06/02/2022
LOVE NEVER ENDS
HOLDING FIRM
Bible Study: 6 February 2022
Theme: The Body of Christ: Hold Firmly To The Word
Readings: Psalm 138: 1-8 and 1 Corinthians 15:1-11
Fellowship (10 min)
Begin with general conversation and sharing about how the past week has gone. Try not to go over time.
Worship and Prayer (15 min)
Click on the link below on your smartphone, Smart TV or computer, to select songs to sing; and then spend a few minutes in song and prayer.
PLETT METHODIST YOU TUBE CHANNEL SONG’S PLAYLIST: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLbsAkwbV_S1vXdZVPkZ0_tQW5n9RqeZX0
And if you need to check on the Message for the week again, then click on:
PLETT METHODIST YOU TUBE CHANNEL (MESSAGE): https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCU1X4YYw1KLpda1yGnqKgfw
This time of worship and prayer will encourage you to move your thoughts from daily worries and pressures to our time of Bible study and prayer.
Our scripture reading this week is Paul talking about how we must turn back to the power of the resurrected Christ in our lives. Paul humbly compares himself to others who knew Jesus personally; however, he focuses on the power grace had in his life as he worked harder than anyone to grow the early church.
Read: 1 Corinthians 15:1-11.
Discussion Questions (45 min)
- What is some “good news” that you could share with the group right now? (These stories could be personal items, stories from the community, or news that you are happy and excited about. Make a note of the stories on a piece of paper and include them in your prayer at the end of the meeting.)
- What does Paul tell us to do with the gospel message in verse 2?
- Why is holding on to the good news important for Christians? How might those first readers have found “hold firmly” helpful advice since Jesus had died? Why might it also be beneficial advice for us today?
- In verses 3-4, Paul reminds his readers “of the good news” that he proclaimed to them. Work as a group to define “good news.” What makes this news good? What clues does Paul give in this passage about how he understands the “good news”?
- Christians often speak about when they were “saved” or having been “saved.” Here Paul notes that we “are being saved.” Why is the way Paul puts it so important?
- How does thinking about salvation as ongoing become reassuring?
- In verses 5-8, Paul talks about how Jesus appeared to a lot of people after his death and resurrection. What could be Paul’s reason for adding this to his story?
- Verse 9 says, “For I am the least of the apostles, unfit to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God.” What do you think it means to be called a Christian? Paul was happy to wear the label, Christian. Do you think it is easy to publicly be known as a Christian now, or not? Explain what it is like if people know or think that you are a Christian.
- How many times does Paul use the word “grace” in verse 10? How does Paul’s emphasis on grace go with his note that he “worked harder than any of them”?
- How is God’s grace the source of empowerment and Paul’s credential for being an apostle?
- Have you ever felt like you didn’t “deserve” to be called a Christian?
- Can you remember, and are you willing to share with the group, the first time you encountered the “good news” of God’s love for yourself?
Think about these points during this week:
- What does it mean to hold firmly to Christ? What difference would it make in your life if you were more mindful of God’s grace empowering all you were doing?
- Remember that Paul, and the other apostles, had ups and downs in life too. However, Paul calls us to hold firmly to our faith and to remember that “I am what I am by God’s grace.” God loves you more than you will ever know. Scripture helps us find our true identity as God’s sons and daughters, members of the adopted family. When we are saved, we are sealed by God’s Spirit.
Prayer (10 min). Share prayer requests and then pray together.
Sending Prayer (2 min). End by praying the following or a similar prayer:
Empowering God of the Cross and Resurrection, we give thanks that you do not give up on us or leave us alone. We are grateful and amazed that you continue to desire to work in and through your people, so that all might be saved and experience the abundant life that comes through you. Help us to hold fast to your grace and love in all that we say and do. Amen.
Have a great week.
God bless,
Tim.
With thanks and acknowledgment to: https://www.umcdiscipleship.org/…. -small-groups