Text Study for Sunday, August 17, 2025.

Series Theme: You Welcomed Me – our call to hospitality as people of faith.

Reading: 1 Corinthians 8 (Yes, the whole chapter)

CONNECTING QUESTIONS

Tell about something you collect. What’s the greatest length you have gone to add to your collection?

PRAYER FOR ILLUMINATION

Lord Jesus, you welcomed all who came into your presence. May I reflect that same spirit through this ministry of hospitality. May your light shine in my heart this day. Remove from me anything that would stand in the way of radiating your presence.

As people enter this Church to worship and praise You, may they hear your voice in my words and see your love in my actions. May my “welcome” reflect our joy at their presence amid my “good-by” encourage them to return soon.

I thank you for the opportunity to serve you and ask your blessing upon all my efforts. I ask this through our God who is the giver of all gifts.

CONTEXT

As people of faith, we are called to practice hospitality not as a mere act of kindness, but as a sacred expression of our beliefs. Hospitality is a faith practice that reflects the heart of God. When we welcome the stranger, care for the vulnerable, and create space for others at our tables, we do so as if we are serving Jesus himself.

In extending hospitality, we embody the love, grace, and radical welcome of Christ. It is not optional or occasional—it is a core part of our discipleship. Through hospitality, we bear witness to a God who receives all with open arms and calls us to do the same. Join us on this journey with our sermon series, You Welcomed Me, will explore this need to welcome, care for, walk with, include, and show kindness.

From Dr Mary Hinkle Shore at EntertheBible.org:

In response to a letter from the Corinthians making various inquiries about worship practices and ethics, as well as a personal report from “Chloe’s people” (1 Corinthians 1:11) that the congregation Paul has founded has fallen to quarreling, Paul writes to the Corinthians, directing them to approach their ethical dilemmas and resolve their interpersonal conflicts on the basis of their unity as members of the body of Christ. The letter recasts themes apparently popular among the Corinthians, such as knowledge, wisdom, and spiritual gifts, in light of the reversal of status implied by the news of “Jesus Christ, and him crucified” (1 Corinthians 2:2).

LOOK AT THE BOOK

How is it with your spirit this week?
Where have you encountered a stranger this past week? What was it like?
What was one take-away from listening to the Carry On Cast podcast that connects with this Grow Guide?
Open to 1 Corinthians 8. In chapters, 6 and 7, Paul is trying to help a local church settle a dispute. What do we know about the Apostle Paul? (Hint: his name was originally “Saul.” Why? Acts 9)
Central to Paul’s story, “I was blind, but now I see,” is found in what popular hymn? Why does that hymn seem to stand the test of time? Do you have a favorite hymn?
1 Corinthians 8:1 begins with an issue that Paul is addressing. What do you see as an “idol” in our culture today that people are making “sacrifices” to?
Paul uses this chapter to make an argument. Underline all the small phrases that are in “quotes.” Paul is using them to build his case.
Verse 1: Knowledge puffs up, but _______ builds up. What do you think that means?
Verse 7: What is the knowledge that not everyone possesses? (see verse 6)
Verse 9. What is Paul’s counsel about eating food sacrificed to idols?
When was a time that you chose to limit your freedom out of love for someone else?
In verse 13, circle “therefore.” This is the key transition word. When Paul uses this word, pay attention!
What is Paul’s conclusion in verse 13?
What kinds of “freedoms” does the Easter church have in our community? How might we limit our freedom for the sake of our neighbors?
Google Martin Luther’s “Freedom of a Christian.” What is his maxim? What do you make of it?
What would you like to talk about that we have not yet?

TAKING IT HOME

Who is someone you could “open the door” for this week?

God of the promise, you call your people together into your one mission in Christ’s name. Make us brave, grant us peace, challenge our expectations, and empower us to truly follow your Spirit’s lead. You are our one God who calls us together as one people, and we thank you in Jesus’ name. Amen.

Grow Guide | Aug 17, 2025