1 Corinthians 1:1-9
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This is the first sermon in our series on God’s Church (1 Corinthians). This sermon is ‘to the church in Corinth’.
Questions and going deeper resources
Small group questions
CONNECT:What is one way this week that you can demonstrate that Jesus has sent you?
WARM-UP
- Can you remember a funny example of a time when you made a bit of a mess of things?
- How had the church in Corinth made a mess of things? Yet, how does Paul speak of it?
Read 1 Corinthians 1:1-4 - Called by God
- What was the city of Corinth like? What was the history of Paul’s connection with Corinth?
- Whose church was it? Whose church is St Bart’s? Why is it so important to recognise this?
- For what reason does Paul give thanks for the church? Does this surprise you at all?
- How can you give thanks for the same in our life together at St Bart’s? Can you think of examples?
- How is being called by God to be his church fundamental to our ultimate identity?
Read 1 Corinthians 1:5-7 - Supplied with Gifts
- In what way does Paul say that the Corinthian church (and us!) have been enriched?
- What were some of the issues for the Corinthian church when it came to gifts? Can we be similar?
- When it comes to God’s gifts, do you usually have a view of scarcity or abundance? Why or why not?
- How do you see God’s gifts at work in our life together at St Bart’s? Is there anyone you could encourage or enable to use their gifts in the life of God’s church at St Bart’s?
- For what reasons should our gifts never be a source of boasting?
Read 1 Corinthians 1:8-9 - Kept Blameless
- What does it mean for God to keep us firm? In what way will we be blameless? On what basis?
- Does this guarantee give us freedom to obey rather than freedom to rebel?
- How does belonging to Jesus shape your identity on one of your frontlines?
APPLY: How would others recognise that your identity is shaped by your relationship with Jesus?
Prayer
Gracious Father, thank you for the grace, gifts, and guarantee of a secure future that we have in Jesus. Please shape the identity of our lives and church on the basis of who you are and what you have done in the Lord Jesus. Amen.
Going deeper resources
On Your Frontline This Week: Amongst holidays, what new opportunities do you have to visit, love, or listen to someone?
Listen, Watch, and Read:
- Summoned by Grace by Andrew Each
- 1 Corinthians 1:1-9 by Andy Gemmill
- Our Confidence by Grahame Johnson
- 1 Corinthians 1 by Peter Adam
- 1 Corinthians 1:1-9 by John Stott
Series Resources:
Some helpful resources for our Series:
- Website: “First Corinthians” by the Bible Project
- Course: “1 Corinthians” as part of the Ridley Certificate (6-week online course)
