#435 (10/9/21) - GOD IS FAITHFUL (1 COR. 1:9)

This week our devotions are based on 1 Corinthians 1:1-9.

GOD IS FAITHFUL

The state of our hearts and minds rests on these three words: ‘God is faithful’. If God is faithful, we can be at peace. We can rest. We can trust. Lack of trust in God’s faithfulness is at the root of our fear and inaction. We will remain faithful to God because God is faithful to us. Paul could write,

CALLED INTO FELLOWSHIP

This word ‘fellowship’ (Koinonia) is a very important theme in this letter. Fellowship is to be in loving partnership; it’s an unbreakable (covenant) relationship with God and one another. Our confidence in God’s faithfulness to us is that He has called us into fellowship - covenant partnership - with Him. He is devoted to us. We belong to Him. He will never let us go, will never let us down.

Can you say that God is faithful? Are you trusting in His unbreakable fellowship with you? Likewise, can you say that you are being faithful in your fellowship with God and His people?

Can you sing,

“Great is Thy faithfulness, O God my Father

There is no shadow of turning with Thee

Thou changest not, Thy compassions, they fail not

As Thou hast been, Thou forever will be

Great is Thy faithfulness

Great is Thy faithfulness

Morning by morning, new mercies I see

All I have needed, Thy hand hath provided

Great is Thy faithfulness, Lord, unto me”

COMMUNITY GROUP STUDY

1. Notices

It might be good to begin with notices. Please share from this week’s Church News.

2. Icebreaker

How has God spoken to you from the Bible this week?

3. Recap of Sunday's message - please share in your group

On Sunday we began a new series in 1 Corinthians entitled 'Becoming love'. A central idea in the book of 1 Corinthians is the importance of learning to live a life of love.

The title of Sunday's message was, 'GOD IS FAITHFUL TO FINISH WHAT HE BEGINS'.

Please read 1 Corinthians 1:1-9.

Paul begins this challenging letter with an encouragement to remember God's grace and faithfulness. This is a rich text and here are few points from it:

i) He chose us in Christ - The term 'sanctified' means to be chosen by God as His treasured possession. Something that's key to remember and needs to be re-said all the time is that God chose us and saved us in Christ at our worst. We were 'dead in sin' but God saved us through the cross without any reference to our good works. It's all in Jesus who is mentioned at least 8 times in these 9 verses!

ii) He is transforming us - The term 'holy people' means to have a new way of living that is pleasing to God. God has given us His Spirit and is changing us. We read that 'in him you have been enriched in every way—with all kinds of speech and with all knowledge.' God is transforming our way of speaking and thinking.

iii) He gives us all that we need - God promises that 'you do not lack any spiritual gift'. God is faithful to finish what He begins in us and the church by providing all of the spiritual gifts that we need for our edification.

iv) God is faithful - We are weak and faltering, but our Father is faithful to finish the work He began in us. A wonderful phrase is 'God is faithful, who has called you into fellowship with his Son.' 'Fellowship is an unbreakable parnership - like a perfect marriage. God will never give up on His people. Let's be encouraged to trust God to provide all that we need as we seek Him for growth.

Discussion questions

1. Did God speak to you, or what do you plan to do in response to Sunday's message?

2. Do you have any questions about this text?

3. Count up how many times Jesus is mentioned in these 9 verses. How can one be certain of being saved - loved, forgiven and certain of eternal life?

4. Giving thanks is an important application from this text. What are the sorts of things that it's important to give thanks for? (Particularly, take a look at 1:4).

4. How does knowing that we are 'sancified' -chosen by and for God - change us?

5. We are 'called to be His holy people'. What does the bible say about how we can grow in holiness?

5. SIV

Finally, it would be helpful to talk and pray about how we are doing in regard to Serve, Invest and Invite. Do you have any encouraging stories or any plans in this regard? How do you want to pray in regard to our mission?