Paul begins his letter to the Corinthian church not by immediately addressing all the serious moral problems in the church but by thanking God for the grace given to believers despite their sinfulness. He reminds them of four aspects of God's grace: permanent 'saint' status, spiritual gifts to effectively represent Christ, eternal security, and open access to Christ at any time. Becoming a Christian is not about our own works but a willingness to accept what God has done for us. Deep moral change occurs as a result of understanding our new identity in Christ rather than by instruction or willpower.

Paul reminds the Corinthians what a church would look like if it was following the wisdom of God rather than the wisdom of the world. First, these churches tend to not attract many "movers and shakers," as these people are often too preoccupied with their social standing, power, money, etc. to see their need for Christ. Next, people in the church boast about God and all He has given them rather than boasting about themselves and their own accomplishments. Lastly, they interact with non-Christians in a humble way, keeping the focus on Jesus rather than on a big presentation or production.

Paul presents several insights into God's wisdom regarding Christian leadership. This is important to us today because if we have any influence for God, we have some leadership role. First, God allows leaders to be agents of His power, but the work should be rightly attributed to Him. He is the source of the power. Second, leaders are meant to be teammates who collectively work together and complement each other. They are not meant to lead alone or to work against one another. Finally, leaders aim to please God, not the people they lead.

In response to unchecked sin (a man carrying on a sexual relationship with his father's wife), Paul rebukes the Corinthian church for not practicing the church discipline that is warranted. When practiced correctly, church discipline can be redemptive and loving. It can help bring the person to a point of repentance, it maintains the spiritual health and zeal of the community practicing it, and it upholds the integrity of the church which is attractive to the watching world. It's important to remember, however, that church discipline is only meant for serious and chronic behavior and only for those who claim to know Jesus.

Paul addresses sexual immorality in the Corinthian church and reminds them of God's wisdom in four different areas: the purpose of human sexuality, the relationship between sexuality and spirituality, the role of sexual taboos, and the possibility of healing and change. In each of these areas, the wisdom of God is contrasted with the wisdom of the world.

Paul encourages believers in the Corinthian church to remain single but reminds us that there are exceptions to Biblical principles such as this. Though there isn't a formula for knowing when to follow Biblical principles regarding major life decisions and when to make an exception, the key is in understanding the wisdom that undergirds it. There are a few things we can consider before we make a major decision: what we have learned through the circumstance we want to change, why we want to change the situation, and whether we have sought godly counsel. The answer to these questions will reveal whether we are pursuing the wisdom of the world (the better my circumstances, the happier I'll be) or the wisdom of God (I can serve and love others regardless of my circumstances).

For Christians, there is freedom within the boundaries of God's moral absolutes, but it is important to consider whether things are beneficial to others. Although Paul had the right to financial support as a church planter, he waived that right so that non-Christians in Corinth would not think he was in it for the money. The wisdom of God tells us that we should be willing to sacrifice freedom if it is going to be a hindrance to others hearing or understanding the gospel. In other words, the "law of love" supersedes the "law of liberty." Paul's motivation to live this way was following Christ's example. We should also remember that Christ gave up his rights for each of us.

Where will we set our hearts and minds - on God, or on our flesh? Paul uses the 40 year journey of the Israelites in the desert to demonstrate what it looks like when we lack faith and lose focus. Paul then uses the image of an athlete to show what it looks like for a Christian to have discipline and endurance with their sights on the prize. Choosing the right focus affects every area of our lives.

Paul calls the Corinthians to give up their selfish ways and live for others. He uses women wearing head coverings to teach the church about sacrificing our free will for the sake of loving others and reaching them. Paul gives us several principles for serving love, and we learn the importance of historical context when interpreting scripture.

Paul calls the Corinthians to come to their meetings ready to serve others in love. Those attending the home churches in Corinth were stuck in a selfish mindset, choosing to not welcome others or share with them. The result was that their worship of God was empty, since no actions backed their words. Paul rebukes their selfishness, and reveals to the Corinthians that God has been disciplining them with the goal that they'll repent and choose to love.

Paul speaks to the Corinthians about spiritual gifts, explaining that they are to be used to serve others. We are to live inter-dependent lives with other believers, and learn to love them sacrificially. Each of us has a role to play, and spiritual gifts are just one way God wants to use us to support the body.

Paul instructs the Corinthians on the importance of exercising biblical love, and then describes what this sacrificial love really is. Agape (sacrificial/biblical) love is unconditional, forgiving, willing to discipline, moves toward all people, gives generously, and tries to meet all needs. We look to 1 John 4 to discover how we as Christians can develop this love.

God's plan for love involves real relationships. The most basic friendship God wants us to start with is having casual friendships. Casual friendships involve initiating others-centered conversations.

God wants us to be able to have relationships that can go deeper than just a casual friendship. These close friendships involve regular time spent, vulnerability, and sacrificially loving one another. These relationships are often the venue for us to experience true Biblical love.

Paul practiced and taught gratitude as a key ingredient in finding true joy in our relationship with God. Humans naturally are often entitled and we need to fight to count our blessings. Expressing gratitude to God and other people can be a very satisfying and life changing practice.

Physical, psychological, and relational flaws or baggage can hinder our relationships and lower our self esteem. God has adopted us as his sons and daughters and He has given us a new identity. We can fight the aspects of these issues that we have control over by acting on the truth of our new identities in Christ.

Resentfulness and bitterness are real barriers to the love that we have toward other people. God has forgiven everyone for their sins, this includes you. Are you willing to forgive others like God forgave you?

Paul in his letter to the Corinthians gives five keys to having a healthy home group meeting: 1) it requires people who have made a commitment to gather regularly; 2) expect Christ to be present and active in your meeting; 3) seek to edify your brothers and your sisters; 4) pray aloud and prophesy; 5) invite guests and trust that God will speak to them.

Jesus' resurrection is a unique claim that comes with evidence. His resurrection is prophesied throughout the Bible as well as backed by hundreds of witnesses. Putting your faith in Christ results in His resurrection saving you from God's condemnation. Instead you gain God's complete forgiveness and a promise of a future of bodily resurrection.

God is capable of creating and giving people new bodies. In Paul's first letter to the Corinthians we see what these new bodies will be like for those who have put their faith in Christ. We know that our earthly bodies: perish, have dishonor, weaknesses, and are naturally made for this earth. Whereas, heavenly bodies will be: imperishable, radiate God's glory, have power, and will be spiritually capable of living in God's presence.

Paul uses militant language to describe the church, because all Christians are involved in spiritual warfare. Christians, as soldiers, should be spiritually alert and never compromise on essential biblical teaching. We should also be faithful despite suffering, and above all, be soldiers who are controlled by love.