Cue the Confetti!  It’s time to begin!!!  I am so excited to begin the Book of 1 Corinthians with you! If you do not have the optional Journal yet – it’s still available on Amazon.  Now, let’s get started with an overview of 1 Corinthians.

WLW Overview of 1 Corinthians

The Purpose:

The book of 1 Corinthians is a letter from Paul to the church at Corinth. Paul established the church in Corinth, but soon after his departure there were divisions, disorder, immorality, confusion and a lack of love inside the church.  These internal divisions were tearing the church apart and so Paul wrote to clarify, instruct and encourage the Corinthian church.

The Author: Paul the Apostle

Time Period: Around 55 A.D. (Paul wrote this during his third missionary journey)

Key Verse: 1 Corinthians 10:31

Whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.

The Outline:

1. Introduction (1:1-9)
2. Divisions in the Corinthian Church (1:10-4:21)
3. Immorality and Lawsuits in the Corinthian Church (5-6)
4. Marriage and Divorce (7)
5. Christian Liberties and Rights (8-10)
6. The Lord’s Supper (11)
7. Spiritual Gifts (12)
8. Christian Love (13)
9. Order in the Church (14)
10. The Resurrection (15)
11. Conclusion (16)

This book is going to challenge us, as we cover issues that have been divisive inside the church down through the ages.  Some of the scriptures we will cover have been interpreted differently by scholars and have caused denominational divisions.  So, as we dig deep into God’s Word together, may we seek to keep unity and love at the forefront of our study together.

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For an even more in-depth Introduction to this week’s reading, watch this video. It is a great explanation of 1 Corinthians!

Now let’s get started!

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This Week’s Bible Reading Plan:

(Facebook Leaders:  You can use this as your Facebook Header this week. Just right click and “save as” or screen shot it.)

This week’s Reflection & Discussion Questions

(Leaders: Copy and paste these into your groups.  If you do not have a group, use these for a personal time of reflection.)

Chapter 1

Paul appealed to the church at Corinth to be united with no divisions.  He wanted them to see the wisdom and greatness of Jesus’ work on the cross, over the wisdom and greatness of the preachers and teachers they were following.  Paul reminded them that God chose the weak, foolish, low and despised of this world, to preach the power of Christ crucified.  So, when we boast, may we only boast in the Lord.

Have you ever been tempted to put the wisdom of someone you follow above the wisdom of God and his word?  Have you ever divided with another believer over which preachers or teachers they listen to?  While it’s important that we guard against false doctrine, it is equally important that we unite around the gospel truth that we have in common.  In what area of your life have you become a divider and how can you work to be more united within the family of God?

Chapter 2

The rulers of this world could not understand the wisdom of God in Christ and so they crucified him.  But as believers God has revealed to us, through the Holy Spirit, the wisdom of the cross.  Yet, our limited minds cannot comprehend all of the blessings in store for us!

Imagine planning a surprise party for someone you love. Perhaps you would choose a place they’d like to visit, a gift they’d like to receive and their favorite foods. Now, you prepare this elaborate blessing to give them and you know they are going to thoroughly enjoy it.  This is how God has prepared for us. He knows better than we do what we desire and enjoy, and we cannot even fathom what he has prepared for us.  How does this truth encourage you today?

Chapter 3

God tests our works based on what “sort” of work it is.  Works that are as wood, hay and straw will burn up in the fire but works that are as gold, silver and precious stones, will be rewarded.  In its context, this verse is referring to the building up of the church with truth.  Those who mix in human wisdom, may make it through the fire but without rewards.

God knows our motives of the heart.  It does not matter how many hours we have spent serving him by building up the church.  If it was not with a right heart, right motive or right truth, it will be as though we did nothing at all.  On Judgement Day, our works will be tested and only what remains will be rewarded. Evaluate the ways that you are currently serving the Lord.  Will they make it through the fire? What changes do you need to make, so you can be sure that your service is honoring to the Lord?

Chapter 4

One of the issues in the Corinthian church was that the leaders were being prideful about their spiritual wisdom.  This was causing disunity in the church.  Paul straightened out their wrong way of thinking by reminding them that the kingdom of God is not just a bunch of talking heads.  It’s the power of Christ at work in believers’ lives!

While proclaiming the gospel truth is important, living lives that reveal the transforming power of the cross, is equally important.  We must be witnesses of Jesus by sharing both the gospel and what God has done in our lives.  How have you experienced God’s power in your life?  Pray and ask God to open the door for you to share the power of the gospel with someone this week.

Chapter 5

Sexual immorality had defiled the church in Corinth.  Paul called on the church to purify itself by removing those who were sinning in arrogance, in hopes that they would become repentant.  These instructions were specifically for those inside the church and it was meant to be a loving act, seeking restoration.  Those outside the church were not to be judged by the church but rather left for God to be the judge.

Have you experienced the church winking at the sin of those inside the church while judging harshly those outside the church?  While it may seem loving to overlook the sins of those inside the church, it hurts the holiness of the church and those participating in the sin.  But we cannot hold those outside the church to the same standard. In what ways have you been too judgmental of those outside the church and how can you show more love to those who are lost in their sin?

To print the 16 Discussion Questions for 1 Corinthians – Click Here.

This Week’s Verses of the Day:

(Leaders: You can use these images in your groups by using right click and “save as” or screen shoting them.)

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday

Click HERE to print the Verses of the Day for 1 Corinthians 1-5.

Here’s the Printable
Bible Reading Plan Bookmark 
so you can check off the days as you go.

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Here’s an explanation of the SOAK Bible Study Method and Bible Coloring Chart if you need more guidance:

Here is the SOAK method I refer to in the video:

And the Bible Coloring  Bookmark:Click HERE to Print the full page Coloring Chart
or here for the Bookmark Coloring Chart

Here are the highlighters, pens and pencils I refer to in the video:

Highlighters – Acid Free – Bible Hi-Glider
Fine Line Non-bleeding Pens – Micron Archival Ink and Multi-Colored Gel Pens
Colored Pencils – Crayola Twistables and Crayola Colored Pencils
I use the ESV Inductive Study Bible and the ESV Journaling Bible as my personal study Bible.

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Share your insights using the hashtag #WomenLivingWell. 

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I can’t wait to see how God reveals himself personally to each of us, as we read the book of 1 Corinthians together.  Some of the chapters are quite long, so be sure to leave at least 20 minutes for your reading each day.

I am in prayer for you all and asking God to help us understand his word clearly.

Have a wonderful week in God’s Word – I’ll see you back here on the blog this Friday with a video just for you!

Keep walking with the King,

Courtney 🙂

 

It’s not too late! If you’d like to purchase the
Companion Journal to the 1 Corinthians Bible Study,
it’s still available on Amazon!

 

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