Introduction

For an introduction to Paul’s first letter to the Corinthians, please see  Knowing the Bible: 1 Corinthians Overview

Lesson 1

1 Corinthians 1:1-9 – Background

1. What were the circumstances of Paul’s relationship with the church at Corinth? (See Acts 18:1-18)
2. Up to this point in Paul’s journeys, he had stayed only a brief time before opposition forced him to move on. Despite the opposition he faced in Corinth, what encourages Paul to stay longer? (See Acts 18:9) How long did he stay? What does this say about the depth of his familiarity with the Corinthian Christians?
3. How do the first three verses provide a “30,000-foot view of the church as God intends, the church as God sees it”? 
   1. About the church locally?
   2. About her relationship to the church as a whole?
   3. About the church’s individual members? What does it mean that the members of the church are called to be saints – those set apart in Christ Jesus? [For the Old Testament foundation of this setting apart, see Exodus 19:5-6; Leviticus 11:44-45, 19:2. In the New Testament, see 1 Cor. 1:30, 6:11; 2 Cor. 6:14-7:1). Peter quotes Isaiah 62:12 (Peter 2:9-10), applying God’s Old Testament promise to Israel to the church of Jesus Christ.]
   4. For more on God’s view of the church and her glorious calling, see Ephesians 1:3-10; Colossians 1:21-27; and Revelation 21:2-3.
4. In verses 4-9, what does Paul say about the Corinthians with regard to their gifts? What specific gifts of theirs does he give thanks for?
   1. According to Craig Keener (The Bible Background Commentary), “‘Speech’ and ‘knowledge’ were important to the Corinthians. . . . Here Paul means spiritual, not merely natural, gifts, but the Corinthians had come to excel in these particular gifts precisely because these mattered most to them in their culture.”
5. This letter to the Corinthians will contain admonition (warning) and correction. Yet in verses 8 and 9, Paul expresses confidence that ultimately, the church in Corinth will be blameless.
   1. What power can bring this about?
   2. What is the source of Paul’s (and the church’s) hope?
   3. What is the “day of our Lord Jesus Christ”? (See 1 Thessalonians, which contains references throughout to the Lord’s return – especially chapter 4:13-5:11)

For Reflection and Discussion:

1. How do you view the Church? Why? What positive and negative experiences have shaped that view? What biblical ideas and teaching?
2. Belonging is a matter of possession, intimacy and relationship with God. What hinders your sense of belonging to God? Do you hear God’s desire to share His Life with you?
3. In what situations do you find it hardest to believe in Jesus’s lordship? What about his saving power?

Lesson 2

1 Corinthians 1:10-17 – Background

Historical note: In Jerusalem, in Judea, in Antioch, and in the cities where Paul planted churches, there was just one church per city. The early Christians did not have the concept of denominations. However, the believers did meet in separate locations: “For the first three centuries of its existence, the church met mainly in homes; those belonging to more well-to-do members of the congregation could naturally hold the most people. Because the size of these homes limited the size of congregations and forced Christians to meet in different house churches, divisions could easily arise among them. As the letter proceeds, however, it becomes clear that the main basis for division derives from differences of social stratification within the congregations.” (Keener)

1. In verse 10, Paul appeals to the Corinthians to be united in the same mind and the same judgment, “by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.” In what ways has he reminded them of their oneness in Christ in each of the preceding verses?
2. See Philippians 2:1-11 – How does this passage flesh out the idea of unity in the body, and the reason for it?
3. On what basis would some of the Corinthians have claimed to follow:
   1. Paul’s teachings? (Acts 18:1-18)
   2. Apollos’ teachings? (See Acts 18:24-28)
   3. Cephas’ (Peter’s) teachings? (Consider Peter’s experience with Jesus, and his role as a leader in the church in Jerusalem (Galatians 2:7-9). It is unknown whether Peter ever visited the church in Corinth, but based on Paul’s recounting, Peter perhaps represented the continuation of traditional Jewish practices in the Christian community (Galatians 2:11-14).)
4. What could be the problem with claiming to follow only Christ?
5. Based on the text, what might have been some of the issues leading to division? (See vv. 14-15; v. 17)
6. In v. 11, is Paul calling upon the Corinthians to think exactly alike, in complete conformity? Consider Paul’s teaching in 1 Corinthians 12-14 about the diversity of spiritual gifts. What is the unity Paul advocates? (See 1 Cor. 12:4) “Cooperation, mutual concern, peaceful coexistence, edification in love – all these are the positive antidotes to divisiveness” (Craig Blomberg, The NIV 1 Corinthians Application Commentary).
7. What is the basis for the unity of believers? (See Ephesians 4:4-6)
8. What does Jesus desire to see among his saved people? (See John 15:12; 17:11, 20-23, 26; 1 John 4:7-12)

For Reflection and Discussion:

1. What are the issues of division that most fill your mind in this time?
2. In what ways have you been someone who tears instead of mends?
3. How can the power and meaning of the Cross unite the Church?
4. In what new ways might God be asking you to seek wholeness?

Lesson 3

1 Corinthians 1:18-25 

In verse 17 above, Paul states that Christ did not send him to preach “words of eloquent wisdom, lest the cross of Christ be emptied of its power.” 

(The ESV Study Bible notes, “The art of rhetorical persuasion was highly valued in the Greco-Roman world, and professional orators frequented large cities like Corinth, giving impressive displays of their ability to entertain and instruct.” Apparently Paul’s words did not meet this standard (see 1 Corinthians 2:1-5).) 

In verses 18 through 25 Paul expands upon this thought. 

1. For whom is the word of the cross foolishness, according to verse 18?
2. For whom is it the power of God?
3. Based on Paul’s quote from Isaiah 29:14 (verse 19), what value does God place on worldly wisdom and discernment?
4. What constitutes foolishness in human beings, no matter how much knowledge they have accumulated? (See Psalm 53:1-3)
5. How did God “make foolish the wisdom of the world”? (verse 21)
6. Why would Paul say that “Jews demand signs”? (See Matthew 12:38, 16:1; Mark 8:11-2; John 2:18, 6:30 – in demanding signs, what do you think is the Jews’ motive?).
7. Why would Christ crucified be a stumbling block to the Jews? (See Deuteronomy 21:23)
   1. For more on “stumbling block,” see Romans 9:32-33, 11:9; 1 Peter 2:8 (quoting Isaiah 8:140.
   2. What sort of Messiah were the Jews expecting? (Acts 1:6)
8. Why would death – especially this death – and resurrection seem foolish to Greeks seeking wisdom? (vv. 22-23) [According to Keener, “Those viewed as ‘saviors’ were normally gods, kings, wealthy benefactors or miracle workers. . . Associating power with a crucified man – the epitome of weakness – thus made no more sense to ancients than it does to modern people outside Christ” (p. 456).]
9. What does it mean to say that Christ is the power of God? (Romans 1:16) The wisdom of God? (v. 30)
10. In v. 25, Paul is using irony in comparing the foolishness of God to the wisdom of men, and the weakness of God to the strength of men. What is he trying to get the Corinthians to see about themselves relative to God?

For Reflection and Discussion:

1. When was the last time you experienced the power of the cross? What impact did that have on you?
2. Engage this statement and make it your own: “God was pleased through the foolishness of what was preached.”
3. Do you tend toward intellect or power? How could Christ speak to both?
4. Describe your worry level over being seen as “foolish.”

Lesson 4

1 Corinthians 1:26-2:5 

1. Verse 27: What was the weakest and most foolish thing that God chose, to shame the wise and strong? (v. 18, 23)
2. How do Paul’s words in vv. 28-29 echo portions of Hannah’s prayer (especially 1 Samuel 2:6-8) and Mary’s song (Luke 1:52-53)? What do these two passages reveal about God’s ability to reverse a situation? How is this theme highlighted throughout the Old and New Testament? (For instance, Isaiah 61:1, which Jesus says that he fulfills – Luke 4:18-21)
3. Read Jeremiah 9:23, 24 – partially quoted by Paul in verse 31. How do these verses add to your understanding of what Paul is saying in 1 Corinthians 1:29 and 30?
4. It seems that some Corinthians were criticizing Paul for his lack of eloquence. Was Paul able to speak eloquently (as in Acts 17:22-31)? If so, why do you think Paul decided not to use “lofty speech or wisdom” in preaching the gospel to the Corinthians? (2:1-2)
5. Why do you think Paul was weak, fearful and trembling as he preached to the Corinthians? Consider 2 Corinthians 12:7-10. Did the power to save come from him, or through him?
6. Based on the argument Paul is making, is it wise or foolish for the Corinthians to be elevating one man over another?

For Reflection and Discussion:

1. When you think about “who you are” – what descriptions and characteristics come to mind?
2. What do you have a tendency to boast in? Why?
3. When do you find yourself believing, “I got it!” (“I don’t need no help!”)
4. What enables our faith to rest on God’s power?

Lesson 5

1 Corinthians 1:26-2:5 

Paul has been contrasting the wisdom of this world with the wisdom of God. Now he delves more deeply into God’s wisdom, and how to acquire it.

1. The word for “rulers” in verses 6 and 8 is a Greek word that can apply to either humans or divine beings (as in John 12:31 and 14:30). Which do you think it refers to here? Could it refer to both?
2. Why does Paul speak of God’s “secret and hidden wisdom” (v. 7)?
   1. Who do you think Paul is referring to when he speaks of the mature (v. 6), who can receive this wisdom? Who cannot receive it? This is something to consider as you study the rest of this passage down to verse 16.
3. What is wisdom, according to the Scriptures? (Consider Job 28:28; Psalm 111:10; Proverbs 1:7.)
4. This note on Proverbs 1:7 helps clarify the concept of “fear of the Lord”: “One cannot gain knowledge of spiritual things if he begins at the wrong point, refusing to fear the Lord (i.e., to recognize God’s character and respond by revering, trusting, worshiping, obeying, and serving Him).” Buzzell, S. S. (1985). Proverbs. In J. F. Walvoord & R. B. Zuck (Eds.), The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures (Vol. 1, p. 939). Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.
5. According to verse 7, when did God decree this wisdom? For whom has he prepared it (v. 9)? How does he reveal it to his people (v. 10)? How is the Spirit able to share with us God’s inmost thoughts (v. 10-11)? (Note: The Spirit searches the deep things of God, not in the sense of looking for something, but in the sense of plumbing the depths of God’s thoughts and purposes, in order to share this understanding with the believers.)
6. How does this set God’s people apart from others “of the world” (v. 12)?
7. How does the Spirit enable Paul and others to teach God’s wisdom (13)? How does he enable “the spiritual” to receive it? What makes a person spiritual?
8. What enables the spiritual person to judge all things (v. 15)? Why is he or she judged by no one (that is, by no one who does not have the Spirit)?
9. Verse 16 quotes Isaiah 40:13: “For who has understood the mind of the Lord so as to instruct him?” The answer to this rhetorical question would have been, in Isaiah’s time, “No one.” How can it be that we (believers) now have the mind of Christ?

For Reflection and Discussion:

1. How does the message of the Cross run counter to your human, natural tendencies?
2. What is the nature of the gospel? See also Isaiah 52:7, Mark 1:15, 1 Cor 15:3-5, Gal. 4:4-7.
3. How did you come to know God through the gospel?
4. What role does the Spirit play in your life today?

Lesson 6

1 Corinthians 3:1-4

Note: The word “brothers” in verse 1 is a Greek word that refers to both male and female believers.

1. After all that Paul has said about God’s wisdom versus worldly wisdom, about the ability of the mature – or spiritual – person to receive the things of God, how do you think the Corinthians would have reacted to Paul’s saying they could not be addressed as spiritual people (v. 1)?
2. Paul groups the Corinthians with “people of the flesh” (ESV). In other words, the Corinthians were acting in a fleshly manner. Though as believers the Holy Spirit indwells each of them, what kind of life are they displaying?
   1. Look at Galatians 5:19-21: what are the works of the flesh? (See also Colossians 3:5-6; Ephesians 4:31)
   2. Which of these works of the flesh are evident among the Corinthians? (v. 3)
      1. Why would these be particularly harmful to the unity of the body of Christ? 
   3. Note on 3:1-3 in ESV Study Bible: “Flesh” takes different meanings in Scripture, but in Paul’s letters it often refers to “unredeemed human nature” with all its desires and characteristic behavior. 
3. Paul describes the Corinthians, when they first believed in Christ, as infants (babies). Yet based on their behavior, Paul says they are still acting like babies, three or four years later. When they were new in Christ, Paul gave them milk, not solid food (vs. 2). What does he mean by “milk”? What did Paul preach to them at first? (1 Cor. 2:2). 
4. What does Paul mean by “solid food”? (Consider what Paul says about his message in 1 Cor. 1:23-24.)  Does the essence of the message remain the same?

For Reflection and Discussion:

1. Is the Spirit highlighting areas of your life where “it’s time for growing up”?
2. Do you know when you are withering? How does it reveal itself in your life?
3. What does it look like for you to take your places of immaturity to the Cross by the Spirit? How can you G.R.O.W?
4. What new habits will form you for maturity?

Lesson 7

1 Corinthians 3:5-15

1. How does Paul describe Apollos and himself? (v. 5) How does that contrast with the way the Corinthians are viewing them? (see chapter 1, v. 12, and chapter 3, v. 4)
2. Paul refers to himself in other places as a servant (Romans 1:1, Philippians 1:1). How does this imitate the example of the Lord Jesus? (Look at John 13:14-16; Philippians 2:5-8) How does it accord with the words of Jesus? (For instance, Matthew 20:26; Matthew 23:11; Mark 9:34-35) What, then, is the standard of greatness in the kingdom of God?
3. How do vv. 6-8 amplify and illustrate his description? When Paul says that he planted and Apollos watered, is one more important than the other? (See 1 Corinthians 12:12, 14; Romans 12:4-6.) In Paul’s image of the field, who is both the owner and master of the field? Who had commissioned the workers for their work, and for what purpose? (Ephesians 4:11-12) 
4. Paul shifts from the picture of the field to that of a building. He also shifts to a discussion of those in Corinth who are playing a role in leadership. He himself was the first to lay a foundation for the church in Corinth (the “wise master builder). When he says, “Let each one take care how he builds upon it” (v. 10), what is he implying about the work currently going on? 
5. Do you see a similarity between the first building materials Paul lists – gold, silver, and precious stones – and those used in building Solomon’s temple? (2 Chron. 29:2) The new Jerusalem that is to come? (Revelation 21:10-14, 18-21) Based on what Paul says is the foundation (Jesus Christ), what do these imperishable materials represent? How do they compare with wood, hay, and straw? Given Paul’s previous comparison of God’s wisdom with worldly wisdom, what might these perishable materials represent?
6. Paul says in v. 13 that the Day of Christ’s coming will bring to light the quality of each person’s work, and that work will be tested by fire (judgment). What does this tell you about the importance of the church to the Lord Jesus?

For Reflection and Discussion:

1. What type of fruit would you like to grow up within us? What will it take?
2. What obstacles do you hit in living and acting as a servant?
3. What task may the Lord be calling you to in this season? Which of your gifts and passions might He be putting into use?
4. What “short-term” materials are you tempted to build with when it comes to Kingdom work?

Lesson 8

1 Corinthians 3:16-17

1. “You” in verses 16 and 17 is plural – addressed to all the Corinthians that made up the church in that city. How does this idea – that the church in total is God’s temple – enhance the image of the church as God’s building? What was the purpose of the tabernacle, then temple, that God instructed the Israelites to build? (See Exodus 25:8)
2. How did God appear to his people once the tabernacle was completed? (Exodus 40:34) When the temple was completed? (2 Chronicles 7:1-3) When the church was born? (Acts 2:1-4)
3. Paul has spoken about the skilled master builder and the workman who builds with shoddy materials. Now he issues a stern warning to a worker who actually destroys God’s temple (his church). According to verses 3 and 4, along with chapter 1 verses 10-13, what specific destructive behavior is Paul talking about? Note: According to Gordon Fee (The First Epistle to the Corinthians), “As God’s temple in Corinth, the church was to be God’s alternative to Corinth, both its religions and vices. But the Corinthians, by their worldly wisdom, boasting, and divisions, were in effect ‘banishing’ the Spirit and thus about to destroy the only alternative God had in their city. . . . The reason for such a dire threat is given in the final clause: ‘for God’s temple is sacred, and that temple you together are.’” (p. 160-61)
4. See Ephesians 2:20-22 for more about the New Testament reality of the temple.
5. How, then, should those called to minister to God’s people approach their work?

For Reflection and Discussion:

1. Wrestle with this statement: “It takes years to build a friendship, minutes to destroy it and a lifetime to rebuild.” Given the inherently delicate nature of friendships, how does this apply to the church?
2. Describe the role the church has played in your life.
3. Have you observed quarrels within the church, or personally quarreled with members of this church? How could these verses alter your posture?

Lesson 9

1 Corinthians 3:18-23

1. What is Paul saying about those who consider themselves wise (v. 1)? Elsewhere in Scripture, God has strong words for those who are wise in their own eyes, for example in Proverbs 3:7 and Romans 12:16.
2. While the Corinthians were boasting that they followed (belonged to) one or another teacher, how does Paul turn this around in verses 21 and 22? As Gordon Fee says, “Everything is end for end: wisdom is folly, folly is wisdom; weakness is power; leaders are servants; God’s people are nobodies, yet possess all things.” (See 2 Corinthians 6:8-10).
3. Paul quotes two Old Testament passages – in verse 19, Job 5:13; in verse 20, Psalm 94:11. How do these verses, which refer to worldly wisdom, support Paul’s argument about worldly versus godly wisdom?
4. Verses 21-23 offer a breathtaking, God’s-eye view of who these (and all) believers are and what they possess in Christ. Ephesians 1:3-14 gives more detail about the riches that believers have through faith in Christ.

For Reflection and Discussion:

1. What are the lies of this age you are tempted to believe? How do they deceive you? What are the results?
2. Do you know the experience of the tightening passageway that deception brings?
3. What biblical truths speak directly into your deception?
4. How do you apply “all things are yours” to your situation? What does freedom look like?

Lesson 10

1 Corinthians 8:1-13

Historical background: “Eating of cultic meals was a regular part of worship in antiquity. This is true not only of the nations that surrounded Israel, but of Israel itself. In the Corinth of Paul’s time, such meals were still the regular practice both at state festivals and private celebrations of various kinds. . . . The gods were thought to be present, since the meals were held in their honor and sacrifices were made; nonetheless, the meals were also intensely social occasions for the participants.” Gordon Fee, The First Epistle to the Corinthians

1. Paul’s opening words, “Now concerning . . . “ indicate that he is responding to a question or statement in the Corinthians’ letter to him. Apparently the Corinthians have said, “All of us possess knowledge.” What is Paul’s response to this in verse 1? 
   1. The Corinthians are boasting in their knowledge. What does Paul’s term “puffs up” say about the attitude of the Corinthians?
   2. How does verse 2 enlarge on this idea?
2. In verse 1, Paul contrasts “knowledge puffs up” with “love builds up.” Consider the phrase “builds up” in relation to Paul’s earlier metaphor of the church as a building – God’s temple (1 Corinthians 3:10-17). What, in Paul’s mind, is the importance of love in the growth and strengthening of the church?
3. Verse 3: Does 1 Corinthians 13:12 cast light on this idea of knowing and being known by God?
4. It seems that Paul is quoting arguments the Corinthians have made for why there is no harm in eating food offered to idols (verses 4-6).
   1. Though Paul does not disagree with these statements, how does his answer in verse 7 show how love might be applied to this situation?
5. Romans 14 deals with another issue of eating or not eating – probably with regard to the Jewish dietary laws. Look particularly at verses 14-15, and 22-23. How do these verses apply to Paul’s concerns in 1 Corinthians 8?
   1. How does Romans 14 help to understand who is “weak” and who is “strong,” in Paul’s definition?
   2. How does Romans 14:23 establish a principle for Christians’ choices? How does it help understand why a behavior may be all right for one believer but not for another?
6. Verse 8 may be another quotation from the Corinthians’ letter. How do verses 9-13 – as with verse 7 – counter “knowledge” with “love”?
7. What is the most important reason to abstain from that which could harm a brother or sister (verse 12)?
8. Compare verse 13 to Jesus’ words in Mark 9:42.

Lesson 11

1 Corinthians 10:14-22

1. Read Chapter 10:1-13 to better understand Paul’s warning in verse 14. In general, did the Israelites’ experience of God’s presence and provision keep them from falling into idolatry?
2. Paul warns in verse 14: “Flee from idolatry.”  In Chapter 8, his concern was harm to other Christians – the relationship between “stronger” and “weaker” Christians. What is his focus in this passage? 
3. In this passage, what is Paul saying about participation:
   1. In the “cup of blessing” (v. 16)
   2. The “bread we break” (v. 16-17)
   3. By the people of Israel in the temple sacrifices (v. 18)
   4. By pagans in their temple sacrifices (v. 20)
4. What is his conclusion about partaking in both the Lord’s Supper and in idol worship? (v. 21)
   1. While the idols – the statues or images – themselves have no power or reality (see Isaiah 44:9-20 for an extended meditation on the folly of idol worship. However, what, according to Paul, is the power behind them?
   2. Some images of the demonic nature of pagan “gods” from the Old Testament: see Deuteronomy 32:15-18; Psalm 106:34-39.
5. In conclusion, why would eating meat sacrificed to idols in a pagan worship service – even if a person has committed his life to Christ – arouse the Lord’s jealousy? (verse 22)

For Reflection and Discussion:

1. Where have you struggled to live your faith amid our cultural pressures?
2. What are idols and why are they damaging?
3. Where are we participating in cultural activities or practices that worship idols?
4. In what ways have you truly known fellowship with God? In what ways do you position yourself to continue to know His love?

Lesson 12

1 Corinthians 10:23-11:1

Historical background: “Meat was offered to idols before being served in temples’ dining halls (often as part of worship) or being used for communal meals; some of the meat served at the marketplace had been offered to idols. One who ate in a temple would know the source of the meat; one who ate at a pagan friend’s home could never be certain. . . . Meat was unavailable to most Corinthians who were not well-to-do except at the pagan festivals, when it was doled out to the masses.” Craig Keener, The IVP Bible Background Commentary: New Testament.

1. In verse 23, Paul again quotes the Corinthians, who have claimed, “All things are lawful.” What does this say about their primary focus? What are Paul’s two counter arguments? Compare the phrase “build up” (ESV) – to Paul’s statement in chapter 8 verse 1.
2. Paul is discussing the limits on the believer’s freedom in Christ. Consider Galatians 5:13-14.
3. How does verse 24 summarize the message of the Gospel? See, for example, John 14:12; Galatians 6:2.
4. Verses 25 differentiates between meat (possibly offered to an idol) sold in a meat market and meat eaten in a pagan worship context. According to verse 26, why is it unnecessary to raise questions about the meat’s origin when buying it in the market? (Note: Verse 26  quotes the first verse of Psalm 24.)
5. In verse 27, Paul grants equal freedom to eat whatever is served when invited to an unbeliever’s home. How do verses 29 and 30 lay out the case for this? However, what reason does Paul give for a person to abstain in verse 28?
6. What is Paul’s summation in verse 31? What is to be the motivation behind everything a Christian does?
7. On what basis does Paul urge the Corinthians to imitate him (chapter 11:1)? (See also 1 Corinthians 4:16)

For Reflection and Discussion:

1. Are you free? Why or why not?
2. When have you experienced a buoyant life? What was the impact?
3. Do you run over people with your “rights”? Is it time to start seeking someone else’s good instead? In which areas of your life?
4. In what ways did Jesus live for the glory of God? How can we follow his example?

Lesson 13

1 Corinthians 13

Note: Three words for “love” are used in the New Testament: “storge” – a natural affection between kinfolk or those brought together with a common bond, such as the love between parent and child; “philia” – The love between friends – a strong bond between people who share common values, interests or activities, such as true friendship, as between David and Jonathan; and “agape” – the love that serves regardless of changing circumstances; unconditional love. “Agape” is often described as the greatest of loves; it doesn’t so much refer to a love rooted in attraction, as moral good will. It is not a ‘cold’ religious love, but it is truly altruistic. An example would be loving someone that you know you will get nothing back from. It is the love that God has for us, and that we are to have for him, ourselves and our neighbour. 

This chapter is known as the Hymn to Love. Yet it occurs in the middle of an extended passage about the spiritual gifts, especially as they apply to the saints in Corinth. To better understand the context of this chapter, please read 1 Corinthians chapters 12 through 14. 

1. 1 Corinthians 12:31 urges the believers to seek the higher gifts. In this discussion of the church as the body of Christ, what would Paul consider to be the higher gifts? What would be their purpose? (See 1 Corinthians 14:12)
2. The Greek word for “love” in this chapter is “agape” – God’s love. How does Chapter 13 amplify Jesus’ “new commandment” (John 13:34; 15:12-13) and  Paul’s description of walking in the Spirit (Galatians 5:13; Romans 12:10, 13:8; Colossians 3:14; Ephesians 5:2)? 
3. Judging by verses 1 through 3, what gifts or acts do the Corinthians consider most important? Which is preeminent in their view, based on the extended discussion in chapter 14?
   1. In verse 1, Paul highlights the gift of tongues. What does he say about speaking in tongues if it is done without love? What do you think of when you think of a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal?
   2. In verse 2, Paul addresses the gifts of prophecy, wisdom, knowledge, and faith. Without love, what is their value? What would be the temptation of a person with such powers?
   3. In verse 3, Paul talks about giving. What does Jesus have to say on this subject? What is the wrong motive for giving, that will gain nothing in God’s eyes? (Matthew 6:1-4) What is the giving that Jesus exemplifies? (John 15:13) 
   4. Is Paul saying that the gifts in which the Corinthians take pride have no importance? In his view, what is essential to making the exercise of these gifts worthwhile?
4. In verses 4 through 7, Paul defines love in both positive and negative terms. The first two characteristics are positive – “Love is patient and kind” – as are the latter in verse 7. Sandwiched between these is a list of things which love is not. How does each one refer back to a problem area in the Corinthian church? 
   1. Envy (1 Corinthians 3:3)
   2. Boasting (3:18, 21; 8:2; 5:6; 14:37)
   3. Acting arrogantly and proudly (4:6; 5:2)
   4. Acting rudely or shamefully (5:1; 6:1-8; 11:17-22) 
   5. Self-seeking – seeking one’s own way(10:24, 33)
   6. Being irritable – easily angered; resentful – keeping a record of wrongs (6:1, 6-7 – compare to 2 Corinthians 19)
   7. Rejoicing in wrongdoing – delighting in evil (5:1-2)
5. How are these positive expressions of love similar to the fruit of the Spirit in Galatians 5:22 and 23?
6. Love:
   1. Is patient and kind – love’s passive and active responses toward others (see Romans 2:4, where God’s actions toward men are described this way). The Greek word for “kind” can be defined: “being useful on behalf of others” – example, the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:33-37).
   2. Rejoices in the truth – Jesus applies this word to himself in John 14:6; to the Holy Spirit in John 15:26 and 16:13.
   3. Bears all things (bears with others, and bears adverse circumstances)
   4. Believes all things (always trusts in God)
   5. Hopes all things (always hopes in God’s promises)
   6. Endures all things
7. Romans 12 provides a picture of the practical outworking of 1 Corinthians 13. Please read through Romans 12 and note down the ways that love can be manifested in daily life.
8. Since, as Scripture says, “ . . . God is love” (1 John 4:8) and “[Jesus] is the image of the invisible God,” (Colossians 1:15), do you think the attributes of love in verses 4 through 7 give you a picture of Jesus Himself? Could you insert His name before each of these?
9. Considering the last four characteristics together:
   1. See Romans 15:1-7, where Paul fleshes them out.
   2. Compare with Paul’s description of his “boast” in Christ (2 Corinthians 6:4-10; 2 Corinthians 11:21b-30)
10. Verses 8 through 12 talk about the temporary nature of the gifts compared to the permanence of love. Paul compares the perfect or permanent with the imperfect or temporary.
    1. In verse 8, which gifts does Paul choose to contrast with the permanence of love? 
    2. Which gift does Paul himself view as the most important (Corinthians 14:3-5)? Why? 
    3. Which two do the Corinthians consider most important? (Note that “knowledge” in verse 8 refers to the gift of spiritual knowledge, not merely human knowledge.)
    4. Why will all of these no longer be needed when Christ returns (see Corinthians 15:20-28)?
11. Consider the metaphors that Paul uses to contrast the perfect with the imperfect: 
    1. Verse 11: The thoughts and speech of a child, compared to those of an adult. Is there anything wrong with the reasoning of a child? Or is it appropriate to children, but not to adults? 
    2. Verse 12a: Looking at an image in a mirror, compared to looking at someone face to face. There is nothing wrong with looking at an image in a mirror (or in our day, we might say – in a photograph), but it is not the real person.
    3. Verse 12b: Knowing in part. That is not wrong, in fact it is a gift to be able to know the Lord even in part. But one day his people will know the Lord as he knows his people – fully, inside and out.
12. Paul ends this lyrical passage by linking love to faith and hope, as he often does: See Romans 5:1-5; Galatians 5:5, 6; Ephesians 4:1-5; Colossians 1:3-5; 1 Thessalonians 1:3; 5:8.
13. Paul’s goal throughout is to show the Corinthians who they are to be in Christ – one body, united in love. Let’s prayerfully read Ephesians 3:14-19, as Paul expresses his heart – and God’s for the glorious church of Jesus Christ.

“Above all else, put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony.” (Colossians 3:14)