Introduction

In the immoral city of Corinth, Paul's ministry had been blessed by God and a church had been planted.  But this church was now full of corruption and needed correction.  Under the direction and influence of the Holy Spirit, Paul sets about doing this.

1 Corinthians 1:1-17

v1-9: Paul recognises and give thanks to God for the Corinthians' conversion and faith in Christ and the abundance of spiritual gifts present in this church.  "Where God has given these two gifts, he has given great capacity for usefulness."

v10-16: Christians should be united to one another because there is only one Christ.  Only He is our Saviour and Lord, our sacrifice and our guide.

v17: Paul "preached a crucified Jesus in clear, direct, plain language, telling the people that the Jesus who was crucified at Jerusalem was the Son of God and Saviour of humanity, and that all who want to be saved must repent of their sins, believe in this Jesus, and submit to his government and laws."  He did not preach with the flourish of an orator because he did not want any success "attributed to human skill rather than to truth."