You are currently browsing the monthly archive for February, 2009.
All for the Glory of God – 1 Corinthians 10
“should Christians go to R/X- rated movies? should they go to Movies at all? what about drinking alcohol, beer /wine etc?
How can we resolve this seemingly endless debate on these subject that have raged for years.
One to think about : what if you were having an biography written about you , what would you leave in, an what would you leave out? What choices would you make and why – what drove your choice. then think about what is Chronicled in the Bible and think this “ why was the detail that there is there and what is not there because some one left it out?
What questionable practises have you wrestled with personally?
In this study we will look at how the Corinthian Christians of the time were divided over the subject – so Paul comments …….
Of the time, there were those with a liberal minded approach to being a follower, others were over scrupulous over their consciences.
read the 1st 13 verses of 1Corinthians 10 –
list out the experiences that all the Israelites had in common? And why was God not happy with them?
Why does Paul remind us of these events?
Do you consider that when we forget the Lords goodness and grumbled, that you were indeed testing the Lord’s patients
How does Paul counter the argument that the temptations are just too great
How are you being tempted, in what way is God provided an escape from the bind.
- Why are some life styles just not compatible with celebrating communion ( the Lord’s supper" look at 1Cor 10: 14-22
- how do you approach communion?
What practises in your life do you consider permissible but not necessarily beneficial or constructive?
Think about how your life can influenced by what you have read & heard here today.
The right to relinquish Rights 1 Corinthians 8 & 9
A note on the fridge said “ it’s better to be righteous than right!”
So think about this = > how do you react when you know that you are in the right in yet someone continues to openly oppose you?… think about it……….
So do most of the struggles for rights (legitimate or those less so) revolve around obtaining freedom to change what you consider the status quo. The apostle Paul does not appear to see it that way. For Paul the freedoms an rights are less important than having the opportunity to live for Christ. In this study we looked at the race of life we all run and running for God and not for ourselves. This study is based on 1 Corinthians 8:1-13. [listen to it]
Q1: The Christians in Corinth wondered whether they should eat the meet of animals that have been offered in temples to pagan gods… Paul enlightens them on what Mature Christians know (see verses 4-6,8)
Think about the warning that Paul gives however about this knowledge (vv1-3)
Q2: What’s more important that exercising the freedom in this context according to Paul?
Q3: Think about your weaker brothers & sisters in Christ – what do you need to give up ( ie what knowledge or freedom that you have) so as not to destroy that person?
Q4 Conversely, what in the knowledge and freedom that a mature Christian has challenge the younger /immature Christian to grow?
look at the verses 4-5, 11-12, 14,18 in chapter 9 – and see what rights Paul gave up!
Q – what practical choices have you made that might be hindering the spread of the gospel in this town?
Read through chapter 9 v 19-27 and ask yourself how and why did Paul give the freedom that he had to live whatever lifestyle he wanted
How are we like athletes in training?
a brief history of Corinth can be found here
