An Introduction to 1st Californians

THE TEXT: 1 Corinthians 1:1-9 NLT

SPEAK THIS OUT LOUD: I will not become a . My is and is my story.

PUT THESE ON MENTAL REPEAT:

• The standards of Christianity are for .
• So do the .

Small Group Questions

What do you think?

What struck a chord with you from Sunday’s service?

The story of your life.

1. In 60 seconds or less, share a high and a low from your life this week.
2. The words “grace and peace” appear in the introductions of several New Testament letters. These words were likely customary for letters written at the time. However, they are much more than pleasantries. How do the words “grace and peace” resound with something you are personally going through right now?

Digging deeper.

1. On Sunday, we looked at the introduction to 1st Corinthians. Right off the bat, a man named Sosthenes is mentioned as a companion of Paul during the time of the letter’s writing. It’s highly likely this is the same Sosthenes that is mentioned in Acts 18:1-17 ESV, which tells the story of how the Corinthian church was planted. Read the story together and have a few members of the group recap the story using their own words.
   1. What does this story tell us about God? People? You?
   2. One neat anecdote in this story is found in verse 5 that says, “Paul was occupied with the Word.” How might you take a bit more time than usual this upcoming week to be occupied with the Word as well?
2. Just about every time Paul preached Christ and God’s Word, controversy and strife followed. Paul’s ministry impact was unquestionable but his journey was undeniably difficult. Though the depths of Paul’s hardships were uniquely connected to his high calling, we can all learn a lot about our own Christian callings from his journey. Read 2 Corinthians 11:23-29 and answer the following questions.
   1. How does this picture contrast with a typical American portrayal of Christianity?
   2. How do these words provide perspective to whatever you are going through?
   3. Read 2 Corinthians 12:8-9. In what ways might the power of God be shining through your weaknesses and struggles today?
3. Hardships and victories often run simultaneously in our lives. Seasons are rarely all bad or all good. It’s often a blend of victories in the midst of struggles and vice versa. What insights can we glean from Ecclesiastes 3:1-13 into the ups and downs of the Christian life? Read it together.
   1. In light of this, is there anything God is asking you to do right now?

Personal reflection and application.

1. Have everyone share one thing someone else said that stood out to them from this discussion.
2. Take a few moments to pray for one another. If possible, break up men and women into separate groups.