I Corinthians 1:1-31 Cliques and Wisdom

I Corinthians 1:10-17 According to verse 10, what is the formula for Christian unity? This section is called “divisions in the church.” What was dividing the church? (cf ch 3:1-4) What could be wrong with saying “I follow Christ?” Was Paul slighting baptism? (vs 14) What is often the cause of divisions in the church? (cf. 3:1-4)

I Corinthians 1:10-17 – Digging Deeper What ingredient for fellowship do ecumenical movements disregard? What is most important the minister or the message? Which most often brings people to church? Which most often drives people away from church? What does this say about people? When are pastors overrated? How can pastors and church leaders prevent this kind of disunity? What are “words of human wisdom?” How do they empty the gospel of its power? (vs 17)

I Corinthians 1:18-25 The Corinthians’ undue esteem of human wisdom was largely responsible for the factionalism in their midst. It was therefore necessary for Paul to put the wisdom of the world into the true perspective that can be gained only when it is compared with the wisdom of God revealed in the cross ofChrist. Because their regard for human wisdom was so much a part of their Greek heritage and tradition, he develops at length the contrast between the two types of wisdom.

I Corinthians 1:18-25 What thought in verse 18 will run through this section and into chapter 2? Why does human wisdom clash with Christianity? Why did the Jews, with their Old Testament background, look for signs when Christ came? How did the cross alienate both Jews and Gentiles? In what way are things backward in the church? (cf. vs 20-21)

I Corinthians 1:18-25 Romans 11:33 – “Oh, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable his judgments, and his paths beyond tracing out!” 2 Ti 3:15 – “from infancy you have known the Holy Scriptures which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.” Why can’t created man match God’s wisdom? How does the contest between human wisdom (philosophy) and divine wisdom (Scripture) affect many church bodies?

I Corinthians 1:18-25 Job 28:28 - And he said to man, ‘The fear of the Lord—that is wisdom, and to shun evil is understanding.’ ” Romans 11:33 – “Oh, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable his judgments, and his paths beyond tracing out!” 2 Ti 3:15 – “from infancy you have known the Holy Scriptures which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.”

Studying the Scriptures Why can’t created man match God’s wisdom? What are the blessings of divine wisdom? With what attitude should we approach God’s wisdom? How is the conflict between human wisdom (philosophy) and divine wisdom (revelation) affecting many churches today?

I Corinthians 1: What evidence was there in Corinth that human wisdom, power, and prestige do not bring people to God? 2. What are the “foolish, weak and lowly things” of the world? 3. Why did God choose such lowly means (cross, grace, etc) to demonstrate his power and wisdom? 4. Of what can those “boast” who are wise in Christ? How does verses underscore the truth of this whole chapter?

I Corinthians 1: Genesis 45:8 = “So then, it was not you who sent me here, but God. He made me father to Pharaoh, lord of his entire household and ruler of all Egypt. What does each passage teach us about honor and/or greatness in God’s kingdom? How does God nullify the wisdom, power, and prestige of the world’s leading people today?

I Corinthians 1: Samuel 7:8 = “Now then, tell my servant David, ‘This is what the Lord Almighty says: I took you from the pasture and from following the flock to be ruler over my people Israel. What does each passage teach us about honor and/or greatness in God’s kingdom? How does God nullify the wisdom, power, and prestige of the world’s leading people today?

I Corinthians 1: Isaiah 66:2 = Has not my hand made all these things, and so they came into being?” declares the Lord. “This is the one I esteem: he who is humble and contrite in spirit, and trembles at my word. What does each passage teach us about honor and/or greatness in God’s kingdom? How does God nullify the wisdom, power, and prestige of the world’s leading people today?

I Corinthians 1: Matthew 18:4 = Therefore, whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. What does each passage teach us about honor and/or greatness in God’s kingdom? How does God nullify the wisdom, power, and prestige of the world’s leading people today?

I Corinthians 1: Luke 1:52 = He has brought down rulers from their thrones but has lifted up the humble. 6. James 4:6 = But he gives us more grace. That is why Scripture says: “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” What does each passage teach us about honor and/or greatness in God’s kingdom? How does God nullify the wisdom, power, and prestige of the world’s leading people today?