Discussion Guide: How We View Each Other

Discussion Guide: How We View Each Other

Series: Reputation Matters (1 Corinthians 4)

Opening Prayer

- Begin your time together by asking God to open hearts and minds to His truth and to help you see each other and yourselves through His eyes.

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Key Takeaways

1. We are servants under God's authority - Not leaders creating our own plans, but subordinates executing God's plan

2. We are stewards of the gospel - The miracle God has done in us isn't just for us; we're responsible for sharing it

3. We are recipients, not self-made - Everything we have spiritually has been given to us; there's no room for pride

4. We are spectacles being watched - Angels and the world observe how we live out our faith

5. We need spiritual parents and children - Discipleship involves both learning from others and pouring into others

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Discussion Questions

1. Paul lists six ways we should view ourselves and other believers. Which one stood out to you most and why?

2. What does Paul mean when he says in verse 2 that "it is required in stewards that one be found faithful"? How does this apply to our daily lives?

3. Read verses 3-5 again. Why does Paul say he doesn't even judge himself? What does this teach us about self-evaluation versus God's judgment?

4. Paul describes himself as "hungry, thirsty, poorly clothed, beaten, homeless" yet unstoppable in joy. How do we separate our circumstances from our spiritual reality? Share a time when you experienced joy despite difficult circumstances.

5. The sermon states: "We hate hard conversations, but when you have a spiritual child, they're absolutely necessary." Why do you think we avoid these conversations? What would help you engage in them?

6. Read verse 16: "Therefore I urge you, imitate me." Could you say that to someone with confidence? Why or why not? What would need to change?

7. Do you have any spiritual children—people you're intentionally discipling? If not, who might God be calling you to invest in?

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Personal Reflection

1. The sermon asked: "Do we have a reputation of being a servant of Christ, or is there something else that you serve in your life?" How would you honestly answer that question?

2. Think about the past 2-5 years. Can you identify specific ways God has grown you? If not, what might that indicate about your stewardship?

3. The pastor mentioned that "one of the most popular games people play in the church is evaluating other Christians." Have you caught yourself doing this? How can we shift from judging to serving?

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Prayer Focus

·     Pray for spiritual parents and children in your life (current or future)

·     Ask God to reveal areas where you're not being a faithful steward

·     Pray for unity in the church based on God's definition, not just absence of conflict

·     Ask for boldness to have hard conversations when needed

·     Pray for authentic living—that you would be the same person in all contexts