1 Corinthians Week 1

United in the Call: The Wisdom of the Cross

Introduction: The God Who Calls

In Genesis 49, we saw God assemble a family of “strange tribes.” In 1 Peter, we will see Him secure that family as “Elect Exiles.” Today, in 1 Corinthians, we see how that family is meant to function together in a world that often thinks our message is “foolish.”

Pastor Jack emphasizes: This book is addressed to ALL believers at Corinth.

Not just the leaders. Not just the mature. ALL believers.

And that means this letter is for you too.

God’s calling doesn’t stop with Paul and the believers at Corinth. God called you!

This chapter establishes three foundational truths:

  1. God is active; we are passive in our calling
  2. God has enriched us with every gift needed
  3. God calls us to unity in purpose

Section 1: Enriched and Called (v. 1-9)

1 Corinthians 1:1–9 Paul, called by the will of God to be an apostle of Christ Jesus, and our brother Sosthenes, To the church of God that is in Corinth, to those sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints together with all those who in every place call upon the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, both their Lord and ours: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. I give thanks to my God always for you because of the grace of God that was given you in Christ Jesus, that in every way you were enriched in him in all speech and all knowledge—even as the testimony about Christ was confirmed among you—so that you are not lacking in any gift, as you wait for the revealing of our Lord Jesus Christ, who will sustain you to the end, guiltless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is faithful, by whom you were called into the fellowship of his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.

— 1 Corinthians 1:1-9 (ESV)

Key Note: Paul emphasizes that God is the active one—He calls, He sanctifies, and He enriches. We are the ones receiving. Corinth was a major, influential city, and Paul reminds them that they aren’t just forgiven; they are “refined and enriched” with every gift they need.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Paul says we are “called to be saints together.” How does it change your perspective to realize your calling isn’t just a solo mission, but a team effort?
  2. Verse 5 says we are “enriched in him in every way.” Thinking back to our “tribes” in Genesis 49, how have you seen God “enrich” our specific group with a talent that wasn’t there before?
  3. Does it excite you to realize that the same God who called an Apostle like Paul is the same God who personally called you?
  4. Pastor Jack says: God is active, Paul and believers are passive in their calling. How does this challenge our idea of “choosing God”?
  5. Pastor Jack asks: Do you get excited that God has called you? Why or why not?

Section 2: Unity vs. Conformity (v. 10-17)

1 Corinthians 1:10–17 I appeal to you, brothers, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be united in the same mind and the same judgment. For it has been reported to me by Chloe’s people that there is quarreling among you, my brothers. What I mean is that each one of you says, “I follow Paul,” or “I follow Apollos,” or “I follow Cephas,” or “I follow Christ.” Is Christ divided? Was Paul crucified for you? Or were you baptized in the name of Paul? I thank God that I baptized none of you except Crispus and Gaius, so that no one may say that you were baptized in my name. (I did baptize also the household of Stephanas. Beyond that, I do not know whether I baptized anyone else.) For Christ did not send me to baptize but to preach the gospel, and not with words of eloquent wisdom, lest the cross of Christ be emptied of its power.

— 1 Corinthians 1:10-17 (ESV)

Key Note: Chloe’s people reported a “small” issue: quarreling. People were choosing “sides” based on their favorite speakers (Apollos, Cephas, or Paul). Paul argues that unity isn’t the same as conformity. We don’t have to be identical, but we must be united in purpose.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Why is it so easy for us to rally around people (favorite authors, speakers, or leaders) instead of rallying around Christ?
  2. Paul asks, “Is Christ divided?” How can we celebrate our different “tribal” gifts (the warriors, the providers, the thinkers) without letting those differences cause divisions?
  3. Pastor Jack says: Unity does not equal conformity. What’s the difference?

Section 3: The “Foolish” Power of God (v. 18-25)

1 Corinthians 1:18–25 For the word of the cross is folly to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. For it is written, “I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and the discernment of the discerning I will thwart.” Where is the one who is wise? Where is the scribe? Where is the debater of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world? For since, in the wisdom of God, the world did not know God through wisdom, it pleased God through the folly of what we preach to save those who believe. For Jews demand signs and Greeks seek wisdom, but we preach Christ crucified, a stumbling block to Jews and folly to Gentiles, but to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. For the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men.

— 1 Corinthians 1:18-25 (ESV)

Key Note: To the world, a King dying on a cross is “folly” or “weakness.” The Jews wanted miracles (signs) and the Greeks wanted intellectual philosophy (wisdom). God gave them both in a way they didn’t expect: Christ Crucified.

Discussion Questions:

  1. In your workplace or neighborhood, do people seem more like “Greeks” (seeking logical/scientific proof) or “Jews” (seeking experiences/signs)?
  2. Why is the message of the Cross—the idea of victory through sacrifice—so “foolish” to a world that values power and self-promotion?

Section 4: Choosing the Weak (v. 26-31)

1 Corinthians 1:26–31 For consider your calling, brothers: not many of you were wise according to worldly standards, not many were powerful, not many were of noble birth. But God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise; God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong; God chose what is low and despised in the world, even things that are not, to bring to nothing things that are, so that no human being might boast in the presence of God. And because of him you are in Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God, righteousness and sanctification and redemption, so that, as it is written, “Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord.”

— 1 Corinthians 1:26-31 (ESV)

Key Note: (Note: We will dive deeper here next week!) God doesn’t wait for us to be “superstars” to use us. He uses us exactly where we are. He chooses what the world calls “weak” to show His true power.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Verse 26 says “not many of you were wise according to worldly standards.” Why do you think God prefers to do His heaviest lifting through “ordinary” people?
  2. Pastor Jack says: God wants us to bring all our different talents together to reach people. How does diversity strengthen the church’s mission?
  3. Closing Reflection: If God “enriched” you (v. 5) and “called” you (v. 9), what is one way you can “boast in the Lord” this week instead of worrying about your own abilities?

Action Steps for This Week:

  • The Enrichment Audit: Identify one “unique talent” you have. Ask God: “How do You want me to use this to serve the ‘Saints Together’ this week?”
  • Unity Check: If you find yourself “quarreling” or disagreeing with a fellow believer, stop and ask: “Are we still united in our primary purpose (The Cross)?”

Choose one to practice:

UP (Intimacy with God):

  • Spend time this week celebrating God’s faithfulness. Write down 3-5 specific ways He’s been faithful to you.

IN (Investment in Community):

  • Identify someone in your church with a gift very different from yours. Thank them for their contribution and tell them how their gift strengthens the body.

OUT (Influence in the World):

  • God uses us where we are to reach people. This week, share Christ with someone in your current sphere of influence—work, neighborhood, gym, wherever God has you.

Remember: God called you. God enriched you. God is faithful. Now bring your unique gifts together with others to reach the world. Be united in purpose!