Paul loved the Corinthian church. He had invested a year and a half in Corinth to preach and teach them the gospel. He labored like a father to provide for their spiritual needs so they would grow in faith and godliness. But then they turned on him. They chose to listen to some smooth-talkers who led them down muddy paths.
Paul, however, always sought the purity of the church in Corinth. He considered it his duty to present her as a clean, holy bride for Christ. How did he pursue that goal? Through preaching and teaching the Word of God and pointing people to Jesus.
In Ephesians 5, Paul taught on the relationship and analogy of husbands and wives, which corresponds to the relationship between Christ and His church. In verses 25-27, Paul says that Jesus gave Himself to save His bride from sin, cleansing her with the washing of water by the Word—to present the church to Himself as a pure bride.
Paul saw himself as a spiritual father to the Corinthian believers, but he also knew he was a vessel through whom the Lord accomplished His mission to purify His church. May we be mindful of the same—we work hard in faith knowing the Lord is working through us.
Tips for Teaching This Week’s Session of The Gospel Project for Adults
Every week for Volume 4: From Captivity to the Wilderness, Ken Braddy, Lifeway’s director of Sunday School, will offer guidance to help leaders prepare to lead and teach each session of The Gospel Project for Adults.
Podcast (adultsleadertraining): Play in new window | Download
Tips for Teaching This Week’s Session of The Gospel Project for Students
Every week, student ministry leaders offer guidance to help leaders prepare to lead and teach each session of The Gospel Project for Students. Listen in as he shares:
- The main point of the session
- Any challenges and opportunities for additional discussion that may arise during this session
- Encouragements for leaders
Podcast (studentsleadertraining): Play in new window | Download
A Final Reminder
Don’t forget, you can find tools to help you prepare and lead the discussion in the Additional Resources for this volume. We hope these are a blessing to you as you walk through this session together.
*This week’s leader devotional is written by Daniel Davis. It is adapted from the daily devotions for Unit 30, Session 4 from The Gospel Project for Adults’ Daily Discipleship Guide.
