1 Corinthians 1:1-2:5

Today we start Corinthians. This is another letter from Paul to one of his church plants. This letter was written around 55 AD to identify and address problems in the Corinthian church, and to teach believers how to live for Christ in a corrupt society. See, the city of Corinth was a cosmopolitan city - think of New York City. There was a lot going on, including idolatry and immorality. The believers were being attacked both inside the church through incorrect doctrine & outside the church by a lifestyle that was corrupt. Read this text carefully for it applies to our lives today answering a huge question, "How do I lead a Christian life in an anti-Christian world?"

Paul starts with praise and encouragement. The church has all the spiritual gifts they need to stand strong in their faith. Are you aware that you have those same gifts? You received them when you first believed. Some of us have shoved them in the back of a dark closet & forgotten about them. I encourage you now to find them, dust them off, & start putting them to use.

Now, Paul begins addressing the issues. First issue: division. There is fighting among the believers as to who's teaching they follow. Paul was not the only missionary traveling & planting churches. However, Paul points out that all missionaries simply point to the source of our faith - Jesus Christ. Today there are many teachers: Joyce Meyers, James Dobson, Joel Olsteen, and Hank Hanegraff, to name a few. There are also many denominations: Methodist, Presbyterian, Lutheran, Catholic, non-denominational. Paul is telling us to stop getting stuck on the names & start looking to Jesus Christ. He is the center of our faith, not the men & women who bring us His message. They are simply vessels, using their God-given talents to spread the word of Jesus Christ.

Paul also points out that man's wisdom is inferior to God's wisdom. In fact, God chooses those who seem to be the least to proclaim His word. Why? Because those who are humble will seek to glorify the Lord instead of themselves. They will enter ministry because they want to honor God & tell others about Him instead of seeking their own riches and fame. Money & power corrupt, but humility & servant hood produce good fruit. Where do you get your teaching from? Paul tells us to seek those who are humble servants.