The Life and Times of the Early Church

A verse-by-verse study of 1 Corinthians 14:26-40. 

Paul returns to his teaching on spiritual gifts and their place in worship. His focus is on on gift in particular:  glossolalia—what we often refer to as “speaking in tongues.” He explains how the gift can be used to strengthen and encourage others and the dangers of abusing the gift. 

May the Lord bless your study of His Word!

A verse-by-verse study of 1 Corinthians 14:1-25. 

In this passage, which follows Paul’s teaching on the nature of love in chapter 13, he says that the single goal of the church should be to pursue love, which is expressed in the language of “building up” the church.

He then explains the importance of using the gift of speaking in tongues in a way that strengthens and encourages others. 

May the Lord bless your study of His Word!

A verse-by-verse study of 1 Corinthians 13:4-13. 

1 Corinthians 13 is well-known but often misunderstood, so we are slowing down in order to get the full meaning of what God is teaching us here about the nature of love. In today’s lesson we will consider how to apply this passage to our everyday lives.

May the Lord bless your study of His Word!

A verse-by-verse study of 1 Corinthians 13:1-7.

Paul’s teaching on the nature of love is one of the Bible’s most familiar passages. It is also one of the Bible’s most misunderstood teachings.

In this lesson we will look at God’s definition of love—what love is and what it is not.

May the Lord bless your study of His Word!

A verse-by-verse study of 1 Corinthians 12:12-31.

Paul develops an extended metaphor of the church as the body of Christ in which he alternates between the themes of unity and diversity and interdependence. 

May the Lord bless your study of His Word!

A verse-by-verse study of 1 Corinthians 12:1-11. Paul begins an extended teaching on the subject of the use and abuse of spiritual gifts in public worship.

May the Lord bless your study of His Word!

A verse-by-verse study of 1 Corinthians 11:17-34.

Paul explains how the stories of Israel’s failures in the wilderness serve as examples and warnings to people today when we observe the Lord’s Supper. He explains the meaning of the ceremony and how to participate in it in a way that blesses us and honors the Lord. 

May the Lord bless your study of His Word!

A verse-by-verse study of 1 Corinthians 11:2-16.

In this passage, Paul addresses the marital relationship in terms of self-respect, respect for God, and a mutual and reciprocal respect between husband and wife.  

May the Lord bless your study of His Word!

A verse-by-verse study of 1 Corinthians 10:1—11:1.

Paul uses the story of Israel’s 40 years in the wilderness to illustrate how God took care of his ancient people, and then he reveals the point of the history lesson:

the things that happened to Israel serve a purpose for us. They warn us against lusting after evil things and remind us that history need not repeat itself.

Here’s the promise—God is faithful, and He will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation He will also provide a way of escape…

May the Lord bless your study of His Word!

A verse-by-verse study of 1 Corinthians 9:1-27.

Paul summarizes his ministry by saying,  “I have become all things to all people, that by all means I might save some. I do it all for the sake of the gospel…”

What might that look like in today’s world? 

May the Lord bless your study of His Word!