Scripture Passage: 1 Corinthians 14

Pastor Ryan began the message by asking each of us this question: Are you willing to let the Word of God instruct you on how you are to worship regardless of your background?

In today’s message, we examined three important attributes of biblical worship

Attributes of Biblical Worship

1. Biblical Worship is Welcoming (1 Cor. 14:6, 23-25)

Worship must be understandable. Many who come to worship may be in our church for the first time and Christianity may be new for them. Worship is not ‘simplified’ for the lost person, but it should be understandable and welcoming.

2. Biblical Worship is in Order (1 Cor. 14:40)

• It must be under control
• It cannot be ecstatic

3. The focus of Biblical worship is on Jesus (1 Cor. 15:1-11)

Paul is teaching that our worship and our lives are to point to Jesus – not ourselves.

A life of genuine, passionate, all-consuming worship is an exhilarating experience.

Questions for reflection and discussion:

• Am I completely focused on the majesty of Jesus when I enter into worship, or does my own agenda distract me?
• Am I so caught up in what other people think that I am unwilling to worship Him with my whole heart when we gather to worship?
• Have I accepted some substitute for the gift of forgiveness that Jesus has offered me, and has my worship become an attempt to earn His approval rather than a celebration of the payment He has made on the cross? If so, am I willing to receive the gift of grace He offers today?

Scripture Passage: 1 Corinthians 13

This month, more than 400 Kingsland students and adults served in mission trips from Houston’s inner city all the way to the Middle East. They shared the story of God’s love and demonstrated His love in practical ways. As a result, we met many needs and many people came to faith in Christ.

This morning, Pastor Ryan talked about what it means to love others. In the English language we only have one word to describe love but when the Bible was written they had multiple words for love. In 1 Corinthians 13, Paul used the word “agape” which means “sacrificial love.”

Pastor Ryan expanded on agape love:

1. Love is absolutely essential (Verses 1-3)
2. Love is a decision – not an emotion (Verses 4-8)
3. Love puts the needs and interests of others first. (Verses 9-13)

Today we heard from students who went around the world to show agape love. Each story allowed us to see a glimpse of what God did and will continue to do through their work over these past few weeks. They were, as Pastor Ryan explained, showing the people the kind of love that is actually a reflection of Jesus.

Discussion:

• Pastor Ryan encouraged us to allow the Holy Spirit to bring a person to our mind that we could show agape love to. Discuss as a family the person you can show God’s love to.

• What are some ways you can show God’s love to your neighbors and community?

• As a family pray for the different states and countries that the students went to and for the Lord to continue revealing Himself to the people of those communities.

Scripture Passage: 1 Corinthians 12:1-30

“Now concerning spiritual gifts, brothers… To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good (1Co.1, 7).”

The Corinthian church didn’t understand the purpose or nature of their spiritual gifts. They had allowed their culture to creep in and corrupt their view of the church. Sometimes we are like the Corinthian church. Pastor Steve Jones suggested the Apostle Paul might tell us that…

• The church is not a country club for our pleasure.
• The church is not a concert to entertain us.
• The church is not a class just to educate us for our head knowledge.

The Apostle Paul told the Corinthian church that the Holy Spirit had given each of them different gifts that were to be used to edify one another and do the work of ministry. Paul used the analogy of the human body; different parts for different functions, but part of the one body.

Consider the following truths from the Scripture:

• Unity in the Giver — each of us are united in the Body of Christ, and as such a part of a bigger picture of what Christ through His Holy Spirit is doing at Kingsland.

• Unity in the purpose — We are called to identify our spiritual gift, and be faithful to use our gift for God’s glory.

• The chapter ends with the Apostle Paul telling the church there is a more excellent way — and that is to express our gift(s) through love.

Response to God’s Word:

• Share with those around you what you understand is your spiritual gift(s).

• Share what you are doing or can do to use that gift in a loving manner for God’s glory.

Remember: “Now you are the body of Christ and individually members of it.”  And, all parts are equally important!

Scripture Passage: 1 Corinthians 8:1-13

Pastor Ryan asked us to consider what it means to have freedom in God. He asked us to think about what our founding fathers meant by “freedom” and what kind of liberty they had in mind. In 1 Corinthians 9:1, Paul asked the question, “Am I not free?”

Pastor Ryan explained that…

1. Real Freedom is given by God.

2. Real Freedom is Governed by God.
• Love means my new boundaries are God’s mission for my life.  Galatians 5:14
• Love means I help other people experience freedom as well. 1 Corinthians 8:7,12
• Love means I make decisions at a higher level than just asking “What will make God happy?”

Discussion:
• Is there anything in your life that is robbing you from freedom in Christ?

• What are ways as a family you are celebrating the freedom you have been given?

• Why is it important to move past simply following the Law, to striving to bring God glory?

Scripture Passage: 1 Corinthians 9:22-27

Pastor Ryan asked us to consider what the Apostle Paul wrote about what it means to finish well.

1. Finishing well requires spiritual discipline.

There is a distinction between spiritual discipline and self-discipline. Spiritual discipline looks like surrendering to the Lord and allowing Him to transform our actions and habits. We are no longer under the law of rules, but instead under the law of Christ.

Within spiritual discipline, we need both:
• Accountability | a community of people who really know you and who you are able to be transparent with in life. Proverbs 28:13
• Strategy | having a plan for when temptation comes because it will come. 1 Corinthians 10:13

2. Finishing well requires an understanding of the price of disqualification.

According to verse 27, Paul disciplined himself so that he won’t be disqualified. The word “disqualified” in the Greek means “disapproved.” When we understand the price of being disqualified, we should want to continue to press on and impact the world for the Gospel.

3. Finishing well requires keeping your mission before you.

When you have a strong sense of your mission that is Spirit-led and Spirit-driven, you stay engaged. Paul had a mission and he ran towards it. When our mission is focused on the Gospel and good, we are better able to finish well.

Discussion:

• What are ways that you are disciplining yourself through accountability and strategy?

• What are ways you try to fight your battles on your own in the flesh and what does it look like to surrender those battles, thoughts, habits, and actions to the Lord?

• What is your mission and how do you keep it before you?

• What does it mean for you personally to finish well?

Pray for you and your family to be a people who finish well in full surrender to the Lord for the glory of God.

Scripture Passage: 1 Corinthians 4:14-17

Pastor Brad Flurry shared his personal “Once Upon a Time” story and four powerful words that changed his life. The words “how can I help” were spoken by members of the family of God — the people whom God used to help change the course of Brad’s life.

God can use us to help change the story of someone else’s life. As members of the family of God, we have responsibilities toward others

1. Responsibility to Love One Another.
Verse 14 reminds us that we are beloved children of God. Our identity is not defined by our story but determined by the gospel. We have the opportunity to speak this truth into other peoples’ lives.

2. Responsibility to Set An Example.
Verse 16 urges us to imitate Jesus Christ in how we live our lives and treat others.

3. Responsibility to Make an Investment.
Verse 17 speaks of Paul’s example of sending Timothy to invest in the lives of others. As part of God’s family we get to share our most valuable possession, the gospel of Jesus Christ, with others.

Discussion:

• Tell your “Once Upon a Time” story over lunch or dinner. Give thanks to God for the people He used to help change your life. This is a great opportunity to continue to “restore the table.”

• Talk about practical ways you can help someone’s “Once Upon a Time” story.

• If your “Once Upon a Time” story is painful, take time to reflect on these powerful truths from God’s Word:

— You are God’s beloved child (vs. 14)
— You are a member of God’s family (vs.15)
— God can use your story to make a difference in someone’s life (vs.17)

Scripture Passage: 1 Corinthians 7

Pastor Ryan spoke on a topic that affects all of our lives to some extent — divorce. There are three kinds of relationships: consumer, contract and covenant. Marriage vows say “until death do us part,” making it a covenant relationship. The Apostle Paul had a lot to say about marriage and divorce. Three main points about divorce are:

1. Divorce is not good. The best marriages are not built on happiness, but holiness. Divorce is painful for everyone involved, no matter how justified or amicable it is.

2. Divorce is not forbidden. The Bible clearly lays out circumstances in which divorce is permitted. Divorce is separating what has become one and is therefore, like an amputation. It is clearly only for severe circumstances. Divorce is never commanded. Just because there is a provision for divorce doesn’t mean it’s the right thing to do.

3. Divorce is not the end. Verse 11 reminds us that the blood of Christ covers all our sins. Divorce is not taken lightly, but it certainly is forgivable.

In Jeremiah 3:8, God describes himself as divorcing Israel for being an adulterous nation. He understands the pain of divorce.

Conclusion:

● If you’re in a tough marriage, hang on. Don’t try to make it alone. Let others help you. Counseling, Christian Friends, Community Groups. Don’t quit.

● If you’re in the midst of divorce, pray for reconciliation. Is there any way to allow God to work a miracle? Ask for help.

● If you’ve been divorced, your life is NOT over. God has an exciting plan for your life. Let Him know you trust Him with the days ahead.

Discussion:

● Talk about ways divorce hurts those involved.

● Talk about ways you can help someone in a family that is struggling through divorce.

● Pray for the marriages around you.