THE MESSAGE OF THE CROSS

1 Corinthians 1:1-31

Key Verse 18

“For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.”

1. Read verses 1-9. Who wrote this letter, and to whom is it written? (1-3) On what basis does Paul give thanks for the believers in Corinth? (4-7, Act 18:8-11) What does he believe about their future? (8) How could he believe this? (9)

2. Read verses 10-17. What is Paul’s appeal to them? (10) What report had he received about them? (11-12) How did Paul bring them back to the proper perspective? (13-16) What was the focus of Paul’s ministry? (17)

3. Read verses 18-25. What are the two responses which people can have towards the message of the cross? (18) How does God deal with human wisdom? (19-20) What is the wisdom of God in saving people? (21) What did Paul keep doing despite people’s preference? (22-23) What was his personal confidence? (24-25)

4. Read verses 26-31. What kind of people were the Corinthians when they were called? (26) Why did God call people like them? (27-29) Why should we boast in the Lord only? (30-31)