The context of our passage today is a lengthy discourse that encourages unity over rivalries. Paul has just reminded the church in Corinth that there is no need for them to create division by siding with certain teachers because the teachers all have the same goal in mind: ensuring that gospel fruitfulness occurs through the message they preach. Paul reminded the Corinthians in the previous section that the church is God’s field. He closed verse 9 with another metaphor: the church is also God’s building (1 Corinthians 3:9). The building metaphor is central to Paul’s message in this next section. If the church is a building, then how should that building be built? Paul answers that question and provides us with some helpful insights into how we are to labor rightly in the Church, God’s building.
1 Corinthians 3:10-15
The Foundation of Our Work
March 26, 2023 • Joe Burrows • 1 Corinthians 3:10–15
1 Corinthians 1:1-9
February 12, 2023 • Joe Burrows • 1 Corinthians 1:1–9
Though the church of Corinth has some major issues that must be addressed, Paul begins his letter with some encouraging words. To center the entire letter of 1 Corinthians upon the gospel, Paul’s first words to the Corinthians are not rebukes but reminders. Paul wants the Corinthians to know that despite the messiness of their church, God’s grace hasn’t changed. These believers are being sanctified and sustained by Jesus for the glory of God.
1 Corinthians 1:10-17
February 19, 2023 • Joe Burrows • 1 Corinthians 1:10–17
After addressing the church of Corinth with a warm greeting, Paul now directs his attention to a major problem that exists within the church. The warmth of his welcome is over, and his stern rebuke will now be heard. As a rope becomes unraveled when its cords are disunited, so the church in Corinth is on the verge of unraveling because of disunity. Paul addresses this now, and the other things he brings up in the first four chapters of 1 Corinthians all stem from this topic. Therefore, it is best to view this section as somewhat of an introduction to the first part of the letter (1 Corinthians 1:10-4:21).
1 Corinthians 1:18-25
February 26, 2023 • Joe Burrows • 1 Corinthians 1:18–25
God’s chosen Messiah being crucified on a criminal’s cross is the greatest scandal in the history of the universe. Such a scandal cannot be understood or believed by the natural mind. That is why in 1 Corinthians 1:18, Paul tells the church that when it comes to hearing and responding to the gospel, there are only two groups of people. Some find it to be useless—those who are perishing. And to some, the gospel is the power of God—those who are being saved.