CONNECT: How could you live your life in such a way that points others to Jesus on your frontlines?

WARM-UP

1. What are some ways in which the Gospel contrasts with aspects of culture in Australia?
2. What are some ways in which the Gospel affirms aspects of our culture in Australia?

Read 1 Corinthians 11:1-12

1. Why is it so important to understand the context of the first recipients of the letter before applying it to us? Does this mean that the letter is not also relevant to us? (Why or why not?)
2. How can we properly discern between matters that are culturally dependent and those things which are instructions with the exact same application today?
3. With a study Bible, what do you learn culturally about the nature of head coverings in Corinth?
4. What inappropriate behaviour was happening in gathered worship in Corinth?
5. How could this offend people outside of the church? How could it also give people the wrong idea about what Christians thought about marriage?
6. What are some of the various ways that the word ‘head’ could be understood? How do all of these understandings point to the reality that there are differences between men and women?
7. How is it clear that men and women are equal? Do you think our culture values difference between us?
8. How can we avoid making unhelpful (and unbiblical) distinctions between men and women?
9. How is it evident that men and women are created in the image of God? How are we interdependent?
10. What do you think are the challenges for men and women today as they seek to follow Jesus?
11. Why is it inappropriate for us to unhelpfully diminish the opposite sex? What are the common ways that you witness this expressed on your frontline? How could you live differently?

Read 1 Corinthians 11:14-16

1. What is meant by prayer and prophesying? Who could prayer and prophesy?
2. Why was it so radical that Paul was permitting (and even encouraging) women to participate?
3. How can we celebrate the contribution of men and women more in the life of our church?

APPLY:  How can you grow in your appreciation of the opposite sex as passionate followers of Jesus?

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On Your Frontline This Week: People are much more likely to trust what their friends endorse. Which friend or colleague could you invite to Alpha?

Listen, Watch, and Read:          

• AUDIO: “Summoned by Grace” by Andrew Sach
• AUDIO: “Where’s your head” by Charlie Skrine
• BOOK (more technical): “The Making of Biblical Womanhood” by Beth Allison Barr
  

Series Resources:

Some helpful resources for our Series:

• Series Overview Published by St Bart’s
• Website: “First Corinthians” by the Bible Project
• Course: “1 Corinthians” as part of the Ridley Certificate (6-week online course)

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