Prevail: 1 Corinthians Week 2 One Church, One Purpose Focus: A heartfelt letter from Paul to the church in Corinth that was caught in conflicts, questions, problems, divisions, and difficulties. Paul exhorts the Corinthians to deepen their understanding of Christ and live out their new faith, allowing Jesus to shape their whole lives. Study by: Jacqui Thomas Sermons can be viewed on the Hope Valley Church YouTube Channel 1. Sharing Our Journey Praise, Thanks, and Reflection Invite people to share from one or more of the questions below. It can be done as a whole group or in subgroups. It can also involve a worship song. What are you thankful for? Where have you seen God at work? How has God used you? How have you gone living out God’s Word since our last gathering? Where have you struggled to follow the way of Jesus? Where and with whom have you witnessed to the love and good news of Jesus? Care and Prayer In prayer, capture the things you have shared above after also inviting people to share any personal needs for prayer or support. 2. Opening God’s Word Setting the Scene: This is an interesting passage that gives us a little snapshot into how Paul got his information. Chloe, though we don’t know much about her, may have been a merchant whose business took her workers or family to the church in Corinth. It was there, the disunity was noticed. We don’t know if Chloe was a Christian or not (we assume she is) but she was concerned enough to bring the report to Paul. And Paul was concerned enough to put pen to parchment! Read: 1 Corinthians 1:10-17 Read verses 10 – 12 and consider the following questions. (Try a few different versions!) Have you ever encountered a situation when a group in your church (or maybe another group like a sporting club or something like that) got hold of an idea that divided the group? What happened? How was the group able to function when it was divided like that? What were the people in this text actually doing and saying? What do you think was actually behind their claims? Now read on: verses 13 – 17. Knowing the danger that disunity causes, Paul reasons with them – how does he show the error of their thinking? Paul lets them know that they are concentrating on unimportant things, and that they should be focusing on what is important. What are the things that Paul highlights in this part of the letter that are important? 3. Living out the Heart of God Having different ideas isn’t a bad thing. We have many denominations in our faith that do things differently and it gives us a richness that we wouldn’t have otherwise! But some ideas – when they are rooted in making ourselves seem like we are the righteous ones, are not part of God’s plan. A simple test is whether that idea divides or helps people work together. God’s plan is that we work together so he can do great things in us and through us. (See Romans 14:19, Ephesians 4:2-3, 16) Is there an idea or belief that you’re holding on to that is maybe not the most important work that God has for you right now? Prayer for each other Break into 2s or 3s to pray Pray for each other for any commitment you have made to live out what you have learned. Praying for your 5 (from your Relational Map - See ‘The Heart of God’ Study - Week 1) Share and pray for any other concerns you have in your life right now. Contacts If you would like more information or further help please contact: scott.button@hopevalleychurch.com.au