1 Corinthians 1 - Pride in the Church

by Katrina

LINK: 1 Corinthians 1

BACKGROUND
Paul took the gospel to the city of Corinth on his second missionary journey about six years before writing this letter. He had written another letter in the interim, but it has been lost. He had also received a letter from the Corinthians before writing this letter. It's apparent that sections of this letter were written as responses to their questions. First Corinthians is a very practical book. It deals with moral and spiritual issues and has plenty of application to real, every day life.

Chapter 1
There were divisions in the church at Corinth. Paul addressed the division as being a result of pride. People were bragging based on who had baptized them. "I'm a better Christian because I follow Paul," etc. Paul made it clear that baptism was not the main point of the gospel message. It's the message of the cross that was important. The cross demonstrated the power of God, not anything man could do.

Paul also pointed out to them that man's knowledge, wisdom, and strength pale in comparison to God. They were bragging about their own strengths, which are really nothing.

REFLECTION
Their boasting was causing division among the believers. How does that happen today? Does it?

APPLICATION
Let's not allow ourselves to boast in any wisdom or strength we might have. It really is nothing. We have no boasts before God. Instead, let's proclaim that any righteousness, sanctification, and redemption we have is totally God's doing in our lives. Let us boast about the Lord's work!

PRAYER
Lord, you are all powerful and wise. You are the one who has changed my heart from one of complete sin to one of righteousness. Thank you for the work you do to keep changing and purifying my heart. Let me not become proud in myself but boast about you and your work in me. In the name of Jesus who made it all possible, amen.