Prevail: 1 Corinthians Week 5 Living a Holy Life 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: Dean Brookes 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 these questions: When does praise erupt in your spirit? What are you thankful for? Where have you been aware of God at work? In what way do you feel God has used you in serving the purposes of God? How has it been for you in living out God’s Word since our last gathering? 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: Corinth was an important cosmopolitan trade and cultural centre. The Apostle Paul visited Corinth around 50 AD. Read Acts 18:1-18 to recall the context. His first letter to the church there was prompted by his learning of a divisive spirit (1:11), and a letter he received from them asking about marriage and other matters (7:1). Unlike his other letters, Paul omits his typical theological introduction and jumps straight into addressing behavioural and social issues. Read: 1 Corinthians 3:16-17 Reading verses 10-15 in The Message Bible gives background understanding to this text. Who were the planters and waterers in your Christian pilgrimage? In whose lives have you been a cultivator, planter and/or waterer? What planting and watering have you done recently? The word ‘you’ in verse 16 is plural, referring to the community as a whole. How would you explain what Paul meant by the ‘temple’ metaphor? ‘God’s temple’ as the residence of God is holy. What does holy living mean to you, especially with reference to the earlier verses of this chapter? What do you like best about being a part of ‘God’s temple?’ What challenges you? What could possibly destroy ‘God’s temple?’ What needs to be in place to prevent such destruction? What other scriptures can you recall that inform you about holy living as a Jesus follower? 3. Living out the Heart of God How will you apply what you have learnt? What is one thing you will do that will make a difference in your journey of being an integral member of the church, the holy temple of God? Prayer for each other You could form 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 especially for God’s strength for holy living. Pray for leaders who carry responsibility to lead a church with Godly values and who at times need to correct unacceptable behaviour just as Paul instructed the church at Corinth. Contacts If you would like more information or further help please contact: scott.button@hopevalleychurch.com.au