Sunday, Oct 4
1 Corinthians 7:1-40
Scripture
Philippians 4:12-13 • I can do all things 12 I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. 13 I can do all this through him who gives me strength.
Scripture
1 Corinthians 7:1a • Time to answer the questions 1 Now for the matters you wrote about
Quote
“The people of Corinth were seeing their faith in Jesus as a ticket to dismiss responsibility, obligation, and the expectations that came with their relationships and circumstances.”
Dialogue
Corner Church Survey: There are so many different types of regions right here in the United States. Give each region a comfortability score based on how comfortable you would feel living there. 0 • I would feel very out of sorts and uncomfortable living there. 7 • I would feel completely at ease and at home living there.
Dialogue
Why are your scores similar to or different from those of the people around you?
Dialogue
Besides a physical place, what helps you feel truly “at home”?
Dialogue
What motivates you to persist when things get uncomfortable?
Scripture
Mark 5:1-18 • Jesus restores a demon-possessed man
Scripture
Mark 5:18-20 • The healed man is told to stay 18 As Jesus was getting into the boat, the man who had been demon-possessed begged to go with him. 19 Jesus did not let him, but said, “Go home to your own people and tell them how much the Lord has done for you, and how he has had mercy on you.” 20 So the man went away and began to tell in the Decapolis how much Jesus had done for him. And all the people were amazed.
Scripture
Jesus returns the the region Mark 7:31-37 • Jesus heals a deaf and mute man We don't know how long it was between Jesus' first visit and His return to the Decapolis, but when He comes back, something has changed.
Dialogue
What could have been some of the possible positive outcomes if Jesus had invited the man to join Him?
Dialogue
What has to happen internally for you to yield to Jesus’ call, especially when He calls you beyond your desires or comfort zone?
Quote
“The questions asked of Paul can be roughly presumed: Should I stop being intimate with my spouse to be more spiritual? Should I remain single because singleness is more spiritual? Should I leave my unbelieving spouse because I'm now a Christian? Should I change my circumcision status because I've become a Christian? Should I pursue freedom if I'm a slave now that I am a Christian? Should I not get married now that I am a Christian, even if I'm engaged? The overarching question: Should I change my current situation to become more devoted to Jesus?”
Scripture
1 Corinthians 7:20 • Hold steady 20 Each person should remain in the situation they were in when God called them. Paul is NOT saying Never change your circumstances But he IS saying Don't assume changing your circumstances is what makes you faithful to Jesus
Scripture
Philippians 4:12-13 • Paul said: I can do all things 12 I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. 13 I can do all this through him who gives me strength. Here Paul is not talking about accomplishing anything he wants He is talking about remaining faithful to Christ regardless of his circumstances
Dialogue
What does it look like for me to faithfully follow Christ in the situation where I have been placed?
Dialogue
What are some potential outcomes of keeping Christ central in life’s uncomfortable or even awkward moments and situations?
Take it deeper
Question 1
Read Mark 5:1-20.
Question 2
When have you felt embarrassed, scared, awkward, and/or out of place?
Question 3
What do you think the disciples felt through the different moments of this story?
Question 4
What do you think the healed man felt through the different moments of this story?
Question 5
Why do you think the healed man’s message to the locals was “amazing”?
Question 6
What were the risks and rewards of Jesus telling the man to stay?
Question 7
What are the risks and rewards of you sharing about what Jesus has done for you in your local?
Question 8
How are you challenged, focused, encouraged, and/or confused by this text?
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