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The Cross: 1 Corinthians

We need a focused, practical, straight forward message to the church in our time. 1 Corinthians is that message. “For the message of THE CROSS is foolishness to those who are perishing, but it is God’s power to us who are being saved.” THE CROSS is as unpopular and powerful today as it was 2000 years ago. May this series strengthen us to see that God is faithful calling us into deeper relationships through THE CROSS. #1corinthians #2022

STARTER

PRAY

Lord, we thank You that You took on the form of a man so we would have an example of how to live. Thank You that You picked up the cross for us. Help us to obey You and pick up our cross for others. Thank You for giving us godly people like Paul that we can imitate because of how they IMITATED You. May we live lives that would allow us to look at others and say, “IMITATE ME”.

"Imitate Me”

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, expose what we really beleive we have the right to do, and call into question our conscience. Now, Paul tells them bodly, “Imitate Me”.

READ 1 Corinthians 10:31-12:1

  1. How do we know what examples to IMITATE, according to 10:31-11:1?
  2. Traditions can IMITATE Jesus and can be IMITATIONS of godliness. How can Paul’s explanation of the head covering tradition help us understand how to determine the purpose, value, and meaning of a traditon?
  3. Paul’s explanation of male/female gives us a picture of biblical IMITATION. How is this very applicable for us today?
  4. Why is our understanding of God and His established roles (men, women, angels) essential to our understanding of ourselves and creation?
  5. How do these verses help us to decide who we should IMITATE in our dress and behavior, especially in church meetings?
  6. How is our appearance important to God? To what extent should attention getting or sexually suggestive clothing, body language, attitudes and actions be avoided by both Christian men and women?
  7. In verse 16, people want to argue....why? How do we see this in the church today?
  8. How can we practically know how to balance our freedom in Christ and our personal expression?
  9. What is the problem in 11:17-34? Does this problem still exist today (examples)?
  10. How does the Lord’s supper help us to examine what we are trying to IMITATE in our life?