STARTER

PRAY

Lord, we thank You that You emptied yourself, took on the form of a bond-servant, and were made in the likeness of men. Thank You that You humbled Yourself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. Help us to see that because of what You did, we can live like You because WE HAVE THE RIGHT.

"We Have the Right”

Paul has had messages brought to him about the problems in the Corinthian church. Corinth was a city and culture much like ours today with all kinds of options for wealth, entertainment, experiences, and pleasure.

In this letter, God has Paul focus on the necessity of us seeing our identity in Jesus. He exposes His frustration over divisions because of the lack of understanding and acting in wisdom. He clarifies His desire and purpose for them to be spiritual people who will be found faithful in sincereity and truth. Living faithful lives in singleness or marriage will reavel the heart idols of yesterday and today and expose what we really beleive WE HAVE THE RIGHT to do.

READ 1 Corinthians 9

  1. What does Paul mean by freedom or RIGHTS in this passage?
    1. What RIGHTS does Paul say he has? ...believers have? How and why do we have them?
  2. What is Paul getting at when he talks about surrendering our RIGHTS?
    1. What RIGHTS did Paul willingly surrender? Why?
  3. In the United States “we hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable RIGHTS.” God tells believers that as citizens of His we have RIGHTS.
    1. How can these RIGHTS be both a good thing and a dangerous thing?
    2. What can help us practically know if we are using our RIGHTS in a good way or a dangerous way?
  4. What kind of person did the Corinthians want Paul to be and how was his laying down of his RIGHTS strategic to them believing and living out the gospel?
    1. What kind of person did the Jews want Jesus to be and how was His laying down of his RIGHTS strategic to them believing and living out the gospel (Philippians 2:1-11)?
  5. Paul addresses how our RIGHTS can actually be barriers to church unity and sharing the gospel.
    1. What kinds of barriers exist in the American church today? OR If Paul was writing this letter today to the churches in America, what RIGHTS would he surrender as examples to us?
    2. How can insisting on our RIGHTS hinder the gospel of Christ?
    3. What RIGHTS do we try to model and surrender at fxchurch to try and help people surrender to the gospel and have unity?
  6. It has been argued that in EVERY area that would not be direct sin we should be willing to become all things to all people to win some to Jesus and His way of life.
    1. How can this be a good argument? ...a dangerous argument?
  7. How can we show our love to unbelievers while refusing to participate in activity that is sinful?
    1. Why is it helpful to adjust our actions for the people around us?
  8. What actions could disqualify a person from being rewarded by God for serving Him?
  9. How can neglecting spiritual disciplines (such as prayer, Bible study, and corporate worship) cause the disqualification a Christian from having an influence?