1 Corinthians 4:11-16
Today we are reading 1 Corinthians 4.
As we read, these verses stood out to me:
1 Corinthians 4:11-16 - To this present hour we are both hungry and thirsty, and are poorly clothed, and are roughly treated, and are homeless; 12 and we toil, working with our own hands; when we are reviled, we bless; when we are persecuted, we endure; 13 when we are slandered, we try to conciliate; we have become as the scum of the world, the dregs of all things, even until now.14 I do not write these things to shame you, but to admonish you as my beloved children. 15 For if you were to have countless tutors in Christ, yet you would not have many fathers, for in Christ Jesus I became your father through the gospel. 16 Therefore I exhort you, be imitators of me.
Please, take some time to Share Your Thoughts With Us as they relate to this passage.
You can share anything that is on your heart but, if you don't know where to start, try reading these verses and answering one or more of the following "Honest Questions"
Honest Questions
1. Do you think 1 corinthians 4:11-15 is describing a reality that all, most, some, or few Christ-followers will experience? Why do you think that?
2. What is Paul asking us to imitate in 1 Corinthians 4:16?
3. Are you currently worried about how to pay for food, clothing, or shelter? If not, do you know anyone who is? What is one way we can help people that are struggling to meet these physical needs?
4. Have you ever been the perpetrator or the victim of physical or emotional abuse? If so, where did you go for help? What would you recommend for people who are still in one of these conditions?
5. What do you like most about the work you do and how long have you been doing it?
6. The Apostle Paul was probably about 50 years old when he wrote this letter to the Corinthians. He had just completed his second "missionary journey" establishing churches in the area surrounding the Mediterranean Sea. He did not allow his age, his physical circumstances, or his financial situation to prevent him from ministering to the world around him. Do we?
7. At what age do you think people are too young or too old to be involved in meaningful Christian ministry? Does age have anything to do with our ability to lead, serve, or minister to the world around us? What informs your convictions on this issue?
8. Do you tend to "shame yourself" or "blame others" for the problems in your life? Are these emotions related to the observation Paul is making about our fatherlessness in 1 Corinthians 4:15-16? Are all of us affected by fatherlessness or is that a condition only the unfortunate can relate with?
9. What is was your favorite verse in 1 Corinthians 4 and why?
10. Do you have any specific questions or prayer requests after reading 1 Corinthians 4?
We use our Basic Bible Reading plan to guide the discussions in this group.
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