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?