Rights, Relationships, and the Gospel

How do we live in true community with other believers when we might be radically different from one another? Join us this Sunday at CrossWinds Church in Spencer as we consider the answer from 1 Corinthians 9.

Sermon Discussion

1. When you hear the word “rights” in the context of Christianity, what are some things that come to mind?
2. What is one takeaway you have from this passage? What will you do with that this week? What is a question you still have after studying this passage?
3. Read 1 Corinthians 8. What is this chapter about? How does this chapter help us understand the context of Paul’s words in 1 Corinthians 9:1–14? What is Paul’s main point in 1 Corinthians 9?
4. Paul uses a number of rhetorical questions in this passage. What is his purpose behind this? How does this help his “argument”?
5. Read 1 Corinthians 9:1–6. Summarize these verses. What is Paul saying here?
6. Read 1 Corinthians 9:7–14. Paul defends his rights by appealing to four different areas. What are they? Do you find his
   argument compelling?
7. Read 1 Corinthians 9:11–12; 13:7. What is Paul’s motivation for foregoing his rights?
8. Read 1 Corinthians 9:18. Paul claims that giving up rights for others is itself a reward. In what way? Have you ever experienced this before in the church?
9. What are some ways that 1 Corinthians 8:1–9:14 apply to us today?
10. This Time Tomorrow: How does this passage transform your thoughts, actions, or interactions at “this time tomorrow”?