Sermon Based Curriculum
Sermon Date: May 30, 2010
Sermon Title: Who We Are & What We Do
Sermon Text: 1 Peter 2:9-12, 1 Cor. 9:19-23
Small Group Text: 1 Peter 2:9-10, I Cor. 9:19-23
Introduction
Imagine you were a missionary moving into a strange new land. What are some things you would study first before you shared the Gospel? (Their language, their customs, things that would be offensive to them, their needs
Why would these things be important to know? Peter reminds us that we are “aliens” in a strange land (I Peter 2:11). Paul calls us “ambassadors” for Christ (2 Corinthians 5:20). But in I Cor. 9:19-23, the Apostle Paul instructs us to make attempts at fitting-in to the world. Let’s see how this principle applies to each one of us and to our church. and concerns, etc.)
Discussion
Read I Peter 2:9-10 1. According to the Apostle Peter, who are we as Christians? What is our purpose? 2. Obviously, 1 Peter 2:9-10 refers to the people of God. What would this world be like without the church? 3. Now, read 1 Cor. 9:19-23. Paul says he “belongs to no man.” What does this mean? 4. For what purpose did Paul “become like” the people to whom he was ministering? 5. If Paul acts one way in front of one kind of people group and another way in front of another kind of people group, is this not a form of hypocrisy? Why is Paul’s philosophy of ministry not hypocritical? 6. Is it possible for Christians to accommodate the culture to such an extent that the mission of the Gospel becomes compromised? How would you begin to determine that point?
Application
1. Read again 1 Cor. 9:19-23. Paul’s motivation was to win as many as possible as soon as possible by the most effective means possible. Now, read Romans 1:14-16. Obviously, Paul was highly motivated to share the Gospel. What keeps you from having this level of passion for the Gospel? What steps might you take to develop this level of motivation for sharing your faith? 2. Think of someone different from yourself with whom you have daily contact. How might you begin to accommodate the thinking and language of this person in order to create an opportunity to present the Gospel? • Find common ground • Avoid a “know-it-all” attitude • Make him/her feel accepted • Be sensitive to his/her needs and concerns • Look for opportunities to tell them about Christ. 3. What people in your sphere of influence are not hearing the Gospel? What would it mean for you to apply the principles of 1 Cor. 9:19-23, in order to better communicate the Gospel to them?
Sermon-Based Curriculum