In this sermon, we are reminded of the value of loving our brothers and sisters in the body well, and valuing others as greater than ourselves.

Paul takes time in this chapter to address the specific questions sent to him by the Corinthian church. Questions concerning topics of marriage, sex, divorce, singleness and additional challenges. 

Why should Christians glorify God? Paul's answer is we are a part of Christ's body and we have been bought at a price. This calling to glorify God means the way we live matters. As Christians who are united to Christ, we must glorify Him with our bodies by rejecting disputes, avoiding deceptions, and fleeing depravity.

The Corinthian church was established in a very challenging context, sexual immorality was normal for their culture. What was normal for the world, had made its way into the church in a terrible way. Paul now calls the church to be the church of Jesus and he reminds us church discipline is about restoration. 

How should we think of pastors, leaders, ourselves, and others? The Corinthian church has been prideful. They've had divisions driven by thinking of themselves or regarding others too highly. Paul now explains how they can course correct by thinking of himself and others properly. When we do not regard ourselves rightly, we think of ourselves pridefully. 

God has invited us to be co-laborers in building the body of Christ. What role do you play in building or tearing down the body?

Technology has afforded us the ability to learn so many skills previously hidden to most. Secret tricks and insights, instruct us on both the how and the why. In this passage Paul displays a person who is the mystery and wisdom of God. 

We live in a very divided world these days. You can almost pick any topic and people will have strong differing opinions. The one place you would expect to be leading the way, building bridges, and unifying with other believers, should be in the faith. Paul hears of the disunity in the Corinthian church and addresses it head on. 

True, transformational gratitude is not just a reaction to our circumstances, but a foundational spiritual posture that sustains us through life's crushing trials and protects us from arrogance during our seasons of abundance.

In this closing chapter, the author has now turned his attention to walking out the teachings they have built over the previous 12. Living out what we say we believe is imperative to a world that is watching. If its real, and it works, we should be a foretaste demonstration of His transformative power.