1 Corinthians: The Challenges of Life Together

Navigating the Messy Reality of Christian Community Together

Life among believers offers immense joy, yet it often brings unexpected friction and sometimes exasperating debate. If your heart aches for unity amidst disagreements over worship or spiritual gifts, you are not alone; the early church faced these very same conflicts. In this 13-session LifeGuide® Bible Study, authors Paul Stevens and Dan Williams invite you to examine the honest, unpolished portrait of the Corinthian church―a Christian community that mirrors many of our own modern struggles. By engaging with the text of 1 Corinthians, you will see that the division facing the first believers is little different from what we navigate today, offering a comforting reminder that perfection is not a prerequisite for grace.

Designed as a group resource, this guide moves beyond surface-level answers to explore how the gospel heals deep-seated division. As you journey through 1 Corinthians, your group will uncover wisdom for resolving conflict, relinquishing rights for the sake of others, and rediscovering the love that binds the body of Christ together. This study offers the wisdom needed to transform the difficult challenges of life together into opportunities for spiritual growth and lasting unity.

LifeGuide Bible studies feature:

• A guide to getting the most out of the study, including suggestions for how to participate in individual or group study.
• Leader's notes for preparation and leading a group through the study.
• "Now or Later" section following each session to help you act on what you learn.
• Trustworthy biblical wisdom from experienced authors.

About LifeGuide Bible Studies

Presented in a convenient workbook format and featuring the inductive Bible study approach, LifeGuide Bible Studies are thoroughly field-tested prior to publication. They are proven and popular guides for digging into Scripture on your own or with a small group.

For over 30 years, LifeGuide Bible Studies have been your trusted companion for thoughtful, Scripture-based exploration, helping individuals and groups engage deeply with God’s Word. With over 15 million copies sold, this beloved series has guided countless Christians through books of the Bible and meaningful topics, offering timeless insights and practical application.

R. Paul Stevens is professor emeritus of marketplace theology and leadership at Regent College, Vancouver, British Columbia, and a marketplace ministry mentor. He has worked as a carpenter and businessman, and served as the pastor of an inner-citychurch in Montreal. He has written many books and Bible studies, including Doing God's Business, Work Matters, Marriage Spirituality, The Other Six Days and Spiritual Gifts. He is coauthor (with Pete Hammond and Todd Svanoe) of The Marketplace Annotated Bibliography.

Williams serves as pastor of New Life Community Church in Burnaby, British Columbia, and as administrator of the Equippers, a lay training network.