1 Corinthian 1:4-9

Posted on June 11, 2010 by Plymothian

There is a difference between knowing that an idea is true in your head and seeing that idea worked out in reality.  Paul owned the gospel of Christ when he came to Corinth.  He knew that it was the powerful basis for a transformed life.  However, even more powerful has the message become now that the truth of it is confirmed in the lives of the Corinthians.  The proof of the pudding is in the eating.  If you thought of how the gospel is meant to change people, would your life be proof?  How?

1 Corinthians 1:4-9

 4I always thank God for you because of his grace given you in Christ Jesus. 5For in him you have been enriched in every way—in all your speaking and in all your knowledge— 6because our testimony about Christ was confirmed in you. 7Therefore you do not lack any spiritual gift as you eagerly wait for our Lord Jesus Christ to be revealed. 8He will keep you strong to the end, so that you will be blameless on the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. 9God, who has called you into fellowship with his Son Jesus Christ our Lord, is faithful.

Questions

  1. Why does Paul thank God exactly?
  2. How does this connect with his greeting?
  3. How is a path to holiness through sanctification supported in this paragraph?
  4. What are you thankful for in other Christians?
  5. What are others thankful for in you?

Going Deeper

Observation

  1. When is Paul thankful?
  2. What is the cause of Corinthian enrichment?
  3. What don’t the Corinthians lack?
  4. What are they waiting for?
  5. What aspect of God’s nature means that he will complete his work in them?

Interpretation

  1. How are the introduction and the thanks Paul gives connected?
  2. Why do you think he puts this list of encouragement at the start of a letter addressing problems?
  3. What do you think Paul’s testimony to the Corinthians had been?
  4. Why does spiritual growth rely on God’s strength so much?
  5. Why are spiritual gifts highlighted in this introduction?

Application

  1. How often do you make  a point of letting those around you know you are grateful for them?
  2. How will you let at least three people know that you are grateful for them today?
  3. How can you be transformed from a person who is frustrated with a person to a person who is thankful for them?
  4. Do you look forward to Christ coming, or do you prefer the idea of seeing this life on earth through to old age?
  5. Would you describe your life as ‘in fellowship’ with Jesus?  Why?  Why not?
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About Plymothian

I teach at Moody Bible Institute in Chicago. My interests include education, biblical studies, and spiritual formation. I have been married to Kelli since 1998 and we have two children, Daryl and Amelia. For recreation I like to run, play soccer, play board games, read and travel.
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