1 Corinthians 1:1-9 consists of two parts (v.1-3 and 4-9) that introduce the whole of the letter and the second part also introduces the first essay. The essays all follow the same chiasmic outline of referencing the tradition you have received from Paul, then stating the problem, at the climax and center Paul lays out the theology that will serve as a foundation for building a solution, then looks at the problem again in light of that theological foundation, and ends by Paul making a personal appeal (like “imitate me”). This pattern can be helpful for us to use when we confront similar problems today, which is not difficult to see because Paul has written for all who in every place call upon the name of our Lord Jesus Christ and on topics that are very much contemporary issues facing the church. But in this message we will focus on the four things the passage says about God and then some of the things it says about Christ and the church that are important for us to know and believe as we wait together for Jesus.
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