1 Corinthians 1: Expository Preaching and Study Guide

Overview

1 Corinthians 1 begins Paul’s first canonical letter to the Corinthian church, addressing deep concerns about divisions, pride, and the need to return to the centrality of Christ. Paul opens with a customary greeting, then immediately transitions to thanksgiving for the grace God has given the Corinthian believers. He confronts the reports of factionalism among them and clarifies that the wisdom of God—particularly seen in the message of the cross—is far superior to human wisdom. This chapter lays a firm foundation for the rest of the letter by exalting the cross of Christ and calling believers to unity under His lordship.

Theologically, this chapter affirms the inerrancy of Scripture by clearly presenting divine truth through Paul’s apostolic authority. It magnifies Christ as the wisdom and power of God and exhorts the church to live in submission to this divine order.

Historical and Literary Context

Historical Setting: Corinth was a wealthy, cosmopolitan city in ancient Greece, known for its commercial success, cultural diversity, and rampant immorality. The Corinthian church was composed of both Jews and Gentiles, primarily Gentile believers, many of whom came from pagan backgrounds. Paul planted this church during his second missionary journey (Acts 18) and later wrote this letter from Ephesus around A.D. 55.

Literary Form: The letter follows the structure of a Greco-Roman epistle—opening salutation, thanksgiving, body of instruction, and final exhortations. As an apostolic letter, it bears authoritative teaching for the church universal. Paul uses rhetorical questions, rebuke, and theological contrast (wisdom of the world vs. wisdom of God) to engage the minds and hearts of believers.

Conservative Evangelical Viewpoint: This chapter is taken as historically literal, authored by Paul under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit (2 Timothy 3:16). The events and teachings are authoritative for the church today and are not subject to modern reinterpretation or relativism.

Key Themes and Doctrinal Points

1. The Supremacy of Christ and the Cross (vv. 17-25)

Paul emphasizes that the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing but is the power of God to those being saved.
This illustrates substitutionary atonement—that Christ died in our place.
God intentionally confounds human wisdom to reveal His own glory and sovereign design.

2. Unity in the Church (vv. 10-17)

Paul strongly appeals for unity among believers and rebukes divisions based on loyalty to different church leaders (Paul, Apollos, Cephas, Christ).
The doctrine of the body of Christ is foundational: we are all one in Christ (Galatians 3:28; Romans 12:4-5).
Church leadership is to serve under Christ, not replace Him.

3. The Calling and Identity of Believers (vv. 1-9, 26-31)

Believers are called saints, enriched in speech and knowledge, and confirmed in Christ.
God chooses the weak and lowly to shame the wise and strong, upholding the doctrine of election and God’s sovereignty in salvation.
Boasting is excluded—only in Christ may anyone boast (v. 31).

4. The Wisdom of God vs. the Wisdom of Man

Paul sets up a contrast between worldly philosophy and divine revelation.
Evangelical theology affirms that true wisdom begins with the fear of the Lord (Proverbs 9:10) and is fully revealed in Christ.

5. Christ as Our Righteousness, Holiness, and Redemption (v. 30)

These three terms reflect the full scope of salvation: justification, sanctification, and glorification.
Evangelicals uphold that salvation is by grace alone through faith alone in Christ alone.

Verse-by-Verse Analysis: Key Verses and Commentary

1 Corinthians 1:1-3 – Greeting and Authority

“Paul, called to be an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, and our brother Sosthenes, To the church of God in Corinth…”

Literal Meaning: Paul asserts his apostleship not by personal ambition but by the will of God—a divine commissioning. He is joined by Sosthenes, likely the synagogue ruler mentioned in Acts 18:17.
Doctrinal Insight: Apostolic authority is God-ordained. The church belongs to God, not to any man or group.
Cross-Reference: Galatians 1:1 – “Paul, an apostle—sent not from men nor by a man, but by Jesus Christ and God the Father…”
Application: Church leadership and identity must rest on divine calling, not human charisma or preference.

1 Corinthians 1:4-9 – Thanksgiving and Assurance

“He will also keep you firm to the end…” (v.8)

Literal Meaning: Paul gives thanks for the grace given to the Corinthians and affirms God’s faithfulness to preserve them.
Doctrinal Insight: This is a strong statement of eternal security and perseverance of the saints (Philippians 1:6).
Cross-Reference: Jude 24 – “To him who is able to keep you from stumbling…”
Application: Assurance in the Christian life rests not in our strength but in God’s faithfulness.

1 Corinthians 1:10-17 – A Call for Unity

“Is Christ divided? Was Paul crucified for you?” (v.13)

Literal Meaning: Paul confronts factions in the church—some aligning with him, Apollos, or Peter.
Doctrinal Insight: The unity of the church is grounded in Christ, not in human leaders.
Cross-Reference: Ephesians 4:3-6 – “Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit…”
Application: Christians must avoid sectarianism and elevate Christ above all personalities.

1 Corinthians 1:18-25 – The Message of the Cross

“For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing…” (v.18)

Literal Meaning: The cross, a symbol of shame in the ancient world, is seen by the world as foolish—but to believers, it is God’s power.
Doctrinal Insight: Penal substitution—Christ bore God’s wrath on the cross. Salvation cannot be understood apart from divine revelation.
Cross-Reference: Romans 1:16 – “For I am not ashamed of the gospel…”
Application: Believers must proclaim the gospel boldly, even when it clashes with cultural values or worldly wisdom.

1 Corinthians 1:26-31 – God Chooses the Lowly

“God chose the foolish things… so that no one may boast before him.” (vv.27, 29)

Literal Meaning: God reverses human expectations. He uses the weak and humble to accomplish His will.
Doctrinal Insight: This highlights God’s sovereignty in election and grace—salvation is not earned or deserved.
Cross-Reference: Deuteronomy 7:7 – “The Lord did not set his affection on you… because you were more numerous…”
Application: Christians must humbly acknowledge that their standing before God is entirely due to His grace, not merit.

Theological Implications and Connection to Jesus Christ

1 Corinthians 1 ultimately centers the entire Christian life in Jesus Christ:

Christ is the source of our calling (v.2)
Christ is our sanctifier and sustainer (v.8)
Christ is not divided—He alone is the basis of unity (v.13)
Christ crucified is the wisdom and power of God (vv.23–24)
Christ is our righteousness, holiness, and redemption (v.30)

The chapter points to the centrality of the cross—the pivotal act of redemptive history. It upholds that Jesus Christ is both Savior and Lord, and He alone must be exalted in doctrine and in the church.

Connection to God the Father

The chapter is saturated with references to God the Father:

Paul’s calling is by the will of God (v.1)
The church is described as the church of God (v.2)
Grace and peace come from God our Father (v.3)
God is the one who enriches, confirms, and calls believers (vv.5–9)
God is faithful (v.9), a foundational truth for assurance and perseverance
God’s plan intentionally upends human pride by choosing the humble (vv.27–29)

This demonstrates the Father’s sovereign wisdom and His redemptive love. Everything begins with God the Father’s initiative—calling, electing, sustaining, and glorifying His people. The Father is the origin and orchestrator of the plan of salvation, fulfilled in His Son and applied by the Spirit.

Connection to the Holy Spirit

While 1 Corinthians 1 does not explicitly mention the Holy Spirit by name, His presence and ministry are evident in several implicit ways:

1. The Calling and Sanctification of Believers (v.2)

“To those sanctified in Christ Jesus and called to be his holy people…”

The work of sanctification is the Spirit’s ministry (1 Peter 1:2; 2 Thessalonians 2:13).
The Spirit sets believers apart, applies the cleansing blood of Christ, and conforms them into His image.

2. The Revelation of Divine Wisdom (vv.18–25)

The wisdom of God, centered in the message of the cross, cannot be grasped through human reasoning alone.
It is revealed and understood through the illumination of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 2:10-14).
The Spirit enables believers to see Christ as the power and wisdom of God.

3. Unity in the Body of Christ (vv.10–17)

The Spirit creates and maintains unity within the church (Ephesians 4:3).
The division at Corinth was a symptom of walking in the flesh rather than walking by the Spirit (Galatians 5:16-21).

4. Empowerment in Proclamation (v.17)

“…not with wisdom and eloquence, lest the cross of Christ be emptied of its power.”

Paul’s gospel ministry depended not on persuasive speech but on the Spirit’s power (cf. 1 Corinthians 2:4).
The Holy Spirit ensures the message of the cross has convicting, saving power beyond human technique.

Sermon Outline and Flow: “Boast Only in the Lord” (1 Corinthians 1)

Introduction:

Open with a story of a sports team, political movement, or tech brand that divided followers into extreme loyalties.
Transition: The Corinthian church had this same problem—divided loyalties were undermining the central message of Christ.

Main Point 1: The Cross Confronts Human Pride (vv.18–25)

Truth: God’s wisdom is revealed in the foolishness of the cross.

Explain: The world sees the cross as weakness, but it is God’s greatest act of power and love.
Illustration: Imagine someone wearing a necklace with an electric chair on it—shocking and offensive. That’s how the cross seemed to first-century minds.
Application: Are you trusting in your own understanding or resting in the finished work of Christ?

Main Point 2: The Church Belongs to Christ, Not Men (vv.10–17)

Truth: The church must be unified in Christ, not divided by personalities.

Explain: Factions were forming around leaders like Paul and Apollos.
Illustration: Today’s church may divide over preachers, denominations, or worship styles.
Application: Do we elevate certain leaders or traditions above Christ? Examine the root of our spiritual loyalties.

Main Point 3: God Uses the Weak to Display His Glory (vv.26–31)

Truth: God calls the lowly so that no one may boast before Him.

Explain: God’s calling is not based on merit or status, but grace.
Personal Story: Share about a person who felt unqualified but whom God used mightily.
Application: Are you trying to prove your worth to God, or are you boasting in Christ alone?

Conclusion: “Let the One Who Boasts Boast in the Lord” (v.31)

Summarize: We are saved by God’s power, unified under Christ, and called for His glory.
Call to Action:
- Repent of pride, division, or worldly thinking.
- Embrace the foolishness of the cross.
- Unite in Christ, and rely on the Spirit to live boldly for Him.

Illustrations and Examples

1. Modern Example of Division:

Talk about sports rivalries (e.g., Barcelona vs. Real Madrid) or political camps where loyalty becomes personal and divisive.
Apply: The same can happen in the church when people value leaders or traditions more than Christ.

2. Analogy for God’s Wisdom:

Use the example of a child misunderstanding a parent’s actions—what looks foolish to the child (like going to bed early or avoiding candy) is wisdom from the parent’s perspective.
Apply: In the same way, God’s ways may look foolish to us, but His wisdom is perfect.

3. Personal Testimony:

Share your own moment of realizing that human achievement could never save—only Christ could.
Emphasize how the Spirit opened your heart to understand the message of the cross.

Application for Today’s Christian

1 Corinthians 1 offers rich and convicting instruction for how believers are to live out their faith in the modern world. Here are practical applications in the areas of discipleship, stewardship, and daily obedience:

1. Discipleship: Commit to Christ-Centered Identity

Reject celebrity Christianity — Avoid idolizing pastors, influencers, or traditions. Instead, follow Christ above all.
Application: Examine who or what you follow most closely in your faith journey. Are your loyalties to Jesus or to a personality?
Action Step: Spend regular time in God’s Word to deepen your relationship with Christ, not just with Christian culture.

2. Stewardship: Boast in the Cross, Not in Self

Embrace humility — Recognize that everything you have—spiritual gifts, talents, salvation—comes from God (v.30).
Application: Steward your influence, position, or resources to point others to Jesus, not to yourself.
Action Step: Each week, find one way to serve others quietly, without seeking recognition, in honor of Christ.

3. Faithfulness: Live the Message of the Cross

Live out the paradox — The gospel contradicts worldly thinking. Faithfulness may seem foolish to others, but it reflects God’s wisdom.
Application: Be willing to suffer reproach or rejection for standing firm on biblical truth.
Action Step: Practice boldness in witness by sharing your testimony or inviting someone to church, even if it feels risky.

4. Community: Guard the Unity of the Church

Avoid factions — Whether through denominational pride, preferences in worship, or online debates, avoid dividing Christ’s body.
Application: Prioritize relationships and reconciliation over winning arguments.
Action Step: Reach out to someone with whom you’ve disagreed and seek to restore unity in love.

Connection to God’s Love

Although 1 Corinthians 1 emphasizes doctrine and correction, God’s love is powerfully present throughout the chapter:

1. God Calls the Unworthy

“Brothers and sisters, think of what you were when you were called…” (v.26)

God’s love is initiating—He calls those who were foolish, weak, and lowly by the world’s standards.
He doesn’t wait for us to be worthy. He saves us because of His love, not our merit.

2. God Gives Grace Generously

“For in him you have been enriched in every way…” (v.5)

The Corinthians were enriched with spiritual gifts—proof of God’s kindness, despite their immaturity.
This reflects God’s ongoing investment in our sanctification, rooted in His faithful love.

3. God Secures Our Future