Sermons on 1 Corinthians
Wisdom in Singleness and in Marriage
In 1 Corinthians 7:6-16, the apostle Paul gives guidance for the Christian life whether a person is single or married. Pastor Ben Bessett preaches wisdom in singleness and wisdom in marriage.
“To the married I give this charge (not I, but the Lord): the wife should not separate from her husband (but if she does, she should remain unmarried or else be reconciled to her…
Marriage and Self-Control
In 1 Corinthians 7:1-5, the apostle Paul directs our behavior regarding marriage and sexual ethics. Pastor Ben Bessett preaches there are so many questions in our society, how does God want me to live and properly conduct myself, and how does God direct our culture to live so we can flourish the way God intended.
“But because of the temptation to sexual immorality, each…
Marriage and Self Denial
In 1 Cor 6:15-20, the apostle Paul prepares us for the assault in today’s world on the biblical definition of marriage. Pastor Ben Bessett preaches the deconstruction of the home, the problem and the solution, and the continued struggle.
“Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you…
Christian Liberty and Sexual Immorality
In 1 Corinthians 6:12-20, the apostle Paul outlines the principles of Christian living. Pastor Ben Bessett preaches we are governed by Christian liberty, we are not designed for selfish desires, we are designed to be a member of Christ, and we are designed to be a temple of the Holy Spirit. “Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within…
Warning and Hope
In 1 Corinthians 6:9-11, the apostle Paul describes sins that separate people from God and the solution found in Jesus Christ. Pastor Ben Bessett preaches our unrighteous sinful character, the critical question, the deceptive sins, and the power of Christ in conversion: washed, sanctified, and justified. “But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the…
Discipline in the Church
In 1 Corinthians 5:1-13, the apostle Paul commands the believers in Corinth to cleanse their church, exercising discipline where needed. Pastor Ben Bessett preaches the reasons for church discipline: to glorify God through obedience, to purify the church, and to restore the member.
“But now I am writing to you not to associate with anyone who bears the name of brother if…
Admonishing Our Pride
In 1 Corinthians 4:6-21, the apostle Paul commands his followers to avoid the sin of pride, exhibiting lives of love in the spirit of gentleness. Pastor Ben Bessett preaches the reality and awareness of our pride, the admonishment of our pride as discipline, the admonishment of our pride in love.
“For who sees anything different in you? What do you have that you did not…
Not Going Beyond What God Has Said
In 1 Corinthians 4:6, the apostle Paul commands his followers to remain faithful to God’s Word, instead of creating their own false religion. Pastor Ben Bessett preaches following Paul’s example, following the guidepost of God’s Word, and following the commandments of God rather than the traditions of men.
“I have applied all these things to myself and Apollos for your…
Accountable Ultimately to God
In 1 Corinthians 4:1–5, the apostle Paul explains it is the judgment of the Lord that ultimately matters. Pastor Ben Bessett asks how will God judge ministers, how do people of the church judge ministers, how should ministers respond to criticism, and how does this apply to our daily walk?
“Therefore do not pronounce judgment before the time, before the Lord comes, who…
Keeping the Temple of God Pure
In 1 Corinthians 3:5-16, the apostle Paul clarifies the relationship of believers to their pastors and to those preaching the Good News and the relationship of believers to the Holy Spirit. Pastor Ben Bessett preaches the heart of the church toward the minister, the heart of the minister toward sound doctrine, and the heart of the church toward the Holy Spirit.
“Do you…