When the Church Forgets Who It Belongs To

Thru the Bible in a Year

Today, we step into one of the most practical, challenging, and deeply relevant sections of the New Testament: 1 Corinthians 1–4. Whenever I read these chapters, I feel as though Paul is sitting across the table, leaning in with pastoral clarity, reminding the church of who we are—and who we are not. Corinth was full of gifted believers, but they struggled with division, pride, spiritual immaturity, and confusion about what real ministry looks like. In other words, they looked a lot like us at times.

As we walk through these four chapters together, we aren’t simply studying a troubled ancient congregation; we are letting the Spirit shape how we see the church today, how we serve, and how we grow. God uses these passages to recalibrate our hearts, reminding us that spiritual maturity comes from humility, unity, and a Christ-centered view of ministry.

1 Corinthians 1 — A Church Pulled Apart

Paul begins his letter with a greeting that is far more than formality. He reminds the Corinthians that he is an apostle “by the will of God,” and that they are a people transformed by “the grace of God” through Christ. Before Paul ever addresses their behavior, he roots their identity in God’s calling. I find that insightful—Paul starts by lifting their eyes before addressing their failures. He speaks of the gifts they have received, not the problems they have created, because he knows that transformation flows best when people are reminded of God’s work in them.

But after those opening verses, Paul turns to the first major issue: division. Reports had reached him that believers were aligning themselves with various leaders—Paul, Apollos, Peter—rather than with Christ. It sounds almost petty when we read it, but Paul understood the danger: when a church elevates personalities over the gospel, the message becomes distorted. Unity is not a sentimental dream; it is a theological necessity.

Paul then shifts into a reflection on salvation. To the world, the message of the cross seems foolish. It always has. God’s pattern has never been to save people through intellect, status, or human greatness. Instead, He chooses what the world considers weak or unimpressive so that no one can boast except in Him. The Corinthians wanted to appear wise and noble by worldly standards, but Paul reminds them that salvation flips all human values upside down. Our confidence is not in our greatness, but in God who saves.

1 Corinthians 2 — A Ministry Built on God’s Power

Paul continues by explaining how he ministered among them. His purpose was singular:
“I determined to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ and Him crucified.”

In a city obsessed with rhetoric, clever speech, and philosophical brilliance, Paul deliberately chose simplicity. He refused to rely on polished arguments or persuasive techniques so that the Corinthians’ faith would rest entirely on the power of God, not on the personality of a preacher.

This is incredibly relevant for us today. In a world saturated with spiritual content, polished production, and endless voices, the true power of the gospel still does not come from performance—it comes from the Holy Spirit. Paul explains that spiritual truth cannot be grasped by worldly wisdom. Insight comes only through the Spirit, who reveals the deep things of God to those who belong to Christ. When we lean too heavily on human logic or cultural approval, we lose the ability to perceive what God is showing us.

This chapter invites us to ask:
Do we rely more on polished presentation or on God’s power?
Do we seek applause or spiritual understanding?
Are we spiritually discerning, or are we still trying to navigate faith with worldly instincts?

Paul reminds us that real wisdom is not hidden from us; it is revealed to us.

1 Corinthians 3 — Growing Up in Christ

If chapter 2 shows us how Paul ministered, chapter 3 shows us why the Corinthians struggled to grow: they were still carnal, not spiritual. They were saved, but they were not maturing.

Paul tells them he had to give them milk rather than solid food because their jealousy, quarrels, and factions revealed their immaturity. Spiritual carnality always stunts growth. It creates an environment where believers are easily offended, overly competitive, and more concerned with personalities than with purpose.

Paul addresses their divisions once again. They were boasting about their favorite leaders, but Paul corrects them firmly:
Apollos waters. Paul plants. But God gives the increase.

This is a lesson every church needs.
Ministers are not competitors.
Volunteers are not rivals.
Different roles do not mean different worth.

We are co-workers in God’s field. And because God is the One who brings growth, the rewards believers receive in eternity are based not on popularity or giftedness but on faithfulness and the quality of service.

Paul then warns of the danger of deception. The Corinthians were tempted by worldly wisdom—ideas and values that sounded impressive but hollowed out spiritual life. Worldly wisdom promises depth but gives distraction. It flatters the mind but starves the soul. Carnal Christians are always vulnerable to deception because they rely on impressions rather than discernment.

Today’s church faces the same temptation. We can easily confuse charisma with calling, cleverness with holiness, information with transformation. Paul calls us back to spiritual adulthood, where humility, unity, and discernment replace envy and division.

1 Corinthians 4 — The Marks of True Servants

Paul closes this section with another lesson on service and stewardship. Ministers are servants—managers of God’s mysteries—and their primary requirement is faithfulness. Not brilliance. Not success. Not applause. Faithfulness.

And the One who evaluates their service is not the congregation, not the culture, and not the critics. It is the Lord. Paul even says he does not trust his own evaluation of himself. He leaves judgment entirely in God’s hands.

Paul also acknowledges that those who serve Christ will face mistreatment. He speaks honestly about being scorned, suffering, and experiencing shame. The Corinthians wanted Christianity to look glamorous. They wanted the benefits of spiritual gifts without the cost of spiritual endurance. But Paul shows them—and us—that genuine ministry often looks like quiet suffering accompanied by unwavering commitment to Christ.

Toward the end of the chapter, Paul gently rebukes them for fussing about his travel plans and whether or not he would come. His question—“Shall I come to you with love and gentleness or with discipline?”—reminds us that spiritual leaders must sometimes confront, not out of frustration, but out of love. Discipline in Scripture is always aimed at restoration.

Walking Away With Clarity

These four chapters invite us into a mature, Christ-centered view of the church. We learn that:

• Unity is essential to witness.
  • Wisdom is spiritual, not worldly.
  • Growth requires humility and discernment.
  • Ministry is measured by faithfulness, not fame.
  • God—not man—is the One who evaluates His servants.

If you’re reading through the Bible this year, remember this: God’s Word will not return void to you. Every chapter plants something eternal in your heart. Keep going. Keep reading. Keep opening your life to the Spirit’s work. What you sow today will bear fruit in the weeks and months ahead.

Thank you for your commitment to this journey. Your faithfulness in Scripture is shaping you in ways you may not see yet, but God sees—and God honors.

For additional insight on living out unity and spiritual maturity in the church, consider this article from Crosswalk:
“What Does Paul Teach About Christian Unity?”
https://www.crosswalk.com/

You may also explore study tools on Blue Letter Bible or BibleHub for deeper context on 1 Corinthians.

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