1. Grace Calls Us Into God's Family 1 Paul, called to be an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, and our brother Sosthenes, 2 To the church of God in Corinth, to those sanctified in Christ Jesus and called to be holy, together with all those everywhere who call on the name of our Lord Jesus Christ–their Lord and ours: 3 Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. 1 Corinthians 1:1-3 (NIV) → Grace doesn't just improve your life—it gives you a whole new identity. 2. Grace Changes Us From the Inside Out 2 unto the church of God which is at Corinth, to them that are sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints, with all that in every place call upon the name of Jesus Christ our Lord—both their’s and our’s: 1 Corinthians 1:2 (KJV) 2 To the church of God in Corinth, to those sanctified in Christ Jesus and called to be holy, together with all those everywhere who call on the name of our Lord Jesus Christ–their Lord and ours: 1 Corinthians 1:2 (NIV) → Grace accepts us completely and changes us continually. 3. Grace Equips Us For God's Mission 4 I always thank God for you because of his grace given you in Christ Jesus. 5 For in him you have been enriched in every way–in all your speaking and in all your knowledge– 6 because our testimony about Christ was confirmed in you. 7 Therefore you do not lack any spiritual gift as you eagerly wait for our Lord Jesus Christ to be revealed. 1 Corinthians 1:4-7 (NIV) → Grace isn't just something we receive—it becomes something we release. 4. Grace Keeps Us Until Jesus Returns 8 He will keep you strong to the end, so that you will be blameless on the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. 9 God, who has called you into fellowship with his Son Jesus Christ our Lord, is faithful. 1 Corinthians 1:8-9 (NIV) → The God who called you is the God who will keep you. Everything begins and ends with God's grace. This week, which “Next Right Step” will you intentionally practice? Remember who you are in Christ. Discover a place to serve or encourage someone. Trust God's faithfulness instead of your own strength. Receive God’s Grace. Accept Jesus as your Lord and Savior TALK IT OVER Big Idea: God's grace doesn't just save us—it calls us, changes us, equips us, and keeps us until Jesus returns. Opening Prayer: Invite someone to thank God for His grace and ask the Holy Spirit to help everyone hear His voice and encourage one another during the discussion. Icebreaker: Tell us about someone who believed in you before you believed in yourself. How did their encouragement impact your life? Read Together 1 Corinthians 1:1–9 Take a moment to underline or highlight words that stand out, especially repeated words like called, grace, Jesus Christ, and God's faithfulness. Digging Into God's Word What stands out to you most about the way Paul begins this letter? Why do you think Paul starts by talking about God's grace instead of the church's problems? Paul reminds the Corinthians that they have been “called” by God. How does knowing that God called you change the way you see yourself? Where do you tend to find your identity besides Christ? Paul calls the Corinthians “sanctified” even though they still had many problems. What does this teach us about how God sees us? How should that encourage us when we're struggling? According to verses 4–7, what blessings has God already given every believer? How have you experienced God's grace equipping you to encourage or serve someone else? Verse 9 says, “God is faithful.” When have you experienced God's faithfulness during a difficult season? How can His faithfulness give you confidence today? Which of these truths do you need most this week? God's grace has called me. God's grace is changing me. God's grace has gifted me. God's grace will keep me. Explain why. Living It Out This week, which “Next Right Step” will you intentionally practice? Remember who you are in Christ. Discover a place to serve or encourage someone. Trust God's faithfulness instead of your own strength. Who can help keep you accountable this week? Prayer Time: Pray for one another using these prompts: Thank God for His amazing grace. Ask Him to help us live from our identity in Christ. Pray for courage to use our gifts to serve others. Thank Him that He is faithful and will finish what He started in us.