Servants, Purity, and Purpose: God’s Blueprint for a Holy Community
- Be God's Glory
- Nov 23
- 11 min read
Welcome to Day 326 of The Glory Team Bible Reading Plan.
In these chapters, Paul continues correcting the Corinthians by addressing pride, immorality, lawsuits among believers, and confusion about marriage and singleness. He emphasizes humility, accountability, and the seriousness of representing Christ as His servants. Paul rebukes the church for tolerating sin and reminds them that holiness is essential for those who belong to God. He also gives practical instructions about sexual purity, the believer’s body as the temple of the Holy Spirit, and the calling of marriage and singleness. Together, these chapters give the church a blueprint for godly living rooted in humility, purity, and devotion to God.
1 Corinthians 4
Paul begins by reminding the Corinthians that he and the other apostles are servants of Christ and stewards of God’s mysteries, accountable first and foremost to God. He warns them against pride and judging God’s servants prematurely, explaining that the Lord alone will reveal every motive when He comes. Paul then exposes the spiritual arrogance of the Corinthians, contrasting their self-perceived wisdom and strength with the suffering and humility of the apostles. He urges them to imitate his example of servant leadership rather than boasting in human accomplishments. Paul concludes by preparing them for his visit, asking whether they desire him to come with gentleness or with corrective discipline, depending on their repentance.
1 Corinthians 5
Paul confronts a shocking case of sexual immorality—a man living in an incestuous relationship with his father’s wife—and condemns the church for responding with pride instead of grief. He commands them to remove the unrepentant sinner from their fellowship, explaining that a little “leaven” of sin spreads corruption through the entire church. Paul clarifies that his instructions apply to unrepentant sin inside the church, not to unbelievers outside, because God will judge those outside. His rebuke emphasizes the need for church discipline to protect holiness and restore those who fall into sin. Paul ends by urging believers to judge those within the church in righteousness, reflecting God’s standard of purity.
1 Corinthians 6
Paul rebukes the Corinthians for taking their disputes to secular courts instead of resolving matters within the church, calling it a spiritual defeat. He explains that believers, who will one day judge the world and even angels, should be wise enough to settle disputes among themselves. Paul also confronts sexual immorality, reminding them that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God. He emphasizes that believers have been washed, sanctified, and justified, and therefore must not return to sexual sin. Paul concludes by teaching that the body is the temple of the Holy Spirit, bought with a price, and must be used to glorify God rather than indulging sinful desires.
1 Corinthians 7
Paul addresses questions about marriage, singleness, and sexual relations within the church. He teaches that marriage is a God-ordained covenant that protects purity, but he also honors singleness as a calling that allows for undistracted devotion to the Lord. Paul instructs spouses to fulfill their marital responsibilities to one another and warns against using deprivation as a tool for manipulation or spiritual superiority. He gives guidance for believers married to unbelievers, encouraging peace and faithfulness where possible. Throughout the chapter, Paul emphasizes that each person should live faithfully in the calling God has given them—whether married or single—because the goal is wholehearted devotion to Christ.
Origin & Meaning of the Name:
The book is named after the city of Corinth, a prominent Greek city known for its wealth, commerce, and cultural diversity. The name “Corinthians” simply refers to the people of Corinth, who were the recipients of Paul’s letter. Corinth was a major port city on the Isthmus of Corinth, strategically located for trade and travel, which contributed to both its prosperity and the moral challenges faced by its inhabitants.
Purpose of the Book:
Paul wrote 1 Corinthians to address divisions, moral issues, and questions about Christian conduct within the Corinthian church. The letter provides guidance on maintaining unity, living a holy life, understanding spiritual gifts, and navigating relationships within the church. Paul emphasizes the importance of relying on God’s wisdom rather than human wisdom, correcting sinful behavior, and reinforcing the gospel’s centrality, particularly the message of Christ crucified as the foundation for faith.
Authorship & Sources Supporting the Author:
The Apostle Paul is the author of 1 Corinthians. Internal evidence supports this claim, as Paul identifies himself as the writer in 1 Corinthians 1:1–2: “Paul, called to be an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, and our brother Sosthenes, to the church of God that is in Corinth.”Additional evidence includes:
2 Corinthians 1:1 and Romans 16:23, which reference Paul’s letters to Corinth and his co-workers.
Acts 18:1-18 documents Paul’s time in Corinth, establishing his close relationship with the church and confirming the historical context for the letter.
Early church historians such as Eusebius and references in the writings of Clement of Rome (c. AD 95) also acknowledge Paul as the author of the letter to the Corinthians.
Key People:
Paul – the author, apostle, and primary spiritual guide for the Corinthian church.
Sosthenes – co-sender of the letter, likely a leader or prominent member of the Corinthian congregation (1:1).
Apollos – an eloquent teacher and minister whom some Corinthians followed, causing divisions (1:12; 3:4-6).
Cephas (Peter) – referenced as another leader whom some church members favored (1:12).
Christ Jesus – central to the letter, as Paul repeatedly emphasizes reliance on Him as the foundation of faith (1:2, 2:2, 3:11).
Other unnamed members of the Corinthian church – involved in disputes, immorality, and questions that prompted Paul’s guidance.
Conclusion
The book of 1 Corinthians addresses the struggles of a young church learning to live out its faith in a challenging cultural context. Paul calls the Corinthians to unity, humility, moral integrity, and dependence on God’s wisdom rather than human pride. He emphasizes that Christ is the foundation of all spiritual life and ministry, and that God’s power is made perfect in human weakness. The letter is both corrective and instructive, offering timeless guidance for believers navigating divisions, moral challenges, and the pursuit of spiritual maturity. It remains a foundational text for understanding Christian conduct, church unity, and reliance on God’s wisdom.
What is God's Name in these Chapters?
In this portion of our journey we want to dive deep into the character of God described in His name. By identifying who God is, we can further relate to Him personally and build a stronger relationship and connection with Our Father.
Names are important. They give significance to places, people, and things. We identify with so much based off what it's name is. This is considerably notable when it comes to the names of God.
"Jehovah" is considered a Latinized version of the Hebrew name "Yahweh" (represented by the consonants YHWH) where the vowels of the Hebrew word "Adonai" (meaning "my Lord") were added to the Tetragrammaton (YHWH) when pronounced by Jewish readers who avoided saying the sacred name directly; essentially, Christian scholars combined the consonants of YHWH with the vowels of Adonai to create the pronunciation "Jehovah" in the Latin alphabet.
1 Corinthians 4
In this chapter, God reveals Himself as the ultimate Judge and the One who examines the secret motives of the heart. He is patient, righteous, and fair, showing that human judgment is limited compared to His perfect perspective. God values humility and faithfulness, seeing His servants not by worldly standards but by their obedience to Christ. We can relate to Him as the One who knows us fully and calls us to live with integrity before Him.
No Hebrew names of God appear in this chapter, but the lesson is clear: God alone has the authority to judge His servants. He teaches the church to reject pride, boasting, and comparisons, reminding them that everything they have is a gift from Him. God calls believers to imitate Christlike humility and servant leadership, rather than seeking status or recognition. The lesson emphasizes living for God’s approval, not human applause.
1 Corinthians 5
In this chapter, God is shown as holy, just, and protective of His people. He does not tolerate ongoing sin within His church because it corrupts the whole body. God cares deeply about purity and righteousness, desiring His people to reflect His holiness. His character teaches us that love includes accountability and that holiness matters in the life of every believer.
No Hebrew names of God appear in this chapter, but the lesson centers on God’s holiness and the seriousness of sin within the community of believers. God teaches the church to address unrepentant sin with courage, compassion, and discipline—not to shame, but to restore and protect the body. He reminds believers that their identity as God’s people requires moral separation from sin. The chapter teaches that holiness is not optional—it is the evidence that we truly belong to Him.
1 Corinthians 6
In this chapter, God is revealed as righteous, wise, and the rightful Judge of all matters. He values justice among His people and desires His church to handle conflicts with maturity and spiritual discernment. God is also shown as the One who redeems, sanctifies, and sets His people apart through the work of Christ and the Holy Spirit. His character invites us into a life of integrity that reflects His holiness in every aspect—including our bodies.
No Hebrew names of God appear here, but the lesson God teaches is that believers must live according to their new identity in Christ. He calls His people to purity and reminds them that their bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, bought with a price. God teaches that believers cannot live like the world because they now belong wholly to Him. This chapter challenges us to honor God with our decisions, our relationships, and how we use our physical bodies.
1 Corinthians 7
In this chapter, God’s character is shown through His wisdom, compassion, and understanding of human relationships. He is a God who cares about marriage, singleness, purity, and the personal circumstances of every believer. God provides practical guidance for living out faith in different seasons of life, showing that He values devotion and peace. His character reveals that He meets people where they are and calls them to honor Him in their unique situations.
No Hebrew names of God appear in this chapter, but the lesson focuses on God’s desire for devotion, purity, and faithfulness. God teaches that both marriage and singleness are gifts meant to glorify Him, not burdens or disadvantages. He calls believers to remain faithful in whatever season they are in, living with an undivided heart toward Him. The chapter reinforces that God guides every part of life—relationships, decisions, and personal calling—with His wisdom and care.
Christ in Every Book of the Bible
Christ is the theme throughout the Bible. From Genesis to Revelation, God reveals His Son, Jesus Christ.
Christ is the Seed of the woman Genesis 3:14 , He is the Passover Lamb Exodus 12:3, The Atoning Sacrifice Leviticus 17:11, The Smitten Rock Numbers 20:8, 11, The Faithful Prophet Deuteronomy 18:18, Christ is the Captain of the Lord's Host Joshua 5:15, The Divine Deliverer Judges 2:18, The Kinsman Redeemer Ruth 3:12, Christ is the anticipated as the Anointed One,1 Samuel 2:10, The Son of David 2 Samuel 7:14, The Coming King 1 & 2 Kings, Builder of the Temple 1 & 2 Chronicles (1 Chronicles 28:20), Ezra represents Christ as the Restorer of the Nation Ezra 6:14, 15, Nehemiah shows Him as the Restorer of the Temple Nehemiah 6:15, and Esther portrays Him as the Preserver of the Nation Ester 4:14, Christ is seen as the Living Redeemer Job 19:25, The Praise of Israel Psalm 150:6, The Wisdom of God Proverbs 8:22, 23, The Great Teacher Ecclesiastics 12:11, The Fairest of Ten Thousand Song of Solomon 5:10. Christ is the Suffering Servant Isaiah 53:11, The Maker of the New Covenant Jeremiah 31:31, The Man of Sorrows Lamentations 3:28-30, The Glory of God Ezekiel 43:2, The coming Messiah Daniel 9:25, The Lover of the Unfaithful Hosea 3:1, The Hope of Israel Joel 3:16, The Husbandman Amos 9:13, the Savior Obadiah 21, the Resurrected One Jonah 2:10, the Ruler in Israel Micah 5:2, the Avenger Nahum 2:1, the Holy God Habakkuk 1:13, the King of Israel Zephaniah 3:15, the Desire of Nations Haggai 2:7, the Righteous Branch Zechariah 3:8, and the Sun of Righteousness Malachi 4:2.
The King of the Jews Matthew 2:2, the Servant of the Lord Mark 10:45, the Son of Man Luke 19:10, and the Son of God John 1:1. Christ is the Ascended Lord Acts 1:10, the believer's Righteousness Romans 1:17, Sanctification 1 Corinthians 1:30, Sufficiency 2 Corinthians 12:9, and Liberty Galatians 2:4. He is the Exalted Head of the church Ephesians 1:22, the Christian's Joy Philippians 1:26, and the Fullness of Deity Colossians 2:9. In the Thessalonian epistles Christ is the believer's Comfort 1 Thessalonians 4:16, 17 and Glory 2 Thessalonians 1:12. The Christian's Preserver 1 Timothy 4:10, Rewarder 2 Timothy 4:8, Blessed Hope Titus 2:13, and Substitute Philemon 17. He is the High Priest Hebrews 4:15, the Giver of Wisdom James 1:5, the Rock 1 Peter 2:6, and Precious Promise 2 Peter 1:4. John represents Christ as the Life 1 John, the Truth 2 John, and the Way 3 John, Jude portrays Christ as the Advocate and Revelation shows Him as King of Kings and Lord of Lords Revelation 19:16. The whole Bible is literally all about Christ!
Questions:
Let's expand how these chapters expanded your faith and your relationship with God.
Questions About God's Character: What do these chapters reveal about God’s faithfulness to His word and promises?
How does God’s role as the ultimate Judge in chapter 4 challenge our tendency to judge others prematurely?
What does God’s holiness in chapter 5 reveal about His expectation for purity in the lives of His people?
How does God’s justice in chapter 6 show His desire for righteousness and integrity within the church community?
In what ways does God demonstrate His wisdom in chapter 7 by providing guidance for both marriage and singleness?
How does God’s patience toward His servants in chapter 4 reflect His Fatherly care and long-suffering nature?
What does God’s ownership of believers’ bodies (chapter 6) teach us about His authority and our responsibility?
How do these chapters reveal God as both compassionate and corrective, balancing grace with discipline?
Questions About Themes:
Why is humility such a central theme in chapter 4, and how does it correct the pride present in the Corinthian church?
What does chapter 5 teach about the impact of tolerating unrepentant sin within a church community?
How does Paul’s teaching on resolving disputes in chapter 6 highlight the importance of unity among believers?
Why is sexual purity emphasized so strongly in chapter 6, and how does it relate to believers being temples of the Holy Spirit?
How does chapter 7 balance the themes of responsibility and devotion in both marriage and singleness?
What do chapters 4–7 collectively reveal about spiritual maturity and what it means to grow in Christ?
How do these chapters challenge cultural norms in Corinth, especially regarding relationships, sexuality, and conflict resolution?
Reflective Application Questions:
In what areas of your life do you need to surrender your desire to judge others and instead trust God’s timing and insight (chapter 4)?
Are there areas of compromise or tolerated sin in your life that God is calling you to confront and remove (chapter 5)?
How can you handle conflict differently in light of Paul’s teaching about believers resolving issues with spiritual wisdom (chapter 6)?
What practical steps can you take this week to honor God with your body as His temple (chapter 6)?
How is God calling you to live with greater faithfulness in your current season—married or single (chapter 7)?
In what ways can you pursue humility in your relationships, leadership, or ministry roles (chapter 4)?
What mindset or habit do you need to change to align your life more fully with the holiness God desires for His people (chapters 5–7)?
These questions can help deepen understanding of the themes of these chapters, while encouraging trust in God's sovereignty, justice, faithfulness, and timing. We hope thoughts to these questions invite you to reflect on your own journeys, grow in faith, and understand more about God's nature.
Reference Guides:
Life Application Study Guide
A Popular Survey of the Old Testament by Norman L. Geisler
The Power of God's Names by Tony Evans
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