Have you ever felt that you do not fit in church, either because you are too flawed, or because other people have disappointed you too badly? This sermon turns to the first letter to the Corinthians, where Paul tells that very community it has everything it needs for a good life, and then immediately confronts its quarrels and factions around favourite teachers (1 Corinthians 1). Along the way comes a picture of a damaged boat and of people who roll up their sleeves instead of folding their arms. Listen if you are looking for your place in a church that is both ideal and far from it.
Discussion questions
For your small group or for personal reflection after the sermon.
- Paul opens the letter by thanking God for the Corinthians' grace, knowledge and spiritual gifts, and then immediately writes about quarrels and divisions. What does this contrast tell you about how Paul saw this church?
- The Corinthians were saying: I follow Paul, I follow Apollos, I follow Cephas, I follow Christ. According to the sermon, why did focusing on leaders and their gifts strike at the very heart of the church?
- Chloe's household made a long journey to Ephesus to fight for their church instead of simply walking away. What might have motivated them, and what does their attitude teach you?
- In the story of the damaged boat, some complained about the mast, the sails and the planks, while others rolled up their sleeves. In what situations at church do you find it easiest to be a spectator rather than someone who helps repair?
- A pastor about to turn fifty admitted he was still behind and had a lot to learn. How does humility about your own and others' weaknesses change the way you handle disappointment with people in the church?
- The sermon says that the real church, both ideal and imperfect, is the best place to learn a good life and love. In what specific way do you want to grow in unity with other Christians this week?
