Mars Hill Church - Fairhope, AL

In 1 Corinthians 9:1–14, Paul continues his teaching on Christian freedom by using himself as an example. Though he has every right to receive financial support for his ministry, he willingly surrenders that right for the sake of the gospel, demonstrating how his freedom is governed by Christ and a love for others.

In 1 Corinthians 8:1–13, Paul reminds us that our freedom in Christ is real, but it must always be governed by love for others. Because Christ has loved us and given himself for us, we are called to use our freedom not merely for our own benefit, but to lovingly serve and build up one another.

In 1 Corinthians 7:25-40, Paul once again encourages believers, whatever their relationship status, to remain faithful to Jesus where they are, live with undivided devotion to him in this passing world, and exercise their freedom according to his will and wisdom.

In 1 Corinthians 7:17–24, Paul reminds believers that our greatest priority is faithfulness to Jesus, not seeking a different set of circumstances. This doesn't mean we must remain in our circumstances at all costs, but because we belong to Christ, we should seek to faithfully obey him wherever we find ourselves.

In 1 Corinthians 7:10–16, Paul calls us to pursue faithfulness to God and faithfulness to our spouse in the marriage we are in. Believing spouses should pursue permanence and reconciliation, while believers married to unbelievers should remain in faith and, if abandoned, release without guilt. In every circumstance, we rest in Jesus, the faithful Bridegroom who will never leave nor forsake us.

In this text, Paul encourages us to receive both marriage and singleness as good gifts from God and to faithfully steward the life and status he has given us. Rather than seeing one as better than the other, we are called to trust the Lord where we are, honor Christ with our desires, and use our lives for the good of his people and the sake of his Kingdom.

This week in 1 Corinthians 7:1–5, Paul shows us that sex is a good gift from God. Within the covenant of marriage between a husband and a wife, it is meant to be enjoyed with love, mutual care, and consideration. Because we belong to Christ, we are called to use our freedom not selfishly, but in ways that honor him and serve one another.

This week we’re studying 1 Corinthians 6:12–20. Paul reminds us that our freedom, desires, and bodies are not our own—we belong to Jesus, who has united us to himself and bought us with a price. Because we are his, we are called to flee sexual sin and honor him with our bodies.

This week in 1 Corinthians 6:1–11, Paul is shocked by the way the Corinthian church is handling its disputes. Once again, their judgment is unwise, so Paul corrects them by reminding them of their future, the wisdom God has provided, their witness, and their new identity as those who have been washed, sanctified, and justified in Christ. If the gospel has so changed who they are, then it should also change how they handle their disputes with one another—especially before a watching world.

In 1 Corinthians 4:6–21, Paul confronts the pride beneath the Corinthians’ divisions, reminding them that everything they have is a gift of grace and pointing them to the humble, sacrificial way of Christ. As their spiritual father, Paul lovingly calls them to turn from pride and follow his example as he follows Jesus.