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?
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?
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?
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?)
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?
