1 Corinthians 1:18–25, Part 5: Links in the Chain from Cross to Corinth
Paul builds his case for unity in the Corinthian church by piling seven arguments on top of one another. How do those arguments fit together?
Look at the Book
Look at the Book is John Piper's ongoing series of 8-12 minute videos to help you learn to read the Bible for yourself.
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1 Corinthians 1:18–25, Part 4: Philosophy and Oratory Are Powerless to Pay for Sin
Eloquence and cleverness cannot deliver us from God’s wrath. Only the death of Christ on behalf of sinners can turn condemnation into justification.
1 Corinthians 1:18–25, Part 3: The Glorious Call of God to Dead Hearts
Why does the same gospel message offend some and delight others? Because the message of Christ crucified lands only on those whom God has called.
1 Corinthians 1:18–25, Part 2: God’s Wisdom Prevents the Knowledge of God by Wisdom
In wisdom, God hides his plan of salvation from the self-proclaimed wise of this age. In grace, he reveals the power of the cross to those he calls.
1 Corinthians 1:18–25, Part 1: Don’t Change the Gospel to Please the Proud
What makes Paul so unwilling to add eloquence to the word of the cross? The apparent folly of the cross proves its actual power to those who are saved.
1 Corinthians 1:13–17, Part 4: Does Divine Inspiration of Scripture Mean Divine Dictation?
Paul was taught by the Holy Spirit — but does that mean God told him exactly what to write? God preserved his truth through Paul’s personality.
1 Corinthians 1:13–17, Part 3: Shameful Cross vs. Proud Eloquence
As Paul discipled the Corinthian church, he never intended to be their celebrity pastor. He aimed at something far greater: preaching a powerful cross.
1 Corinthians 1:13–17, Part 2: Why God Kept Paul from Baptizing
When Paul looked back on his work of establishing the Corinthian church, he thanked God for keeping him from baptizing too many believers. Why?
1 Corinthians 1:13–17, Part 1: Antidote to Disharmony: Christ’s Unity, Christ’s Death, Christ’s Name
In the face of church factions, Paul exhorts members of Christ’s body to focus on the unique work Jesus has done through his death and resurrection.
The Miracle Alternative to Factions in the Church: 1 Corinthians 1:10–12
The Corinthian believers tried to split into fan clubs, but they never belonged to their favorite teachers. In Christ, their teachers belonged to them.
God Will See to It That We Arrive Guiltless at Christ’s Coming: 1 Corinthians 1:4–9, Part 6
How can we know that God will keep us until the end? Because his faithfulness links his call to our final glorification with unbreakable power.
How Can Our Waiting for the Coming of Jesus Be Sure? 1 Corinthians 1:4–9, Part 5
In this age, the Christian life is a waiting life. But we wait full of confidence that Christ will return and bring us into our eternal home.
How Rich Are Christians? 1 Corinthians 1:4–9, Part 4
How do the Corinthian church’s riches in word and knowledge serve to confirm the testimony of Christ? Their beautiful speech shows a beautiful Savior.