Living Alive and Free in Christ

Using the startling example of sexual incest occurring within the Corinthian church, Paul calls the believing community into discernment about what holiness means in our sexuality, as well as how to live holy as God’s chosen people in every area of our lives.

Sermon Outline

“Therefore let us keep the Festival, not with the old bread leavened with malice and wickedness, but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth.” (1 Corinthians 5:8)

Living as a Community of Christ’s Life Amidst Confusion (1 Corinthians 5:1-5)

• The situation in Corinth
• The calling of the community
• When we settle for less than life
• Why calling the community to more is important
• Living as a community of life means…

Living as a Community of Christ’s Freedom Instead of Enslavement (1 Corinthians 5:6-8)

• Confusion over what freedom is all about
• The freedom of the Exodus
• The continuity of Jesus-followers in relation to freedom in Christ
• Living as a community of freedom means…

Living as a Community of Christ in a World Needing Christ (1 Corinthians 5:9-13)

• Living as a community of Christ
• The upward calling in Christ
• The world that needs Christ
• Living as a community of Christ means…

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

1. When was a time that you experienced freedom in your life, whether in a small way or a big way?
2. This week we continue our preaching series, “God’s Grace for an Imperfect Church: 1 Corinthians” by looking at 1 Corinthians 5:1-13. Whether you are on your own or with others, begin your study in prayer, asking God to speak to you through this study and then read that text aloud.
3. What is the situation occurring in the Corinthian community that is shocking to Paul (5:1)?
4. In verse 2, what does Paul say should have been an appropriate response from the >Corinthians? What does this imply about how they are responding to this situation?
5. Verses 3-5 call for a strong response to this situation. Why do you think Paul called them to such a strong response? What do you think the goal of this might be, both for the individual and for the entire community?
6. When have you experienced wrong attitudes, actions, or words spreading through a community or organization? How might this relate to Paul’s words here?
7. Returning to the theme of boasting, being “puffed up,” mentioned earlier (4:7), in verses 6-8 Paul calls the Corinthians to have a clean break from the old way and live into the new way with Christ. There are echoes of the Passover and the Exodus here. How us Jesus’ work on the Cross and resurrection similar to that?
8. In verses 9-13, Paul describes the contrast between expectations on those outside the Christian community and followers of Jesus within the Christian community. How would you characterize this difference?
9. What is God speaking to you through this study? If you are with a small group, discuss that with one another and then pray about what you shared. If you are on your own, write it down, pray about it, and share this with someone during the next few days.