HOME GUIDE | October 4, 2020

HOME GUIDE | October 4, 2020
SUMMARY |A History of Disunity (1 Corinthians 1-3)
INTRO | As we continue our series 'Clarity Around Unity,' we dive into the letters of Paul. Paul, seemingly an authoritative leader amongst the churches in the New Testament, would often write a letter to address specific issues within the church community. This particular letter, Paul, addresses concerns from the church in Corinth. The church was facing discord over a variety of topics and causing disunity. Paul addresses marriage questions, food sacrificed to idols, orderly worship, spiritual gifts, the nature of the resurrection, and a collection of money for the poor church in Jerusalem.
As you spend the next few minutes reading 1 Corinthians 1-3, consider the topic of unity and how it pertains to our church settings today.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS |

1. In 1 Corinthians 1:1-2 we see that this is a letter from Paul to the the church of God in Corinth. When reading someone else’s mail (in our Bible), it can be challenging to discern what applies to us today vs. what is for the original recipients. What are some things that stand out as applicable to us today vs. what intended for the local church?
2. Consider the storyline in Chapter 1:18-31; Paul uses the language and categories to describe how different sub-groups might respond to the message of God. Take a few moments and discuss how this letter might look if written to the church today. Find the silliness (worldly standards) that leads to unity.
3. In 1 Corinthians 2, Paul gives several examples of comparison between worldly wisdom and spiritual wisdom.  How do you they discerned such a conversation? How do you suppose we do that same? (In other words, we might be in discord by our wisdom yet unified by spiritual wisdom)
4. In 1 Corinthians 3, the letter gets pretty direct in attaching the intelligence of the church. Paul seemingly tried to get everyone to focus on what Christ taught and less on earthly persuasions.  What are your first thoughts? After considering what was said (not how it was said), what are your second thoughts?
5. Durning the sermon today Tim will talk about the History of Disunity. What might be the ultimate goal for your family when it comes to church unity?

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS | Family Activity
[Children - Adults] For several weeks now we have encouraged a family prayer board. How is that going?   Here is what that looks like: Find a blank piece of paper or a whiteboard, go around the room asking about any concerns or thanksgivings before a time of Prayer.   Leave this paper where you can see it all week, discuss them everyday and see where God might be working in them. [Deu 6]
Additional Resource | Mission and Vision of the West Side Church of Christ: https://www.westsidear.org/mission-and-vision.html