Sacrifice for the Sake of the Mission

What must we be willing to give up for the sake of the mission Jesus has entrusted to us? Join us this Sunday at CrossWinds Church in Spencer as we consider the answer from 1 Corinthians 9.

Sermon Discussion Questions

1. How do you react to change? Can you think of a time where you have advocated for change? A time where you resisted change?
2. What is one highlight from the sermon and one question that you had after hearing the sermon?
3. 1 Corinthians 9:19–23 comes in the midst of a discussion on eating food sacrificed to idols. As a group, read 1 Corinthians 8–10 to familiarize yourself with Paul’s argument. What does he seem to be arguing (focus specifically on 1 Corinthians 8:9–13; 9:4–6, 12; 10:14–24, 27–28)?
4. Read Philippians 2:5–8. What is the “same mindset” that Paul implores the church in Philippi to have? In what ways are we to follow Jesus’s self-denial for the sake of the mission?
5. What are some “rights” (cf. 1 Corinthians 9:3–6) we have in Christ Jesus? What is the biblical model of using this “freedom” (cf. 1 Corinthians 9:19)?
6. Read 1 Corinthians 9:19–23. What is at the heart of all that Paul does while on mission? What is his motivation?
7. Consider Paul’s ministry model in 1 Corinthians 9:20–22. What are the biblical essentials that he continues to hold as non-negotiables? How does Paul discern areas where he is able to “adapt” to better be on mission?
8. Some churches hold on to their “attachments and preferences” at the expense of the mission. Can you think of some examples? What are some of your attachments and preferences when it comes to ministry models? (Remember, “attachments and preferences” are not wrong, they just aren’t the main thing!)
9. This Time Tomorrow: Are you on mission with Jesus? How does this passage transform your thoughts, actions, or interactions at this time tomorrow?