Prevail: 1 Corinthians Week 4 Sanctified and Called 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: Ivan Cooper 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: When Israel first wanted a king to be like all the other nations, Saul was appointed. 1 Samuel 9 records that there wasn’t a man more handsome or taller than Saul anywhere in Israel. Yet Saul’s kingdom and many failures were greatly overshadowed by the eventual rule of King David, a man after God’s own heart. For God doesn’t see things from a human perspective or outward appearance, “the LORD looks at the heart” (1 Samuel 16:7). Paul challenged the Corinthians not to look at things from the wrong perspective. The seemingly upside-down Kingdom of God is not found by chasing the right people, fame, power, money, or impressive credentials. He brought his saving message of the cross to ordinary fishermen and tax collectors who simply knew they were sinners in need of mercy (Luke 5:8-10). Everything we need is found in Jesus; our righteousness, sanctification, and redemption (Ephesians 1:3). Jesus chose to use disciples who were lowly, untrained, poor, despised, and facing struggles; that it would bring Him all the more glory. In His boundless grace, all our lives can be transformed beyond our human limitations for His Kingdom and mission. Read: 1 Corinthians 1:26-31 Take turns reading these verses from several translations What first caught your interest or stuck out to you as you read this passage? Alternatively, what questions do you still want answered? Could you summarize the main ideas in these verses? When has God shown you a new perspective in a situation or circumstance? What can make it difficult for us to see God’s perspective or to trust him as the source of all blessing in our lives? What truths do these verses teach us about following Jesus and how does God want you to live this out in your life? 3. Living out the Heart of God How can we grow in our calling and identity in Christ to live out His mission of grace to those around us? What can we thank the LORD for today? How has His grace transformed your life? 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) Pray that God …”will give you spiritual wisdom and the insight to know more of him: that you may receive that inner illumination of the spirit which will make you realize how great is the hope to which he is calling you—the magnificence and splendor of the inheritance promised to Christians—and how tremendous is the power available to us who believe in God.” (Ephesians 1:18-19 PHILLIPS) Contacts If you would like more information or further help please contact: scott.button@hopevalleychurch.com.au