GROUP 1: Wisdom & Christ as the Foundation – Ch. 1-3 Please read these short passages and answer the questions: 1 Cor 1:9-10, 17-31, 2:12-16, 3:10-11 and 18-23

• List some of the main themes and/or principles that Paul is trying to convey to the Corinthian believers.

• Define wisdom. How do you think our society defines/views wisdom and how does this compare to how this passage characterizes wisdom?

• As believers Christ is the foundation of our faith and should be the focus of our walk. Paul is specifically addressing the disunity among the Corinthian believers, who were divided essentially into two different “denominations,” those of Paul and those of Apollos. With what denomination do identify? Paul declares that there should be unity among believers. What brings YALL or YOU FOLKS together? Why?

GROUP 2: Community & Unity – Ch. 4-7 Please read these short passages and answer the following questions: 1 Cor 5:10-13, 6:5-7, 15-20

• In chapter 5, Paul exclaims to the Corinthians that they should not associate with a believer who is immersed in sin. Therefore, the Body of Christ is to keep believers accountable, but God is to judge the non-believers (the Body is not to judge the non-believer). Why do you think Paul warns so strongly against association with sin? Why is cutting out sin from the Body necessary? How would this impact our effectiveness as witnesses?

• In this section, what are some of the causes of disunity within the Corinthian church?

• What do you see that leads to divisions and segregation of the Church today?

GROUP 3: What’s Beneficial for the Body – Ch. 6:12-20; Ch. 8-11 Please read these short passages and answer the following questions: 1 Cor 8:5-9, 9:16-19 and 22-26; 10: 13 and 23-33

• List some common theses or main ideas.

• In these passages, Paul addresses some issues, and he begins to clarify that there is a difference between what is permissible/allowed and what is beneficial. The Church should be striving to edify and uplift all members of the Body. He specifically warns the Corinthian believers that eating food intended for idol worship could cause others to stumble and to believe false things about Christianity. Can you think of any modern day examples (things that are ok but not always constructive)? How should we handle these issues as Christians? What would you tell a non-believer is the Christian view of this issue?

GROUP 4: Spiritual Gifts and the Glory of God as seen through the Resurrection – Ch. 12-16 Please read these short passages and answer the following questions: 1 Cor 12:4-12, 13:4-8, 15:3-4 and 21-28, 55-58

• List some main ideas in these passages.

• How can we use our spiritual gifts to glorify God?

• What do these passages tell you about who God is? What do you see about His character? We specifically were struck and humbled by the truth of the complete power and authority of God (Chapter 15). Do you find this truth encouraging or frightening? Why or why not? How should this truth affect our view on life?

BIG GROUP QUESTIONS: 1) Share some of your themes: What are some key points that stood out to you? What does this tell you about God’s Character? 2) Please take a minute or two to think about your walk with the Lord. Are you walking well with HIM? Is He the foundation of your life? Do you hate sin? Do you love well?