Our current sermon series examines the text of 1 Corinthians. Each week, we’ll publish a Bible study that previews the passage to be examined the next weekend at church. Please read the Scripture indicated and answer the study questions in advance if possible. May God richly bless you and draw you closer to Him as you dig deeper into His Word!
Week 2: Read – 1 Corinthians 1:18-2:16 (To prepare yourself for service the weekend of January 16th)

Study: 1 Corinthians 1:18-2:5 – Theme: Christ the Wisdom and Power of God
Open It:
In what way might your life-style seem foolish to some of your friends or relatives?
Explore It:
How does the message of the Cross contrast with what most people consider wise? (1:18-19)
Why does God express His power and wisdom through ―foolish,‖ ―weak,‖ and ―lowly‖ means? (1:28-29)
How did Paul’s regard for the world’s wisdom affect his preaching and testimony? (2:1-5)
Get It:
What are some examples of the world’s wisdom?
What common difficulties do people mention when trying to understand the gospel of Christ?
What unbelievers have you known who wanted miraculous signs or airtight philosophical proofs before believing in Christ? How did you/could you share the truth of the gospel with them?
Apply It:
What can you do this week to witness for Christ in only God’s wisdom and not your own craftiness?
Study: 1 Corinthians 2:6-16 – Theme: Wisdom from the Spirit
Open It:
To what sources do people most often look for wisdom?
Explore It:
How was Jesus’ crucifixion related to the world’s lack of understanding God’s wisdom? (2:8)
Why is it possible to understand God’s wisdom only if His Spirit reveals it? (2:9-16)
Who can make ―judgments about all things?‖ Why? (2:15-16)
Get It:
When in the past has the Spirit enabled you to understand God’s wisdom and gifts?
Why did God keep His wisdom a secret?
What does it mean to have the mind of Christ?
Apply It:
What spiritual disciplines (prayer, Bible study, meditation on Scripture, etc.) could you practice this week to make you sensitive to the Holy Spirit?
Source: The Navigators. New Testament Lesson Maker. NavPress Publishing Group: Colorado Springs, CO, 1992