07/09/2023
NEW HOPE CHURCH
July 9, 2023
1 CORINTHIANS 1:26-31t
“BEFORE AND AFTER!”
THE BOOK OF 1 CORINTHIANS:
* Author: Paul
*Theme: Proper Christian Conduct
*Date of Writing: c. 56 A.D.
*Interesting Facts: The Apostle Paul wrote this first letter to the church at Corinth in response to a letter he had received from them. The church had questions regarding Christian marriage and foods that had been offered to idols. Paul addresses these concerns, but also uses the opportunity to address controversial issues in the church, that had been reported to him. Some of the these “troubling” issues involved quarrels and divisions in the church, and a reported case of in**st that the church had not addressed. The apostle also addresses several other issues involving Christian Conduct, while also giving a comprehensive presentation on the resurrection of the body (Ch. 15).
I. THE WAY WE WERE… IS NOT A PRETTY PICTURE (VV. 26-28).
A. We were a “Mess,” a wreck looking for an accident (Is. 64:6, Jer. 17:9).
B. Sin separated us from the “true life” that comes from union with God, the Life Giver (Gen. 2:16-17, Lk. 5:30-32)!
II. GOD LOVES ALL PEOPLE, BUT HE “CHOSE” THESE PEOPLE (VV.27-30).
A. If you are “saved” it is not because of your will, but God’s Will (Rom.9:9-16, 18, Rom. 11:1-4, Eph.1:3-5).
B. God has a “target” group that He chose and adopted to be His own redeemed children (1 Pet. 1:18-21, 1 Pet. 2:7-9).
III. WE MUST DECREASE SO THAT GOD CAN INCREASE (VV. 27-29, CF. V. 30).
A. God wants all the glory, and He should receive all the glory (Ex. 20:3-5, Is. 42:8)!
B. Never let your success or ego cloud Who God really Is, and who you really are (Job 40:6-9, Jn. 3:30-31)
