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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 live in a world of DISPUTES and divisions. You tell us that the source of those are the cravings that are at war within us against You. We desire and do not have because we do not ask, and when we do ask, we ask with wrong motives to spend it on our evil desires. Lord help us to humbly bring our DISPUTES and divisions to You so that You can SETTLE them according to Your Word and will, whatever the consequences. Thank You, Lord, for SETTLING our DISPUTE with You, extending your grace and peace. As we learn today, help us rightly divide the truth in SETTLING DISPUTES. Amen.

"Settling Disputes”

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. You would think that if we did all of these things there would be no DISPUTES, but Paul knows that is not the case. Paul needed to explain to these believers how they should practice SETTLING DISPUTES.

READ 1 Corinthians 6:1-6, 1 Peter 2:11-17, Romans 13:1-8, 2 Peter 2:1-4, Jude 1:5-6

  1. Before our study of 1 Corinthians, did you know that this teaching of SETTLING DISPUTES in the local church was in the New Testament? Why or why not?
  2. What are some reasons the apostles might be so concerned about how believers in local churches are dealing with DISPUTES among themselves?
  3. How might SETTLING DISPUTES play out in our local church? (hint: Matthew 18:14-17)
    1. Why don’t we see more churches practicing what the Bible teaches in SETTLING DISPUTES?
  4. How might the character of God and His long suffering and patience play a vital role in our handling and SETTLING of DISPUTES?
  5. Discuss what Paul, Peter, and Jude mean when they refer to the judging of the angels?
  6. How is Paul’s question, “Can it be that there is not one wise person among you who is able to arbitrate between his brothers?” just as relevant today as it was in Corinth?
    1. How does our answer reveal what we truly believe about our lives and the local church?
  7. In the Old testament, there was no question of spiritual leaders having the ability to enforce by force the law and SETTLE DISPUTES. What changed?

READ 1 Corinthians 6:7-11, Hebrews 13:5-18

  1. How can we determine if we should allow ourselves to “put up with injustice” and/or “rather be cheated” in SETTLING a personal DISPUTE?
  2. Both spiritually and practically why do you think we so quickly run to the earthly legal system vs. the spiritual system?