JESUS IN 1 CORINTHIANS
When we open the book of 1 Corinthians, we step into a church that was troubled, divided, and confused about many things. Yet the apostle Paul does not begin by focusing on their problems—he begins with Jesus. From the very first lines of the letter to the final chapter, Christ stands at the center.
Paul greets the believers as those who have been sanctified in Christ Jesus and called to be saints (1 Corinthians 1:2). Their identity does not come from their city, their culture, or their opinions—it comes from their relationship with the Lord. Everything Paul writes flows out of that foundation.
The early chapters make it clear that Christ Himself is the message of the church. Paul reminds them that the word of the cross may seem foolish to the world, yet to those who are being saved it is the power of God (1 Corinthians 1:18). The cross reveals a wisdom deeper than human philosophy and a power greater than human strength.
In fact, Paul says that he made a deliberate choice when he came among them: he determined to know nothing except Jesus Christ and Him crucified (1 Corinthians 2:2). The heart of the Christian message is not clever arguments or impressive personalities. It is the saving work of Christ.
That truth becomes especially important in a church that had begun dividing itself into groups. Some claimed allegiance to one teacher, others to another. Paul responds with a piercing question: is Christ divided? Was Paul crucified for you? (1 Corinthians 1:13). The church must never lose sight of the One who alone gave His life for it.
Throughout the letter Paul shows that Christ shapes every part of the Christian life.
Our foundation is Christ. No one can lay another foundation besides the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ (1 Corinthians 3:11). Every work, every ministry, every life must ultimately rest upon Him.
Our bodies belong to Christ. Paul teaches that believers are members of Christ and temples of the Holy Spirit, purchased at a price (1 Corinthians 6:15-20). Because Christ redeemed us, even the ordinary details of our lives should reflect His lordship.
Our freedom is guided by Christ. The Corinthians struggled with questions about liberty and conscience, but Paul reminds them that everything should be done for the glory of God (1 Corinthians 10:31). Freedom in Christ is never selfish; it seeks the good of others.
Our love is shaped by Christ. The famous chapter on love describes patience, kindness, humility, and endurance (1 Corinthians 13:4–7). These qualities are not merely ideals—they are reflections of the character of Jesus Himself.
Then the letter reaches its great climax in the fifteenth chapter, where Paul speaks of the resurrection of Christ. He reminds the church of the gospel: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that He was buried, and that He rose again on the third day (1 Corinthians 15:3-4).
The resurrection is not a minor detail—it is the heartbeat of Christian hope. Paul declares that Christ has been raised as the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep (1 Corinthians 15:20). Because He lives, death will not have the final word for those who belong to Him.
The chapter ends with a triumphant vision of victory. Death will one day be swallowed up in triumph, and the sting of death will be removed through the victory given to us through our Lord Jesus Christ (1 Corinthians 15:54–57).
So when we look at 1 Corinthians carefully, we see that it is not merely a letter correcting a troubled church. It is a letter constantly pointing back to Jesus. Christ is the foundation of faith, the center of the gospel, the model for love, and the hope of resurrection.
The problems of the Corinthians were many—but the answer to every one of them was the same.
Christ.
_____________
Lord Jesus, keep us centered on You. When confusion, division, or distraction pulls at our hearts, remind us that You are our foundation and our hope. Help us live in the power of Your cross and the promise of Your resurrection, so that our lives reflect Your glory. Amen.
BDD
