1. In the recent past, what seemingly minor physical ailment has caused outsized discomfort for you?
Ask two people to read aloud 1 Corinthians 12:12-26; 14:1-12, one after the other, preferably from different Bible versions. Then ask a third person to briefly summarize these passages.
2. The first Scripture passage today speaks of both the human body and the body of Christ (the church) being comprised of many parts.
• In what ways is your church or small group diverse?
• In what ways does your church or small group lack diversity?
• What steps could you take to make it more diverse?
3. Consider how Paul compares the human body to the church body.
• What part (or parts) of your local church body that seems to be weak really is indispensable? (1 Corinthians 12:22).
• What part (or parts) of your local church body might some people outside your church be surprised to learn you treat with special honor? (v. 23).
4. Paul writes, “If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it” (v. 26).
• How is that true in your church or small group? Share some personal examples.
5. In the “Personal Challenge” at the end of his Application column this week, David Faust writes, “Think of someone you consider a ‘hidden gem’ who serves the Lord faithfully without a lot of recognition and fanfare.” Who comes to mind when you think of a “hidden gem” at your church or another church you have attended?
6. What concerns did Paul express about those who would “speak in a tongue” (1 Corinthians 14:2) during a gathering of the church?
• What principles can you glean from this regarding our consideration for others in worship?
7. Summarize why Paul prefers prophecy to speaking in tongues.
• Does anyone have the gift of prophecy today, or do you think that disappeared after the apostolic period?
8. How does Paul seek to “edify” or “build up” the church in today’s lesson texts which concern prophecy, speaking in tongues, and the church body being like the human body?
9. Based on our study and discussion, complete the sentence: “I will . . .”
For Next Week: Read and reflect on 1 Corinthians 1:18—2:7 as we continue with Part 2 of our study of Paul’s first Epistle to the church at Corinth; the theme for next month is “The Powerful Church.” You can also read next week’s supplemental texts and the Study and Application sections as part of your personal study.
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