Thematic Collection of 1 Corinthians
1.
Salutation & Thanksgiving (1:1–9)
Theme:
God’s calling and faithfulness.
Paul reminds the church they are sanctified in
Christ and called to be holy.
He gives thanks for their spiritual gifts and
the grace of God at work among them.
Application:
Remember your identity is rooted in God’s
calling, not in your personal performance.
Regularly thank God for how He is working in
others, even when they are imperfect.
2. Divisions in the Church (1:10–4:21)
Theme:
Unity in Christ over personal allegiance.
Condemns factionalism (“I follow Paul… I
follow Apollos…”).
Elevates Christ as the foundation of the
church.
God’s wisdom is different from human wisdom.
Application:
Resist comparing spiritual leaders or
styles—focus on Jesus as the center.
Seek wisdom from God’s Word, even if it
contradicts cultural trends.
3. Church Discipline & Moral Integrity
(5–6)
Theme:
Holiness and accountability.
Calls the church to deal with serious sin in
their midst.
Warns against lawsuits among believers.
Stresses sexual purity because our bodies are
temples of the Holy Spirit.
Application:
Don’t tolerate sin in your own life or
community—address it with truth and grace.
Treat your body as belonging to God, not
merely to yourself.
4. Marriage, Singleness & Christian
Freedom (7)
Theme:
God’s call in different life situations.
Encourages both marriage and singleness as
valuable callings.
Teaches contentment in one’s present state.
Balances freedom with faithfulness to God’s
commands.
Application:
Embrace your current life stage as a gift for
serving God.
Measure freedom not by “Can I?” but by “Does
this honor Christ and help others?”
5. Idols, Sacrificial Food & Sensitivity
(8–10)
Theme:
Love over liberty.
Idols are nothing, but actions can affect
weaker believers.
Paul models giving up personal rights for the
sake of the gospel.
Encourages self-discipline in the Christian
life.
Application:
Use your freedom to build up others, not to
prove a point.
Be willing to let go of preferences if it will
help someone grow in faith.
6. Worship & Spiritual Gifts (11–14)
Theme:
Order, respect, and love in worship.
Instructions on proper behavior during worship
gatherings.
The Lord’s Supper should be observed with
reverence and unity.
Love is greater than any spiritual gift.
Application:
Participate in worship with a humble,
others-centered heart.
Ask God to use your spiritual gifts to
serve—not to seek attention.
Keep love as the filter for all church
activities.
7. Resurrection & Eternal Hope (15)
Theme:
The gospel’s power and the certainty of resurrection.
Christ’s resurrection is the foundation of our
faith.
Believers will be transformed at His return.
Our labor in the Lord is never in vain.
Application:
Live with eternity in view—it changes how you
handle struggles now.
Persevere in serving God, knowing your work
matters forever.
8.
Final Instructions & Greetings (16)
Theme:
Practical care and community.
Encourages generous giving for the needs of
others.
Highlights mutual encouragement between
churches.
Ends with love and a blessing in Christ.
Application:
Give intentionally to support God’s work.
Build relationships with believers across
different communities.
Let love be your closing word in every
interaction.
