God is faithful, and by Him you were called to the fellowship of His Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. 1 Corinthians 1:9 MEV
The church at Corinth seems to lack nothing material, in fact they seem to be a bounding with blessings in that area, but as this epistle indicates, they had problems, spiritual problems.
For it has been declared to me concerning you, my brothers, by those who are of the house of Chloe, that there are contentions among you. 1 Corinthians 1:11 MEV
Did all that prosperity lead to contentions and strife, divisions instead of unity because of the consequent pride, as is the case today? Proverbs 13:10 NKJV By pride comes nothing but strife, But with the well-advised is wisdom.
For Christ did not send me to baptize, but to preach the gospel, not with eloquent words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of no effect. 1 Corinthians 1:17 MEV
This does not negate the need for baptism, in fact, I find debates against the need for baptism to be folly, arising from a lack of true understanding of the Lord’s heart.
For the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men. 1 Corinthians 1:25 MEV
Understanding and accepting this takes humility and trust in Lord, especially against the debate of this age (v20).
But God has chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise. God has chosen the weak things ofthe world to confound the things which are mighty. 1 Corinthians 1:27 MEV
It is good to remind ourselves of this truth often, if we consider ourselves chosen and called.
For I determined not to know anything among you except Jesus Christ and Him crucified.1 Corinthians 2:2 MEV
so that your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God. 1 Corinthians 2:5 MEV
Sometimes, especially in the beginning of my walk with God, I felt that human eloquence, orration and intellect, along with good looks, were pivotal in the propagation of the Gospel. In fact I can name many who still do. While God can and will use that, the good news is all about Jesus Christ crucified, resurrected, and returning soon; all declared in humility, in truth, and in love, God’s unconditional love.
But God has revealed them to us by His Spirit. For the Spirit searches all things, yes, the deep things of God. 1 Corinthians 2:10 MEV
I could spend years in this chapter and it won’t be enough, but as much as we are capable of walking daily in that revelation, we must listen and obey what the Holy Spirit shows us about the deep things of God. It must be real and not just remain intellectual. “These things also we proclaim, not in the words which man’s wisdom teaches, but which the Holy Spirit teaches, comparing spiritual things with spiritual.” 1 Corinthians 2:13
For “who has known the mind of the Lord that he may instruct Him?” But we have the mind of Christ. 1 Corinthians 2:16 MEV
Amen. Isaiah 40:13 NKJV Who has directed the Spirit of the LORD, Or as His counselor has taught Him?
for you are still worldly. Since there is envy, strife, and divisions among you, are you not worldly and behaving as mere men? 1 Corinthians 3:3 MEV
Traits of being mere men. Take the high road, always.
Do you not know that you are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwells in you? If anyone defiles the temple of God, God will destroy him. For the temple of God is holy. And you are His temple. 1 Corinthians 3:16-17 MEV
It is important and wise to understand the context in which this truth is declared by the apostle Paul, especially if deeper insights are to be gained. Wisdom, foundations, wise master builder etc.
For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God. For it is written, “He catches the wise in their own craftiness,” 1 Corinthians 3:19 MEV
Again this comparison.