Worship Folder

I. THE CHURCH’S POSTURE IN THE WORLD
American culture no longer Christianizes people. What are the implication of this for the church?

II. YOUR PLACE IN THE CHURCH
Religious consumerism is out of place in Christianity. What are the metaphors that Paul uses to describe his ministry? How do they help us rightly imagine our role in the church?

III. GOSPEL POWER IN YOU
Everything Paul did was for the sake of the gospel (1 Cor 9: 23). How does the gospel not only shape, but also empower our life together as a church

Discussion Questions

1. How can you help our church become more hospitable to outsiders and unbelievers?
2. What is religious consumerism? Where do you find it in yourself? Why is it so dangerous?
3. Read 1 Corinthians 9:19 together again. What does it mean to be “free from all”? What does it mean to “make yourself a servant (i.e. a slave) to all”? Which are you more prone towards? How do you find a balance?
4. Paul says that we should do this “for the sake of the gospel” (1 Corinthians 9:23). How does the gospel provide us the pattern and the power for how to live like this towards others?