1 Corinthians Chapter 1 v 1-3 Audio. The church at Corinth had problem after problem after problem. Paul wrote this book to guide on these issues. 1 Corinthians Chapter 1, verses 1-3, Audio introduces Paul’s letter to the church at Corinth, where he reminds believers that they are sanctified in Christ and called to be saints. Paul thanks God for the grace given to them, noting they have been enriched in speech and knowledge and lack no spiritual gift. He assures them that God will keep them strong and blameless until the end, highlighting the faithfulness of God and the importance of their calling.
1 Corinthians Chapter 1 v 1-3
Audio
1 Corinthians Chapter 1 v 1-3
Scriptures used in this lesson:
1 Timothy 4:13 – 4:16, 1 Corinthians 1:1-9,
We will begin a study on the Book of 1 Corinthians. I’m not sure how many verses we will cover today. I want to get Chapter 1, verses 1-9, but I likely won’t.
You’ve heard me say that I want to go back to where the 1st-century church was, but I will no longer say that. You will see why as we move through our study. I want to go much further than the 1st-century church went.
Let’s begin our study of 1 Corinthians in 1 Timothy 4:13-16. Hopefully, you will understand when I make a few points.
1 Timothy 4:13 – 4:16
13 Until I come, give attention to the public reading of Scripture, to exhortation and teaching.
14 Do not neglect the spiritual gift within you, which was bestowed on you through prophetic utterance with the laying on of hands by the presbytery.
15 Take pains with these things; be absorbed in them, so that your progress will be evident to all.
16 Pay close attention to yourself and to your teaching; persevere in these things, for as you do this you will ensure salvation both for yourself and for those who hear you.
Paul instructs Timothy in 1 Timothy 4:13 to focus on the public reading of scripture, exhortation, and teaching. The word “public” is in italics in some translations, indicating it is not in the original text; however, the context suggests that these activities occurred in a public setting. Reading, exhorting, and teaching were all done before the gathered church.
1 Corinthians Chapter 1 v 1-3
Paul continues by urging Timothy not to neglect his spiritual gift, which was given through prophecy and the laying on of hands. He tells Timothy to be diligent in these practices—reading, exhorting, and teaching—so that his spiritual progress will be apparent to everyone. Paul emphasizes the importance of paying close attention to both personal conduct and teaching, as perseverance in these things brings salvation to both the teacher and the listeners.
Teaching and preaching are serious responsibilities because they affect both the preacher and the congregation. In the early church, as described in historical Roman documents, gatherings involved reading the apostles’ letters, exhorting the congregation, and teaching about the text. The church would also praise God, take communion, and pray together as a community. The primary focus of their meetings was praising God, interspersed with scripture reading, exhortation, and teaching.
The study of God’s word has four main effects. First, it confirms the believer’s faith, assuring salvation. Second, it equips the believer to make wise decisions by applying God’s wisdom found in Scripture. Third, it reveals God’s will, helping believers understand what God desires. Fourth, it deepens a personal relationship with God, as studying scripture reveals God’s character and ways.
1 Corinthians Overview
We study the book of 1 Corinthians because it allows us to see inside a first-century church. Reading this letter is like opening a door and looking into how that church functioned and what problems it faced. First Corinthians does not show us a perfect church. Instead, it reveals a church with many issues—problems that are still common in churches today. The apostle Paul not only highlights these problems but also provides practical solutions for them.
The letter covers many topics.
In chapter 1, Paul addresses sanctification and divisions in the church. He explains that some believers were aligning themselves with different leaders, causing splits.
In chapter 2, he contrasts human wisdom with the power of God, reminding the church to seek God’s power rather than impressive personalities.
1 Corinthians Chapter 1 v 1-3
Chapter 3 warns about building on the wrong foundation, teaching that only what is built on Christ will last.
Paul continues in chapter 4 by talking about servanthood.
Chapter 5 deals with immorality in the church, specifically a case of sexual sin that the church was ignoring.
Chapter 6 discusses lawsuits among believers, urging them not to take each other to court.
In Chapter 7, Paul addresses marriage, celibacy, and divorce, providing guidance on relationships within the church.
In chapter 8, Paul talks about not offending others, using the example of eating meat that might trouble another believer’s conscience.
Chapter 9 discusses support for ministry and how ministers should adapt to reach different people.
Chapter 10 warns against idolatry and participating in the Lord’s Supper while living in sin.
The letter also addresses practical matters.
Chapter 11 discusses order in the home and proper observance of the Lord’s supper.
Chapter 12 explains spiritual gifts and how every member of the church is needed.
In Chapter 13, Paul focuses on love as the most essential quality,
Chapter 14 explains how to use spiritual gifts in an orderly way during church gatherings.
Chapter 15 teaches about the resurrection, clarifying what will happen at the end of time.
And in Chapter 16 gives instructions about collecting offerings.
1 Corinthians Chapter 1 v 1-3
Paul’s letter reveals that the early church faced genuine challenges, yet it also provides practical solutions. Studying 1 Corinthians helps us understand how to address similar issues today. It teaches us to seek God’s answers for division, immorality, relationships, worship, and more. The goal is not just to see the problems, but to learn how to build a strong, lasting church that follows God’s ways.
My plan is to begin with the first three verses and then cover a chapter each week. However, sometimes my teachings take longer than expected, as past series have gone much longer than planned.
Let’s read the first nine verses of 1 Corinthians Chapter 1.
1 Corinthians 1:1 – 1:9
1 Paul, called as an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, and Sosthenes our brother,
2 To the church of God which is at Corinth, to those who have been sanctified in Christ Jesus, saints by calling, with all who in every place call on the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, their Lord and ours:
3 Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
4 I thank my God always concerning you for the grace of God which was given you in Christ Jesus,
5 that in everything you were enriched in Him, in all speech and all knowledge,
6 even as the testimony concerning Christ was confirmed in you,
7 so that you are not lacking in any gift, awaiting eagerly the revelation of our Lord Jesus Christ,
8 who will also confirm you to the end, blameless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ.
9 God is faithful, through whom you were called into fellowship with His Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.
1 Corinthians Chapter 1 v 1-3
Paul addresses the church at Corinth, reminding them they are sanctified in Christ and called to be saints. Paul gives thanks for the grace of God given to them, noting that they have been enriched in all speech and knowledge. He emphasizes that they are not lacking in any spiritual gift as they await the return of Jesus Christ. Paul assures them that God will keep them strong and blameless until the end, and reminds them of their calling into fellowship with Jesus.
Notice how Paul points out that no spiritual gift will be lacking among believers. I challenge the idea, common in some churches, that spiritual gifts are only for the early church and not for today. The purpose of God’s grace and the Holy Spirit is to ensure that every gift is available to meet the needs of the people. When people come to church, they should experience love, healing, wisdom, prophecy, and all the gifts of the Holy Spirit. The presence of these gifts is a sign that God’s grace and Spirit are truly at work in the church.
Four Points in the First Three Verses
1. The Will of God
The first point to be noted from these verses is that Paul was an apostle by the will of God. It is a great comfort to know you are right in the center of God’s will. The Lord’s will is to build his church, and being part of that work means you are doing precisely what God wants. There is nothing greater than serving Christ in the building of his church.
Every believer needs to make sure they are doing what God has called them to do. Being in the middle of God’s will brings assurance and purpose. The New Testament’s central theme is the building and proper functioning of the local church. Jesus said, “I will build my church and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.” This promise shows that God’s will is always to strengthen and grow his church.
2. A Church is to Minister to a Region
The second point is that Paul addresses his letter to the church of God at Corinth. God’s church is always located in a specific place. It is not just a vague or scattered group. There is always a designated place where believers gather together as a body.
1 Corinthians Chapter 1 v 1-3
In the New Testament, the church is always identified with a city. For example, there are the churches at Corinth, Ephesus, Smyrna, Philadelphia, Sardis, and Laodicea. Each church is identified with a specific region. The church is not described as a building on a corner or a hill, but rather as the church in a city or region.
This is significant because God wants His church to have a positive impact on the city where it is located. The church should be a force for good, acting as salt and light, and serving as a testimony to the people of that city. Paul’s letter serves as a reminder that the church is called to make a positive impact in its community.
3. Sanctified in Christ
The third point is that Paul writes to those who have been sanctified in Christ Jesus. To be sanctified means to be set apart, made holy, and separated for God. This is not something believers do for themselves. God is the one who calls and makes them saints.
Paul also says that believers are saints by calling. You do not become a saint by your own efforts. God calls you and gives you that identity, even if you do not always feel or act like a saint.
Paul includes all who call on the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. It is not just about the church at Corinth. It is about everyone, everywhere, who calls on Jesus as Lord. This shows that the church is both local and universal.
4. Grace and Peace
The fourth point is about grace and peace. Paul says, “Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.” Grace means God’s unearned favor. Peace is the result of experiencing that grace. When you receive God’s grace, you also receive His peace.
1 Corinthians Chapter 1 v 1-3
Paul continues by thanking God for the grace given to the believers in Christ Jesus. He says that through this grace, they have been enriched in every way—in speech and knowledge. The testimony of Christ is confirmed in them.
Because of God’s grace, they lack no spiritual gift. They are waiting for the return of Jesus Christ. Paul assures them that God will keep them strong and blameless until that day. God is faithful, and He has called them into fellowship with His Son, Jesus Christ.
Laid the Foundation
I want you to see, in these first nine verses, that Paul laid out the foundation for everything he’s going to say to the church at Corinth.
He tells them who they are in Christ, what God has done for them, the grace that has been given to them, the gifts that have been given to them, the calling that is upon their lives, and the faithfulness of God to complete what He has begun in them.
1 Corinthians Chapter 1 v 1-3 Audio
1 Corinthians Chapter 1 v 1-3 Audio
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