1 Corinthians 1–4

Imagine that a close friend who lives in a different city sends you the following message:

“It’s really hard being surrounded by negative influences everywhere. So many people here don’t keep the commandments, and some of them are critical of the Church. I know of others who have lost their testimonies in similar situations and I don’t want that to happen to me. Any advice?”

• What would you say to your friend?

• What are some of the negative and harmful influences you have noticed where you live?

• How do these influences make it challenging at times to stay true to your faith?

As you study this lesson, think about how faithful you are when faced with worldly challenges or negative influences. Seek guidance through the Holy Ghost to know how to strengthen your foundation on Jesus Christ, and look for truths that can help you overcome your challenges. On his second missionary journey, the Apostle Paul preached the gospel in Corinth for nearly two years (see Acts 18:1–18) and organized a branch of the Church there. (To locate the city of Corinth, see Bible Maps, no. 13, “The Missionary Journeys of the Apostle Paul.”) Corinth was a wealthy trade center and the capital city of the Roman province Achaea. Many citizens of Corinth worshipped idols and were immoral. Some were also divisive and contentious. In this environment, staying true to the Savior’s gospel became difficult for many Church members. When Paul wrote to the Corinthian Saints to help them with their challenges, he spoke of the foundation he had laid for them.

Read 1 Corinthians 2:1–5 and 1 Corinthians 3:10–11, looking for phrases that describe this foundation.

• What do you think it means to build your foundation on Jesus Christ?

In the Book of Mormon, Helaman also urged his sons to build on the foundation of Jesus Christ. Read Helaman 5:12, looking for the blessings Helaman promised.

• What could you share with your friend from these verses that might be helpful?

One truth we can learn from these scriptures is that as we build the foundation of our lives on Jesus Christ, we can overcome Satan’s influence and worldly challenges.

• What do you know, feel, or believe about the Savior that helps you want to have Him as your foundation?

In Paul’s letter to the Corinthians, he addressed several issues and taught how the Savior and His gospel contained the power to help the Corinthians overcome their challenges (see 1 Corinthians 1:23–24). The following activities focus on two of those issues. Read the following options and select one that would be most meaningful for you to study.

One challenge the Corinthian Saints struggled with was contention. Divisions developed in part because they believed their status in the Church was determined by the importance of the person who baptized them (see 1 Corinthians 1:12).

Next to your drawing of a house, you may want to list any ways you face divisions or contention in your ward, family, or community.

• What are some consequences of divisions and contention?

Read 1 Corinthians 1:10–13 and 1 Corinthians 3:3–9, looking for how Paul was trying to help the people build on the foundation of Jesus Christ.

• What did you see in these verses that could help people overcome divisions and contention?

• Why do you think building your life on Jesus Christ helps you to be united and less contentious with those around you?

Many who lived in Corinth valued worldly wisdom. The message of a crucified Messiah didn’t make sense to many Jews and Gentiles. In the Roman world, the punishment of crucifixion symbolized shame and defeat. The idea of someone willingly suffering for others was “foolishness” to the Greeks (1 Corinthians 1:23). For the Jews, a Messiah who died on a cross was a “stumblingblock” (1 Corinthians 1:23) because they expected the Messiah to conquer their enemies.

Read 1 Corinthians 1:17–25, looking for how Paul responded to these attitudes.

Somewhere by your drawing of a house, list ways the wisdom of the world may affect or challenge your testimony of Jesus Christ and His gospel.

• Why might some people not understand or appreciate Jesus Christ and His Atonement today?

• What changes might happen when a person comes to know and feel that the Savior has real power in their life? (see 1 Corinthians 1:24).

• How can building your life on Jesus Christ and His gospel help you when facing challenging worldly ideas?

Take a few minutes to evaluate your own life. In what ways have you built your foundation on Jesus Christ? In what ways might you want to improve? How might building your life even more on the Savior Jesus Christ and His gospel help you face your own challenges and negative influences? Consider writing your thoughts and goals in your study journal.