Symptoms are indications that something is wrong but are not themselves the cause. Discerning and diagnosing the cause of a symptom is the (very necessary) challenge because treating a wrongly diagnosed illness can do more harm than good. This is true medically; it is also true as we study 1 Corinthians. Only as we understand the source of the problem will we appreciate the treatment Paul prescribes. In this study, we consider 1:4–17 with a view to diagnosing the root problem of the various conflicts experienced by the Corinthian church, which will point to the solution. We will conduct our diagnosis, and discover and prescribe the remedy, under two major headings.

I. A Church Graced by God (vv. 4–9)

II. A Church Grieving God (vv. 10–17)