MAP: God's Message Applied Leads to Personal Transformation

This past Sunday (June 7th) we began a new Sunday morning sermon series from the book of 1 Corinthians. Each Wednesday following the sermon we will have a sermon "follow up" discussion (what I'm calling "MAP") as a part of our Prayer and Bible study hour on Wednesdays at 6:00 p.m. in the Chapel. We just had our first "MAP" time and would like to invite you to join us. Below are this week's questions for reflection. 

For His Glory, By His Grace!

Pastor Joe

MAP: God’s Message Applied Leads to Personal Transformation.

Message Text: 1 Corinthians 1:1-9

Questions to reflect upon to help you apply the text. These questions are based on the text and sermon preached by Pastor Joe Alain on Sunday, June 7, 2015, “Beautiful Mess.”

Questions for Reflection:

1. Based on the introduction (1:1-9), what is Paul thankful for concerning the Corinthians?

2. What does Paul say about the Corinthian’s status before God? Why do you think Paul reminds the Corinthians of who they are in Christ? How will that serve to motivate the believers in Corinth towards a pursuit of holiness?

3. Knowing some of the pagan background of the city of Corinth, what were some of the particular issues that the church had to contend with in their culture? Are any of these issues hinted at in the introduction? If so, what were they? What problems do churches today have that are similar to those faced by the Corinthian church in the first century?

4. What is significant about Paul addressing the Corinthian believers as “the church of God” rather than the church of

Corinth (1:2)?

5. To be “sanctified in Christ Jesus” (1:2) is to be made holy, it is to be different because you are separated to God. How might a proper understanding of this help us realize our calling to be “saints” (1:2)? What is a saint? Are all believers called to be saints? In what ways can we see to pursue holiness in our lives? Why do you think some Christians settle for spiritual substitutes instead of pursuing our calling to be God’s holy people?

6. How have we been blessed as Christians individually and as a church (1:5, 7)? How could this realization impact the life and ministry of the church?

7. What was Paul confident of concerning the Corinthian’s future (1:7-9)? How is that an encouragement to live up to our position in Christ? In what ways do people use this truth as an excuse for apathy in pursuing holiness?

8. What will you personally do this week to live out the truths of this text and message?