*Main Point: We the church are God’s dwelling, filled with his blessings in Christ.

I. Value the church (and your place in it) as God does (vv. 16-17).

II. Value the right wisdom (vv. 18-20).

III. Value God’s gifts properly (vv. 21-23)

I. Paul gives a rebuke: Stop acting like spiritual babies (vv. 1-4)!

II. Paul gives a correction: Ministry is about God, not us (vv. 5-9).

III. Paul gives an admonition: Take care in ministry, for it will be judged (vv. 10-15).

*Main Point: True wisdom was taught by Paul, originated with God, is revealed by the Spirit, and should characterize the Christian.

I. Paul taught God’s eternal wisdom, in contrast to worldly, passing wisdom (vv. 6-8).

II. What was hidden, the Spirit has revealed (vv. 9-10a).

III. The Spirit of God is God, knows God, and gives understanding from God (vv. 10b-13).

IV. Some reject God’s wisdom while others receive it (vv. 14-16).

God demonstrates his wisdom and power through true gospel ministry: its means and message, its messenger, and its results.

I. As to means and message, true gospel ministry centers not on human wisdom and skill, but on Christ (vv. 1-2, 4).

II. As to the messenger, true gospel ministry depends not on human ability, but on the Spirit’s power (vv. 3-4).

III. As to the results, true gospel ministry relies not on human effort, but on God’s work (v. 5).

*Main Point: God demonstrates his wisdom and power in who, why, and to what he calls people in Christ.

I. Consider your calling (v. 26).

II. Consider God’s choices. (vv. 27-29).

III. Consider Christ’s benefits (v. 30).

IV. Consider your boasting (vv. 29, 31).

*Main Point: Christ’s church should be unified around him and his cross.

I. Paul pleads for unity (v. 10).

II. The Corinthians are factious (vv. 11-12).

III. Christ is and must be central (vv. 13-17).

*Main Point: God’s faithful, enriching, sustaining grace is reason for thanksgiving and hope.

I. God’s grace in his calling (vv. 4, 6, 9).

II. God’s grace in his gifting (vv. 5-7a).

III. God’s grace in his sustaining(vv. 7b-9).

*Main Point: Remember your shared, holy calling in the Lord Jesus Christ.

I. Paul was called to apostleship (v. 1).

II. They/we are called to God in Christ (vv. 2-3).

III. They/we are called to be saints (vv. 2-3).

IV. They/we are called as a church (vv. 2-3).