Matt Zainea Rockford Campus January 23, 2023
GET IT TOGETHER – United We Serve
SMALL GROUP DISCUSSION GUIDE
REMINDERS
- Men’s and Women’s Ministry Groups began last week – it’s not too late to get jump in! Find out more at: https://magnifychurch.org/events
- Pray for our High School Retreat on February 3. Pray for many students to hear the Gospel and respond with a willing heart!
TOGETHER IN LIFE
** Matt shared a story of camping with his family where they go for a family walk every day, stop along the way and read a book. However, the kids have often thwarted those plans and didn’t want to go for various reasons. Share a story from your life where your plan was frustrated by someone who refused to cooperate.
TOGETHER IN THE WORD
THIS WEEK’S KEY PASSAGE: 1 Corinthians 1:10-17
** Matt Zainea is preaching our sermon series Get It Together, focusing on Paul’s first letter to the church of Corinth known as 1 Corinthians. In it, we will consider the eternal truths for our time in history. There’s so much that is profound, yet very meaningful to our day-to-day lives.
It takes everyone to have unity. It only takes one to have discord.
QUESTION: Why do you think unity in the church is so important to Paul?
QUESTION: What are some of the characteristics of a church that is unified vs. a church that is divided?
QUESTION: Can you remember a time where you felt true unity, either in your marriage, small group, church members, family, etc.? What did that unity mean to you?
“I appeal to you, brothers, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be united in the same mind and the same judgment.” (v10)
NO DIVISIONS
- Same Mind
- Same Judgment
Paul is addressing the first and most important issue of his letter, biblical peace. This does not mean that we always agree, but during disagreements we have the same dispositions of grace and peace toward one another.
QUESTION: It can be easy for us to confuse unity with conformity. How would you describe the difference?
QUESTION: How accepting are you of opinions that are different from yours? Do you assume that disagreement means disrespect, or do you try to understand the other person’s viewpoint?
At CREATION there was no division. There was full unity between:
- God and Man
- Man and Wife
- Man and Creation
- Man and Self
QUESTION: Can you imagine what it was like having full unity with God before the fall? Take some time to dream about what that might have been like and share what comes to mind.
The FALL tore all our unity apart, now sin and death comes between us and everything.
But Jesus doesn’t leave us there. The CROSS has the power to reunify:
- God and Man
- Man and Wife
- Man and Creation
- Man and Self
QUESTION: Although the world, the flesh and the devil fight against it, due to the Cross unity with God is something we can continue to grow in. What do you think would help you to grow in this area?
QUESTION: How do you think growing in unity with God would effect unity in your other relationships?
The Devil comes to church through:
- Division
- Doubt
- Deception
- Discouragement
Bad apples do more damage than we realize.
QUESTION: Can you remember a time where you were a “bad apple” and influenced others by discouragement, a critical spirit, or in some other negative way?
‘”For it has been reported to me by Chloe’s people that there is quarreling among you, my brothers. What I mean is that each one of you says, “I follow Paul,” or “I follow Apollos,” or “I follow Cephas,” or “I follow Christ.” Is Christ divided? Was Paul crucified for you? Or were you baptized in the name of Paul?“‘ (vs.10-13)
IS CHRIST DIVIDED?
To help us understand the text Matt asked us the question, “Did the issue you are divided over, die for you?” Matt’s question helps us to reorder our priorities. Jesus Christ is the only one who was crucified for us, everyone else and all other matters fall short.
QUESTION: Fill in the blank with whatever is most relevant to you right now, “Did __________________________ die for you?” Please explain.
Division by:
- Discord – finding fault, sewing seeds of a critical spirit
- Distance – keeping to yourself, not being known in community
- Disdain – an air of superiority, spiritual haughtiness
QUESTION: Of the three categories listed above, discord, distance or disdain, which one are you most tempted to use?
“For Christ did not send me to baptize but to preach the gospel, and not with words of eloquent wisdom, lest the cross of Christ be emptied of its power.” (v17)
TOGETHER IN PRAYER
Take some time to consider where and how you have sewn division. Ask the Lord how you can build up the body toward unity. Pray for one another to this end.
TOGETHER IN ACTION
Ask yourself this question, “Do I unite in grace and peace or do I divide and diminish Christ?”
