1 Corinthians 1

Today we begin our next letter from Paul. Below you’ll find The Bible Project’s video overview of the letter. Check it out – it’s super helpful to understand the background of the letter.

There are two passages in Chapter 1 that really stand out to me today.

First, I am always encouraged by Paul’s boldness to tell it like it is. In 1 Corinthians 1:10-15, Paul confronts those who were quarreling about who they were following and who baptized them. Paul say in verse 13, “…was Paul crucified for you?” Boom! He puts it all back into perspective. Honestly, I don’t think things have changed much in the last 2000 years. We church people still fall into the trap of putting our leaders on pedestals. Paul reminds us – it’s Jesus who deserves our praise.

“I appeal to you, brothers and sisters, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree with one another in what you say and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly united in mind and thought. My brothers and sisters, some from Chloe’s household have informed me that there are quarrels among you. What I mean is this: One of you says, “I follow Paul”; another, “I follow Apollos”; another, “I follow Cephas ”; still another, “I follow Christ.” Is Christ divided? Was Paul crucified for you? Were you baptized in the name of Paul? I thank God that I did not baptize any of you except Crispus and Gaius, so no one can say that you were baptized in my name.” ‭‭1 Corinthians‬ ‭1:10-15‬ ‭NIV‬‬

The other passage that I love from 1 Corinthians 1 is verses 26-31. I love the way the Lord works. He takes our weakness and frailty and chooses to use them for His glory. For that I’m very grateful.

“Brothers and sisters, think of what you were when you were called. Not many of you were wise by human standards; not many were influential; not many were of noble birth. But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. God chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things—and the things that are not—to nullify the things that are, so that no one may boast before him. It is because of him that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God—that is, our righteousness, holiness and redemption. Therefore, as it is written: “Let the one who boasts boast in the Lord.”” ‭‭1 Corinthians‬ ‭1:26-31‬ ‭NIV‬‬

https://youtu.be/yiHf8klCCc4