Unity in the Cross | Lessons from 1 Corinthians 1 (Part 1)

Paul opens by greeting the church in Corinth and reminding them that they are called by God to belong to Jesus Christ, enriched with spiritual gifts as they wait for His return. He thanks God for His grace toward them and assures them that God is faithful and will keep them strong. Paul then addresses a serious problem: divisions in the church. Believers are lining up behind different leaders and arguing over who they follow. Paul urges them to be united, reminding them that Christ is not divided and that it was Christ – not any human leader – who died for them. He explains that God did not send him primarily to impress people with clever speech, but to share the message of the cross. That message may seem foolish to those who rely on human wisdom, but to those who are being saved it is the very power of God. Paul emphasises that God deliberately overturns human pride. He often chooses what the world considers weak, foolish, or insignificant to show His power and wisdom. Because of this, no one can boast before God. Everything believers have – wisdom, righteousness, holiness, and redemption – comes from Christ alone, so all boasting should be in the Lord.