1 Corinthians

Read 1 Corinthians 7.24-31 incarnationally. Where do you find yourself in this text?

Paul begins this text by giving his opinion. How do you know when a Biblical writer is giving his opinion or speaking directly from God?

Paul writes with the belief that the return of Jesus is imminent. What verses point to that belief?

What is your belief in the timing of Christ’s second coming? How does your belief influence your behavior? How does your belief impact your planning for the future?

The central point of this passage as shared on Sunday was to live with “undivided devotion to the Lord.” When Paul uses this phrase, what kind of life is he describing?

Describe a season when you lived with “undivided devotion to the Lord.” What was the outcome of that season?

The Psalmist prays, “Teach me your way, O Lord, that I may walk in your truth; give me an undivided heart to revere your name.” – Psalm 86:11 (NRSV). Spend a few moments and memorize this prayer.

Where in this text do you see God celebrate marriage? Where is singleness celebrated?

The question was asked on Sunday, “Where or what or when is living with an undivided heart most difficult?” What’s your response today? Why is that so? How might your brothers and sisters encourage you in this space of difficulty?

Read and reflect on Hannah’s prayer in 1 Samuel 1.15-16. When have you last prayed out of a place of “great anguish and grief?” What was the outcome of those prayers? How did you grow through that season? What, if anything, changed around you or in you?

Hannah recognizes that her grief had become her sin and her mourning had become an affliction. How and when have you experienced something similar? How do you find freedom? How are you living in that freedom today?

The Bible declares that we are the Bride of Christ. Where in Scripture do you see this truth described?

Paul was awaiting an imminent return of Christ, the Bridegroom. How do you see yourself as the Bride of Christ? How are you preparing yourself for His imminent return?

Read and reflect on Revelation 19.6-9.

How does this prophecy speak to you today? What picture comes to your mind as you reflect on this truth?

How does this truth motivate you, inspire you, encourage you and challenge you? How might you rest today in His imminent return?

Read 1 Corinthians 7.17-24 incarnationally. What resonates most deeply with you? 

What’s the overall message of this text? What’s the primary implication for you? 

What does it look like for you to “remain” as you are, where you are? 

Read John 15.1-17. What is Jesus inviting His disciples to experience? 

How have you seen growth in your life by “remaining?” 

When have you sensed a missed opportunity by “leaving?” 

For the last several weeks we’ve considered “Seeing all of life through the Gospel.” Of the recent topics, which has been most challenging for you to see through the Gospel? 

How do you see yourself through the Gospel? 

In your own words, define contentment. 

Read Philippians 4.10-12. 

What is Paul’s “secret” of being content in any and every situation?

On Sunday, we reviewed a few questions from Sanctuary’s DMD material. Where did you find yourself when considering the following: 

Describe your contentment quotient in the following areas: 

Physical health—weight, fitness, body image 

Financial—salary, tithing, debt, material possessions

Relational—deep friendships, intimacy, authenticity, sex life with spouse

Spiritual—living in God’s love and grace; being conformed to His image

Read 1 Timothy 6.6-11. Using an example from your own life, describe “godliness with contentment is great gain.”

Reread 1 Corinthians 7.23. How are people in our neighborhood being enslaved? 

What is the role of Sanctuary in freeing people from this kind of slavery? 

How have you experienced freedom from the slavery of our culture? 

Craig Groeschel said, “Envy is resenting God’s goodness in other people’s lives and ignoring His goodness in your own.” How does this statement resonate with you? How does it challenge you? How does it encourage you? 

Read Colossians 1.15-22; Galatians 2.20; Ephesians 1.3-10; and Jude 1.24-25. In light of the Gospel, how does God see you? 

Read 1 Corinthians 6.1-11 incarnationally. Where do you find yourself in this text?

What’s the primary point of the verses 1-7?

Paul asks the question, “Why not be cheated?” How would the Corinthian church receive this kind of truth?

Read Matthew 5.30-40 and 1 Peter 2.9-24. How do these two passages affirm the theme of this text?

Read John 13.34-35. What is the Gospel ethic we find in these words of Jesus?

The phrase, “See how they love each other,” was used in the message on Sunday. What would Sanctuary look like, and sound like, and feel like, and love like if outsiders looked at us and commented, “See how they love each other.”

How have you experienced the church in ways that are opposite to the phrase? How have you been hurt by the church? How do you find healing and holiness through the process of forgiveness and reconciliation?

In “The Great Opportunity,” we learn that 1 million church kids leave the church every year. If this continues, by 2050, 42 million kids who have been raised in church will leave the church. How do you respond to this report?

What is the central reason kids will leave our church and not return to church in their future?

Conversely, the report stated reasons kids will stay and grow in their faith. The report read, “There are three major factors: highly engaged parents who care for their own faith and the faith of their children; other adults actively supporting youth in their walk with God; and calling youth into mission. For parents and churches, it is very clear: ‘You get who you are.’”

What is the implication for you?

Read 1 Corinthians 6.7-11. What’s the primary message of these verses?

The second part of the message included a testimony from Matt Mantooth. How did you resonate with his story?

Matt’s story has some starts and stops, ups and downs. Look back on your story. Note some of the places where there were starts and stops, and ups and downs. What role did community play in meeting you, caring for you, and loving you?

Read verse 11 personally: “And that is what some of you were. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God.”

Personalize this verse by writing your name in the blanks: “And that is what some of you were. But ___________ was washed, _____________ was sanctified, _______________ was justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God.”

How do you engage the temptation to see yourself through your sin instead of through the Gospel? How can the people around you encourage you to view yourself just as verse 11 teaches?