THREE THINGS TO KNOW
DON’T MISS THIS
Thrive Christmas is December 10 and 12. This is a wonderful opportunity for the women of your group to attend together and invite some friends to join you! Share this link with your group to register for either night at adabible.org/thrivechristmas.
GROUP VALUES
The holidays are an excellent time to invite friends to church or your group who don’t know Jesus. People are more open during the holidays. Spend some time praying as a group for those you want to invite this holiday season. Consider having a group Christmas celebration to invite someone new to your small group.
GROW AS A LEADER
One great opportunity to grow as a leader is through our online modules designed just for small group leaders. Join us at learning.adabible.org/small-groups.
DISCUSSION GUIDE
Welcome to the sixth week of our series, The Culture of the Cross. This week’s conversation centers around giving up our rights so others can come to know Jesus.
What are your Black Friday plans?
Have a few people from your group take turns reading 1 Corinthians 9:7-27 aloud. What is new to you? What stands out?
I HAD A RIGHT
What controversy is Paul still addressing (see 1 Corinthians 9)? What is Paul making a case for him having a right to do?
Why do you think Paul didn’t exercise this right while he was in Corinth? What did he think was at stake?
We think we have the right to control our time, our money, our relationships and our leisure activities. How can demanding control over those areas of our life create conflict with those around us?
I SET MY RIGHTS ASIDE
How do you feel about Paul’s statement, “We put up with anything?”
How could putting up with anything help further the message of Jesus? What are some ways “demanding my rights” could be a roadblock to the Jesus-message?
What do you think Paul means in 1 Corinthians 9:22? What are some ways we might see this today?
What’s the difference between asking the question, “How will I get my rights?” and “What is the most beneficial lifestyle to draw people to Jesus?”
How could setting aside your rights in those relationships improve the image of Jesus?
How have you seen someone’s lifestyle serve as a good example of the love of Jesus?
I’M IN TRAINING
Why would Paul’s image of a race be so powerful for the church in Corinth? What are some difficult things you have done to train for something?
What do you think about the idea of training as part of following Jesus?
How can we train to be a Jesus-follower? Why can it be hard to do?
What’s one thing you want to start or restart doing to train to be more like Jesus?
According to Paul, what’s the prize? How should this help us find the motivation to train?
WRAP UP
This week we discussed giving up freedoms to show the love of Jesus to those around us. What’s one relationship you want to focus on, and how are you planning on acting differently?
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Download the bookmark and card for the Habits of Love Challenge.