Holiness in Freedom: Idolatry

Warm Up:

Think of a few blessings of God you are privileged to enjoy. List three to five that come to mind and share these with your group.

Considering the list you just made, what are a few blessings of God that you often take for granted? If any were taken from you, how would that disrupt your life?

Exploring 1 Corinthians 10:1-22

In verse 1-4, Paul points to Israel’s history. What were some of the blessings they enjoyed?

We are told in verse 5 God was not pleased with most of them, and they paid a stiff penalty. What examples of disobedience are listed in verses 7-10?

It seems Paul is warning the Corinthians that their situation is similar to that of the Israelites. What contemporary wisdom do we learn from verses 11-12? Have you ever been at a place where you thought you were standing firm but fell? What assurance do you gain from verse 13?

In verse 14, what encouragement does Paul emphatically give the Corinthians? Read Tim Keller’s definition of an idol in the “Think” section. List some things we idolize, intentionally or unintentionally.

Application:

How does Communion, the observance and remembrance of the Lord’s body and blood, promote and exemplify unity in the body of Christ (verses 14-22)?

Think:

“An idol is anything more important to you than God, anything that absorbs your heart and imagination more than God, and anything that you seek to give you what only God can give.”

- Counterfeit Gods, Tim Keller

Prayer:

List one or two prayer concerns you can share with your group. Take time to thank God for the blessings of life.