1 Corinthians 1

Hey guys!

I’ve never written a blog before, and this is my second try – the first one was a bit of a snooze-fest.

Basically this is a reflection for the Senior High peeps at DGFUMC on the book of 1 Corinthians.

We’re going to try and burn through a chapter a week, but some chapters have simply too much awesomeness for just one hour of discussion.

Intro:
1 Corinthians was written by this guy, Paul, as a letter to the town of Corinth. It’s definitely not all fun and games in Corinth – because Paul is writing to address some of the problems the people have been having.

1 Corinthians can easily be split into three pieces: v1-9, v10-17 and v18-31.

The first section (v1-9) is primarily a Salutation. Basically: Paul says hi.
He also reassures the church in Corinth, telling them that God will help them stay strong.

The members of the early church faced a lot of persecution and hatred from those around them: have you ever felt alienated or cast out because you’re a Christian? How?

V10-17: Divisions in the Church.
In these verses Paul is addressing a major problem that came up for the people of Corinth.

Apparently, the people of Corinth were being taught by a bunch of different teachers: Apollos, Cephas, Paul – and they were taking sides against each other! They were splitting into groups that would say, “I follow this guy, but not that guy,” Sound familiar?

Paul emphasizes that the goal is the gospel – and by that he means the story of Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection. He wants to share this amazing truth with everyone!

V18-31: Christ is Power and Wisdom of God
In the last part of chapter 1, Paul talks about how Jesus flips things upside down. The world, society, tells you to value certain things. The world tells you what is wise, what is good – and Jesus comes along and mixes it all up.

What does the world tell us is important? Money? Nice things? The latest and greatest technology? The coolest video games, cutest clothes, hottest car? Jesus basically came along and said: those things are nice – but they have no real value.

Real value comes from eternal things. Comes from living a life full of the fruits of the Spirit. (If you don’t know what those are, check out Galatians 5). Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness, Faithfulness, Gentleness, and Self-Control. Living into these things is what life is really all about, what is really valuable. Bah, enough preaching.

Paul is talking about how Christ flips everything upside down. He shows us what to really value.
As always, there is so much more to say, but I feel as though I’ve rambled on long enough for today.

Peace, Love and God Bless, my brothers and sisters in Christ.