Sermons – St Bart's Anglican Church (Toowoomba)

Sermon & Small Group Resources

This is the first of two sermons in our mini-series on What Would Jesus Say. This sermon is ‘To The Satisfied?’. Preacher: The Rev’d Michael Calder. Bible Reading: Luke 12:13-21

DOWNLOAD the Small Group Questions, Going Deeper, and Sermon Transcript (PDF).

Next Steps this Week

Someone in the crowd said to him, “Teacher, tell my brother to divide the inheritance with me.”

Jesus replied, “Man, who appointed me a judge or an arbiter between you?” Then he said to them, “Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; life does not consist in an abundance of possessions.”

And he told them this parable: “The ground of a certain rich man yielded an abundant harvest. He thought to himself, ‘What shall I do? I have no place to store my crops.’

“Then he said, ‘This is what I’ll do. I will tear down my barns and build bigger ones, and there I will store my surplus grain. And I’ll say to myself, “You have plenty of grain laid up for many years. Take life easy; eat, drink and be merry.”’

“But God said to him, ‘You fool! This very night your life will be demanded from you. Then who will get what you have prepared for yourself?’

“This is how it will be with whoever stores up things for themselves but is not rich toward God.”

Download in PDF format.

CONNECT: How can we live in such a way that refreshes the spirit of our leaders and our brothers and sisters in Christ?

WARM-UP

1. If you were to ask the people on your frontlines who aren’t followers of Jesus what they thought being satisfied looked like, what do you think they would say?

2. How would you define satisfaction?

Read Ecclesiastes 2:4-11

1. What did satisfaction look like before the fall? How does the fall impact our relationship with creation and even our satisfaction?

2. What is the one thing that all created things have in common because of the fall?

3. Why wasn’t the writer of Ecclesiastes satisfied with all the possessions that he had amassed?

4. Why won’t we ever find satisfaction in created things without any reference to the creator?

5. Can we ever be at risk of attempting to find satisfaction in created things? What in particular? How could we keep ourselves from this?

Read Luke 12:13-21

1. How does this man’s question reveal the condition of his heart? How does Jesus respond?

2. What does Jesus say to the satisfied or to those pursuing earthly satisfaction? What’s the danger that he is warning us about?

3. What is the, already, rich man’s problem? What is his solution? What is his more significant problem?

4. How does God respond to this man’s arrogance? Why is this man a fool?

5. If we aren’t to find satisfaction in earthly things, where can we find satisfaction?

6. Read Luke 12:32-34. What is in store for this who have their trust in Jesus? How has this been made possible? Can we return to satisfaction as it was before the fall?

7. Until Jesus comes again, how can we be satisfied even while living in a fallen world? Who could we tell of this on our frontlines?

APPLY:  Is there anyone on your frontline that needs to hear of the eternal satisfaction of Jesus?

Gracious God, thank you that you that you created a good creation and for us to be in relationship with you. We are sorry for when we sin against you and attempt to find satisfaction in your creation rather than you. Thank you for the eternal satisfaction that has been made available in the Gospel. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

On Your Frontline This Week: Who are the other Christians on your frontline? Do you pray together for the people and activities on your frontline?

Listen, Watch, and Read:

• AUDIO: ‘On Guard Against Greed’ by Alistair Begg

• AUDIO: ‘A Safe Investment’ by William Taylor

• AUDIO: ‘The Search for Satisfaction’ by Alistair Begg

• VIDEO: ‘Uncovering Satisfaction’ by Tim Keller
  

Series Resources:

Some helpful resources for our Series:

• Series Overview Published by St Bart’s

• “Freedom to Self-Forgetfulness: The Path to True Christian Joy” by Tim Keller

• “Surprised by Joy” by CS Lewis

• “Can I Have Joy in my Life” by RC Sproul

Grow as Families

Each week St Bart’s Kids and CHARGE Youth provides resources for you to use at home. Join the livestream and then spend 30 minutes to work through these together.

Families: Read, Chat, Do, and Pray

High School: CHARGE Discussion Questions

Kids’ Talk: Watch the Kids’ Talk

eBook: Watch the eBook

Sermon & Small Group Resources

This is the eighteenth and final sermon in our series on God’s Church (1 Corinthians). This sermon is ‘Stand Firm’. Preacher: The Rev’d Dr Daniel Rouhead. Bible Reading: 1 Corinthians 16

DOWNLOAD the Small Group Questions, Going Deeper, and Sermon Transcript (PDF).

Next Steps this Week

Now about the collection for the Lord’s people: Do what I told the Galatian churches to do. On the first day of every week, each one of you should set aside a sum of money in keeping with your income, saving it up, so that when I come no collections will have to be made. Then, when I arrive, I will give letters of introduction to the men you approve and send them with your gift to Jerusalem. If it seems advisable for me to go also, they will accompany me.

After I go through Macedonia, I will come to you—for I will be going through Macedonia. Perhaps I will stay with you for a while, or even spend the winter, so that you can help me on my journey, wherever I go. For I do not want to see you now and make only a passing visit; I hope to spend some time with you, if the Lord permits. But I will stay on at Ephesus until Pentecost, because a great door for effective work has opened to me, and there are many who oppose me.

When Timothy comes, see to it that he has nothing to fear while he is with you, for he is carrying on the work of the Lord, just as I am. No one, then, should treat him with contempt. Send him on his way in peace so that he may return to me. I am expecting him along with the brothers.

Now about our brother Apollos: I strongly urged him to go to you with the brothers. He was quite unwilling to go now, but he will go when he has the opportunity.

Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong. Do everything in love.

You know that the household of Stephanas were the first converts in Achaia, and they have devoted themselves to the service of the Lord’s people. I urge you, brothers and sisters, to submit to such people and to everyone who joins in the work and labors at it. I was glad when Stephanas, Fortunatus and Achaicus arrived, because they have supplied what was lacking from you. For they refreshed my spirit and yours also. Such men deserve recognition.

Download in PDF format.

CONNECT: How can you give yourself ‘more fully’ to the work of the Lord (on one of your frontlines) this week?

WARM-UP

1. Have you ever had the experience of being in a church service in which you couldn’t understand much of what was happening? What was it like? How did you feel?

Read 1 Corinthians 16:1-4

1. What was “the collection for the Lord’s people”? How did it connect with the Corinthians’s faith?

2. How were the Corinthians to set aside money for this gift? What are the key principles of Christian generosity?

3. Also looking at Galatians 6:9-10, do you grow weary in your generosity? How can this be overcome?

4. Towards whom should we, as Christians, be generous?

Read 1 Corinthians 16:5-12

1. Why did Paul want to spend time with the Corinthians, and why was he delayed?

2. Why would Timothy fear visiting the Corinthians again? How does Paul compare Timothy’s ministry to his, and what is the significance of this?

3. Why would Apollos be reluctant to visit Corinth at this particular time? What does this say about the Corinthian church?

4. How can we respect the leaders in our church who exercise authority over us?

5. What would the consequences be of attempting to usurp the Godly authority of our leaders?

6. How is our church’s mission and unity connected?

Read 1 Corinthians 16:13-18

1. What are the five short messages Paul gives to the Corinthians? Does one speak particularly to you?

2. Why are these messages so relevant to the Corinthians?

3. How can we be on guard and stand firm in the faith? How can we be strong and courageous?

4. How can make sure that everything among us is done in love?

APPLY:  How can we live in such a way that refreshes the spirit of our leaders and our brothers and sisters in Christ?

Gracious Father, help us to love the Lord so that we can stand firm in generosity, stand firm together and stand firm in faith and love. Unite us in the bonds of love, through Jesus Christ, Amen. 

On Your Frontline This Week: Amongst the people you see week to week, who seems like they would never be interested in Jesus? Pray and invite them to Alpha.

Listen, Watch, and Read:

• AUDIO: “What are the Gospel’s Priorities?” By John Stott

• AUDIO: Four-Part Series on 1 Corinthians 16 by Dick Lucas:
  1 Corinthians 16:1-4 // 1 Corinthians 16:5-12 // 1 Corinthians 16:14-24 // 1 Corinthians 16:15-16
  

Series Resources:

Some helpful resources for our Series:

• Series Overview Published by St Bart’s

• Website: “First Corinthians” by the Bible Project

• Course: “1 Corinthians” as part of the Ridley Certificate (6-week online course)

Grow as Families

Each week St Bart’s Kids and CHARGE Youth provides resources for you to use at home. Join the livestream and then spend 30 minutes to work through these together.

Families: Read, Chat, Do, and Pray

High School: CHARGE Discussion Questions

Kids’ Talk: Watch the Kids’ Talk

eBook: Watch the eBook

Sermon & Small Group Resources

This is the seventeenth sermon in our series on God’s Church (1 Corinthians). This sermon is ‘The Fruit of the Resurrection‘. Preacher: The Rev’d Adam Lowe. Bible Reading: 1 Corinthians 15:35-58

DOWNLOAD the Small Group Questions, Going Deeper, and Sermon Transcript (PDF).

Next Steps this Week

The Resurrection Body

But someone will ask, “How are the dead raised? With what kind of body will they come?” How foolish! What you sow does not come to life unless it dies. When you sow, you do not plant the body that will be, but just a seed, perhaps of wheat or of something else. But God gives it a body as he has determined, and to each kind of seed he gives its own body. Not all flesh is the same: People have one kind of flesh, animals have another, birds another and fish another. There are also heavenly bodies and there are earthly bodies; but the splendor of the heavenly bodies is one kind, and the splendor of the earthly bodies is another. The sun has one kind of splendor, the moon another and the stars another; and star differs from star in splendor.

So will it be with the resurrection of the dead. The body that is sown is perishable, it is raised imperishable; it is sown in dishonor, it is raised in glory; it is sown in weakness, it is raised in power; it is sown a natural body, it is raised a spiritual body.

If there is a natural body, there is also a spiritual body. So it is written: “The first man Adam became a living being”; the last Adam, a life-giving spirit. The spiritual did not come first, but the natural, and after that the spiritual. The first man was of the dust of the earth; the second man is of heaven. As was the earthly man, so are those who are of the earth; and as is the heavenly man, so also are those who are of heaven. And just as we have borne the image of the earthly man, so shall we bear the image of the heavenly man.

I declare to you, brothers and sisters, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God, nor does the perishable inherit the imperishable. Listen, I tell you a mystery: We will not all sleep, but we will all be changed— in a flash, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed. For the perishable must clothe itself with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality. When the perishable has been clothed with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality, then the saying that is written will come true: “Death has been swallowed up in victory.”

“Where, O death, is your victory?
    Where, O death, is your sting?”

The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.

Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.

Download in PDF format.

CONNECT: What is one priority in your life that is shaped by the certainty of future physical resurrection?

WARM-UP

1. What aspect of the resurrection of the dead do you find most challenging to grasp?

2. What aspect of the resurrection of the dead do you find most exciting?

Read 1 Corinthians 15:35-44

1. What are the questions that Paul raises? Which of these does he focus his answers on?

2. What analogy does Paul use to explain the type of resurrection that awaits us? What does it mean?

3. How is it clear that our resurrection is a physical one? How is this different from just a dead person coming alive? How do you long to be made new?

4. What are the contrasts between our ‘former self’ and ‘resurrected self’ in verses 42-44? Can you explain what these mean? What in particular does it mean to be ‘imperishable’?

5. What does Paul mean by ‘natural body’ and ‘spiritual body’? Why is this critical to understand?

Read 1 Corinthians 15:45-50

1. What contrast is Paul making in these verses between our two family trees?

2. What is the fruit (or inheritance) of our earthly heritage? How is that evident today?

3. If we are in Jesus, what is the inheritance that is promised through him?

Read 1 Corinthians 15:51-57

1. What did some of the Corinthians mistakingly believe about ‘the end’? How is it evident that the end has not actually arrived yet? How will we know?

2. When will we be transformed with new bodies? How long will this take to happen?

3. Who gives us the victory over sin and death? How has Jesus made this possible?

4. What do you think it looks like to stand firm in these things? But also more generally?

5. What do you think it looks like to give ourselves fully to the work of the Lord (on all of your

   frontlines)? Do you ever feel like your work is in vain? How does our promised future change this?

APPLY:  How can you give yourself ‘more fully’ to the work of the Lord (on one of your frontlines) this week?

Heavenly Father, please help us to stand firm on the truth of the Gospel, rejoice in the future that awaits us, and always give ourselves fully to the work of the Lord. How we thank you that our labour in the Lord is not in vain. In Jesus’ Name, Amen. 


On Your Frontline This Week: Pray for the people on your frontline. Who might be one person you could invite along to Alpha?

Listen, Watch, and Read:

• AUDIO: “What kind of body?” By William Taylor

• AUDIO: “Easter Hope” by Rico Tice

• ARTICLE: Jeff Bezos Invests Millions in hope of Life Forever

• CHAPTER: from “what Christians Believe” by Michael Bird: “Believing in Salvation, Waiting for God’s New World.”

• BOOK: “Raise Forever” by Rory Shiner

• BOOK: “Resurrection” by N T Wright

• ARTICLE: “Did Jesus rise from the dead” by John Dickson
  

Series Resources:

Some helpful resources for our Series:

• Series Overview Published b...

Sermon & Small Group Resources

This is the sixteenth sermon in our series on God’s Church (1 Corinthians). This sermon is ‘The Basis of Faith."‘ Preacher: The Rev’d Adam Lowe. Bible Reading: 1 Corinthians 15:1-34

DOWNLOAD the Small Group Questions, Going Deeper, and Sermon Transcript (PDF).

Next Steps this Week

BIBLE READING: 1 Corinthians 15:1-34

Now, brothers and sisters, I want to remind you of the gospel I preached to you, which you received and on which you have taken your stand. By this gospel you are saved, if you hold firmly to the word I preached to you. Otherwise, you have believed in vain.

For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures, and that he appeared to Cephas, and then to the Twelve. After that, he appeared to more than five hundred of the brothers and sisters at the same time, most of whom are still living, though some have fallen asleep. Then he appeared to James, then to all the apostles, and last of all he appeared to me also, as to one abnormally born.

For I am the least of the apostles and do not even deserve to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God. But by the grace of God I am what I am, and his grace to me was not without effect. No, I worked harder than all of them—yet not I, but the grace of God that was with me. Whether, then, it is I or they, this is what we preach, and this is what you believed.

But if it is preached that Christ has been raised from the dead, how can some of you say that there is no resurrection of the dead? If there is no resurrection of the dead, then not even Christ has been raised. And if Christ has not been raised, our preaching is useless and so is your faith. More than that, we are then found to be false witnesses about God, for we have testified about God that he raised Christ from the dead. But he did not raise him if in fact the dead are not raised. For if the dead are not raised, then Christ has not been raised either. And if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins. Then those also who have fallen asleep in Christ are lost. If only for this life we have hope in Christ, we are of all people most to be pitied.

But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. For since death came through a man, the resurrection of the dead comes also through a man. For as in Adam all die, so in Christ all will be made alive. But each in turn: Christ, the firstfruits; then, when he comes, those who belong to him. Then the end will come, when he hands over the kingdom to God the Father after he has destroyed all dominion, authority and power. For he must reign until he has put all his enemies under his feet. The last enemy to be destroyed is death. For he “has put everything under his feet.” Now when it says that “everything” has been put under him, it is clear that this does not include God himself, who put everything under Christ. When he has done this, then the Son himself will be made subject to him who put everything under him, so that God may be all in all.

Now if there is no resurrection, what will those do who are baptized for the dead? If the dead are not raised at all, why are people baptized for them? And as for us, why do we endanger ourselves every hour? I face death every day—yes, just as surely as I boast about you in Christ Jesus our Lord. If I fought wild beasts in Ephesus with no more than human hopes, what have I gained? If the dead are not raised,

“Let us eat and drink,
    for tomorrow we die.”

Do not be misled: “Bad company corrupts good character.” Come back to your senses as you ought, and stop sinning; for there are some who are ignorant of God—I say this to your shame.

SMALL GROUP QUESTIONS

Download in PDF format.

CONNECT: How can you use your gifts in peaceful and ordered ways to build up the church?

WARM-UP

1. What do you think most Australians believe happens after death?

2. What are the common misconceptions that the Corinthians held about the resurrection?

3. Do you see any similarities between the Corinthians and what our culture thinks about the afterlife?

Read 1 Corinthians 15:1-11

1. What does Paul mean by reminding them of the Gospel which he preached?

2. Why does it seem that Paul had to remind the Corinthians of the basic news of the Gospel?

3. What are the contents of the Gospel as Paul describes them here?

4. Are these words (vv.4-8) Paul’s? When do they date from? How does this give us certainty?

5. How does Paul describe himself in these verses? What changed his perspective about Jesus?

6. How does recognising Jesus’ resurrection as an event, increase your certainty of the future?

Read 1 Corinthians 15:12-22

1. What, according to Paul, is the connection between Jesus’ resurrection and ours?

2. Why is the bodily resurrection and our future resurrection so central to Christianity?

3. If Jesus was not raised from the dead, what are the implications for us in ministry, life, and future?

4. How does Jesus make this great reversal possible? What does it mean for all of creation?

5. What is meant by Jesus’ resurrection being the firstfruits? What does it mean for us?

Read 1 Corinthians 15:23-34

1. What does Paul mean by ‘each in turn’? What false teaching may he have been trying to correct?

2. If someone believes that death will ultimately win out, why would we just “eat and drink”?

3. What does it mean to live in recognition of Jesus’ resurrection and in anticipation of his return?

4. Who are examples of people who help you remain faithful in anticipation of Jesus’ return?

5. How is Jesus’ resurrection and coming return such good news for our world today?

6. If we are promised future bodies, why does it matter what we do with our bodies today?

APPLY:  What is one priority in your life that is shaped by the certainty of future physical resurrection?

PRAYER

Gracious Father, we thank you for the certain news of Jesus’ resurrection and the guarantee of our future resurrection that it brings. Please help us to live in accordance with this reality. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

GOING DEEPER

On Your Frontline This Week: Pray for the people on your frontline. Who might be one person you could invite along to Alpha?

Listen, Watch, and Read:

• SHORT BOOK: “Why Believe Jesus’ Resurrection” by James Dunn

• AUDIO: 1 Corinthians 15 by William Taylor
  

Sermon & Small Group Resources

This is the fifteenth sermon in our series on God’s Church (1 Corinthians). This sermon is ‘Peace not Confusion."‘ Preacher: The Rev’d Michael Calder. Bible Reading: 1 Corinthians 14:26-40

DOWNLOAD the Small Group Questions, Going Deeper, and Sermon Transcript (PDF).

Next Steps this Week

BIBLE READING: 1 Corinthians 14:26-40

What then shall we say, brothers and sisters? When you come together, each of you has a hymn, or a word of instruction, a revelation, a tongue or an interpretation. Everything must be done so that the church may be built up. If anyone speaks in a tongue, two—or at the most three—should speak, one at a time, and someone must interpret. If there is no interpreter, the speaker should keep quiet in the church and speak to himself and to God.

Two or three prophets should speak, and the others should weigh carefully what is said. And if a revelation comes to someone who is sitting down, the first speaker should stop. For you can all prophesy in turn so that everyone may be instructed and encouraged. The spirits of prophets are subject to the control of prophets. For God is not a God of disorder but of peace—as in all the congregations of the Lord’s people.

Women should remain silent in the churches. They are not allowed to speak, but must be in submission, as the law says. If they want to inquire about something, they should ask their own husbands at home; for it is disgraceful for a woman to speak in the church.

Or did the word of God originate with you? Or are you the only people it has reached? If anyone thinks they are a prophet or otherwise gifted by the Spirit, let them acknowledge that what I am writing to you is the Lord’s command. 38 But if anyone ignores this, they will themselves be ignored.

Therefore, my brothers and sisters, be eager to prophesy, and do not forbid speaking in tongues. But everything should be done in a fitting and orderly way.

SMALL GROUP QUESTIONS

Download in PDF format.

CONNECT: What are the key ways in which you could use your gifts more for the building up of God’s church?

WARM-UP

1. Have you ever experienced a moment or an event of extreme chaos? Why is it important that when we gather together, there isn’t chaos?

Read 1 Corinthians 14:26-33

1. Who has God gifted in the church and with what type of gifts? What would be the result of everyone using all their gifts all at the same time?

2. What is the lens that we should see our gifts through? What question should we be asking as we come to us our gifts especially in the context of the gathered church?

3. Why does Paul go into such granular detail here? Why would the people who wished to speak required to speak one at a time?

4. If there was no interpretation of the tongues, what would they have to do? Why?

5. In what circumstances might we have to show restraint or not use our gifts? What should be the guiding principal?

6. When the church gathers, what should there be? Why? What regulations did Paul set out for those who wished to share their prophesy?

7. Why is the ‘weighing’ of any teaching important? How might we do this today?

8. In what ways to we see God bringing order out chaos? How might our usage of gifts reflect this?

Read 1 Corinthians 14:34-40

1. In light of 1 Corinthians 11:2-15, does this passage forbid women from speaking at all in gatherings? How can we reconcile the two?

2. What was happening in their gatherings? What may have been ‘disgraceful’ about the interactions between husbands and wives?

3. How can we ensure that we maintain peace and order amongst all of our relationships in the gathered church?

4. What role should the word of God have in our lives? How does it tell of the peace and order of God?

APPLY:  How can you use your gifts in peaceful and ordered ways to build up the church?

PRAYER

Heavenly Father, thank you for the privilege that it is to gather together as your people to build each other up. Help us to use our gifts in peace and in service of you. Where we should use our gifts, show us. Where we should be still, remind us. Help us to do all we do for your glory and not ours. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

GOING DEEPER

On Your Frontline This Week: How can you remain fruitful over the long-term? If you’d like to explore this with others, join us at our Work + Faith meeting, 7-8AM Wednesday 1 September.

Listen, Watch, and Read:

• AUDIO: “Prophecy then and Now” by Dick Lucas
  Part 1 // Part 2

• AUDIO (Podcast): “Ask N T Wright Anything” on the gifts of the Spirit

• AUDIO (with Q&A): “Confusion or Peace” by Charlie Skrine

• AUDIO: “God Loves Order Not Chaos” by Ray Galea

• AUDIO: “All Things from God” by Adam Lowe
  

Series Resources:

Some helpful resources for our Series:

• Series Overview Published by St Bart’s

• Website: “First Corinthians” by the Bible Project

• Course: “1 Corinthians” as part of the Ridley Certificate (6-week online course)

WITH CHILDREN

Grow as Families

Each week St Bart’s Kids and CHARGE Youth provides resources for you to use at home. Join the livestream and then spend 30 minutes to work through these together.

Families: Read, Chat, Do, and Pray

High School: CHARGE Discussion Questions

Kids’ Talk: Watch the Kids’ Talk

eBook: Watch the eBook

Sermon & Small Group Resources

This is the fourteenth sermon in our series on God’s Church (1 Corinthians). This sermon is ‘Building up the Church…’. Preacher: The Rev’d Adam Lowe. Bible Reading: 1 Corinthians 14:1-25

DOWNLOAD the Small Group Questions, Going Deeper, and Sermon Transcript (PDF).

Next Steps this Week

BIBLE READING: 1 Corinthians 14:1-25

Follow the way of love and eagerly desire gifts of the Spirit, especially prophecy. For anyone who speaks in a tongue does not speak to people but to God. Indeed, no one understands them; they utter mysteries by the Spirit. But the one who prophesies speaks to people for their strengthening, encouraging and comfort. Anyone who speaks in a tongue edifies themselves, but the one who prophesies edifies the church. I would like every one of you to speak in tongues, but I would rather have you prophesy. The one who prophesies is greater than the one who speaks in tongues, unless someone interprets, so that the church may be edified.

Now, brothers and sisters, if I come to you and speak in tongues, what good will I be to you, unless I bring you some revelation or knowledge or prophecy or word of instruction? Even in the case of lifeless things that make sounds, such as the pipe or harp, how will anyone know what tune is being played unless there is a distinction in the notes? Again, if the trumpet does not sound a clear call, who will get ready for battle? So it is with you. Unless you speak intelligible words with your tongue, how will anyone know what you are saying? You will just be speaking into the air. Undoubtedly there are all sorts of languages in the world, yet none of them is without meaning. If then I do not grasp the meaning of what someone is saying, I am a foreigner to the speaker, and the speaker is a foreigner to me. So it is with you. Since you are eager for gifts of the Spirit, try to excel in those that build up the church.

For this reason the one who speaks in a tongue should pray that they may interpret what they say. For if I pray in a tongue, my spirit prays, but my mind is unfruitful. So what shall I do? I will pray with my spirit, but I will also pray with my understanding; I will sing with my spirit, but I will also sing with my understanding. Otherwise when you are praising God in the Spirit, how can someone else, who is now put in the position of an inquirer, say “Amen” to your thanksgiving, since they do not know what you are saying? You are giving thanks well enough, but no one else is edified.

I thank God that I speak in tongues more than all of you. But in the church I would rather speak five intelligible words to instruct others than ten thousand words in a tongue.

Brothers and sisters, stop thinking like children. In regard to evil be infants, but in your thinking be adults. 21 In the Law it is written:

“With other tongues

and through the lips of foreigners

I will speak to this people,

but even then they will not listen to me,

says the Lord.”

Tongues, then, are a sign, not for believers but for unbelievers; prophecy, however, is not for unbelievers but for believers. So if the whole church comes together and everyone speaks in tongues, and inquirers or unbelievers come in, will they not say that you are out of your mind? But if an unbeliever or an inquirer comes in while everyone is prophesying, they are convicted of sin and are brought under judgment by all, as the secrets of their hearts are laid bare. So they will fall down and worship God, exclaiming, “God is really among you!”

SMALL GROUP QUESTIONS

Download in PDF format.

CONNECT: How could you demonstrate Christ’s love on your frontlines this week?

WARM-UP

1. Have you ever had the experience of being in a church service in which you couldn’t understand much of what was happening? What was it like? How did you feel?

Read 1 Corinthians 14:1-12

1. What are the two gifts of speech that Paul describes in this chapter? Can you define them?

2. According to these verses, what is the intended purpose of our gifts? What does edification mean?

3. Can you think of practical examples of what it looks like to build up God’s Church?

4. What are the three images that Paul uses? Why is helping to ensure ‘understanding’ so essential if our purpose is to build up God’s church? How do you see this as evident at St Bart’s?

5. Is Paul saying that the gift of tongues is unhelpful? Why does the context matter?

6. When we gather together on a Sunday, how often do you consider your role in helping to build up other brothers and sisters in Christ? How could we prepare more intentionally to do this?

Read 1 Corinthians 14:13-19

1. How does Paul describe the way that he would pray and speak? What does this mean?

2. What does using our gifts with our whole selves actually look like in practice?

3. Why is it a mistake to create a false dichotomy between ‘spirit’ and ‘mind’?

4. Do we ever rank particular gifts as more ‘spiritual’ than others? How so? Why is this so unhelpful?

5. How can we help ensure that people are able to fully participate together on a Sunday?

Read 1 Corinthians 14:20-25

1. Who is the gift of ‘tongues’ a sign for? What does Paul actually mean by this? How does the quote from Isaiah 28 help us understand this?

2. How does prophecy help those who do not yet believe? What does that look like in our context?

3. In what ways do you think our Sunday gatherings are mindful of those who do not yet believe? How could we even be more active in thinking about those who do not yet believe?

APPLY:  What are the key ways in which you could use your gifts more for the building up of God’s church?

PRAYER

Gracious Father, thank you for the gifts that you have entrusted to us for the building up of your church. Please help us to use these gifts always and increasingly for your good purposes. In Jesus’ Name, Amen. 

GOING DEEPER

On Your Frontline This Week: How is God using your gifts on your frontline? Maybe ask a colleague or friend if you’re not sure.

Listen, Watch, and Read:

• AUDIO: “Prophecy then and Now” by Dick Lucas
  Part 1 // Part 2

• AUDIO (Podcast): “Ask N T Wright Anything” on the gifts of the Spirit

• AUDIO: “Gifted and Godly” by Hugh Palmer

• AUDIO: “Tongues and Worship” by Tim Keller:

Sermon & Small Group Resources

This is the thirteenth sermon in our series on God’s Church (1 Corinthians). This sermon is ‘Faith, Hope, and Love’. Preacher: The Rev’d Michael Calder. Bible Reading: 1 Corinthians 13

DOWNLOAD the Small Group Questions, Going Deeper, and Sermon Transcript (PDF).

Next Steps this Week

BIBLE READING: 1 Corinthians 13

If I speak in the tongues of men or of angels, but do not have love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing. If I give all I possess to the poor and give over my body to hardship that I may boast, but do not have love, I gain nothing.

Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. t does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.

Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away. For we know in part and we prophesy in part, but when completeness comes, what is in part disappears. When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put the ways of childhood behind me. For now we see only a reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.

And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.

SMALL GROUP QUESTIONS

Download in PDF format.

CONNECT: Who is one person who you could encourage in the active use of their gifts for the Lord?

WARM-UP

1. If you were to ask a friend who wasn’t Christian what they thought love meant, what do you think they would say?

2. If a friend who wasn’t a Christian was to ask you what you thought love was, what would you say?

Read 1 Corinthians 13:1-7

1. According to this passage, how are we meant to use our gifts? Why? What is the danger of not using our gifts in this way?

2. What does Paul mean by him being only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal, him being nothing, and him gaining nothing?

3. In what areas are you serving? What attitude do you have towards using your gifts?

4. Practically, how could you remind yourself of the importance of love wherever or whoever you serve?

5. What sort of love are we to have and serve with?

6. Where have we seen the elements of this list before? How is love the ultimate solution to the problems of the Corinthians?

7. Re-read V4-7 and put your name where love is described. Is this an accurate description of your life?

8. Where do we see this love lived out completely? How are we recipients of this love? How can we grow to be more like this in all that we do, especially as we take our part in building up God’s church?

Read 1 Corinthians 13:8-13

1. What is the role and purpose of our gifts now? What will happen to our gifts and even our human knowledge when Christ returns?

2. How is it that we can know God right now? Why is our knowledge currently only in part? How can we still have confidence in what God has revealed to us?

3. How does God know us now? How will we know God in the New Creation?

4. Why is love the greatest of all virtues?

APPLY:  How could you demonstrate Christ’s love on your frontlines this week?

PRAYER

Loving Lord, thank you for how you have selflessly loved us in Christ Jesus. How you have been patient, kind, how our sins have been forgiven because of the cross, and life is assured by the resurrection. Help us to always have this love when we use our gifts, as we seek to build your church for your glory. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

GOING DEEPER

On Your Frontline This Week: What opportunities do you have to show God’s love towards those who might be in lockdown?

Listen, Watch, and Read:

• AUDIO: “The Church in the Mirror” by Alistair Beg

• AUDIO: “A More Excellent Way” by Dick Lucas

• VIDEO: “The Greatest” by Ray Galea

• READ: “Love Is Not Whatever You Want It to Be” by Alex Duke

• READ: “11 Reasons Why You Need to Belong to a Church” by Peter Adam
  

Series Resources:

Some helpful resources for our Series:

• Series Overview Published by St Bart’s

• Website: “First Corinthians” by the Bible Project

• Course: “1 Corinthians” as part of the Ridley Certificate (6-week online course)

WITH CHILDREN

Grow as Families

Each week St Bart’s Kids and CHARGE Youth provides resources for you to use at home. Join the livestream and then spend 30 minutes to work through these together.

Families: Read, Chat, Do, and Pray

High School: CHARGE Discussion Questions

Kids’ Talk: Watch the Kids’ Talk

eBook: Watch the eBook

Sermon & Small Group Resources

This is the twelfth sermon in our series on God’s Church (1 Corinthians). This sermon is ‘To Each is Given"’. Preacher: The Rev’d Adam Lowe. Bible Reading: 1 Corinthians 12:1-31

DOWNLOAD the Small Group Questions, Going Deeper, and Sermon Transcript (PDF).

Next Steps this Week

BIBLE READING: 1 Corinthians 12

Now about the gifts of the Spirit, brothers and sisters, I do not want you to be uninformed. You know that when you were pagans, somehow or other you were influenced and led astray to mute idols. Therefore I want you to know that no one who is speaking by the Spirit of God says, “Jesus be cursed,” and no one can say, “Jesus is Lord,” except by the Holy Spirit.

There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit distributes them. There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. There are different kinds of working, but in all of them and in everyone it is the same God at work.

Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good. To one there is given through the Spirit a message of wisdom, to another a message of knowledge by means of the same Spirit, to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by that one Spirit, to another miraculous powers, to another prophecy, to another distinguishing between spirits, to another speaking in different kinds of tongues, and to still another the interpretation of tongues. All these are the work of one and the same Spirit, and he distributes them to each one, just as he determines.

Just as a body, though one, has many parts, but all its many parts form one body, so it is with Christ. For we were all baptized by one Spirit so as to form one body—whether Jews or Gentiles, slave or free—and we were all given the one Spirit to drink. Even so the body is not made up of one part but of many.

Now if the foot should say, “Because I am not a hand, I do not belong to the body,” it would not for that reason stop being part of the body. And if the ear should say, “Because I am not an eye, I do not belong to the body,” it would not for that reason stop being part of the body. If the whole body were an eye, where would the sense of hearing be? If the whole body were an ear, where would the sense of smell be? But in fact God has placed the parts in the body, every one of them, just as he wanted them to be. If they were all one part, where would the body be? As it is, there are many parts, but one body.

The eye cannot say to the hand, “I don’t need you!” And the head cannot say to the feet, “I don’t need you!” On the contrary, those parts of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable, and the parts that we think are less honorable we treat with special honor. And the parts that are unpresentable are treated with special modesty, while our presentable parts need no special treatment. But God has put the body together, giving greater honor to the parts that lacked it, so that there should be no division in the body, but that its parts should have equal concern for each other. If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it.

Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it. And God has placed in the church first of all apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then miracles, then gifts of healing, of helping, of guidance, and of different kinds of tongues. Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Do all work miracles? Do all have gifts of healing? Do all speak in tongues? Do all interpret? Now eagerly desire the greater gifts.

And yet I will show you the most excellent way.

SMALL GROUP QUESTIONS

Download in PDF format.

CONNECT: How can you grow in your appreciation of the Lord’s Supper and in the unity of the church?

WARM-UP

1. What were the various ways in which the Corinthians had created competition and contention amongst themselves? What was happening in Corinth when it came to spiritual gifts?

2. Do spiritual gifts ever cause controversy in the church today? What are the common ways?

Read 1 Corinthians 12:1-13

1. Who does Paul say that all gifts are from? (Try to find all of the references that make this clear.) How is this such a counter-cultural idea today? How can we be reminded that our gifts are from God?

2. How can I sure that I have the Spirit of God? Does this mean we also are gifted by God?

3. Paul encouraged the Corinthians to see themselves as body and then individuals. How is this a radically counter-cultural idea today? What difference would it make to “flip” our view of things?

4. How can a distorted view of our gifts lead to feeling inferior or superior? What does Paul say to that?

5. What is the purpose of our spiritual gifts? What are the pointers that we are incredibly united?

6. Do you think you have a tendency to underestimate or overestimate the gifts entrusted to you? Why are both so potentially dangerous with regards to God’s plans and purposes?

Read 1 Corinthians 12:14-31

1. What are the gifts listed in this chapter? Do we understand all of these? Is this list exhaustive?

2. What are the various gifts that you recognise in the people in your small group? What do you think are the gifts that God has entrusted to you?

3. Why is it good that we are unified but not uniform? Could we be a body if all were the same?

4. What do you think it really looks like to recognise every part as actually essential?

5. What are the circumstances that make you tempted to think “you have no part” or “I have no part”?

6. Who (to you) has been a great example of using their gifts from God clearly for God’s glory?

7. What is the danger of deploying our gifts but disregarding love? Have you ever witnessed this?

8. How can we be more active in lovingly recognising, honouring, and rejoicing in other people’s gifts?

APPLY:  Who is one person who you could encourage in the active use of their gifts for the Lord?

PRAYER

Thank you Lord for those who have shared the Good News with us and used their gifts to help disciple us. Please help us to use the gifts that you have entrusted to us, for your glory. Please correct our hearts where there is anything that impedes us using your gifts for your purposes. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

GOING DEEPER

On Your Frontline This Week: What opportunities do you have to show God’s love towards those who might be in lockdown?

Listen, Watch, and Read:

• AUDIO: “Spiritual Gifts, What’s the Big Deal?”

• AUDIO: “Gifts of the Spirit” by Dick Lucas:

• READ: Articles on “Spiritual Gifts” on the Gosp...

Sermon & Small Group Resources

This is the eleventh sermon in our series on God’s Church (1 Corinthians). This sermon is ‘Do This In Remembrance of Me’. Preacher: The Rev’d Michael Calder. Bible Reading: 1 Corinthians 11:17-34

DOWNLOAD the Small Group Questions, Going Deeper, and Sermon Transcript (PDF).

Next Steps this Week

BIBLE READING: 1 Corinthians 11:17-34

In the following directives I have no praise for you, for your meetings do more harm than good. In the first place, I hear that when you come together as a church, there are divisions among you, and to some extent I believe it. No doubt there have to be differences among you to show which of you have God’s approval. So then, when you come together, it is not the Lord’s Supper you eat, for when you are eating, some of you go ahead with your own private suppers. As a result, one person remains hungry and another gets drunk. Don’t you have homes to eat and drink in? Or do you despise the church of God by humiliating those who have nothing? What shall I say to you? Shall I praise you? Certainly not in this matter!

For I received from the Lord what I also passed on to you: The Lord Jesus, on the night he was betrayed, took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and said, “This is my body, which is for you; do this in remembrance of me.” In the same way, after supper he took the cup, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood; do this, whenever you drink it, in remembrance of me.” For whenever you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes.

So then, whoever eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty of sinning against the body and blood of the Lord. Everyone ought to examine themselves before they eat of the bread and drink from the cup. For those who eat and drink without discerning the body of Christ eat and drink judgment on themselves. That is why many among you are weak and sick, and a number of you have fallen asleep. But if we were more discerning with regard to ourselves, we would not come under such judgment. Nevertheless, when we are judged in this way by the Lord, we are being disciplined so that we will not be finally condemned with the world.

So then, my brothers and sisters, when you gather to eat, you should all eat together. Anyone who is hungry should eat something at home, so that when you meet together it may not result in judgment.

And when I come I will give further directions.

SMALL GROUP QUESTIONS

Download in PDF format.

CONNECT: How can you grow in your appreciation of the opposite sex as passionate followers of Jesus?

WARM-UP

1. Are there any foods or meals that represent something bigger in Australian society today?

Read 1 Corinthians 11:17-26

1. Why does Paul have no praise for the Corinthians in the following verses? What have they done?

2. Along what lines was the Corinthian church divided? Can you recall what was practically happening?

3. Why then weren’t they coming together to eat the Lord’s Supper? What is the sadness and hypocrisy in a deeply divided church coming to celebrate the Lord’s Supper?

4. Our divisions may not be as obvious or as deep as these, but how might we be at risk of being divided as a church? What is our role individually in this? What is the thing which unites us?

5. From where/who does the Lord’s Supper come from? What was the background for the very first Lord’s Supper?

6. What is the significance of the bread? What does it represent and remind us of?

7. What is the significance of the cup? What does it represent and remind us of? Read Jeremiah 31:31-34 What is the new covenant and how do we receive it?

8. How is the Lord’s Supper designed to impact us every time we take part in it? What could cause us either disengage or be distracted as we come to the table?

Read 1 Corinthians 11:27-34

1. What does the context of the passage indicate that ‘eating and drinking in an unworthy manner’ means? Why is this a serious matter?

2. In what ways do we examine ourselves before coming to the Lord’s Supper? Why is this important?

3. What occurred in the Corinthian church as a result of not taking the meal seriously and being divided?

4. What are some ways that you could practically prepare to take part in the meal as we gather as church together the celebrate?

APPLY:  How can you grow in your appreciation of the Lord’s Supper and in the unity of the church?

PRAYER

Gracious Father, thank you so much for the hope that we have in Jesus and thank you for giving us ways in which to remember your grace. Keep us from being too casual with the Lord’s Supper, keep us from divisions, and help us every time we come to celebrate to grow as disciples of you, In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

GOING DEEPER

On Your Frontline This Week: How can you remain fruitful on your frontlines over the long-term? Join us as we consider this Wednesday morning from 7-8am in the Centre for Work + Faith.

Listen, Watch, and Read:

• AUDIO: 3 talks on the Lord’s Supper from Dick Lucas

  Talk 1 // Talk 2 // Talk 3

• AUDIO: “Communion 101” by Alistair Begg

• AUDIO: “The Lord’s Supper” by Don Carson

• AUDIO and RESOURCES: “Redemption” - Week 3 in our God’s Story series
  

Series Resources:

Some helpful resources for our Series:

• Series Overview Published by St Bart’s

• Website: “First Corinthians” by the Bible Project

• Course: “1 Corinthians” as part of the Ridley Certificate (6-week online course)

WITH CHILDREN

Grow as Families

Each week St Bart’s Kids and CHARGE Youth provides resources for you to use at home. Join the livestream and then spend 30 minutes to work through these together.

Families: Read, Chat, Do, and Pray

High School: CHARGE Discussion Questions

Sermon & Small Group Resources

This is the tenth sermon in our series on God’s Church (1 Corinthians). This sermon is ‘All Things from God’. Preacher: The Rev’d Adam Lowe. Bible Reading: 1 Corinthians 11:2-16

DOWNLOAD the Small Group Questions, Going Deeper, and Sermon Transcript (PDF).

Next Steps this Week

BIBLE READING: 1 Corinthians 11:2-16

I praise you for remembering me in everything and for holding to the traditions just as I passed them on to you. But I want you to realize that the head of every man is Christ, and the head of the woman is man, and the head of Christ is God. Every man who prays or prophesies with his head covered dishonors his head. But every woman who prays or prophesies with her head uncovered dishonors her head—it is the same as having her head shaved. For if a woman does not cover her head, she might as well have her hair cut off; but if it is a disgrace for a woman to have her hair cut off or her head shaved, then she should cover her head.

A man ought not to cover his head, since he is the image and glory of God; but woman is the glory of man. For man did not come from woman, but woman from man; neither was man created for woman, but woman for man. It is for this reason that a woman ought to have authority over her own head, because of the angels. Nevertheless, in the Lord woman is not independent of man, nor is man independent of woman. For as woman came from man, so also man is born of woman. But everything comes from God.

Judge for yourselves: Is it proper for a woman to pray to God with her head uncovered? Does not the very nature of things teach you that if a man has long hair, it is a disgrace to him, but that if a woman has long hair, it is her glory? For long hair is given to her as a covering. If anyone wants to be contentious about this, we have no other practice—nor do the churches of God.

SMALL GROUP QUESTIONS

Download in PDF format.

CONNECT: How could you live your life in such a way that points others to Jesus on your frontlines?

WARM-UP

1. What are some ways in which the Gospel contrasts with aspects of culture in Australia?

2. What are some ways in which the Gospel affirms aspects of our culture in Australia?

Read 1 Corinthians 11:1-12

1. Why is it so important to understand the context of the first recipients of the letter before applying it to us? Does this mean that the letter is not also relevant to us? (Why or why not?)

2. How can we properly discern between matters that are culturally dependent and those things which are instructions with the exact same application today?

3. With a study Bible, what do you learn culturally about the nature of head coverings in Corinth?

4. What inappropriate behaviour was happening in gathered worship in Corinth?

5. How could this offend people outside of the church? How could it also give people the wrong idea about what Christians thought about marriage?

6. What are some of the various ways that the word ‘head’ could be understood? How do all of these understandings point to the reality that there are differences between men and women?

7. How is it clear that men and women are equal? Do you think our culture values difference between us?

8. How can we avoid making unhelpful (and unbiblical) distinctions between men and women?

9. How is it evident that men and women are created in the image of God? How are we interdependent?

10. What do you think are the challenges for men and women today as they seek to follow Jesus?

11. Why is it inappropriate for us to unhelpfully diminish the opposite sex? What are the common ways that you witness this expressed on your frontline? How could you live differently?

Read 1 Corinthians 11:14-16

1. What is meant by prayer and prophesying? Who could prayer and prophesy?

2. Why was it so radical that Paul was permitting (and even encouraging) women to participate?

3. How can we celebrate the contribution of men and women more in the life of our church?

APPLY:  How can you grow in your appreciation of the opposite sex as passionate followers of Jesus?

PRAYER

Who could you invite to the Public Lecture this Friday? Take a handful of flyers, write people’s names on them, and personally invite them to join you?

GOING DEEPER

On Your Frontline This Week: People are much more likely to trust what their friends endorse. Which friend or colleague could you invite to Alpha?

Listen, Watch, and Read:

• AUDIO: “Summoned by Grace” by Andrew Sach

• AUDIO: “Where’s your head” by Charlie Skrine

• BOOK (more technical): “The Making of Biblical Womanhood” by Beth Allison Barr
  

Series Resources:

Some helpful resources for our Series:

• Series Overview Published by St Bart’s

• Website: “First Corinthians” by the Bible Project

• Course: “1 Corinthians” as part of the Ridley Certificate (6-week online course)

WITH CHILDREN

Grow as Families

Each week St Bart’s Kids and CHARGE Youth provides resources for you to use at home. Join the livestream and then spend 30 minutes to work through these together.

Families: Read, Chat, Do, and Pray

High School: CHARGE Discussion Questions

Kids’ Talk: Watch the Kids’ Talk

eBook: Watch the eBook

BONUS: Read the Lord’s Supper Workbook