We will be using Waren Wiesbe Be Wise a study in 1 Corinthians
Here's some cliff notes,
1 Corinthians is a letter written by to the Christian church in around A.D. 55. The church was struggling with divisions, immorality, lawsuits, confusion about marriage, misuse of spiritual gifts, and misunderstandings about the resurrection. Paul wrote to correct these problems and teach believers how to live faithfully as followers of Christ.
(Main Themes of 1 Corinthians)
1. Christ Must Be the Center
The church had split into groups based on favorite leaders. Paul reminded them that Jesus, not human leaders, is the foundation of their faith (chapters 1–4).
Application:
• Avoid treating pastors, denominations, or Christian personalities as more important than Christ.
• Seek unity with other believers.
2. Pursue Holiness
Paul addressed serious sin within the church and called believers to live differently from the surrounding culture (chapters 5–6).
Application:
• Take sin seriously.
• Honor God with your body, relationships, and choices.
• Remember that Christians are called to represent Christ in everyday life.
3. Love Others More Than Your Rights
Paul discussed marriage, singleness, food sacrificed to idols, and Christian freedom (chapters 7–10). He taught that believers should consider how their actions affect others.
Application:
• Ask not only "Can I do this?" but also "Will this help others grow closer to God?"
• Be willing to sacrifice personal preferences for the good of others.
4. Worship God Properly
Paul corrected problems in church gatherings, including disorder and selfishness during the Lord's Supper (chapters 11–14).
Application:
• Participate in worship with humility and respect.
• Use your gifts to serve others rather than draw attention to yourself.
5. Love Is Essential
Chapter 13, often called the "love chapter," teaches that even great faith, knowledge, and spiritual gifts are worthless without love.
Application:
• Measure spiritual maturity by love, not by knowledge or abilities.
• Practice patience, kindness, forgiveness, and humility.
6. The Resurrection Gives Hope
Chapter 15 is one of the Bible's clearest teachings on Jesus' resurrection and the future resurrection of believers.
Application:
• Live with confidence that death is not the end.
• Remain faithful even when life is difficult.
One Verse That Summarizes the Book
Paul concludes with:
"So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God." (1 Corinthians 10:31)
This captures much of the letter's message: Christians should live every part of life—work, relationships, worship, decisions, and service—for God's glory rather than their own.
In practical terms, 1 Corinthians teaches Christians to be united in Christ, holy in conduct, loving toward others, orderly in worship, and confident in the resurrection.