The Big Issue
He wrote the letter that begins 1 Corinthians?
Paul
According to 1 Corinthians 1–2, Paul contrasts human wisdom with another kind of wisdom. What is that other wisdom?
God’s wisdom (the wisdom of the Spirit)
Name one of the church leaders Paul mentions in 1–4 besides himself.
Apollos (also accepted: Cephas/Peter or Timothy)
What word does Paul use for people who divide the church by saying “I follow Paul” or “I follow Apollos”?
Men (or “parties” / “factions” — accept answers indicating divisions or factions)
Who wrote the book of Romans?
Paul
To which city’s church is Paul writing in this letter beginning with a "Cor"?
Corinth
Paul says the message of the cross is foolishness to some people. Who are those people Paul mentions specifically?
Those who are perishing (and the Greeks, who seek man-made wisdom)
In chapter 3 Paul uses a farming/building metaphor. What two roles does he say he and Apollos had when building on the believers?
Paul planted, Apollos watered
Paul says that the Corinthians are still something because of their attitudes, not mature in Christ. What is that word he uses?
Carnal (or “fleshly” / “worldly”)
To whom was the book of Romans written?
The Christians in Rome, or the church in Rome
Paul mentions a problem where people claim to follow different leaders (Paul, Apollos, Cephas). What general problem does this show in the church?
Division
In chapter 2 Paul says the Spirit helps people understand what. Fill in the blank: The Spirit searches the _______ of God.
Deep things
What is the “foundation” Paul says has already been laid for the church?
Jesus Christ
In chapter 4 Paul warns the Corinthians not to judge before the appointed time. Who is the only one who will bring to light the hidden things and judge?
The Lord (Jesus) or God
In Romans 3:23, Paul says, “For all have sinned and fall short of the ______ of God.”
Glory
n chapter 1, Paul says he did not come with “wise and persuasive words” but with a different main focus. What is that focus?
To declare Jesus Christ and him crucified
Paul explains that God's wisdom was hidden before but has been revealed to believers. What role does Paul say he and other apostles have regarding this wisdom?
They proclaim the wisdom of God (revealed through the Spirit)
In chapter 4 Paul calls apostles “servants of Christ” and stewards of something. What are they stewards of?
The mysteries of God (or the mysteries of God’s grace / the gospel)
Paul says he became the least of the apostles and was “not fit to be called an apostle” by some measure. Why does Paul emphasize his weakness and suffering rather than boasting?
To show that his authority comes from God and to avoid fostering pride; to model humility and show the gospel’s power is from God, not human status
According to Romans 6:23, what is the gift of God?
Eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord
In 1 Corinthians 1:10, Paul appeals to the believers for something important to the church’s health. What does he ask them to do?
Be united; agree and have no divisions among you
Explain, in one or two sentences why Paul says God’s wisdom can seem like foolishness to non-believers.
God’s wisdom centers on Jesus’ death and resurrection, which doesn’t make sense to people who rely only on human ideas. For believers, the Spirit shows the true meaning, but without the Spirit the message feels foolish.
Paul gives an example of how leaders should behave toward the Corinthians — treating them with care and not with pride. Based on chapters 1–4, list two qualities Paul expects in church leaders.
Humility and faithfulness (also acceptable: patience, servant-heartedness, stewardship of the gospel)
“Why should Christians try to be united, according to Paul in 1–4?”
Paul says unity matters because fighting and picking leaders for show makes the church weak. When Christians are united around Jesus, they grow spiritually and show God’s wisdom to others.
Explain what Romans teaches about how a person can be made right with God.
Romans teaches that no one can earn salvation by being good enough, because everyone has sinned. A person is made right with God by faith in Jesus Christ, who died and rose again for us.