1 Corinthians 15:1-19

Summary
In 1 Corinthians 15, Paul addresses those who have heard and received the gospel yet have not fully embraced its central truth. Some in Corinth denied the resurrection, revealing a faith that had begun but not truly taken hold. Paul reminds them that the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ are of first importance, grounded in Scripture and confirmed by eyewitnesses. If Christ has not been raised, our faith is futile and we remain in our sins. This passage calls us to examine whether our faith rests firmly in the risen Christ or if we are still only almost there.

1. Discussion Questions
   Paul warns about believing “in vain.” What do you think that looks like in real life today?
2. Why is the resurrection not just important, but essential to the Christian faith?
3. The Corinthians were not hostile to the gospel, just unconvinced or indifferent about the resurrection. Where do you see that same attitude today, or even in your own heart?
4. What is the difference between knowing about the gospel and truly resting in it?
5. Paul appeals to both Scripture and eyewitness testimony. Why do both matter for our faith?
6. In what ways might someone be “almost there” spiritually but not fully trusting Christ?
7. How does the truth of the resurrection change the way we think about sin, death, and hope?
8. Paul says that if Christ is not raised, we are still in our sins. Why is the resurrection necessary for our salvation?
9. Have you personally come to the “empty tomb,” meaning have you trusted in the risen Christ? How would you describe that in your own life?
10. What would it look like for you this week to more fully live in light of the resurrection?

Quotes
“But how was he so eminently fitted thus to preach? His first and most important, and indeed, indispensable qualification for this work, was, that he himself knew Christ.  He had not only that knowledge which is attained by the study of Scriptures, and learning that is therein revealed concerning the person and work of Christ, but that knowledge which is due to the inward revelation by the Spirit.”
–Charles Hodge speaking at the funeral service of James Waddel Alexander, October 9, 1859

John 15:1-11

Summary
Shortly before he is betrayed, Jesus paints a garden scene with words in the Upper Room. He calls himself the “true vine” and urges his followers to abide in him. From God’s grace, a new kind of obedience grows—not to secure our place on the vine, but because we already have one. The warning against fruitlessness is real, but so is the promise: those who rest in Jesus will bear fruit and find their joy made full.

Discussion Questions

1. Look at the text together (John 15:1–11). What stands out to you about who Jesus says He is, who the Father is, and who we are?
2. Jesus calls himself the “true vine.” What are the “false vines” people tend to look to for life, identity, or fruitfulness? Where are you most tempted to draw life from something other than Christ?
3. Jesus says, “You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you.” How does that truth shape the way we think about growth and change in the Christian life?
4. What do you think it practically looks like to abide—to “make your home” in Jesus—in an ordinary day (work, parenting, studying, stress, distractions)?
5. Jesus describes both pruning and removal. How have you experienced God’s pruning in your life? What makes it hard to trust that His cutting is actually loving?
6. Where do you personally feel the tension more:
   • drifting into passivity (“I’m fine, no need to pursue obedience”), or
   • striving to perform (“I need to prove myself to God”)?
   • How does the gospel speak directly to your specific tendency?
7. Jesus says His goal is that our “joy may be full.” If a loss of joy can be a signal we’re not abiding, how can we help one another return—not toward trying harder—but to resting again in Christ’s love?

1 Corinthians 11:2-16

Summary
This passage, though challenging, invites us to see not only the truth but the goodness of God’s design for men and women. Paul addresses worship in Corinth, correcting a misuse of Christian freedom that blurred God-given distinctions. Scripture affirms both the equality of men and women in dignity and worth, the complementarity of their distinct roles, and the responsibility to honor those differences in a way that reflects God’s design before a watching world. Rather than resisting or merely tolerating these truths, we are called to embrace and live them out beautifully for God’s glory.

Discussion Questions
NOTE FOR LEADERS: Lots of questions this week!  Just a pick a few that would be helpful for your group.

Understanding the Passage

• What parts of 1 Corinthians 11:2–16 feel most confusing or challenging to you? Why?
• Why do you think Paul addresses something as specific as head coverings in a worship context?
• How does this passage fit into the broader themes of Christian freedom (chs. 8–10) and worship?

Equality

• Where do you see the equality of men and women affirmed in this passage?
• Why is it important to establish equality before talking about differences in roles?
• How does the doctrine of the image of God shape our understanding of human dignity?

Complementarity

• What is the difference between equality and sameness? Why does that distinction matter?
• How would you explain “complementarity” in your own words?
• Where do you see God’s design for distinct roles in this passage and elsewhere in Scripture (e.g., Ephesians 5)?

Responsibility & Application

• What does it look like today to “honor God” as a man or as a woman in our cultural context?
• How might Christians today be tempted, like the Corinthians, to misapply their freedom?
• In what ways can our lives either clarify or confuse God’s design for gender before a watching world?

Heart-Level Reflection

• Is it easier for you to affirm the truth of this teaching or the goodness of it? Why?
• Have you seen complementarianism misused or misunderstood? How does that affect your response to this passage?
• What would it look like not just to submit to God’s design, but to genuinely delight in it?

Gospel & Community

• How does the relationship between Christ and the Father (v. 3) help us understand submission rightly?
• How can men and women in the church actively support and honor one another’s roles?
• What is one practical way you can live out this teaching in your home, church, or relationships this week?

1 Corinthians 10:14-11:1

Summary
In this passage Paul helps believers navigate the difficult “gray areas” of the Christian life, issues where Scripture does not always give a simple yes or no answer. While Christians enjoy freedom in Christ, that freedom must never lead us into idolatry or selfish living. Instead, Paul calls believers to evaluate their choices carefully in light of God’s Word and their witness to others. Paul provides a practical framework for exercising Christian freedom. Believers should ask whether Scripture allows it, whether their conscience permits it, whether it builds up others, whether it helps the advance of the gospel, and whether it can be done for the glory of God. Ultimately, the goal of the Christian life is not simply personal liberty, but living in such a way that everything we do is done for the glory of God.

Discussion Questions

1. What are some “gray areas” Christians commonly wrestle with today?
2. Why do these issues tend to create disagreement among believers?
3. Why is the first question “Does the Bible allow it?” so important when thinking about Christian freedom?
4. How can we avoid calling something a “gray area” when Scripture actually speaks clearly about it?
5. Paul talks about the role of conscience (1 Cor. 10:25–29). What is the purpose of the Christian conscience, and how should we respond when either our own conscience or someone else’s is troubled?
6. Read 1 Corinthians 10:23–24. What is the difference between asking “Can I do this?” and asking “Should I do this?” How does love for others change how we use our freedom?
7. According to 1 Corinthians 10:31–11:1, what is the ultimate goal in how we live our lives?
8. What might it look like this week to make decisions that both advance the gospel and glorify God?

Quotes
“Unless I am convinced by the testimony of the Scriptures and by clear reason (for I do not trust in the pope or councils alone, since it is well known that they have often erred and contradicted themselves), I am bound by the Scriptures I have quoted. My conscience is captive to the Word of God. I cannot and I will not retract anything, since it is neither safe nor right to go against conscience. Here I stand.  I cannot do otherwise. May God help me. Amen.”                             - Martin Luther, Diet of Worms, April 18, 1521

1 Corinthians 9:23-10:13

Summary
Paul warns believers about the subtle danger of spiritual self-deception. Using the imagery of an athlete running a race and Israel’s history in the wilderness, he reminds us that beginning the Christian life is not the same as finishing it. It is possible to be near spiritual things, participating in church life, witnessing God’s work, or experiencing spiritual privileges, yet still miss the reality of genuine faith. Paul exposes several dangers that lead to self-deception, including mistaking the start of faith for perseverance to the end, confusing proximity to spiritual things with true transformation, treating sin lightly, and trusting in our own strength rather than God’s grace. The passage calls us to humble vigilance, remembering that temptation is real but God is faithful and always provides a way of escape.

Discussion Questions

1. Paul compares the Christian life to running a race (1 Cor. 9:24–27). What does it practically look like to “run to obtain the prize” in the Christian life?
2. Why is it easy to confuse beginning the Christian life with persevering to the end? What are some examples of this in everyday life?
3. The Israelites experienced incredible spiritual privileges but still fell in the wilderness (1 Cor. 10:1–5). Why can being close to spiritual things such as church attendance, Bible knowledge, or Christian community sometimes give a false sense of security?
4. Paul warns, “Let anyone who thinks that he stands take heed lest he fall” (1 Cor. 10:12). What are some ways we can regularly examine our hearts without falling into either pride or despair?
5. According to this passage, what are some ways sin deceives people into thinking it is harmless or manageable?
6. How does the gospel free us from sin rather than simply giving us permission to live however we want?
7. Read 1 Corinthians 10:13. What does this verse teach about temptation, and how have you seen God provide a “way of escape” in your life?
8. Why is trusting in our own strength spiritually dangerous? What does it look like to depend on God’s strength in daily life?
9. Which of the dangers mentioned in the sermon do you most see in your own life right now? What is one step you could take this week to guard against it?
10. How does the truth that “God is faithful” give hope to believers who are struggling with temptation or discouragement?

1 Corinthians 9:1-23

Summary
In a divided church and a polarized world, Paul points us to the healing power of the gospel. Though he possessed real rights as an apostle, he willingly laid them down so that nothing would hinder Christ’s saving work. His life shows that unity grows not from asserting our freedoms, but from surrendering them in love. Following Paul as he follows Christ, we see the heart of the gospel itself: Jesus laid down not merely his rights, but his life to reconcile sinners to God and to one another.

Discussion Questions

• In 1 Corinthians 9:1–14, what rights does Paul say he legitimately possesses?
• Why does Paul emphasize that these rights are valid and biblical?
• What reason does Paul give in verse 12 for not making use of his rights?
• How would you summarize Paul’s main motivation in verses 19–23?
• What does Paul’s willingness to surrender his rights teach us about Christian freedom?
• How does Paul reflect the example of Christ in this passage?
• Why is it often easier to defend our rights than to lay them down?
• Can you think of situations where asserting your “rights” might harm relationships or witness?
• What might it look like to “become all things to all people” today without compromising truth?
• Where is God calling you to embrace inconvenience, discomfort, or sacrifice for the sake of others?
• How can laying down preferences help heal division in the church and in your life?
• How does Jesus’ laying down His life reshape how we view our freedoms?
• How does remembering reconciliation with God influence how we pursue reconciliation with others?
• What would change in our church if gospel-shaped humility marked all of our interactions?

1 Corinthians 8:1-13

Summary
In a world full of “gray areas,” Paul reminds us that knowledge alone can puff up, but love builds up. Christian freedom is real, yet it must be guided by love for brothers and sisters whose consciences may be tender. True maturity is not merely being right, but willingly laying down our rights so that others are not wounded—following the example of Christ, who gave himself up for us.

Discussion Questions

1. Paul says, “knowledge puffs up, but love builds up.” What kinds of “knowledge” might puff someone up? How does love correct this danger?
2. Why does Paul agree that idols are “nothing,” yet still treat the issue as serious?
3. What is the difference between a wounded conscience and being merely offended?
4. Which temptation do you struggle with more: Treating everything as gray (minimizing sin)? Or treating nothing as gray (adding rigid rules)?
5. Have you ever insisted on your “freedom” in a way that may have harmed someone else spiritually?
6. Are there areas where you tend to feel spiritually superior to other Christians?
7. What principles should guide decisions in modern gray areas (alcohol, entertainment, politics, etc.)?
8. How does a deep understanding of the gospel motivate us to lay down our “rights” for others?

1 Corinthians 7:6-16

Summary
This week we consider Paul’s pastoral teaching on singleness, marriage, and divorce. Scripture presents a high view of marriage as God’s gift that is created, sustained, and protected by him. Yet God’s Word also speaks with honesty about the painful realities of sin, calling believers to fight for their marriages and to proceed with great care in seasons of separation. Where divorce enters the story, the gospel offers truth, grace, and hope: God calls His people to peace, repentance, and faithful obedience, assuring us that nothing lies beyond the redeeming power of Christ.

Discussion Questions

• When you hear a sermon or Bible study on marriage or divorce, what reactions tend to surface (curiosity, discomfort, relief, tension)? Why do you think that is?
• In verses 6-9, Paul describes both singleness and marriage as a “gift.” What stands out to you about that language? How does it challenge common assumptions?
• In verses 10-11, what commands does Paul emphasize for married couples? Why do you think reconciliation is highlighted?
• In verses 12-16, how does Paul address marriages between a believer and an unbeliever? What encouragement or tension do you see here?
• In the sermon Pastor Billy described marriage as a covenant, not merely a contract. What is the difference? How does that shape expectations within marriage?
• Paul says God has "called you to peace" (v.15). What kind of peace is he talking about? How might this apply in difficult relational situations?
• Verse 14 speaks of the unbelieving spouse being "made holy." What does this mean? What does it not mean?
• Paul honors both singleness and marriage. How does the church sometimes unintentionally elevate one over the other? Have you experienced that personally?
• If you're married: What helps you actively "fight for" your marriage? Where do you need encouragement or growth?
• If you're single or widowed: What might it look like to embrace your present season as a gift from God? What challenges come with that perspective?
• How can our group/church better support those experiencing: Marital strain? Separation? Divorce? Loneliness?
• Shame often causes people to withdraw from Christian community. Why is isolation such a temptation in painful seasons? How can we gently pursue one another instead?

Quotes
“A dead thing can go with the stream, but only a living thing can go against it.”
― G.K. Chesterton, The Everlasting Man, p.164

1 Corinthians 7:1-7

Summary
In our passage this week we see the apostle Paul tackle some thorny issues head on.  He reminds the Corinthians (and us) that God’s design for our lives is good. Sex is a gift meant to flourish within the self-sacrificial covenant of marriage. But at the same time, Paul makes clear that sex is not ultimate. It must be protected from distortion by sin and temptation. Whether married or single, each calling is a gift from God, and in Christ, God—not culture or Satan—has the final word.

Discussion Questions

1. What cultural pressures around sex and marriage do you see today that are similar to the extremes Paul addresses in Corinth?
2. Why is it important that Paul is correcting both sexual indulgence and legalism in this passage?
3. How does Paul’s teaching challenge the idea that sex is either meaningless or ultimate?
4. What stands out to you about the mutuality Paul describes between husband and wife in verses 3–4?
5. How does this passage reshape common assumptions about authority, power, and service within marriage?
6. Paul calls both singleness and marriage “gifts.” Why can that be difficult to believe in the church today?
7. How does recognizing Satan’s role in temptation change the way we think about sexual sin?
8. Which of the “lies” named in the sermon do you find most tempting or believable—and why?
9. How does the gospel both expose sexual sin and protect us from despair when we fail?

1 Corinthians 7:17-40

Summary
In today’s scripture, we will look at the calling of a Christian. Who am I in Christ? What am I to do? How can I grow into a mature believer? In the context of the Corinthian culture and marriage, Paul addresses these important questions.

Discussion Questions

1. Where has God placed you right now? What circumstances has He called you to remain in?
2. How does the gospel reshape how you view yourself and others? What worldly status do you still find identity in?
3. Where are you experiencing discontent in your life, and how does it show up day to day
4. What steps can help you grow in contentment? How is contentment connected to spiritual maturity?
5. What does “the time is short” mean to you? Do you live with that perspective? Why or why not?
6. How can holding too tightly to worldly circumstances harm your relationship with God?
7. In an age of anxiety and distraction, what practical steps can help you maintain an undivided focus on the Lord?
8. Which of the three main points reveals the greatest need for growth in your spiritual maturity?
9. How can we support one another in growing toward spiritual maturity?

1 Corinthians 6:9-20

Summary
In this passage Paul shows us that the gospel does more than forgive our sin—it also frees us from sin’s power. Through the cross, Jesus both saves us from God’s just wrath and begins the work of making us holy. Because we belong to Christ, even our bodies now exist for His glory, calling us to live in real, joyful freedom.

Discussion Questions

1. When you think about the cross, which side do you tend to focus on more: forgiveness from guilt or freedom from sin’s power? Why?
2. Why do you think Paul says, “Do not be deceived” in verses 9–10?
3. How can sin be deceitful even to sincere Christians?
4. What might the idea of “all things are lawful for me” look like amongst Christians today?
5. Where do you see our culture continuing to be influenced by the Greek philosophy of prioritizing the immaterial world (our thoughts) over the material world (our bodies)?
6. What does it mean that you were “bought with a price”?
7. How does knowing you belong to Christ change the way you think about your body, habits, or desires?
8. What is one area where you want to experience not only forgiveness, but also real freedom this year?
9. How can your group pray for and support you in that?

1 Corinthians 6:1-11

Summary
Paul reminds the church that conflict among believers is not surprising—but how we handle it reveals who we are. In Christ we have been washed, sanctified, and justified, so our disputes must be shaped by the gospel rather than the patterns of the world. This passage calls us to respond to hurt with humility, seek wise and godly help, and live out the reconciling grace we have received in Jesus.

Discussion Questions

• Why do you think Paul is so perplexed and animated in this passage?
• What does Paul mean when he calls the believers “saints,” and why is that so important for how they treat one another?
• Do you agree that conflict is inevitable in a close Christian community?  Why? 
• What encouragement would you give to a new Christian who might be realizing that it is possible to experience hurt and pain even within the church?
• When you are hurt or wronged, which do you tend toward more: fighting back or pulling away? Why?
• What do you think Paul means by “Why not rather suffer wrong?” How does that challenge our instincts?
• What’s the difference between absorbing wrong for the sake of love and ignoring real harm?
• What might it look like today for Christians to seek wise, godly help inside the church when conflicts arise?
• How does verse 11 (“you were washed…sanctified…justified”) reshape the way we see ourselves and others in conflict?
• Why is forgetting who we are in Christ so dangerous when we are hurt or angry?
• Is there a relationship right now where God may be calling you to move toward reconciliation, humility, or forgiveness?
• What would it look like this week to stop rowing with your own “oars” and instead trust Christ to work through the conflict?

Romans 5:1-11

Summary
We come—at long last—to the final sermon in our Advent sermon series.  Today we will consider reconciliation as a powerful picture of our salvation in Christ. In our passage, Paul teaches that through Jesus’ death and resurrection, believers are now reconciled to God.  This is the present reality of every believer. Once enemies of God because of sin, we have been justified by faith and now have peace with God. The war is over, the door to God’s presence is open, and the celebration has begun. As we begin a new year, we are reminded that the greatest restoration we need—and the greatest joy we can know—is peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.

Discussion Questions
1. Read Romans 5:1–2. What blessings does Paul say believers now possess because we have been justified by faith?
2. Why is the phrase “peace with God” (v.1) so significant? How is that different from simply experiencing the “peace of God”?
3. In verses 6–10, Paul uses four words to describe our condition before Christ (weak, ungodly, sinners, enemies). Which of these is most striking to you, and why?
4. Why is it important to remember that reconciliation is a present reality (“now”) and not something we are waiting to achieve?
5. The sermon highlighted three realities of reconciliation:

• The war is over.
• The door is open.
• The celebration has begun.

6. How does knowing that God is for you (not against you) reshape the way you view suffering, hardship, or discipline?
7. Verse 2 says we have “obtained access” into grace. What does it look like practically to live as someone who has access to God?
8. Are there areas in your life where you still live as if the war is ongoing—marked by fear, guilt, or distance from God?
9. How might a deeper awareness of reconciliation change:

• Your prayer life?
• Your response to suffering?
• Your relationships with others?

10. Is there anyone in your life who needs to hear the invitation of 2 Corinthians 5:20: “Be reconciled to God”? How can you pray for or engage them this week?

Ephesians 5:8-16

As we come to the end of 2025, it is a good time to remember that Jesus is coming soon. How we use our remaining time matters. A question we often hear in the evangelical church is, “If you were to die to today and meet God, what would you say if he asked you why He should let you into his heaven?” The simple answer is because Christ is Lord, he has died for my sins, and was raised for my salvation (Romans 4:25). But an equally important question that we often forget to ask is, “If God were to keep you alive for another year, how then should you live?”  Paul’s letter to the Ephesians brings clarity to this important question as he lays out some of the high calling we have as God’s deeply loved, redeemed children.

Reflection/Discussion Questions

1. Pastor Dave compared the Christian walk to a daily relationship with Christ just like two married people need to continue on in a healthy relationship. Share with someone how Jesus has been changing you in the last week or month.
2. How will you reflect Christ’s light and “glow purple” this week?
3. Prayerfully consider making a commitment of your time to the Lord in 2026. You might use the form below to record your commitment.

• Join the church prayer email list (Click HERE to send an email to the church office)
• Pray through the ministries of the church in the bulletin

Colossians 1:13-23

Summary
In our Advent series As Far as the Curse Is Found, we continue exploring why Jesus came. Colossians 1:13–23 tells the stunning story of rescue: God has delivered us from the domain of darkness, where sin once ruled over us, and has transferred us into the kingdom of his beloved Son. Though we were alienated and powerless under sin’s reign, Christ the King has come with real authority, redeeming us and forgiving our sins through his blood. Because he is before all things and holds all things together, he alone is able to break sin’s power and reconcile us to God. Our call now is to continue in the faith—stable, steadfast, and anchored in the hope of the gospel that has brought us from darkness into light.
 
Discussion Questions

1. Paul describes our former condition as being under the “domain of darkness.” How would you describe what that darkness looked like in your own life before Christ?
2. In what area of life do you function as though sin is still in charge? How does this show up in your decisions, reactions, or desires?
3. If instruction alone cannot free us from sin, what are some ways Christians today are tempted to treat “more information” as the solution to spiritual bondage?
4. Which part of Christ’s supremacy in Colossians 1:15–20 do you most need to meditate on as you resist sin? How would trusting his actual authority change your approach?
5. In what ways do we settle for a “sympathetic Jesus” but forget the “sovereign Jesus”? How does this affect our expectations of real change?
6. What helps you stay “stable and steadfast” in the faith when life feels spiritually dark or confusing?
7. What is one tangible step this week that reflects belonging to the kingdom of God’s beloved Son?

John 3:14-18, Numbers 21:4-9


Summary
In John 3:14-18, Jesus reveals why he came: not to condemn the world, but to save it. Like Israel in the wilderness, humanity stands under the just condemnation our sin has earned. Yet God, in love, “gave his only Son” so that all who look to Christ in faith are rescued from destruction and brought into the life of his grace. Eternal life is not merely a future hope but a present reality for all who trust the crucified and risen Savior. As we fix our eyes on Christ, who has been lifted up for us, we rediscover wonder, longing, and joy in the salvation he freely gives.

Discussion Questions

• Jesus says that apart from him we “perish” and are “condemned already.” How does Jesus’ framing of the human problem differ from how our culture typically describes what’s wrong with us?
• What are some examples of the ways people try to deal with guilt, shame, or restlessness apart from God?
• Why do you think Christians often assume the seriousness of sin rather than letting its weight deepen our gratitude and worship?
• How does truly facing the reality of condemnation make the gospel more precious rather than more frightening?
• Jesus says that those who believe “have eternal life”—a present reality, not only a future one. What does “eternal life” look like in everyday experience? How would you describe it to someone new to the faith?
• In the sermon Pastor Billy addressed the danger of seeking the “presence of God” while neglecting the Word of God. Where are you personally tempted to separate God’s presence from God’s Word?
• Jesus compares his saving work to Moses lifting the bronze serpent to save those to looked to the serpent. What does it practically mean to “look to Christ” instead of merely “look at” him?
• How does meditating on the costliness of our salvation reshape your understanding of God’s love?
• Where in your life right now do you feel most aware of the ‘ruin of sin’? Where do you most need to remember the ‘realm of grace’?
• What is one concrete way you can fix your eyes more intentionally on Christ this week?
• Who in your life needs to hear this truth that salvation is as simple and profound as looking to Christ? How might God be calling you to point them to him?

Galatians 3:10-14

Summary
As we begin Advent, we step back from mere sentimentality to consider why Jesus truly came. Scripture tells us that all who rely on the works of the law stand under God’s curse, a reality we rarely think about, yet one that lies at the heart of the gospel. The law exposes our failure, and no amount of moral effort can remove the curse our sin deserves. But the good news is this: Christ redeemed us by becoming a curse for us. On the cross, he bore the judgment we earned so that the blessing promised to Abraham could flow to us. In Jesus, the curse is lifted, our guilt is removed, and we receive the promised Holy Spirit through faith. Advent invites us to see the Savior clearly, God’s Son who took our curse so that we might share his blessing.

Discussion Questions

• What does Paul mean when he says that those who rely on works of the law are “under a curse”?
• Why is the idea of God’s curse so unfamiliar—and even offensive—to modern people?
• How does recovering a biblical understanding of “curse” help us see the gospel more clearly?
• How does this passage challenge the instinct to “try harder” or improve ourselves spiritually through effort?
• What does it mean that Christ redeemed us? What imagery or feelings does that word evoke?
• Paul says Christ became a curse for us. How does this deepen your understanding of what was happening on the cross?
• Verse 14 highlights the blessing of Abraham coming to the Gentiles. What is that blessing?
• How does knowing that Christ took your curse affect the way you view God’s posture toward you today?
• In what ways does sentimentality around Christmas (songs, images, traditions) cloud our understanding of why Jesus came?
• How might focusing on Christ taking the curse lead you into deeper worship, gratitude, or repentance during Advent?
• What might it look like for you to cultivate “sanctified grief” over sin by looking more steadily at the cross?

Psalm 42:1-11

Summary

In Psalm 42, the writer asks himself, "why is my soul downcast?" As you read the psalm, it is clear to us! He is under attack from enemies; he is unable to eat; he is overwhelmed with life. He feels discouraged and depressed, but his circumstances and feelings are not the focus of this Psalm. The focus is what he does amid the trials. He speaks to his soul, confronts his misplaced hope, and puts his trust in the Lord. As followers of Christ, what is our disposition in trials? Do we look any different than those who don’t have Christ? If we don’t, why? Let’s learn from David to surrender to God, allow ourselves to be lifted out of the dumps, and give praise and glory to our gracious God, no matter what! Do you know the Lord’s goodness even when you feel down in the dumps?

Discussion Questions

• Are you struggling with feeling down in the dumps? Who can you share your struggles with to help you turn to the Lord?
• Do you agree that Christians are called to respond to afflictions and sorrows differently than those who do not know Jesus? Why or why not?
• Think of a recent struggle in your life. How did you respond? Did you rely on yourself or God? How did it work out for you?
• Do you talk to yourself more than listening to yourself? What can you do to handle yourself better?
• How does the gospel equip you to take action in the battle against depression? What truth helps you?

Quotes

The main art in the matter of spiritual living is to know how to handle yourself. You have to take yourself in hand, you have to address yourself, preach to yourself, question yourself. You must say to your soul: ‘Why art thou cast down’—what business have you to be disquieted? You must turn on yourself, upbraid yourself, condemn yourself, exhort yourself, and say to yourself: ‘Hope thou in God’—instead of muttering in this depressed, unhappy way. And then you must go on to remind yourself of God, Who God is, and what God is and what God has done, and what God has pledged Himself to do. Then having done that, end on this great note: defy yourself, and defy other people, and defy the devil and the whole world, and say with this man: ‘I shall yet praise Him for the help of His countenance, who is also the health of my countenance and my God’. - Dr. Martin Lloyd Jones

1 Corinthians 5:1-13

Summary

In 1 Corinthians 5, Paul confronts both the serious sexual sin within the Corinthian church and the church’s troubling silence about it. He calls believers to respond to sin, whether in our own lives or in the lives of others, with grief, not arrogance or indifference. Sin grows when minimized, and even a little “leaven” can spread through the whole community. Because Christ our Passover Lamb has been sacrificed, we are called to pursue sincerity and truth, resisting excuses that downplay sin’s seriousness. At times faithful love even requires radical action, always aimed at repentance and spiritual restoration.

Discussion Questions

• Why is Paul troubled not only by the man’s sexual sin but also by the church’s silence? What does this reveal about the role of the church community?
• In verses 6 to 8, Paul uses the image of leaven spreading through the dough. How does this help us understand the progressive nature of sin?
• What does Paul mean when he says Christians are not to “judge outsiders” but are to exercise judgment within the church? How is this different from being judgmental?
• Paul says the church should have mourned instead of boasting. Why is grief the right heart posture toward sin?
• We often swing between two extremes in responding to sin: minimizing it (“no big deal”) or reacting in anger. Which extreme do you tend toward, and why?
• What’s the difference between shame, regret, and true godly grief? How have you experienced each?
• Which of the common excuses Paul addresses (“Everyone sins,” “It is too much work,” “We’re only human”) do you find yourself most tempted to use? What makes that excuse appealing?
• What does “radical action” look like when dealing with sin in your own life? What practical steps help you cut off sin before it grows?
• When someone you love is caught in sin, what does it look like to approach them with grief rather than anger or indifference?
• How do Jesus’ words in Matthew 5:27–30 challenge our tendency to downplay “private” or “internal” sins?
• Paul’s ultimate aim is restoration (“that his spirit may be saved”). How does this shape the way we think about correction, discipline, or accountability?
• Verse 7 says, “Christ, our Passover lamb, has been sacrificed.” How does the gospel keep this from becoming a “do better, try harder” passage?
• What hope does the gospel offer to someone battling sexual sin or any entrenched sin pattern?

Quotes

“How otherwise would St Paul and all the other apostles and carers of souls have so earnestly prescribed as from God this medicine against sin, a medicine so strong and therefore so effective in its healing powers, applying it themselves and vigorously prompting and encouraging everyone to do so, even though this ordinance is not spelled out expressly ot us in the same way as it was to the ancients?” —Martin Bucer, Concerning the True Care of Souls, p.114