Small Group Guide for "Unity in the Cross"

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Unity in the Cross

Sunday, April 28th 2024

First Scripture: Psalm 98:1-5

Second Scripture: Acts 18:1-4, 1 Cor. 1:10-18

Use the Two Passages: Focus on the primary and secondary passages used in this sermon.

Pray for Understanding: Before diving into the text, take a moment to pray for guidance and illumination from the Holy Spirit. Ask for wisdom and insight as you study.

Read the Scriptures: Begin by reading the selected Scriptures thoughtfully and prayerfully. Read the passages more than once to familiarize yourself with the content.

Observation Questions: After reading the text, go through the "Observation Questions" section. These questions will help you notice and record specific details about the text. Look for key words, phrases, repeated ideas, and any observations that stand out to you.

Interpretation Questions: Once you've observed the text, proceed to the "Interpretation Questions" section. These questions will guide you in understanding the meaning and context of the passage. Consider the historical and cultural background, the author's intent, and how the passage fits into the larger narrative of the Bible.

Application Questions: Finally, explore the "Application Questions." These questions will help you apply the lessons and insights from the Scriptures to your own life. Reflect on how the text speaks to your faith, relationships, and daily choices.

Journal Your Insights: Write down your observations, interpretations, and applications in a journal or notebook. This will serve as a valuable record of your spiritual growth and understanding of the Word of God.

Discussion and Sharing: If you are studying in a group, take time to discuss your findings with others. Share your insights, listen to their perspectives, and learn from one another.

Pray for Transformation: As you conclude your study, pray for the transformation of your heart and mind. Ask God to help you live out the truths you've discovered in the Scriptures.

Consistency is Key: Make a habit of using this inductive Bible study method regularly. The more you practice, the more confident and skilled you will become in studying and understanding the Bible.

Remember that the goal of this inductive study method is not just to gain knowledge but to deepen your relationship with God and apply His Word to your life. Approach your study with an open heart, a curious mind, and a desire to grow in your faith.

May your study be richly blessed, and may God's Word transform your life as you engage with it through the inductive method.

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  1. Acts 18 tells us that Priscilla and Aquila were in Corinth because they were expelled from Rome (18:2). What might we learn from Priscilla and Aquila about turning difficult circumstances into an opportunity to proclaim the gospel? What difficult circumstances have you (or your community) faced, or are you facing now? How have those circumstances provided opportunity for proclaiming the gospel (or how might they)?
  2. Acts tells us that Paul, Priscilla, and Aquila got to know each other because they were tentmakers who worked together (18:4). What do you think is the role of relationships outside of the church in forming community to spread the gospel?
  3. The church in Corinth seems to have become divided over their loyalty to specific church leaders (“I belong to Paul,” “I belong to Cephas,” “I belong to Apollos”) forgetting that ultimately they all “belong to Christ” (1 Corinthians 1:12). In what way(s) do you think the church today becomes divided over competing loyalties? How might we remind ourselves of our ultimate unity in Christ?
  4. Paul says that “the message about the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God” (1:18). What role does the cross play in your own understanding of the Christian faith? In what way(s) do you think the cross can be perceived as “foolishness”? In what ways is it “the power of God”?
  5. Paul says that Christ sent him to proclaim the gospel, “but not with eloquent wisdom so that the cross of Christ might not be emptied of its power” (1:17). What do you think Paul means that “eloquent wisdom” can empty the cross of its power? Given that, what do you think good proclamation of the gospel might look like?

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