1 Corinthians 1:18-25

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1 Corinthians 1:18-25

The Scandal of the Cross

February 26, 2023 • Brent Stephens • 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.

1 Corinthians 1:1-9

February 12, 2023 • Brent Stephens • 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 • Brent Stephens • 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 1:26-2:5

March 5, 2023 • Brent Stephens • 1 Corinthians 1:26–31, 1 Corinthians 2:1–5

In 1 Corinthians 1:23-24, Paul said that, to “those who are called” Christ is the power and wisdom of God. Here in verse 26, Paul reminds the Corinthians of that when he tells them “consider your calling, brothers.” The word “consider” means to perceive or have sight of something. Paul encourages these believers to step back and examine how they came to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ. In verses 26-31, Paul makes two things very clear to the Corinthian church, and all Christians. First, Paul says that when it comes to the salvation of anyone, “both Jews and Greeks” (v. 24), we bring nothing to the table. We cannot boast about anything. Second, Paul makes the point that salvation belongs to the Lord (see Jonah 2:9; Psalm 3:8). Therefore, whatever boasting of salvation a person might do can only be boasting in the Lord.