STARTER

PRAY

Lord we pray that You would help us take to heart the message that You had Paul write to the Corinthian church. Help us to place our firm foundation upon You and the truths that You have spoken. Help us to believe and surrender to the message of THE CROSS.

STUDY QUESTIONS

"The Cross”

Paul has had messages brought to him about the problems in the Corinthian church. Corinth is a city much like ours today with all kinds of options for wealth, entertainment, and pleasure. His letter, likely wrtitten from Ephesus, is to remind them of the message about Jesus Christ the Lord. He is pleading with them to believe the truths about who God is, who they are in Him, and respond by embracing the full message of THE CROSS.

READ 1 Corithians 1:1-10

  1. There are major issues in the Corinthian church. However, Paul choses to start off his letter very theologically focused, positve, and encouraging. Discuss why he might have done that?
    1. How can this approach help us as we deal with difficult issues in our lives, the lives of believers, and issues in the church?
  2. Where is the basis of Paul’s thanksgiving?...Who does he thank?...Who gave them grace?...In whom were they enriched?...Who strengthens?...Who is faithful?...Who called them into fellowship?
    1. Paul says Lord...Jesus...Christ over and over what is the significance of that?
    2. How is Paul’s focus different/similar than belivers today and even in our church?
  3. What should be the result (v.10) of truly believing in the Lord Jesus Christ and the theological truths Paul lays out?

READ Acts 18:1-18

  1. This is the story of Paul’s experience in Corinth. What are some things that you find interesting about the account in his approach and experience in Corinth?
  2. How might we be discouraged or encouraged if we had to do and experience in Bloomington what Paul did in Corinth?
  3. Paul’s thanksgving is based in the character of God even when things in the lives of the Corinthian believers are a mess. How can that encourage us?

FOLLOW UP

  1. What are some things that you can be thankful for that God has done through THE CROSS regardless of the circumstances might find yourself facing?
  2. Have you surendered to God and His body and bride the church in such a way that you embrace the truths of 1 Corinthians 1:1-10? Why or why not? How can we help?

PRAYER and PRAISES