November 26, 2016
This year we have spent considerable time on Paul’s letter 1 Corinthians focusing on “Holiness”. In it Paul addressed major issues that had developed in the young church which he had planted only a few years earlier.
Read through George’s summary of those issues.
As you consider each these issues do you think there are any which we need to address at church@paravista? If so which ones? If not is there anything else which is not mentioned?
Share your thoughts in your group.
Before we briefly look at a number of things Paul touches on in finishing this letter to the Corinthians let’s look at the foundational principle which living a holy life as God’s child is dependant on.
What did Paul have to say about this question of ‘control’ regarding the Corinthians? Read 1 Corinthians 3:1-4.
Compare Paul’s word in Galatians 5:19-21 with the issues the Corinthians had.
Who does he say needs to be in control of our lives in order for our lives to be holy, producing the right sort of fruit?
Read Galatians 5:16-18. Do you relate to the struggle between the two natures each growing Christian experiences and has to contend with?
With the above in mind let’s look at a few things Paul speaks to the Corinthians about as he finishes this letter. How we respond will be dependant on who is in control.
In I Corinthians 16:1-4 Paul answers their question about giving to the Jerusalem church.
What is the ‘procedure’ he says the Churches in Galatia are following and the Corinthians should also?
Do you follow this procedure or some other in your giving?
Discuss in your group the following Quote from George’s message on Sunday.
Jesus said that your money is a barometer of where your priorities lie. Matt 6:2, Jesus said, “Where your treasure (your valuables) is, there your heart will be also”. Jesus spoke frequently about money.
- Jesus talked about money more than He did about Heaven & Hell combined.
- 16 of the 38 parables concern how to handle money & possessions.
- In the Gospels, 1 out of 10 verses (288 verses) deal directly with the subject of money.
Having money is not wrong or undesirable – it’s what you do with it & what it does with you that are the issue.
Based on these statistics how important did Jesus say getting this area of our life ‘right’ is?
For more on ‘giving’ read 2 Corinthians 8. 2 Corinthians 9. In particular read 2 Corinthians 9:6-12 regarding how much to give and the blessings flowing from it.
What are the 5 things Paul mentions?
Discuss what these mean and how do we ensure we are applying them to our daily walk?
What are the points Paul makes about serving the Lord?
How were they spending their lives?
How did they help Paul?
How should the Corinthians treat them?
What did you learn/be reminded of in these verses? Is there anything you feel you should specifically be applying to your life or work on to improve further?
Share your thoughts with others in your group.