AM Sermon, 18 August 2024
Reflective Questions on “Faithful Stewards in Christ” Sermon on 1 Corinthians 4:1-5
1. Introduction:
o What issues were the Corinthians facing that Paul addresses in 1 Corinthians 4:1-5?
o How does understanding the context of this passage help us grasp its significance for our lives today?
2. Identity of a Faithful Steward:
o How does Paul describe our identity as “servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God”?
o What does it mean to be a servant (hyperetas) and a steward (oikonomos) in a spiritual context?
o How did Jesus exemplify the roles of servant and steward?
o In what ways can you embrace your identity as a servant and steward in your daily life?
o How does the Holy Spirit empower you to live out this identity?
3. Requirement of Faithfulness:
o Why is faithfulness the primary requirement for stewards, according to Paul?
o What examples from Scripture illustrate the importance of faithfulness in stewardship?
o How did Jesus demonstrate perfect faithfulness?
o How does the Holy Spirit produce faithfulness in you?
o Are there areas in your life where you need to rely more on the Spirit to be faithful?
4. Judgment and Accountability:
o What is Paul’s perspective on human judgment versus divine judgment?
o How does understanding the limitations of human judgment affect your view of yourself and others?
o How did Jesus face human judgment, and what can we learn from His response?
o How does Christ’s work free you from the fear of human judgment?
o In what ways can you live with a clear conscience through Christ’s atonement?
5. Patience and Hope in Christ’s Return:
o Why does Paul advise against pronouncing judgment before the Lord comes?
o What does it mean that the Lord will reveal hidden things and disclose the purposes of the heart?
o How does the anticipation of Christ’s return shape your daily life and decisions?
o How does Christ’s role as the appointed Judge give you hope and assurance?
o What practical steps can you take to live in anticipation of Christ’s return?
6. How Christ Enables Us to Fulfill This Passage:
o How does being united with Christ shape your identity and mission?
o In what ways does the Holy Spirit empower you for faithful service?
o How does Christ’s righteousness give you assurance in the face of judgment?
o How does the hope of Christ’s return motivate you to seek His commendation?
o What areas of your life need more alignment with the hope and patience of awaiting Christ’s return?
7. Conclusion:
o Reflect on the overall message of the sermon. What is the most impactful takeaway for you?
o How can you apply the principles of stewardship, faithfulness, judgment, and hope in your everyday life?
o In what specific ways can you trust in Christ’s judgment and live with hope in His return?
o How can you encourage others in your community to embrace their roles as faithful stewards?
These questions are designed to help you reflect deeply on the sermon and consider how to apply its teachings in your life.