Connect Group Study Notes: 13 February 2022

Theme:  LOVE NEVER ENDS – BEING THE BODY OF CHRIST – WORSHIP (FIRST FRUITS)

Readings:  Jeremiah 17:7-8 and 1 Corinthians 15:19-28

 

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 HERE

Past sermons can be found on our PLETT METHODIST YOU TUBE CHANNEL 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.

Introduction:  

The scripture reading today talks about the resurrection of Christ and how that relates to Resurrection or new life in our own bodies. This was apparently very important for the church in Corinth, because Paul spends a lot of time arguing why Resurrection is such an important concept. Paul’s words hint at the idea of “incarnation”—that we embody the spirit of the risen Jesus—that we can live new lives, free from death and sin, because Jesus overcame death. This is one way of saying that life and how we live are important and that you matter to the church.

Read: 1 Corinthians 15:19-28

 

Discussion Questions (Approx. 30 min)

  • How do you understand the idea of “resurrection”? What are some common misunderstandings of resurrection?
  • Why do you think the concept of resurrection from the dead was controversial to Paul’s audience? Why do you think it is debated even today?
  • Paul’s point in verse 19 suggests that Christ’s resurrection gives hope for this life and the next. We often focus on the hope of eternal life. How does Christ’s resurrection also give hope for the life we live here and now?
  • How is our hope connected to Jesus’ resurrection?
  • Why do you think Paul is so insistent that our faith is futile (v. 17) without the resurrection of Christ?
  • Read Exodus 23:14-20. Notice the repetition of the phrase “first fruits.” What does the phrase “first fruits” refer to in this passage about annual festivals of the Israelites? (If you have time, you might also read Leviticus 23:19-22.)
  • How is Christ “the first fruits of those who have died” (v. 20)?

 

Faith Building – to think about this week:

  • First fruits is about putting God first and foremost in life – it is about worshipping Him; for who God is; with trust and obedience, remembering that he Loves you … in response to his Love for us, we bring our best to him.
  • We give him the “first fruit” of each day (daily devotion and prayer). God first each day.
  • We give him the “first fruit” of our conversations, of our attitudes, and our relationships with others (we hold God uppermost and in pride of place, above everything else, and above everyone else). God first in our relationships.
  • We give him the “first fruit” of our gifts, tithes, and offerings. We trust God – first with our money and possessions!
  • We give the “first fruits” of our focus and energy, time, talents, and service. We live for God – first!
  • We as a gift of “first fruits” study the word and pray together and break bread together (Love Feasts) in our small groups and meetings. We feed on God – first!
  • We give of our best to God – always! Not that our best will save us (we do not depend on our actions to save us – we are saved by Jesus); but our best – focus, energy, preparation, participation… – surely is the most honourable and true way to show our love, and our worship, in action?
  • This week think of the first fruits; not as an ancient Old Testament tradition, nor just as a symbolic and poetic statement from Paul; but as a central act of worship and deep reverence for God; for who God is; and for the authority that God has over your life!

Prayer (10 min). Share prayer requests and then pray together.

 

Sending Prayer (2 min). End by praying the following or a similar prayer:

God of Resurrection, because of Jesus’ death and resurrection, we can trust that there is nothing that will separate us from your love. We give thanks for your faithfulness and the hope we have for this life and the next. Help us to be resurrection people. Help us to see all things through the eyes of faith. Help us to live each day in a sacrificial, first fruits way. Amen.

Have a great week.

God bless,

Tim.

With thanks and acknowledgment to: https://www.umcdiscipleship.org/…. -small-groups