April 2, 2016
This week’s study is the eighth in a series looking at 1 Corinthians.
The topic is centred around “Right Focus”
Read 1 Corinthians 3:1-4:7.
Who was their focus? See 1 Corinthians 3:3-4, 21.
What did this indicate regarding their level of spiritual maturity? 1 Corinthians 3:1-4.
According to Paul what were the signs of this?
Who should be at the centre of our focus? 1 Corinthians 3:5-9, 11, 23, 4:3-5.
See other passages Paul speaks about this. Philippians 3:10-16, 1:20-26, Colossians 3:1-4, 2 Corinthians 5:9, Romans 14:8-9.
A. Our Leaders.
With Christ at the centre of our focus how does Paul say we should view our leaders?
1 Corinthians 3:5-9, 4:1.
What point do you think Paul is making in 1 Corinthians 3:18-21.
Discuss Paul’s summary in 1 Corinthians 4:6.
B. Fellow Believers.
What does Paul say regarding judging others? 1 Corinthians 4:5.
Who has the right to judge and who hasn’t?
What should our attitude be? Philippians 2:1-5.
What quality is stressed in the following? 1 Corinthians 4:2, Matthew 25:21, 29.
Who are we accountable to? 1 Corinthians 4:3-4, 2 Corinthians 5:10,
Romans 14:10-12.
Read the parable of “The Three Servants”. Matthew 25:14-30.
Compare the view of God the third servant had and his response to the first two. Discuss the differences as to how they used what had been entrusted to them.
How important do you think our view of God is in influencing us as to how we respond in our service to Him? Share your answer to the others in your group.
Read and discuss the following quotes about this parable.
“The master divided the money among his servants according to their abilities. No one received more or less than he could handle. If he failed in his assignment, his excuse could not be because he was overwhelmed. Failure would only indicate laziness or hatred toward his master. The bags of silver represent any kind of resources we are given. God gives us time, gifts and other resources according to our abilities and he expects us to invest them wisely until he returns. We are responsible to use well what God has given us. The issue is not how much we have but how well we use what we have.” *
“This man was thinking only of himself. He hoped to play it safe and protect himself from his hard master, but he was judged for his self-centredness. We must not make excuses to avoid doing what God calls us to do. If God truly is our Master, we must obey willingly. Our time, abilities and money aren’t ours in the first place-we are caretakers, not owners. When we ignore, squander, or abuse what we are given we are rebellious….” **
What do you think ‘The Rewards’ Paul mentions in 1 Corinthians 3:8, 14 are?
See also 1 Corinthians 4:5 and 2 Corinthians 5:10.
Review the four main points of the study. Did it confirm you are on track or did you see any ways your focus of God or others needs some adjusting?
As you looked at the parable of the three servants which one reflects closest to your experience? Share with others in your group.
*(Taken from “Life Application Study Bible”)
** (Taken from “Life Application Study Bible”)