Paul is showing us that God's plan is different than ours. We think that to progress in life, we must pursue education and acheivements to find purpose. Paul suggests no you don't, you find your purpose in your identity with Christ. Running after those things will only distance you from Christ. Therefore, it is my challenge then to always remind myself of this passage. This is a warning to me, that no matter how succesful or destitute I become according to the world's standards, my identity and my accomplishments are only in Christ Jesus. I should not glory in my own flesh.