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?
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
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?
