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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 have been so faithful. You went to the cross, came back to life, and ascended into heaven. Thank You for sending the Holy Spirit into the hearts of those who know You, changing us and helping us pick up our cross to follow You. Help us learn and discern what is FROM THE SPIRIT. Amen.

"From the Spirit”

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 believe we have the right to do, and call into question our conscience. Paul tells them to Imitate me and be sure what we do is FROM THE SPIRIT.

READ 1 Corinthians 12:1-6, Matthew 12:38-39, John 16:8-15, John 15:26, Matthew 7:20-21, Galatians 5:22-26

  1. Paul says he does not want us to be unaware of what comes from the HOLY SPIRIT.
    1. How do we get the HOLY SPIRIT, according to these verses?
    2. How do these verses explain how we can determine if something is from the SPIRIT?
  2. We use words like “I felt lead,” “God told me,” or “I heard God.”
    1. What can be problematic with these statements?
    2. Based on the scriptures we read, how can we affirm or refute those kind of statements?
  3. How do we take for granted the simple things of life that we have been gifted and instead look for “big” things?
  4. In a family, there are things you are gifted to do, and there are just opportunities to serve that we are all called to do (chores). How do we determine how to balance these two things?

READ 1 Corinthians 12:7-31, Romans 8:12-19, Isaiah 11:1-2, 61:1-2, Ezekiel 36:26-28, Micah 3:8

  1. How can we tell if we are walking in the SPIRIT according to these verses?
  2. Paul lists an order of people in 1 Cor 12:27-30. When it comes to spiritual gifts being used in the church, why is this list important?
  3. Paul asks a series of rhetorical questions 1 Cor 12:29-31. Why is this important?
    1. What are the greater gifts we are supposed to desire if not the “big” things he just listed?
  4. Read Matthew 7:22-24. What do we need to be careful to use as proof of the Holy Spirit working? Why?

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