Connection Group Questions 1.31.2021
Series: Resolution Redo
Message: Know Christ
“For I resolved to know nothing while I was with you
except Jesus Christ and him crucified.”
~ 1 Corinthians 2:2
Open
The etymology of “resolution” is simply “re-solution.” I’m not sure if this is a profound observation, but it was an enlightening one for me (George). Often we already know the solution to a problem or a challenge. We just need to commit to putting the solution into practice and following through.
- Does this change the way you see come of your past resolutions?
- How might you “re-solution” our four biblical resolutions: seek God. Stay pure. Honor God. Know Christ.
Discuss
Read 1 Corinthians 1:18-2:5
18 For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. 19 For it is written:
“I will destroy the wisdom of the wise;
the intelligence of the intelligent I will frustrate.”
20 Where is the wise person? Where is the teacher of the law? Where is the philosopher of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world? 21 For since in the wisdom of God the world through its wisdom did not know him, God was pleased through the foolishness of what was preached to save those who believe. 22 Jews demand signs and Greeks look for wisdom, 23 but we preach Christ crucified: a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles, 24 but to those whom God has called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. 25 For the foolishness of God is wiser than human wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than human strength.
26 Brothers and sisters, think of what you were when you were called. Not many of you were wise by human standards; not many were influential; not many were of noble birth. 27 But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. 28 God chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things—and the things that are not—to nullify the things that are, 29 so that no one may boast before him. 30 It is because of him that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God—that is, our righteousness, holiness and redemption. 31 Therefore, as it is written: “Let the one who boasts boast in the Lord.”
2 And so it was with me, brothers and sisters. When I came to you, I did not come with eloquence or human wisdom as I proclaimed to you the testimony about God. 2 For I resolved to know nothing while I was with you except Jesus Christ and him crucified. 3 I came to you in weakness with great fear and trembling. 4 My message and my preaching were not with wise and persuasive words, but with a demonstration of the Spirit’s power, 5 so that your faith might not rest on human wisdom, but on God’s power.
- How would you explain the “foolishness” of the cross?
- Why would God choose weakness and foolishness to fulfill his mission?
- What does, “Let the one who boasts boast in the Lord,” mean?
- Paul says that his resolution was to know Jesus Christ. What does this “knowing” mean, or, how might you explain knowing Jesus Christ to someone?
- Would you say that you know, and are known by Jesus Christ?
- George quoted his mother-in-law again, “Remember who you are and whose you are.” Why is this so important for our identity and understanding of our lives?
- What is a “demonstration of the Spirit’s power?” Have you experienced the Spirit’s power? Are you praying for more of the Spirit’s power?
- The Spirit’s power changes our lives, and empowers our efforts to share the gospel. The question is, do you want to be changed? And, do you want to share the good news of Jesus Christ?
Apply
Paul went to cities like Corinth with the plan to preach the gospel and plant churches. In doing this he experienced and lived in the power of the Spirit. This power allowed him to focus not on his eloquence or arguments or demonstrations of strength, but on Jesus. He simply resolved to know Jesus Christ and him crucified, and to share the good news of Jesus.
- How might your life change, or look different, if you make this your resolution and your mission- to share the gospel and see Christian community form?
