Dear Corinth
- Cornerstone Church
- Aug 31
- 4 min read
Have you ever been to New York? Corinth would have been similar to New York in the ancient day. A port city that was an economic powerhouse that attracted all types of gifted people, and it was also a hub of pagan worship. Paul started a church in Corinth (Acts 18) and then moved on to plant other churches. Paul heard that there were issues, and Paul is writing to address what he has heard. There are 5 basic sections that are addressed. Paul discusses how the Gospel reshapes how Christians are to think and act concerning that section or topic. The topics include Divisions (Ch. 1-4), Sex/Relationships (Ch. 5-7), Food (Ch. 8-10), the Gathering (Ch, 11-14), and the Resurrection (Ch 15 & final greeting Ch 16). Paul over and over again makes the argument that Jesus’ sacrifice is the foundation for Christians’ love of God and people (unity) in the power that God alone supplies (humility). Therefore, if you claim the Name of Jesus then it matters how you live, and not to live in arrogance for all you have is from God. It is contrary to loving your brother/sister and the Gospel message to cause confusion about the Gospel by sinning, tolerating sin, or claiming freedom in Christ at the expense of a brother/sister. This confusion could happen by what you do when you know it might cause another to stumble, your own willful neglect of God’s commands, or by allowing a person to remain in the congregation who claims to be a Christian but lives a life contrary to what Jesus has commanded, and that is the Big Picture.
Each week, as you take in the Bible, find some friends to talk it out. You can follow this simple guide to help. First, R.E.A.D. and P.R.A.Y. on your own. Then, meet with friends to share what you've learned.
R - Repeated words
E - Examine and mark
A - Ask what you learn about God
D - Do if there is anything to do
P - Praise
R - Repent
A - Ask
Week 36
Bible Reading Plan
Daily Prayer Plan
START IT.
We're reading the Bible together in 2025 to see how Love Shows Up from the Old Testament and into the New Testament. How do we understand so many stories and lessons through the entire Bible while trying to stick to the "sacred timeline"? The answer is the big picture. If we get the big picture, we get the story the Bible is trying to tell. From Sunday's message or The Big Picture Bible Reading Plan this week in the book of 1 Corinthians, what is impacting you the most? How has praying daily through the Psalms impacted you? Was there a word, phrase, Bible verse, or theme that impacted you?
R.E.A.D. - Repeated words. Examine & mark. Ask what I learn about God? Do.
STUDY IT.
Read 1 Corinthians 1:21-25, 30-31. R.E.A.D. Ask, what do I learn about God and what do I learn about God’s wisdom?
Read 1 Corinthians 3:5-11. R.E.A.D. Ask, what do I learn about God? What do I learn about how God works with believers?
Read 1 Corinthians 5:9-13. R.E.A.D. Ask, what do I learn about God? Do’s, what are the do’s or commands in this passage?
Read 1 Corinthians 5:1, 4-5. R.E.A.D. Do’s, what are the do’s or commands in this passage? What is the purpose of the excommunication of an unrepentant brother?
Read Luke 17:3? What happens if they repent and turn from that lifestyle?
Read 1 Corinthians 6:9-10. R.E.A.D. Ask, what do I learn about lifestyles of the unrighteous that do not align with God’s holiness? Read 1 Corinthians 6:11. What is the hope for the unrighteous?
SHARE IT.
Read 1 Corinthians 1:12-13, 30-31. How do factions in the church/disunity take from Christ’s glory? What might be a sign that faction or loyalty to a man/idea above Christ is developing?
Read 1 Corinthians 3:21-23. What does Paul mean that ‘everything is yours’ and what does that have to do with unity? How does this apply to your life today?
Read 1 Corinthians 8:9-13. How does your knowledge about how your decisions affect another believer change your behavior? Why would it? Is this hard for Americans?
Read 1 Corinthians 3:11-15. This passage is speaking of heavenly rewards for the Christian built upon the foundation of Christ. How do you know your day to day activity is built on Christ so as to be gold, silver, or precious gems? (Hint: 1 Corinthians 13:1, 4-7)
Read 1 Corinthians 3:12, 15. How do you know if your day to day activity is not built on Christ and your works will be burned up and suffer loss? (Hint: 1 Corinthians 13:1, 4-7)
FINAL THOUGHT
The believers at Corinth were gifted and talented people. However, Paul has to remind them about the truth of the Gospel. Christ died for sinners. He condescended to serve those who are spiritually repugnant. Pride can sneak into the church, however it is Christ’s example that reminds us of God’s great love for sinners and our lack of worthiness before a holy God before belief in Christ. In our new nature, God’s commands are not a burden, and we are drawn to serve those that the world would cast away. We value widows, orphans, those called to be single, fidelity in marriage, sexual chastity, financial promiscuity, unity in Christ, restraining our liberty to love a weaker brother/sister, all because Christ first served us and we are one with Him.
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