OPENER
We’re coming into the end of the year; it would be good to remind ourselves of the goal for 2019:
Confidence in the Bible to speak with authority in every area of our lives.
This month we are going to look at gratitude to God as a key component of all human thriving.
OBJECTIVE
Our objective is to understand that gratitude towards God shapes how we live today in our bodies. That is because gratitude is the appropriate response to the Gospel. What Christ has done for us is undeserved and infinitely rich. Gratitude is the essential attitude of the thriving life—to continually respond to God with gratitude is transformational for us.
PASSAGE:
Read 1 Cor. 10:31-11:1; 1 Cor. 6: 19-20; Col. 3.17
1 Cor 10:31-11:1 31 So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God. 32 Do not cause anyone to stumble, whether Jews, Greeks or the church of God—33 even as I try to please everyone in every way. For I am not seeking my own good but the good of many, so that they may be saved. 1 Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ.
1 Cor. 6:19-20 Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, 20 for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body.
Col. 3:17 17 And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.
STUDY:
Start by reading 1 Cor. 10:31-11:1
Question: What was the context of 1 Cor. 10:31-11:1?
Here are Paul’s main points:
- Idols are nothing, there is one God…no power, no threat in them.
- So eating the cheap meat means nothing…it is not “tainted” it’s just meat.
- However, if it is causing some unbelievers or new believers to struggle or stumble… don’t eat it.
- Don’t use your freedom (If you know the meat is just meat) to harm others who are not there yet in their thinking…they might join you because you are doing it even though they believe it is wrong…and in so doing violate their own conscience.
- He then gives the balance…or the fuller picture to consider.
These idols are nothing, and the meat is just meat.
Question:
Now reread the passage. What are the two primary principles that emerge?
Question:
- What does it say about our motives? What should we act out of—what should guide our actions?
- How can you keep this verse as a guiding principle for your life?
- What did Paul mean when he said to “follow my example?” Why would he say that?
Discuss: How might God’s glory and the “good of others” lead to a life of gratitude. Share how you’ve experienced or seen gratitude flow out of these two principles. Why does living for God’s glory and for others lead to gratitude? To thriving? Why doesn’t living for my own glory and my own needs really fill me with gratitude?
Discuss 1 Cor. 6:19-20 Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, 20 for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body.
Question: What does it mean when Paul said our bodies belong to God?
Discuss: the implications for this verse for your life personally. Share how you see Paul’s words influence the way we engage in life around us. What does it say about our stewardship? How can we find reason for gratitude in this passage? How does this help us to balance all of life? How does it help us to thrive?
APPLICATION:
Gratitude is the appropriate response to the Gospel. What Christ has done for us is undeserved and infinitely rich. Gratitude is the essential attitude of the thriving life—to continually respond to God with gratitude is transformational for us.
Take some time this week and think about how gratitude might:
Shape how you live in your body? Help you find balance?