Because the Apostle Paul cared deeply for the believers in Corinth, his heart broke when he learned of their division, bickering, and loss of focus. To ease them back on track (and not always so gently!), Paul confronted a series of issues that had divided and distracted them and encouraged the Corinthians to reunite based on the only sure foundation—Jesus Christ.
Today’s church, also often divided and distracted, has much to learn from First Corinthians. The recommended sermon series below divides Paul’s flow of thought into ten sections, each section spurring a sermon that relates to the larger theme of church unity.
| 1. |
Title: |
ONEloyalty |
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Text: |
1 Corinthians 1:1-17 |
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Premise: |
Paul reminded the believers of the grace they had received through Christ (1:1-9), then confronted their misplaced loyalties to individuals—misplaced loyalties that divided them (1:10-12). He finally encouraged them to bow not to any individual but to bow only to Christ (1:13-17). |
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Thesis: |
Oneness requires submission to the One. |
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Purpose: |
As a result of this sermon, listeners should identify to whom or what they have given their ultimate loyalties and then commit to submit these to their loyalty to Christ. |
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| 2. |
Title: |
ONEcross |
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Text: |
1 Corinthians 1:18 – 2:16 |
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Premise: |
Though it appears foolish to the world, Jesus’ crucifixion displays God’s wisdom and power (1:18-31), and it serves as the centerpiece message of a united church (2:1-5). The Spirit enables believers to grasp and proclaim this message (2:6-16). |
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Thesis: |
A wise church clings to a “foolish” cross. |
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Purpose: |
As a result of this sermon, listeners should be able to explain how the wisdom of God displays itself in the crucifixion. |
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| 3. |
Title: |
ONEfoundation |
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Text: |
1 Corinthians 3:1 – 4:21 |
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Premise: |
The Corinthians’ divided loyalties displayed their immature perspectives (3:1-9). Paul corrected their misunderstanding, reminding them that they were collectively God’s temple, built on the foundation of Jesus Christ (3:10-23). This truth challenges the arrogance of those who would seek prominence in the church (4:1-21) |
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Thesis: |
Only One foundation will endure. |
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Purpose: |
As a result of this sermon, listeners will consider what truly lies at the foundation of their church and then implement suggested ways to realign the church on the person and work of Jesus. |
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| 4. |
Title: |
ONEpurity |
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Text: |
1 Corinthians 5:1 – 6:20 |
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Premise: |
Paul confronted a series of specific sins into which the Corinthians had strayed—adultery (incest?, 5:1-13), lawsuits among believers (6:1-11), and prostitution (6:12-20). While we leave judgment of unbelievers to God, Paul explained, we must maintain accountability among ourselves (5:12-13). |
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Thesis: |
Authentic love includes accountability. |
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Purpose: |
As a result of this sermon, listeners should be able to confront one another’s sins in an edifying manner. |
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| 5. |
Title: |
ONEdevotion |
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Text: |
1 Corinthians 7:1-40 |
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Premise: |
The people of Corinth had apparently asked Paul to offer wisdom concerning marriage and the single life. To these specific issues Paul offered a broad principle: “Each one should retain the place in life that the Lord assigned to him and to which God has called him” (7:17). |
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Thesis: |
Vertical devotion guides horizontal relationships. |
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Purpose: |
As a result of this sermon, listeners should allow their devotion to Christ to guide their decisions concerning relationships. |
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| 6. |
Title: |
ONEconsideration |
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Text: |
1 Corinthians 8:1 – 11:16 |
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Premise: |
While Christians had freedom to eat meat that had been offered to idols, Paul encouraged the Corinthians to consider the weaker brothers among them (8:1-13), following Paul’s example of limiting his freedom for the sake of the Gospel (9:1-26). Historically, the Israelites provide an example of our weakness in the face of temptation (10:1-22). Ultimately the loving believer does all for the glory of God, seeking the good of others (10:23 – 11:1). The same holds true regarding male/female cultural taboos (11:2-16). |
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Thesis: |
Love is the balance on the tightrope of disputable matters. |
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Purpose: |
As a result of this sermon, listeners should identify particular situations in which they should limit their Christian freedom to keep from harming a Christian brother or sister. |
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| 7. |
Title: |
ONEtable |
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Text: |
1 Corinthians 11:17-33 |
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Premise: |
The Corinthians had turned the Lord’s Supper into a divisive matter that caused separation between the rich and the poor (11:17-22). Paul called them to unite their voices around the table in celebration of the cross of Jesus Christ (11:23-34). |
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Thesis: |
Family meals call for family harmony. |
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Purpose: |
As a result of this sermon, the next time they partake of the Lord’s Supper, listeners should examine their hearts to make certain they are unified with fellow believers. |
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| 8. |
Title: |
ONElove |
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Text: |
1 Corinthians 12:1 – 14:40 |
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Premise: |
Paul reminded the Corinthians that the church is a body in which everyone serves as he/she has been gifted (12:1-31). The Corinthians needed the reminder because they had grown prideful and divisive concerning the use of their gifts (14:1-40). Overcoming such division would require loving one another in a godly manner (13:1-13). |
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Thesis: |
Godly love bridges ungodly schisms. |
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Purpose: |
As a result of this sermon, listeners will identify one church member with whom they are not unified and deliberately love that person in the manner described in 1 Corinthians 13. |
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| 9. |
Title: |
ONEhope |
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Text: |
1 Corinthians 15:1-58 |
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Premise: |
Though Christianity is based on a verifiable belief in Christ’s resurrection (15:1-11), some in Corinth had questioned it. Paul reminded them of the futility of faith apart from the resurrection (15:12-34), and the promise we have in Christ because of the resurrection (15:35-58). |
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Thesis: |
Death is swallowed by victory. |
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Purpose: |
As a result of this sermon, listeners will find hope in the midst of struggles, a hope based in the resurrection of Christ. |
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| 10. |
Title: |
ONEforward |
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Text: |
1 Corinthians 16:1-24 |
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Premise: |
Having addressed numerous, divisive problems in the life of the church, Paul closes this letter to the Corinthians with a look toward their future--ministering to needy brothers in Jerusalem (16:1-4) and partnering with Paul and others in future ministry (16:1-18). Paul then closes the letter with a warm good-bye (16:19-24). |
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Thesis: |
God’s church will roll on. |
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Purpose: |
As a result of this sermon, listeners should grow excited concerning the future of the church. |
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