Read 1 Corinthians
1:1-3

In this greeting Paul acknowledges his status as an apostle,
a traditional display of his authority from God. However, throughout 1^st
Corinthians he redefines this role of authority as one of suffering (4:9) and
undeserved favor (15:7,9), where he is called to be a fool for Christ. What does this suggest about the nature of
authority, and how

those in authority should see themselves?

Here saints are connected with “all those who in every place
call on the name of our Lord Jesus Christ”. In what ways has the Church
excluded fellow ‘saints’ because of earthly judgments of race, status, previous
sins, or class? Even if our prejudice thinking is not explicit, are there
subtle ways we continue to undermine God’s universal plan for his community?

The Greek word here that is used for grace means something
like ‘divine generosity’, while the word for peace indicates something like
‘prosperity.’ These words were very common in the early church not merely in
letters but in any form of meeting/greeting with other Christians.

Journaling

Read 1 Corinthians
1:4-9

In vs.4-9 we read a deep word of encouragement and
affirmation that Paul gives to those living in Corinth. He does this consistently in his
letters (Romans 1:8; Philemon 1:3; Colossians 1:3; 1 Thessalonians 1:2; 2
Thessalonians 1:3; Philemon 4) These words are a deep part of Paul’s
mentorship, a Father figure speaking words of affirmation and affection to
those he had tried to watch over. Historically, church leaders have used this
verse to speak to those they are mentoring. The Christian walk is long and
hard, and we need leaders to mentor and love us, who can speak into our lives
when we are doing wrong, while affirming us when we do right. Do you have
people like this in your life? Furthermore, are you being this person to
others?

“...as you eagerly wait for our Lord Jesus Christ to be
revealed.” The Greek word that is used here for revealed is apokalypsis, where we get the English
word Apocalypse. This is the same word that is the basis for the name of the
book of Revelation, as it is in the first line of the book, “The revelation (apokalypsis) of Jesus Christ…” They are
eagerly awaiting the end of all things, when God will show the whole world the
truth about his Son, and they will be reunited to him. They are looking forward
to when God will destroy evil (represented in the book of Revelation as beasts,
and dragons etc.). What are we eagerly looking forward to? What gets us through
our days? Is it a promotion? Love? Sports? Or the fact that God has a plan and
we are a part of it? That soon he is coming back?

If we remain strong till the end, God will be
faithful. What does it mean to remain strong till the end? What other biblical
texts can you think of regarding this? Try to keep this verse in the back of
your mind as you read through the book of 1^st Corinthians, drawing
together all the little parts of what a holy person is. The image that comes together is what it means to remains strong until the
end.

Journaling

Read 1 Corinthians
1:10-17

There are two powerful questions we must ask ourselves here.
One, in what ways do we fight and argue amongst ourselves? Is it necessary or
is it just sinful humans trying to gain respect and authority?

Two, in what ways do we worship other humans beings instead
of Christ? Even Church leaders can become idols if we loose perspective.
Ultimately we must ask ourselves, “Was Paul crucified for you?” We are devoted
to Christ and no other human being.

Journaling

Read 1 Corinthians
1:18-25 (Vs. 19 is a quote from Isaiah 29:14)

How have people responded to your belief in Christ? Have you
been seen/are you willing to be seen, as a fool for your faith to Christ?

How has your intellect gotten in the way of your faith
before? To some degree, it is important that we understand what it is we
believe and why, but we must also understand that God, by his very nature, is
beyond human ideas. He can do what he wants, when he wants, how he wants. If we understood everything we would no longer be men but gods,
because we would be omniscient (all-knowing.) In what ways have we tried to put
God into a comfortable little box that we can understand and feel safe about?
What view of God should we have?

Why is Christ-crucified such a stumbling block to
non-believers? Is it because the cross undermines worldly greed and the pursuit
of power, while lifting up self sacrifice and humility? What do you think?

Journaling

Read 1 Corinthians 1:26-31

Do we give the glory to God? We are lowly creatures, but he
is great and our success is a testament to his ability to change even the
lowest of beings. Do we desire victory in life for God, or our own gain? Have
we forgotten where we once were and what he has done?

Where were you when God first entered into your life? Think
about how he has changed you since that time? For many this will be a
devotional experience as you see all that God has done in your life, for others
this will be a moment of repentance and questioning of your devotion; have I
really been walking with God?

The text says that Christ Jesus has become our wisdom and
righteousness. How have we stopped seeing the world through human lenses, and
started to see it through the eyes of Jesus? How does the bible tell us to see
ourselves, others, the world, and God (Etc.)? In what ways are you not living
up to this?

Journaling