Notes: 1 Corinthians 1:10-17 (for 10/9 and 10/16 small group)

Discussion

1. Can you think of any examples where people or churches do or should work together with people/churches they disagree with? Are there any limitations to this? Any examples where that is not advisable?


2. Why are cliques and divisions and disagreements in the church so damaging? How big an issue has this been in your church? How has this affected you personally?


3. Do you have any biases for or against styles, methods, preferences, or other churches that are taking a higher priority than they should?
4. If ministries, events, or expectations in church don't work out the way you hoped, how do you handle that? What determines whether you will stick it out, or throw in the towel?
5. What keeps you going?


6. Do you ever put any of your own preferences or expectations above the mission God is calling you to, or the gospel itself?


7. What were the people really saying in v 12?


8. How does church disunity affect unbelievers outside the church? (John 17:20-23)


9. Can you think of any specific practices a church might use to help maintain unity within the church? … between churches?


10. Have you ever held a spiritual leader in such high regard that you, perhaps subconsciously, put more faith in them, than in Christ?


11. In reading verse 17, what advice would Paul have for today’s pastors?
    

Bibliography

1. Barton & others, "Life Application Bible Commentary: 1&2 Corinthians"


2. MacArthur, "1 Corinthians: Godly Solutions for Church Problems"


3. "Serendipity Study Bible for Groups"


4. Tyler Jones, Vintage21, Sermon on same topic


5. Mark Driscoll, Mars Hill Church, Sermon on same topic