Building Up the Body

1 Corinthians 1:1–3

Main Idea

God calls believers to grow spiritually and build up His church.

About 1 Corinthians

• Written by Paul to the church in Corinth
• Addresses real issues:
  • Division
  • Sin
  • Selfishness
• Focus: How to live as the church

The Author (v.1)

• Paul = apostle by God’s will
• Called and sent to serve Christ

God uses imperfect people for His work

The Church (v.2)

Their Setting

• Corinth = sinful, worldly culture

Their Identity

• Sanctified (set apart)
• Called to be holy

Christ defines believers—not culture

The Bigger Church

• All believers share:
  • One Lord
  • One faith
• We are part of a global family

Christian Blessings (v.3)

Grace

• Undeserved favor from God

Peace

• Right relationship with God

‍‍ Family

• God is our Father

Key Truths

• The church is imperfect
• We are called to holiness
• Jesus is the answer to every problem

Application

Trust Christ for salvation
Live set apart from the world
Build up the church in unity

Closing Thought

God takes broken people and builds a strong church through Jesus Christ.