Prevail: 1 Corinthians Week 6 Leaders in the Prevailing Church 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: 2024 Hope Valley Intern Team 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 was a moment in your week you intentionally made time for God? 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. Pray that God will open minds and hearts to share in your gathering. 2. Opening God’s Word Setting the Scene To recall 1 Corinthians 3, Apollos and Paul are apostles sharing to Corinth. The Corinthians begin to place Apollo and Paul in the position of Jesus as their leaders instead of Christ. 1 Corinthians 3:9 Paul - “For we are co-workers in God’s service; you are God’s field, God’s building.” Paul then speaks of how his foundation has been built with care and by the grace God gave him and the foundation being in Jesus Christ. The chapter ends teaching that we shall not boast about or only follow human leaders such as Apollos, Paul or Cephas. 1 Corinthians 3:18 “… you should become ‘fools’ so that you may become wise” 1 Corinthians 3:23 “you are of Christ, and Christ is of God” Read: 1 Corinthians 4:1-5 What first caught your interest or stood out to you in these verses? What is the main event/message? What was the truth Paul was teaching to the Corinthians? Who did he say was the judge? Read verse 4 - What is Paul implying when he says “my conscience is clear, but I am not innocent?” (imperfect but faithful; faith is ongoing and each day is new for growing in faith and relationship with the Lord.) Would you say you are in a similar place as Paul where he strongly believes God is his only judge? That he does not care for others judging him and he does not judge himself. What does God speak through Paul for himself, the Corinthians and us to live by? (for example; to have Jesus as the foundation and God as the only judge.) 3. Living out the Heart of God Where do you see parts of your life that you could grow in humility and forgiveness? Prayer for each other Pray as a group - pray for one another 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) Close your prayer with this: “Lord of love, who seeks and pursues us, teach us how to seek and pursue you. Give us courage to be honest with who we are and that in our learning anew how to love one another and see others through your eyes by love and forgiveness. Amen” Contacts If you would like more information or further help please contact: scott.button@hopevalleychurch.com.au