Paul teaches that church leadership was not like worldly leadership - it was one of servanthood. Paul was a spiritual father to the church at Corinth. He was very emotional at this point.

In Corinth, members of the church were in dispute with each other and instead of resolving the issues with the help of church leaders, they were taking the argument to the law courts.

There were many divisions in the Corinthian church which became obvious at their celebration of the Lord’s Supper. Paul addressed this by referring back to how Jesus set up the sacrament of Communion.

This is the earliest recorded account of the resurrection of Jesus, given by Peter to Paul and now given by Paul to the Corinthian church to give them hope. These are the historical facts.

Having outlined the historical fact of the resurrection, Paul now explains the importsnce of the resurrection for the Christian faith and how those who are saved will also be raised back to life.

Paul introduces the reality of spiritual warfare that every Christian faces together with the resources that God provides to fight against the enemy. Roman soldiers are guarding him and he uses their armour to explain these resources.

Despite being in prison facing a death sentence, Paul opens his letter by reminding the church of all the blessings they have. He writes of God’s initiative in salvation but also the need for each Christian to make a decision. God is working out His purposes.

Paul was in prison because of his calling to take the gospel to the gentiles. When Christ came, what had been promised to Abraham about the Jews being a blessing for all nations, came into being. This was a ‘mystery’ that is still being fulfilled today.

Following on Jesus' teaching, Paul also encourages the Christian community to ‘love your neighbour as yourself’. Our neighbour is people in the church community who need help which we can give. He introduces a sense of urgency in the light of the Second Coming of Jesus and the question of how we have used our opprtunities.

Sin has not only affected human beings, Paul explains that the whole of creation is also struggling because of sin. Although we are suffering now, we have a wondeful hope for the future. The Holy Spirit strengthens us now and helps us to pray.