The Las Vegas of the Ancient World

READ 1 Corinthians 1:1-3. In v1 Paul says believers have been “called by God to be his own holy people.” What does it mean to you personally that your faith begins with God calling you, not you choosing Him?

What does it mean to be a holy person? How about a holy people (a holy church)? What, if any, differences are there between the two?

Verse 2 says we are “made holy by means of Christ Jesus.” What do you think Paul means by that? How does Jesus make us holy? How does that truth challenge the way we typically think about earning or proving our worth spiritually?

READ 1 Corinthians 1:4-9. List all the things God does for us in this passage. What does this teach us who God is and how He works? What do we learn about the life of following Jesus? Why is it so hard for us to accept that transformation is primarily God’s work, not ours?

Transformation is God’s work, but at the same time, we must join him in it. How have you done this in the past? What obstacles or barriers to growth are you facing these days?

Verse 7 talks about ‘eagerly waiting.’ The sermon defines this as an active, forward-leaning expectation. Talk about a time you had a strong sense of eagerly waiting for Jesus to work. What might that look like practically in everyday life—not just in theory? Is it even possible? 

READ verse 9 out loud together. Reflect for a moment in silence on the words. What is God saying to you today through this verse? If you’re comfortable, share with the group.

The lawn-mowing illustration highlights how focusing on the wrong thing leads us off course. Where are you currently “looking down at the mower” instead of fixing your eyes on Jesus?