To a proud and prosperous church, the Apostle Paul writes a stern reminder: Take your eyes off impressive externals and instead practice purity, humility, and love. His practical instructions concerning factions, sexuality, spiritual gifts, and worship remain profoundly relevant for believers pursuing genuine spiritual maturity. The 17 lessons of this Navigator Bible study of 1 Corinthians deal with doctrine, grace, joy, and love. If using in a group, personal study is needed between meetings. Study aids and discussion questions included.
This “Life Changing” study led to some real good discussion in Sunday-School. Thank you Erv for your leadership this season. Your highlighted verse stands out as the action take-away:
Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord. (1 Corinthians 15:58)
This is a very good Bible studies series and this one on 1 Corinthians did not disappoint. This is a seventeen week study of the book; each lesson approximately covering one chapter in the book (there are a few exceptions). This provides time for in-depth study of the book. There are lots of questions and those participating need to be prepared to spend a significant amount of time in preparation each week (which is worth it!).
As well as the regular questions in the study, there are optional additional questions and explanations of various words or phrases in the text. It is important to remember that the words printed in this study are not infallible. It is vital to study the Bible primarily and then look into other commentaries or study Bibles to discern the meaning of the text. In particular, I did not think that their assessment of the role of women in the church was accurate. However, it is helpful at times to examine a dissenting view and be able to examine your own interpretation of the text. This Bible study works very well in a group setting, but can serve as an individual devotion as well.
All of the books in this series are solid theologically and ask good questions. Its the best single series I've personally used for introducing a book along with its purpose and who it was written to (if its an epistle) and why it was written. Very good stuff.