1 Corinthians: Part 1

Sunday, February 1, 2026

Read aloud reverently 1 Corinthians 1:1-3

Main Idea: 1st Corinthians shows how the gospel matures a messy church. 

Quotable Quote: “We are not saved by the quality of our faith. We are saved by the object of our faith.”  —Pastor Jason  

Main Passage:  1 Corinthians 1:1-3

Notice the author, background, and theme of 1 Corinthians. 

  • The Author

    • Verse one: “Paul”

      • What do we know about the author of 1 Corinthians from v.1? How does this initial insight help us to anticipate what he will address in his letter?  

      • Pastor Jason shared some background on Paul.

        • Likely born 1 AD into a Hebrew family.

        • Hometown was Tarsus, an ancient city in what is now modern-day Turkey. He was born there as a Roman citizen, as Acts 22 indicates.   

        • Trained by Gamaliel, a top Pharisee teacher in his time. Paul was a zealous young man who followed the strictest rules of Jewish law . . . until his conversion.   

    • “Sosthenes”

      • With the Apostle Paul.  A believer and leader. 

      • What do you think are some reasons for Paul including Sosthenes in his greeting? (see Acts 18:17)

  • The Background

    • Corinth, located in Southern Greece, had a reputation. What was Corinth known for, as you recall from last Sunday’s message?  Acts 18, read alongside 1 Corinthians, will offer insights into Corinth's background. 

    • Verse 2: 

      • What did Pastor J. say about the following terms?

        • Sanctify

        • Saints

      • “Understanding our identity will shape and steer our activity.”  Pastor Jason 

  •  The Theme

    • What main idea does Paul hint at right at the start of 1 Corinthians (in verses 1-3 of chapter 1)?

      • How can the following words or phrases help you understand the theme of 1 Corinthians?

        • “Paul, called by the will of God.”

        • “The church of God in Corinth”

        • “Jesus Christ” is used 4 times in 3 verses 

        • “Those sanctified in Christ Jesus”

        • “Called to be saints.”

        • “Call upon the name of our Lord Jesus.”

        • “Grace to you & peace from God”  

    • Review the Main Idea of the message.  Are you comfortable sharing this idea with someone else as an invitation to “come and check out our church”? 

Closing questions for one another

  • Do you have grace & peace in Christ Jesus our Lord?

  • Do you find yourself looking for a perfect church? If so, why do you suppose you are on this search? 

  • Will you pray for God to mature us through this series?

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