Enriched
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January 20, 2008)
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January 20, 2008 - 1 Corinthians 1:1-9
Open It
What are you most thankful for today?
When was a time you were especially thankful for someone else? Why?
Explore It
How did Paul describe himself? (1:1)
What themes did Paul repeat several times? (1:1-9)
What specific truths did Paul affirm? (1:1-9)
What kind of people were the Corinthian Christians? (1:2)
What words of affirmation did Paul have for his readers? (1:2-3)
For what traits of the Corinthians did Paul thank God? (1:4-9)
In what ways had the Corinthian Christians been "enriched"? Why? (1:5-6)
What did the Corinthian Christians have? (1:7)
What spiritual gifts did the Corinthians have? (1:7)
Why did the Corinthians not lack for any spiritual gift? (1:7)
For what period of time were the Corinthians' spiritual gifts given? (1:7)
For what were the Corinthians waiting? (1:7)
How would the Corinthians be able to live as God called them? (1:8-9)
What words of encouragement did Paul include in his opening? (1:8-9)
How are Christians able to live as God has called them? (1:8-9)
To what has God called all Christians? (1:9)
Get It
For what can you thank God?
For what should we thank God?
Who is someone for whose faith you are thankful?
What does it mean that God has given us grace?
How is a person enriched by trusting in Christ?
What spiritual gifts has God given you?
How can your gifts be used in service to Jesus as we wait for His return?
In what ways does God keep a believer strong to the end?
What does it mean that God is faithful?
In what ways is God faithful to you?
How can we say thank you to God for His faithfulness?
For what specific reasons do you want to thank God?
Apply It
How can you use your spiritual gift at least once this next week?
What Christian do you want to affirm?
In what part of your daily routine this week can you take time out to thank God?
How can you remind yourself to say thank you to God at least once each day this week?
Notes
1 Cor. 1:1: Paul wrote this letter to the church in Corinth while he was visiting Ephesus during his third missionary journey (Acts 19:1-20:1). Corinth and Ephesus faced each other across the Aegean Sea. Paul knew the Corinthian church well because he had spent 18 months in Corinth during his second missionary journey (Acts 18:1-18). While in Ephesus, he had heard about problems in Corinth (1 Cor. 1:11). About the same time, a delegation from the Corinthian church had visited Paul to ask his advice about their conflicts (1 Cor. 16:17). Paul's purpose for writing was to correct those problems and to answer questions church members had asked in a previous letter (1 Cor. 7:1).
1:2 By including a salutation to "all those everywhere who call on the name of our Lord Jesus Christ," Paul is making it clear that this is not a private letter. Although it deals with specific issues facing the church at Corinth, all believers can learn from it. The Corinthian church included a great cross section of believers-wealthy merchants, common laborers, former temple prostitutes, and middle-class families. Because of the wide diversity of people and backgrounds, Paul takes great pains to stress the need for both spiritual unity and Christlike character.
1 Cor. 1:4-6: In this letter, Paul wrote some strong words to the Corinthians, but he began on a positive note of thanksgiving. He affirmed their privilege of belonging to the Lord and receiving his grace, the power God gave them to speak out for him and understand his truth, and the reality of their spiritual gifts.
1 Cor. 1:7-9: The Corinthian church members had all the spiritual gifts they needed to live the Christian life, to witness for Christ, and to stand against the paganism and immorality of Corinth. But instead of using what God had given them, they were arguing over which gifts were more important.
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January 20, 2008)
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