STARTER

• What would you consider to be the qualities of a SPIRITUAL PERSON?
• Would you consider yourself to be a SPIRITUAL PERSON? Why or Why not? Maybe ask your neighbor?

PRAY

Lord we acknowledge that our identity needs to be found in You thourgh our understanding of THE CROSS. May we be willing to look foolish to the world so they might gain Your understanding. As we gather together to look for wisdom and understanding, we ask You to make us into the SPIRITUAL PEOPLE you desire. Amen.

"Spiritual People”

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

In this letter, first God has Paul focus on the necessity of us seeing our identity in Jesus Christ our Lord through the picture of the cross. He then communicates His frustration over divisions because of the lack of understanding and unwillingness to embrace the foolishness of the cross. Paul clarifies the wisodm of God found through the cross. Paul is continuing to address the issue he brought up in 1:10 by now explain to the Corinthian church what truly SPIRITUAL PEOPLE look like.

READ 1 Corinthians 3:1-4

1. What does this passages say are the key indicators of UNSPIRITUAL PEOPLE?

   1. How do we see these indicators play out in our Christian circles today?

2. Discuss the difference between milk and solid food as described in this passage?

   1. How might we tell if we or others are ready for solid food or need to go back on milk?

3. In what practical and simple ways, do we see those who call themsleves believers living fleshly and like unbelievers in our day? (Think 4 T’s- Time, Talents, Treasures, Testimonies)

4. Years ago Bill Bright came up with 3 pictures to represent 3 types of lives described in scripture. The Unspritual Unsaved lIfe, The Carnal Maybe Saved life, The Spirit Filled Saved life

   Describe simply and practically what each of these lives look like day after day, week after week, and year after year?

READ 1 Corinthians 3:5-15, Matthew 6:19-25, Galatians 5:16-26, Matthew 7:21-26

1. What foundation is absolutley necessary (3:11) if we are going to become truly a SPIRITUAL PEOPLE and not just religious people? Why?
   1. How does Matthew 7:21-26 help clarify this foundation?
2. How does Matthew 6:19-25 help us to learn how to become SPIRITUAL PEOPLE building for eternity and heaven?
3. Paul says to be careful how we build on the foundation of Jesus. In what ways is it clear that the modern Chruch has been and has not been careful in how we have built?
4. This Galatians 5 passage is one of the most helpful passages in understanding the battle to become SPIRITUAL PEOPLE (It is probably one we should have memorized as believers). Discuss how it this passage can be very helpful in becoming SPIRITUAL PEOPLE.