Make Good Choices pt 1. Discussion Guide
Guide: Make Good Choices - Choosing Teams
Scripture: 1 Corinthians 1:1, 10-18
Topic Summary
In part 1 of our series, Make Good Choices, we explore the challenges of making good choices, particularly when those choices involve navigating relationships and potential divisions within the church. The early Christians in Corinth faced similar struggles, choosing sides based on their loyalty to different leaders. Paul addresses these divisions, urging the community to focus on their unity in Christ rather than their differences.
Introduction
Opening Thought:
Reflect on the idea of “making good choices.”
Connection to the Church in Corinth:
Like us, the early church in Corinth faced complicated and unclear choices, particularly about unity and division within the community.
Discussion Questions:
The Weight of Adult Choices:
As children, we receive guidance to make good choices. How has that guidance shifted (or disappeared) as we've grown older?
How do you navigate the complexity of making good choices when the right path isn't clear?
Choosing Teams in the Church:
Read 1 Corinthians 1:12. Paul mentions divisions within the church based on allegiance to different leaders. What are modern examples of similar divisions in our communities?
Why do you think people tend to align themselves with particular leaders or ideologies within the church?
The Danger of Division:
Paul doesn’t criticize the different leaders but rather the divisions they create. How can focusing on our differences (rather than our common faith) harm our communities?
Gospel-Centered Unity:
Paul’s focus is on unity in purpose and intention, not necessarily in thought. How can we speak to each other in ways that promote restoration and unity?
In what ways can we prioritize our shared purpose in Christ over our differences?
Practical Application:
How can we, as a community, disagree well while remaining united in our mission?
What steps can we take to ensure our conversations build up rather than tear down our relationships within the church?
Personal Reflection:
Think of a time when you felt divided from someone over differences in belief or opinion. How did you handle that situation, and what might you do differently now in light of this passage?
Do you believe that Jesus is big enough to hold us together despite our differences? Why or why not?
Conclusion
Challenge and Invitation:
Reflect on how we treat each other when differences arise. Are we respecting one another’s conscience and striving to believe the best about each other?
Consider how we can better embody restorative and knitting-together language in our conversations, trusting that Jesus is sufficient to unite us in purpose.
Closing Reflection:
As we come to the table, let’s remember that unity in Christ is not about uniformity of thought but about being knit together in purpose and intention, even when we disagree.
