It’s clear to see how deeply Paul cared for the Corinthian church, but also for many other churches throughout the Greco-Roman Empire, in spite of the dangers. And he wanted the Corinthians to emulate him and others, including Timothy and Apollos, who also cared deeply for them, so that each person would grow to realize their part in the body, but also in a much larger family.

When we lose focus of the resurrection, heaven will remain mysterious or pointless to us. And instead of living the way Jesus asked us to live— like we’re dead to this world materialistically and focused on heaven—our lives will be marked by the pursuits and pleasures of this world.

Scripture References: 

1 Corinthians 15:32b–34
Colossians 3:1–4
Matthew 19:23–30
Romans 3:10–18
Romans 3:21–25b
Matthew 16:24–27
1 John 2:15–16
Romans 6:7–13

In a less than subtle way, Paul explained to the Corinthians, that the true sign of a mature believer isn’t that they posses the gift of tongues, but that they pursue and posses the gifts that bless others in the church. And everyone in the church should be using their gifts! Everyone!

Scripture References: 

1 Corinthians 14:1,5,10–12,18-19, 22-25
1 Corinthians 14:34–3
Galatians 3:24–29
Joel 2:28–29
Ephesians 4:11–13
Genesis 1:27–28

We all know that the attributes of love have been written into every heroic tale ever told. Meaning, every movie character that has displayed these types of traits—like Sam Wise Gamgee, or a real person—like the apostle Paul, inspire us because they are like Jesus. But like Jesus said, we get no credit for loving those who love us. Our love must inspire even our enemies. Is your love inspiring others?

Scripture References: 

Matthew 7:21–23
Luke 6:32–36
1 Corinthians 13:4–7
Romans 2:4
Matthew 22:15–22
Matthew 18:21–35
1 Peter 1:6–9,13–16, 21–22

The gifts of the Holy Spirit should alert us that, God, like a good Father with His children, is eager to work with us and watch us grow and develop. And one of the things that makes our Father the happiest, is when we as children get along with each other and use our gifts to take care of each other.

Every person in the church should think of themselves as a part of a family, and live in way that demonstrates their commitment to God’s commission to disciple each other, regardless of nationality or ethnicity. How are you demonstrating your commitment to God’s family in a relational, functional, and financial way?

Scripture References: 

Psalm 22:27
Matthew 10:38–39
Mark 8:34–35
Luke 14:33
Matthew 28:18–20
Matthew 19:16–29

God clearly disciplined Ananias and Sapphira in a demonstrative and public manner, and as a result, the way the church worshipped in “spirit” and in “truth” was drastically changed. And apparently, that same kind of change needed to happen in Corinth.

Scripture References: 

1 Samuel 16:6–7
John 4:20–24
1 Corinthians 11:17–32
Acts 5:1–11

God will judge each of us based on our knowledge of Him, but He also judges us based on how we behave after we believe in Him.

Scripture References: 

1 Corinthians 10:1–11
Philippians 3:5–9
1 Corinthians 10:12–13
1 Corinthians 10:24
1 Corinthians 10:33
Philippians 2:1–5

When it comes to spiritual athleticism or holiness, God wants all of us to win medals in the categories of justice, mercy, faith and obedience.

Scripture References: 

1 Corinthians 9:7–14
Matthew 23:1–4, 13–15, 23
1 Corinthians 9:24–27

Every Christian should constantly strive to help others find the simplest path to following Jesus, and never put anything in their way that might trip them up or violate their conscience.

Scripture References: 

1 Corinthians 8:8–13
Romans 14:12–13