Paul looks back at the history of God’s people to grapple with the temptation to turn toward idols. How do we live in relation to the created world for God’s glory above all else? (1 Corinthians 10:1-11:1)
Sermon Outline
Part One: Fleeing from Idols
- 1 Corinthians 10:1-14
- A temptation universal to man
- What is at the heart of chasing idols?
- Pulling back from our trust in God
Part Two: Freedom to Love Others
- 1 Corinthians 10:15–11:1
- An inserted heading
- The larger picture
- For the Glory of God
- So all can be saved
The main, and simple theme of this passage
- Trust God, seek the good of others
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
- In the past, when you first started hearing about idols and idolatry in the Bible, what images or impressions stuck with you?
- How have you generally viewed idols in regards to your life? Do you feel they are relevant for today, or something from the past?
- When it comes to reading this passage in context, how have some of these verses been pulled out of context and used in your own discipleship? What does it mean to read them anew within their intended context?
- When it comes to trusting God, is that something you find easy? Are there areas you find that difficult to do? Are there areas of disappoint or pain that have caused you to pull back from God?
- In looking at idols through the lens of 1 Corinthians 10, what do you feel are the idols in your life?
- When it comes verses 10:15 – 11:1, do you find yourself leaning more towards legalism or towards permissiveness?
- What do you see are Paul’s key components of how he discerns when to engage and when to politely decline?
- What do you think it means to seek the good of others? How does that relate to the glory of God?
- From this discussion, what is something this coming week that you will look to adjust, address or change in regards to where you put your trust, or how you seek the good of others?
DIG DEEPER
- Last Sunday, Pastor Matt talked about exegesis (then/there) and hermeneutics (here/now). Go back and identify when in this sermon we were doing exegesis and when we were doing hermeneutics
- For reflection, listen to the song,“Even If” by MercyMe. Reflect on the words, and spend time with God working through where and how you trust Him well, and where you could restore trust.
- Think of neighbors, relatives, or friends who you haven’t seen in a while. Invite them over for dinner and be present to them, and practice what Paul says is seeking the good in those conversations.