For Sunday, July 4, 2010

Reading selections and questions for Sunday, July 4, 2010

1) 1 Corinthians 8:1-3
What aspect of their old lives was causing conflicts for the Corinthian Christians according to this verse? How does knowledge puff up? What did Paul mean? What would be different in someone’s actions toward others who was focused on love rather than on their own knowledge?

2) 1Corinthians 8:9-13; 10:23-24
How can we tell the difference between areas of our Christian lives that have clear boundaries of right and wrong and areas of freedom? According to Paul, how can we destroy someone by our knowledge? What are some stumbling blocks for you? When have you been a stumbling block for someone else?

3) 1 Corinthians 9:19-23
What did Paul claim as his goal when choosing about issues of Christian freedom? How could this teaching be misunderstood or abused? Where do you think Paul drew the boundary lines in trying to bring the gospel to all?

4) 1 Corinthians 10:31-11:1
What should be the ultimate goal of all our activities and decision? Whose good should we seek? Pray and examine yourself in regard to the teaching of these verses.

For Sunday, June 27, 2010

Reading selections and questions for Sunday, June 27, 2010

1) 1 Corinthians 7:1-6
In verse 1, Paul addresses how he chose his topic. What was the reason? What did Paul instruct them about marriage? What did he tell widows? The unmarried? The believer married to an unbeliever?

2) 1Corinthians 7:17-24
What is the primary principle Paul repeats in this passage? What are the benefits in God’s kingdom to staying in the position (socially, economically, etc) you were when you became a Christian? Are there exceptions? How does this relate to freedom in Christ? To our Kingdom responsibilities?

3) 1 Corinthians 7:25-40
According to Paul, what are the benefits of marriage? Of single hood? The church in Corinth was debating the issue. What was Paul’s advice? Do you agree or disagree with Paul?

4) Matthew 19:1-12
What did Jesus have to say about marriage in this passage? What was the Pharisees’ opinion about marriage? How does the attitude toward marriage in that day compare to the attitude toward marriage in our culture today?
2 Corinthians 6:14-18
What does it mean to be yoked together? How does this relate to Paul’s instructions in 1 Corinthians 7:12-16?

For Sunday, June 20, 2010

Reading selections and questions for Sunday, June 20, 2010

1) 1 Corinthians 5:1-5; 9-13
What problem in the Corinthian church does Paul discuss in this passage? What are his instructions? Do they seem extreme or hard? Why does Paul react so strongly to this issue?

2) 1Corinthians 6:1-8
What problem in the Corinthian church does Paul discuss in this passage? What are his instructions? How has this problem effected their witness? Why did Paul say they should be willing to be wronged or cheated?

3) 1 Corinthians 6:9-11
What is the bad news in these verses? What is the good news? If Paul was writing this description about your life before Christ, what labels would he have included? Spend time worshipping God for washing, sanctifying and justifying you.

4) 1 Corinthians 6:12-20
Phrase the excuses in verse 12 in modern day language. What was the price you were bought with? How does keeping that focus help us avoid sexual immorality? Are you honoring God with your body?

For Sunday, June 13, 2010

Reading selections and questions for Sunday, June 13, 2010

1) Acts 18
What do we learn about Paul in this chapter? About Corinth? About Apollos?

2) 1Corinthians 4:1-7
The church in Corinth was arguing about leadership. According to Paul, how should Christian leaders be viewed? Whose opinion and judgment matters? Why did Paul say they shouldn’t take pride in one leader over another? Why not?

3) 1 Corinthians 4:8-13
In what sense had they become rich kings? How did Paul describe an apostle’s life? Does your life demonstrate an attitude of awareness of the riches you have in Christ?

4) 1 Corinthians 4:14-21
Why did Paul send Timothy to Corinth? What did Paul mean in verse 20? How can we avoid spiritual arrogance?