Are the issues in 1 Corinthians things Paul praised the church for?
No. The issues addressed in 1 Corinthians are predominantly problems in the church, not matters for which Paul commended the congregation. He deals with them lovingly and in meekness, yet also from the strength and power of the Word, correcting rather than praising. This pattern becomes clearer as the letter winds down.
Les explains that the letter to the Corinthians is Paul's response to a question and answer letter, and the Corinthians were beset with all kinds of problems. Paul has to deal with these issues lovingly and in the spirit of meekness, but also from the side of strength and the power of the Word of the Lord Jesus Himself. Les emphasizes that all the things dealt with in 1 Corinthians are predominantly problems in the Church, and they were not things Paul commended the Church for. This becomes more evident as the study winds down. For example, the discussion about meat offered to idols shows Paul giving corrective guidance, not praise.