1 Corinthians 4
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This is the fifth sermon in our series on God’s Church (1 Corinthians). This sermon is ‘Fools for Christ’.
Questions and going deeper resources
Small group questions
CONNECT: How is your life building on the foundation of Jesus?
WARM-UP
- What does our Australian culture do with people who are ‘full of themselves’ or show pride?
- What happens to the church and church culture when people (especially leaders) don’t demonstrate humility?
Read 1 Corinthians 4:1-5
- What does it mean to be a ‘steward’ of something given to you? Who is the owner? Who sets the terms and conditions of the ‘stewardship’ period?
- What are Christian leaders called to be a servant of? How should this inform the way we view Christian leaders?
- Why doesn’t Paul care about the judgement of the Corinthians or even judge himself? Who is the judge? How is this freeing for us?
- What does it mean for us to be faithful stewards? How could you demonstrate this on your Frontline?
Read 1 Corinthians 4:6-21
- How does a correct view of grace inform the way that we view ourselves? Where did the Corinthians go wrong in this? What was the result of this?
- In what ways are the Apostles different to the Corinthians as in described in verses 8-13? What is Paul’s tone in this section?
- What is it like for you to be a Christian in this cultural moment? How could we ensure that we don’t make the same mistake as the Corinthians?
- What drives Paul to write so passionately and emphatically to the Corinthians?
- Why does Paul urge the church to imitate him? Is he being prideful? Why/Why not?
- What are the differences between something that is a nice idea and something that is powerful? Which one is the Kingdom of God? How should this inform the way we prioritise our lives?
APPLY: How could you show humility and demonstrate grace on your Frontline this week?
Prayer
Father, thank you for your love and grace shown to us in Jesus. Please keep us from pride, keep us from boasting, and help us to steward, live out, and be diligent in the gospel. Amen.
Going deeper resources
On Your Frontline This Week: How can you practically care for someone on your frontline this week?
Listen, Watch, and Read:
- You are So Wise by Gerard O’Brien
- Question about Ministry by Dick Lucas:
- Trustworthy Stewards by Daniel Gifford:
- Now and Not Yet by Ray Galea:
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)
