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Overview
The book of 1 Corinthians is more than a list of sins—though many sins are mentioned—it's an epistle of patience. The Christians in Corinth were falling all over themselves for sin, and yet Paul calls them "brothers and sisters" first. Paul is angry but driven by love and eager to talk about the God of second chances.
Paul's letter confronts us today who need a spiritual check-up. Just as they were intended to do for the Corinthians, his words encourage us and show us how to lead a pure life. As you read, study, journal, and discuss the book of 1 Corinthians, watch for these key themes that Max will unpack throughout the book:
- The church, as the body of Christ, should be unified in the same way a physical body is united.
- God calls His people to sexual purity.
- We must honor God within our human relationships.
- Love is the greatest of all gifts.
The Life Lessons with Max Lucado series brings the Bible to life in twelve lessons filled with intriguing questions, inspirational stories, and poignant reflections to take you deeper into God's Word. Each lesson includes:
- An opening reflection on the Bible book you're studying.
- Background information to deepen your understanding of the cultural and historical setting.
- An excerpt of the text (from the NIV and the NKJV).
- Exploration questions with plenty of room to write your own thoughts and notes.
- Inspirational thoughts from Max as well as a closing takeaway for further reflection.
The Life Lessons series is ideal for use in both a small-group setting or for individual study.
Product Details
| ISBN-13: | 9780310086437 |
|---|---|
| Publisher: | HarperChristian Resources |
| Publication date: | 07/10/2018 |
| Series: | Life Lessons |
| Sold by: | HarperCollins Publishing |
| Format: | eBook |
| Pages: | 144 |
| Sales rank: | 541,162 |
| File size: | 773 KB |
About the Author
Since entering the ministry in 1978, Max Lucado has served churches in Miami, Florida; Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; and San Antonio, Texas. He currently serves as the teaching minister of Oak Hills Church in San Antonio. He is the recipient of the 2021 ECPA Pinnacle Award for his outstanding contribution to the publishing industry and society at large. He is America's bestselling inspirational author with more than 150 million products in print.
Visit his website at MaxLucado.com
Facebook.com/MaxLucado
Instagram.com/MaxLucado
Twitter.com/MaxLucado
Youtube.com/MaxLucadoOfficial
The Max Lucado Encouraging Word Podcast
Read an Excerpt
CHAPTER 1
LESSON ONE
THE FOLLY OF HUMAN WISDOM
The message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.
1 Corinthians 1:18 NKJV
REFLECTION
Some things don't change. Today, as in Paul's day, believing in Jesus is a stumbling block for some people. They label the gospel message as too simple, too unbelievable, or too unrealistic. Which aspects of the gospel — such as Jesus' life, death, and resurrection — do you think are difficult for the modern mind to understand and accept? Why?
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SITUATION
The apostle Paul begins this first of several letters to the church in Corinth with compliments and concerns. He has heard about their amazing potential but also their disheartening divisions. The church is a house divided, and Paul knows they will not stand if they remain that way. He pleads for their unity, emphasizing that all who have received the message of the gospel — regardless of their status, position, or how wise they seem in the world's eyes — are one in Christ. Paul reminds the believers that this status they have received is a gift from God.
OBSERVATION
Read 1 Corinthians 1:18-31 from the New International Version or the New King James Version
New International Version
18 For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. 19 For it is written: "I will destroy the wisdom of the wise; the intelligence of the intelligent I will frustrate."
20 Where is the wise person? Where is the teacher of the law? Where is the philosopher of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world? 21 For since in the wisdom of God the world through its wisdom did not know him, God was pleased through the foolishness of what was preached to save those who believe. 22 Jews demand signs and Greeks look for wisdom, 23 but we preach Christ crucified: a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles, 24 but to those whom God has called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. 25 For the foolishness of God is wiser than human wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than human strength.
26 Brothers and sisters, think of what you were when you were called. Not many of you were wise by human standards; not many were influential; not many were of noble birth. 27 But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. 28 God chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things — and the things that are not — to nullify the things that are, 29 so that no one may boast before him. 30 It is because of him that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God — that is, our righteousness, holiness and redemption. 31 Therefore, as it is written: "Let the one who boasts boast in the Lord."
New King James Version
18 For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. 19 For it is written:
"I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, And bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent."
20 Where is the wise? Where is the scribe? Where is the disputer of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of this world? 21 For since, in the wisdom of God, the world through wisdom did not know God, it pleased God through the foolishness of the message preached to save those who believe. 22 For Jews request a sign, and Greeks seek after wisdom; 23 but we preach Christ crucified, to the Jews a stumbling block and to the Greeks foolishness, 24 but to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. 25 Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men.
26 For you see your calling, brethren, that not many wise according to the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called. 27 But God has chosen the foolish things of the world to put to shame the wise, and God has chosen the weak things of the world to put to shame the things which are mighty; 28 and the base things of the world and the things which are despised God has chosen, and the things which are not, to bring to nothing the things that are, 29 that no flesh should glory in His presence. 30 But of Him you are in Christ Jesus, who became for us wisdom from God — and righteousness and sanctification and redemption — 31 that, as it is written, "He who glories, let him glory in the Lord."
EXPLORATION
1. In what ways can the gospel seem "foolish" to people? Have there been times in your life when all or part of the gospel seemed foolish to you? How?
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2. How do Jesus' life and death reveal the wisdom and power of God?
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3. In what ways is God's wisdom different from the world's wisdom?
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4. What does Paul ask the Corinthian believers to remember in verse 26? Why do you think Paul feels the need to point this out to them?
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5. What does Paul mean when he says that God "chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise" (verse 27)?
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6. So, what do believers have to brag about? There's certainly a difference between talking about something or someone praiseworthy and talking about yourself. There are different types of bragging. To which do you think Paul is referring?
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INSPIRATION
Is there really a God? Can we know he truly exists? Can we know he's not just a product of our imagination?
The wisdom of the world tells us there is no answer to these questions. It says we can only know what is real by what we can verify through our five senses. It instructs us that belief in God is the same as believing in myths and fairy tales. To the world, trusting in God and following in his ways is utter foolishness.
To this attitude, the apostle Paul replies, "The message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. For it is written: 'I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent'" (1 Corinthians 1:18-19 NKJV).
Belief in God is not blind faith. Belief means having a firm conviction ("I believe this to be true"), not merely hoping it's true ("I believe the Cubs will win the World Series"). It's the kind of assurance you get standing on a huge rock. So how can people get to that place in their belief in God?
Space: Look to the skies. Two hundred billion stars just in the Milky Way galaxy. Billions of galaxies and expanding. Where does it end? How did it all begin?
Earth: Look to creation. So many varieties. So much beauty. A circle of life. How did it all come to be? Why does it work in perfect synchronicity?
Ethics: Look to our morals. A common sense of right and wrong shared by people in different countries and different times in history. Murder is always bad. Courage is always good. Who programmed us?
Bible: Look to God's Word. Examine the wisdom. Experience the stories. Trace its preservation throughout time. How did it remain so well intact despite wars and opposition?
Empty tomb: Look to the resurrection. So many of those who claimed to have seen the risen Lord died with that testimony on their lips. Would they die for a lie? Or did they believe they, too, would rise?
Jesus: Look to him. No other man in history has caused so many questions, stirred so many hearts, given so many answers. Could he be who he said he was?
God is not a product of our imagination. He's far more than any of us could imagine, and he is truth. (Adapted from Max on Life by Max Lucado.)
REACTION
7. In what ways has the world tried to convince you that believing in God is foolish?
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8. In what situations have you sought God's guidance rather than relying on your intellect or the advice of others? Explain the circumstances and the outcome.
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9. How can you better ignore the false messages around you and think more like God?
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10. Why is it important to recognize the limits of human wisdom?
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11. In what ways can you determine if an idea or plan is based on worldly thinking or biblical teaching?
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12. What are some benefits of living according to God's wisdom instead of human wisdom?
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LIFE LESSONS
Two dangers immediately head the list when it comes to human wisdom: (1) it sometimes works, and (2) it's mixed with true wisdom. Human wisdom can seem effective and, for a while, those who follow it may achieve success. Human wisdom declares, "It's only wrong if you get caught," and there will be those who do wrong who will appear to get away with it. At the same time, human wisdom is mixed. Elements of human wisdom are often borrowed from God's wisdom — but the conclusions and applications are wrong. For this reason, we must always put human wisdom through truth grid, a test, by comparing it to the wisdom we find in the Bible. In fact, one of the priceless roles of God's Word is the way it tests and corrects human wisdom.
DEVOTION
Father, too often the lies of the world drown out your voice. Give us ears to hear you and hearts willing to obey. Help us to stand against the pressure to seek success and power. Give us the strength to choose the timeless truths of your Word over the fleeting promises of the world. And Father, confirm only those thoughts and plans that conform to your will.
JOURNALING
In light of Paul's words in 1 Corinthians 1:18-31, how can you make better decisions?
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FOR FURTHER READING
To complete the book of 1 Corinthians during this twelve-part study, read 1 Corinthians 1:1-31. For more Bible passages on the limits of human wisdom, read Proverbs 3:5-7; Ecclesiastes 1:12-18; Jeremiah 9:23-24; Ezekiel 28:2-7; Matthew 11:25; and 1 Corinthians 3:19-20.
CHAPTER 2LESSON TWO
GOD'S WISDOM
"What no eye has seen, what no ear has heard, and what no human mind has conceived"— the things God has prepared for those who love him — these are the things God has revealed to us by his Spirit.
1 Corinthians 2:9-10
REFLECTION
In the last lesson, we saw that we need to have discernment and not just follow the world's wisdom. What are your "tests" for discerning good advice? Think of someone who consistently gives you good advice. How has that person's wise counsel helped you in a specific situation?
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SITUATION
The Corinthians were not only divided but also argumentative. Although the believers in Corinth came from humble backgrounds, some of them seemed eager to claim worldly wisdom rather than standing together with Christ. In response, Paul reminded them of his own behavior among them. He reiterated that his impact was not based on charismatic debates but on a simple message of Christ. He called them back to their original point of faith.
OBSERVATION
Read 1 Corinthians 2:6-16 from the New International Version or the New King James Version.
New International Version
6 We do, however, speak a message of wisdom among the mature, but not the wisdom of this age or of the rulers of this age, who are coming to nothing. 7 No, we declare God's wisdom, a mystery that has been hidden and that God destined for our glory before time began. 8 None of the rulers of this age understood it, for if they had, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory. 9 However, as it is written:
"What no eye has seen, what no ear has heard, and what no human mind has conceived" — the things God has prepared for those who love him —
10 these are the things God has revealed to us by his Spirit.
The Spirit searches all things, even the deep things of God. 11 For who knows a person's thoughts except their own spirit within them? In the same way no one knows the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God. 12 What we have received is not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, so that we may understand what God has freely given us. 13 This is what we speak, not in words taught us by human wisdom but in words taught by the Spirit, explaining spiritual realities with Spirit-taught words. 14 The person without the Spirit does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God but considers them foolishness, and cannot understand them because they are discerned only through the Spirit. 15 The person with the Spirit makes judgments about all things, but such a person is not subject to merely human judgments, 16 for,
"Who has known the mind of the Lord so as to instruct him?"
But we have the mind of Christ.
New King James Version
6 However, we speak wisdom among those who are mature, yet not the wisdom of this age, nor of the rulers of this age, who are coming to nothing. 7 But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, the hidden wisdom which God ordained before the ages for our glory, 8 which none of the rulers of this age knew; for had they known, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory.
9 But as it is written:
"Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, Nor have entered into the heart of man The things which God has prepared for those who love Him."
10 But God has revealed them to us through His Spirit. For the Spirit searches all things, yes, the deep things of God. 11 For what man knows the things of a man except the spirit of the man which is in him? Even so no one knows the things of God except the Spirit of God. 12 Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, that we might know the things that have been freely given to us by God.
13 These things we also speak, not in words which man's wisdom teaches but which the Holy Spirit teaches, comparing spiritual things with spiritual. 14 But the natural man does not receive the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; nor can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned. 15 But he who is spiritual judges all things, yet he himself is rightly judged by no one. 16 For "who has known the mind of the Lord that he may instruct Him?" But we have the mind of Christ.
EXPLORATION
1. Why do you think God keep some things hidden from you? How might knowing a lot more turn into danger for you?
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2. What does Paul mean when he says that if the "rulers of this age" had understood God's wisdom, they would not have crucified Christ?
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3. In what ways can you know God's thoughts and plans?
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4. What are some of the ways the Holy Spirit helps believers (see John 14:26 and 16:13-15)?
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5. How does Paul explain in this passage why a person without the Holy Spirit is unable to understand spiritual truths?
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6. What does it mean to "have the mind of Christ" (see Romans 11:34 and Philippians 2:5)?
INSPIRATION
Does God have an ego problem?
No, but we do. We are about as responsible with applause as I was with the cake I won in the first grade. In the grand finale of the musical chairs competition, guess who had a seat? And guess what the little red headed, freckle-faced boy won? A tender, moist, coconut cake. And guess what the boy wanted to do that night in one sitting? Eat the whole thing! Not half of it. Not a piece of it. All of it! After all, I'd won it.
But you know what my folks did? They rationed the cake. They gave me only what I could handle. Knowing that today's binge is tomorrow's bellyache, they made sure I didn't get sick on my success.
God does the same. He takes the cake. He takes the credit, not because he needs it, but because he knows we can't handle it. We aren't content with a bite of adulation; we tend to swallow it all. It messes with our systems. The praise swells our heads and shrinks our brains, and pretty soon we start thinking we had something to do with our survival. Pretty soon we forget we were made out of dirt and rescued from sin.
Pretty soon we start praying like the fellow at the religious caucus: "God, I thank you that the world has people like me. The man on the corner needs welfare — I don't. The prostitute on the street has AIDS — I don't. The drunk at the bar needs alcohol — I don't. The gay caucus needs morality — I don't. I thank you that the world has people like me."
Fortunately, there was a man in the same meeting who had deflected all the applause. Too contrite even to look to the skies, he bowed and prayed, "God, have mercy on me, a sinner. Like my brother on welfare, I'm dependent on grace. Like my sister with AIDS, I'm infected with mistakes. Like my friend who drinks, I need something to ease my pain. And as you love and give direction to the gay, grant some to me as well. Have mercy on me, a sinner."
After telling a story like that, Jesus said, "I tell you that this man, rather than the other, went home justified before God. For all those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted" (Luke 18:14). (From Traveling Light by Max Lucado.)
REACTION
7. In what ways do people try to gain wisdom? Why do they want it?
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8. What happens when you rely on human wisdom instead of God's wisdom?
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9. When has the Holy Spirit helped you understand or apply God's Word?
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10. What practical steps can you take to reduce the risk of making foolish decisions?
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11. What sometimes keeps you from seeking God's help?
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12. In what ways can you depend more on God's Spirit to help you make wise decisions?
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(Continues…)
Excerpted from "Life Lessons from 1 Corinthians"
by .
Copyright © 2018 Max Lucado.
Excerpted by permission of Thomas Nelson.
All rights reserved. No part of this excerpt may be reproduced or reprinted without permission in writing from the publisher.
Excerpts are provided by Dial-A-Book Inc. solely for the personal use of visitors to this web site.
Table of Contents
How to Study the Bible, v,
Introduction to the Book of 1 Corinthians, ix,
Lesson 1 The Folly of Human Wisdom (1 Corinthians 1:18-31), 1,
Lesson 2 God's Wisdom Revealed (1 Corinthians 2:6-16), 11,
Lesson 3 Work That Lasts (1 Corinthians 3:3-15), 21,
Lesson 4 Serving Christ (1 Corinthians 4:6-19), 31,
Lesson 5 Self-Sacrifice (1 Corinthians 9:16-22), 41,
Lesson 6 Temptation (1 Corinthians 10:1-13), 51,
Lesson 7 Liberty and Love (1 Corinthians 10:23-33), 61,
Lesson 8 Spiritual Gifts (1 Corinthians 12:1-11), 71,
Lesson 9 The Body of Christ (1 Corinthians 12:12-26), 81,
Lesson 10 True Love (1 Corinthians 13:1-13), 91,
Lesson 11 Christ's Victory Over Death (1 Corinthians 15:20-34), 101,
Lesson 12 Giving to God's Work (1 Corinthians 16:1-11), 111,
Leader's Guide for Small Groups, 121,
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