14th December, 2021

Group Guides

By way of introduction: Of all the fruit of the Spirit, why do you think “self-control” could be seen as least appealing?

Read 1 Corinthians 9:24-10:13

1. As Paul writes to the church, he picks the athlete as an illustration. In that section (1 Corinthians 9:24-27):

   a. What is similar about an athlete exercising self-control and a disciple of Christ?

   b. What is different? And how does that shape our understanding of self-control?

2. As we move into chapter 10, Paul writes similar things in verses 1, 6 and 11 (the same phrase is repeated in verses 6 and 11). What is his point?

3. From 10:1-5, how were God’s people in the Old Testament saved, and how were they sustained?

4. From 10:6-11, what are the big areas of sin that God’s people in the Old Testament struggled with, and often failed in regards to exercising self-control?

   Helpful cross-references:

   Exodus 32

   Numbers 25

   Exodus 14:11-12, Exodus 15:24, Exodus 16:3, Exodus 17:2-3, Numbers 11, Numbers 14:1-4

5. Discuss what our world considers as virtues today, how does “self-control” rate?

6. What is the opposite to self-control, does it deliver on it’s promises?

7. What do you think a lack of self-control leads to in life, and for eternity, based on what the Bible says here?

8. In 1 Corinthians 10:12-13, we have something serious we need to heed, and something wonderful to hear. Explain what Paul is saying and how God the Spirit helps us in producing the fruit of self-control.

Pray for one another of Reforming, and for friends of Reforming - that we would bear the fruit of self-control in Christ.