Caleb Drahosh \\ We are inclined to demand our rights, but–as those who are in Christ–we should quickly and freely give them up. Paul tells the Corinthians how they should respond to being wronged or defrauded: to love one another. This is how Jesus tells us the world will know us–if we have love for one another. Jesus humbled Himself beyond anything we can imagine for the sake of His bride, the church. We are called to follow Him into this humility.

Caleb Drahosh \\ Unrepentant sin dramatically affects the health of a church. Paul received a report that unchecked, unrepentant sin was present in the life of the Corinthian church and so he prescribes disciplinary action to preserve the body. In the local church, sin must be dealt with properly and not allowed to linger in order that the church may continue in faithful pursuit of the mission.

Blaze Culliton \\ In our flesh and a worldly perspective, we are drawn to what the world sees as power (intellect, wealth, respect from others and comfort). Paul implores the Corinthians to be unified in the power of Christ and therefore, to identify with Christ in humility. As a primary disciple maker for the Corinthians, he asks them to follow him as he follows Jesus.

Caleb Drahosh \\ What do we think of when we think about stewardship? In 1 Corinthians, Paul indicates that he and Apollos (and others) were stewards of the Gospel. What is the primary measurement of success for a steward? Faithfulness. We are called to faithful stewardship of the Gospel: the message of God's free gift of salvation is given to all who are in Christ to wield in the disciple-making mission.

Caleb Drahosh \\ The Gospel is foundational for all who are in Christ. Paul laid a foundation of Jesus Christ for the Corinthians; it couldn't be undone. But the materials that are used to build upon that foundation have varying degrees of longevity which will ultimately be tested by fire. The teaching that happens in the local church will be tested by fire–that which is according to Scripture will remain and that which is out-of-line with Scripture will be burned up. All Christians must take extreme caution when building through offering instruction–the building materials should match the precious foundation.

Caleb Drahosh \\ The world regularly appeals to our flesh to elevate people above their God-given role and often can lead to jealousy and strife. But Paul reminds the Corinthians that they are to view the men who carried the Gospel to them as God's servants–or vessels–and not those with whom they should identify. Immaturity lazily follows the vessel. But one of the marks of Christian maturity is moving from milk to meat; that is, understanding the basics of who God has revealed Himself to be in His Word and pursuing the depths of those truths.

Cody Weckerly \\ God proves his wisdom and power in the gospel in two ways so that every person would boast only in his wisdom and power, instead of in people. God proves his wisdom and power in his concealing the gospel and in his revealing the gospel.

Caleb Drahosh \\ Christmas is a proclamation of good news; it's announces that God is mighty to save. And we, as God's people, have been given the immense privilege of pointing all people to our God.

Caleb Drahosh \\ We are often tempted to think that it's our positive qualities that caused God to redeem us. Paul says to the Corinthians that this is not the case; God was not strong-armed into sending His Son to die because of our wisdom, or power, or birth status. It was exclusively because of the great love with which He loved us; not earned, but freely given.

Caleb Drahosh \\ Sometimes we desire a sanitized or more culturally acceptable version of the Gospel. The Gospel unites–yes–but it also appears like foolishness to some and operates as a stumbling block to others. Paul reminds the Corinthians that–prior to the work of the Spirit that joined them to Christ–they also regarded the Gospel as foolishness. Therefore, all glory is due to God and human boasting is eliminated.