1Corinthians 13

v1-3:

• What is “the most excellent way”? How would you define this “loving kindness / charity” that Paul refers to?

V4-7:

• See anything here that you need to work on in your human relationships?

V8-12:

• All those wonder gifts and spiritual powers that Paul referred to earlier – how do we perceive their importance in this text? Why have these perceptions changed due to the context of v12?

v13:

• What do these 3 mean to you? In what ways can love be more important than faith or hope?

1Corinthians 12

v1-3:

• How do we discern God’s spirit…especially when so many claim to be spiritual and to speak for God?

V4-6:

• What (Who) is it that works through every gift, every work of service and ministry in each person?

V7-11:

• What are some ways that you are a blessing to others? Reflect on your gifts and talents—behaviors or acts of service that encourage or help others.

• How can you discover your hidden gifts? (Are there opportunities for you to try new things?)

• How can you remind yourself as you serve that your gifts have come from God, they are His gift and His work and are an opportunity for you to be a blessing to Him?

v12-26:

• Though we have many differences, what do we all have in common? What does it mean for us to have one identity (one body, one Spirit) in God? Reflect on that – it is a key point that Paul keeps emphasizing.

• Have you ever felt like “maybe I don’t belong”? What can you do to help others feel more like they do belong? (extra credit: How do we sometimes help others feel excluded or different?)

• Have you ever had an experience of “losing yourself” in a team with a singular purpose, perhaps in a ministry or a service event? What does it feel like to be less aware of what you are personally accomplishing and delighting in what the entire team is doing?

• Do you ever feel envious of someone else’s gifts or accomplishments? (Well, I guess you’re human!) What can you do to celebrate the gifts you’ve been given (i.e., to remember the Giver and the work He has set before you)? What can you do to better appreciate and encourage others’ gifts?

• How can you be more aware of the accomplishments, the blessing of the Body of Christ (whether your local church or small group or other fellowship)? How can you be more responsive to any suffering within it?

V21-26:

• What are the least important gifts? What are the most important gifts? (OK, trick questions but explain and reflect on the meaning of your answer. )

v27-31:

• When do you use your gifts? To what purpose?

1Corinthians 11

v1-16:

• This section is not a fashion statement on head-ware, but a continuation of the discussion of how to respect others, in this case within worship. Are you sensitive to how your dress or behavior might affect others in worship?

• Are there little sacrifices you could make that would help others to feel more respected in worship? (In some churches there are those who shun jewelry or women in pants, for example. Whether or not you believe that to be an important value, consider how to respect others.)

v17-33:

• What does it mean to you to take communion? …to receive the bread and drink recognizing the body of Jesus and “proclaiming His death until He comes”?

• How can you “judge yourself” in order to take communion in a worthy manner?

1Corinthians 10

v1-13:

• What were some of the shortcomings of the Israelites who left Egypt for Sinai? Are you ever at risk of falling to complaining against God? Of not obeying Him completely? Of worshipping other Gods (trusting in or being obsessed with other pursuits)?

• What can you do to keep turning your heart to God even with some of these tendencies?
• What can you do to maintain accountability?
• What do you need to ask God for help with?

v14-22:

• Are there ways that you participate in things that violate Jesus’ teachings or His values for you? (perhaps with worldly friends or gatherings) If you were to consider your body as holy, what behaviors would you change?

V23-33:

• Are there times when you know that with a little sacrifice you could avoid offending someone and instead demonstrate the love of God? (Maybe that means avoiding eating meat with a religious vegetarian or avoiding alcohol in the company of someone who is in recovery?)

1Corinthians 9

v1-14:

• Are there ways you can do more to support your Pastors (or local church or other faith workers)? If we see our financial blessings as coming from God, then what does that mean for how we make sure there is support for those dedicated to the work of God?

v15-18:

• What is your attitude as you serve, whether that is helping at church, in the community, in the mission field, whether teaching, preaching or just lending a hand? Who has put you in the role of service? Is it the work God has put before you and equipped you for? Or do you feel like you serve because you are a wonderful person worthy of praise? Reflect on this.

v19-23:

• Paul is not suggesting lowering your values in order to evangelize but being willing to suppress personal likes/dislikes in order to relate to those who may be different in some way. Can you think of a time when you’ve done that? Brought respect to a boisterous child or to a homeless person or to a stranger by making them feel welcome, maybe even spending time with them?

• Can you think of someone in your life that early-on was a model for you of the love, the grace of the Gospel? It is often the acceptance of others than influences us into relationship with Jesus – reflect on your experiences and how you might find ways to provide this sense of acceptance to others.

V24-27:

• What are some ways you can pursue your faith with the attitude of a marathon runner? What disciplines would you like to take up or improve?

1Corinthians 8

v1-3:

• Are there times when you feel “better than”? That is, more spiritual or more godly than others…maybe when you see other struggling with sin or bad habits or ignorance of God’s will? What are some ways you could demonstrate God’s love toward them instead?

V4-13:

• There are always people around us who are struggling in some way or another. Perhaps because they believe a certain food is ungodly (some vegetarians can be very religious about their food) or they are subject to compulsions related to certain foods or drink (chocoholics, alcoholics). This may not be as big an issue for us as with food offered to idols in Paul’s day, but his admonition to be considerate can still have impact around us. Can you think of any people you know who are struggling in such a way that you could support them by your behavior or by abstaining from something in their presence?

1Corinthians 7

v1-9:

• Paul gives advice here regarding sexual immorality and avoidance of temptation (e.g., “ if you are unmarried are not happy to be celibate then you should marry to avoid sin.

• What advantages are there of being single? What temptations?

• For those who are married, how do we know that we are meeting each other’s needs or supporting each other in whatever sense? How do we know what we expect of each other? Sometimes these sorts of conversations are difficult—how can we make opportunities to hear from each other in general? (… or even to listen within ourselves for our needs and expectations?)

v10-24:

• There are times when we find that God has put us in tough circumstances, whether in our relationships or work or wherever. Do you have someone in your life or a situation that you are having a hard time resolving or dealing with? Here’s your homework: make a list of all those person(s) and situation(s), then lift them up to God in prayer. Can you trust Him to resolve it? Don’t give up but ask Him to show you how you should deal with the situation (or if He’s just asking you for patience and grace).

V25-31:

• Life is short and Paul reminds us that Christ could come at any time, making our current lives potentially far shorter than the adage implies. If you knew He was coming within the next few weeks or few months, how would that change your priorities… how would you look at those around you or at trials that you may be experiencing? How would you think about “your stuff” or your happiness?

V32-40:

• What are the things that complicate your life? …that distract you from “the Lord’s affairs”? What are some things you can do to make sure they do not so absorb your time and attention that you miss out on your devotion (whether that’s worship or service or study or whatever builds your relationship with Jesus)?

1Corinthians 6

1Corinthians 6

v1-8:

• Were you wronged by or do you have a complaint against a Christian brother/sister? Have you tried resolving it with them or in the company of other Christians or church leaders? Even where the party may not be Christian, is there a way to resolve things without involving lawyers? (Of course, sometimes there isn’t, but what can you before that recourse?)

V9-11:

• Reflect on your former life – what makes you unfit to inherit the Kingdom of God?

• Although we were all unworthy, Christ has justified us. But although the Holy Spirit is doing His work of sanctification in us, some of the old life is still operating in us. What are some behaviors/attitudes that you still need to cast off?

V12-20:

• Although Christ has redeemed us, we still have work to do. How can you do a better job of honoring Him with your body?
• Reflect on the importance to Israel of the temple and the Ark of the Covenant. What does it mean to you that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit?

1Corinthians Chapter 5

1Corinthians 5

v1-5:

• It is easy to become lax about holding each other accountable. What do you do…what more can you do, to hold yourself accountable to God’s holiness?
• Do you have others (small groups or close friends) that you use or can use as partners in accountability?

V6-8:

Yeast represents sin. The Passover included a ritual housecleaning to get rid of the least speck of yeast. Paul is reminding us that we have work to do in order to be holy to God.

• What are some bad habits, bad attitudes, sneaky specks of personal yeast that you need to clean out? What can you do to address them as opposed to just sweeping them under the rug?
• Where and with whom can we become more transparent, more honest, more truthful?

V9-13:

• Are there times when you find yourself with those who influence you in undesirable talk/pastimes/behaviors? Do you get caught up in “their stuff” or are you able to maintain your sense of your standing with Christ even while you sit with those who have no interest in Him?

• Are you able to be clear about your convictions even among those who may profess to be your brother in Christ but who openly flaunt sinfulness? (Note: This is a very fine line for Christians as we avoid being judgmental but maintain clarity about our convictions)

1Corinthians (Chpt 3,4)

1Corinthians 3

v1-4
Paul admonishes the church that they are not ready for advanced spiritual understanding because they are still subject to petty quarrels and jealousy. None of us are perfect but all are growing in our faith.

• What are some ways over the last week that you showed “immaturity” – less godliness than you would like?
• What can you do in the coming week to help your mind be more grounded in Christ?

v5-9

• Ever find that you’re comparing yourself to others, wishing you’d accomplished as much as they or thinking you’ve done so much more than they?

v10-15

• What is the “foundation …laid by Christ Jesus?”
  
• What are ways that we build on that foundation?
  
• What are things we do that do not build on that foundation?
  

[hint: Paul suggests the test is anything that wouldn’t survive in a fire…when you’re running for your life. He is referring to the Judgment – what will survive when we’re resurrected]

v16-17:

• What does it mean to you that your body is the sanctuary of God (His dwelling, His place of worship)?

v18-23:

• Are there times when you mentally congratulate yourself for how smart you are?
  
• Or when you find yourself in awe of someone else and their wisdom?
  

Paul wants us always to remember that there is only one source of true wisdom and all other “smarts” either have Him as source or are not worth much in comparison.


1Corinthians 4

v1-5:

• We often consider how we trust in God, but in what ways is He putting His trust in us (what investments does He make in us)?
  
• How do we demonstrate that we are faithful to be trusted with these investments?
• And what are we to do when we find ourselves or others judging how we live our lives? [hint: Who is our only Judge?]
  

v6-8:

• How has God blessed you since He came into your life?
  
• Are there ways in which that sets you apart from others (e.g., perhaps in some way “apart” from family or from friends you knew before you knew Jesus)?
  
• How do you remind yourself of His blessings and how He has brought wisdom into your life?

v14-21:

• How can we honor those who’ve come before us and who serve under hardship and persecution now?
  
• How do we gain from the model of their lives?
  
• How do we demonstrate in our lives (“power” and not just words) that the Kingdom of God is important to us?

1 Corinthians (1,2)

1 Corinthians 1

V1-9:
Think of those who you work with, or others that you depend on

• Are you thankful for the gifts God has given them?
  
• Take some time to list/pray for their gifts. Encourage them next chance you get. (That’s what Paul is doing here)

V10-17

• What/Who is your spiritual authority?
  
• When you read or hear commentary on religious beliefs or the meaning of scripture, how do you validate it for yourself? …for its relevance to your relationship with Christ?

V18-25
We’re surrounded by the wondrous inventions of mankind, by highly-educated, highly-intelligent, high achievers who may be able to talk circles around us regarding scientific discoveries or technical knowledge. There are times when you may feel like you need to compete intellectually or when you may feel inferior somehow. Here Paul refers to those whose opinion of themselves and their “wisdom” may mean they scoff at the power of God or the value of the cross.

• How does God’s power make foolishness of that kind of thinking?
  
• How does Christ’s death have an impact that overshadows any human “wisdom”?

Think of these answers in terms of your own experiences (remember that no one can argue against an experience).

V26-31
Think of how you were before your commitment to Christ and how you have changed.

• What are some things that as you now look back on them seem foolish, but were important to you then?
  
• What are some things that now are important that you then thought were foolish or boring or a waste of time?

1 Corinthians 2

V1-5:

• How has God used you in ways that you didn’t expect? He doesn’t use us because we’re so much smarter than He is, but He uses our humility and submission and draws out talents that we might not even have realized beforehand.
• Has he ever asked you to do something that you thought was beyond you, but you accepted on faith? Think of times when you’ve served in ways that in your former life you never would have considered. Whether you know it or not, those can be times when you demonstrate the Spirit’s power and bless those around you thereby.

V6-9

• Do you find that there are some with whom you can speak openly about Christ’s Kingdom and some who just cannot understand it (no matter how “intelligent” or educated they may be)?
  
• What are some different approaches to finding out whether someone would be interested in hearing more (or “able” to hear it)?

V10-16

• How is it then that you were able to hear the good news and then commit your life to Christ?
  
• What are some ways that you know the Holy Spirit dwells in you, helping you understand the thoughts of God, teaching you things that you did not comprehend or even imagine when you were “without the Spirit” (i.e., before you committed)?

James 5

Warning to Rich Oppressors: v.1 - 6

• How much do you trust in money, rather than remembering that "in God we trust?" How much do you think about money, worry over having enough, over your investments? How much do you dream about how to spend it, what you'd like to buy?
  
• Do you tithe? Do you keep a tight reign over what you donate? How do you measure your charity?
• Can you think of any times when you "cheated" a bit to save yourself money? ...Cheated those you needed to pay, tricked someone out of money, fudged on taxes?
• Jesus warns us many times about how a focus on wealth can take the place of godly priorities, like in the parable of the "rich young ruler" in Luke 18:18-29, or can delude us into false security as in the parable of the rich fool in Luke 12, or can blind us to our opportunities to learn service and its eternal blessing as in the story of the rich man and the poor man (Lazarus) in Luke 16. What do you do to make sure you maintain the right priorities?

Patience in Suffering: v7 - 12

• What kind of patience does the farmer have for his crop? He is anxious and can scarcely wait in his anticipation. Do you wait for the Lord's return that way? He is careful and diligent to do all he can to maintain conditions conducive to a good harvest. He knows his livelihood depends on it. What would that mean for you in your day-to-day attitudes?
• What would it mean to behave like we expect Jesus to return tomorrow and bring us to accountability?
• How about the patience of the prophets? They suffered ridicule, deprivation, often physical abuse, imprisonment, even torture and death. How do we strengthen our faith for the time ahead?
• Above all things remember that the Lord is full of compassion and mercy. How can this help you persevere?

The Prayer of Faith: v13 - 20

• What ever are we going to do to respond to James' admonishments about how we deal with trials and temptations, how we deal with our anger and our offensive speech, with our tendency to profess one thing but behave in a way that can belie that profession?
  
• Do you set aside "regular" time for prayer to your Lord? for praise and worship?
• Do you have friends or small group(s) where you can be transparent and confess your shortcomings and be supported and prayed for? What could be more important?
  

James 4

Submit Yourselves to God v1-12

• Do you find yourself irked at others? Upset over small things? Peaved or impatient and you're not sure why? James reminds us of Jesus admonitions in the Beatitudes (esp. Matthew 5:21-48) that urge us to change our attitudes, to consider what's going on inside of us in order to affect our outer behaviors. Who do you blame when you get upset with someone else?

• If our adverse reactions towards others comes from not getting "what we want" then what do we do about it? What needs repair in us? Why is it that we might pray but with the wrong motives? What needs to change in us?

• How does our experience in "the world" turn us away from God and the attitudes that He wants for us (i.e., how is our "friendship with the world, hatred toward God")? Why is the Holy Spirit jealous of our attention?

• Ever feel like your battle to focus on godliness is unending? ...that the temptations around you and your own habits or urges present a constant struggle for you? What solace can you gain from verse 6? What is it asking of you? How does verse 6 explain verse 7 (i.e., how do we "resist"?)

• If this battle makes you feel like grieving and feels gloomy, what hope is there in verse 10? Recall some times when you have experienced that "uplift" of the Holy Spirit.

• Verse 11-12: Above we've considered how we apply our attention. What happens to our attention and attitude when we jusge or gossip about others? Why is that called out so often in scripture?

Boasting About Tomorrow: v13-17

• Who controls the circumstances of our lives? To avoid challenging God, we need constant reminders of His power and of how little actual power we have. What are some ways you remind yourself of that?

James 3

Taming the tongue: v1-12

• Why would teachers be judged more strictly? What is your image of yourself when you are teaching? What is your attitude?

• If you're perfect, you have nothing to worry about. Otherwise, you've got a problem...your tongue! Ever "wish you hadn't said that?" Ever let your emotion escape out your mouth before you realized you were feeling so strong?

• How do you keep your tongue in check? Jesus suggests that it doesn't start with the tongue. (See Matth 23:25-28; also Luke 11:39) "First clean the inside of the cup and dish and then the outside also will be clean." How do we do that? What does it mean for us to be "clean" inside?

• James paints a dark picture of the havoc we can cause with our tongue. If it is so impossible to tame, what are we to do? What are steps you need to take?

Two kinds of wisdom: v13-18

• James contrasts how we may think of ourselves as wise, as understanding, but that may not jive with our deeds. How does this relate to his earlier discussion of "those who are teachers"?

• Why is humility better for us than what people ("the world") consider wisdom? What are the risks of thinking you are wise or superior in some way? How might that affect your actions towards others?

• What are the characteristics of "wisdom from heaven"? How important to you is that? Can you envision it? What steps can you take to get there?

Book of James: Chapter 2

Study Questions from a Small Group Study of James

James 2

• Do you ever have discriminatory, critical thoughts about others -- even those that you do not know? (Come on, tell the truth!)

• James is accusing us of judging others, of behaving toward others sometimes, based on shallow outward appearances. Do your petty discriminations towards others ever affect your behavior? Ever show special attention to the attractive, to the popular, to the rich/successful?

• Why might God choose the poor "in the eyes of the world" to inherit his kingdom? What does that tell us about trusting ourselves to those who are "rich" in the eyes of the world?

• Those "of this world" seek after the rich, the successful, the famous, the attractive. What does that say about what is important to us if we follow suit?
  

• What would it really look like to "love your neighbor as yourself"? To care for those around you with the same care you place on yourself? Remember that when he was asked (Luke 10:29) who we should consider as our neighbor, Jesus did not describe our best friend but the man in most need (by the roadside).

• What are some opportunities you might have to show loving mercy to those in need?

• What are some examples of others who's deeds have impressed you with their faith?

Book of James: Chapter 1

Study Questions from a Small Group Study of James

James 1:1-8

• What is "joy" for a follower of Christ?
• How does it compare to the joy sought by the worldly (which is momentary, self-centered, self-gratifying and always unsatisfying)?
• How does our faith enable us to have joy amidst trials? ...in fact, regardless of outward circumstances (in good times and bad)!
• What do we do to "prepare our faith" for trials that may come? (and how does that relate to v5-8 regarding asking God for wisdom but asking in full faith and reliance)
• What does the Holy spirit bring to us through our trial experiences?

James 1:9-18

• What does v9 mean regarding "humble circumstances = high position; rich = low position"?
• How is this reflective of Mark 10:42-45, Matthew 19:30, 20:16, and elsewhere where Jesus declares that the last (or "many last") shall be first, etc.?
• What does this mean for our attitudes about ourselves? about others? about our personal goals and life focus?
• What does v12 mean "when he has stood the test..."?
• How does this relate to how our hope and faith guide our choices and attitudes?
• What do v13-14 tell us about how sin (temptation) works in us?
• What are some persistent sins for you? how do they tempt you? at what point can you "see it coming"?
• What is the promise in v16-18 and how can it help you?
• 
  

James 1:19-27

• How do these admonitions about speech remind you of struggles you've had? ...situations you've caused by impulsive speech?
• How did that happen? (what was going on for you at the time to spark what you said?)
• What do these verses say about the result of anger? about its cause?
• What do these verses say about how to avoid such situations (the anger and the resulting impulses)?
• What can you do based on this passage to guard yourself against these impulses?