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)?