Fusion: week of 11/26

FAMILY THEME: FREEDOM IN CHRIST

1 Corinthians 8:1 - 9:23

Paul described what it truly means to have liberty in Christ.

1.  We Are Free to Put Others' Well-Being Above Our Own Desires

     (1 Corinthians 8:1-13)

     Mature believers should be willing to limit their freedom for the

     sake of less mature believers.

 
2.  We Are Free to Deny Our Personal Rights for the Sake of the Gospel

     (1 Corinthians 9:1-18)

     The centrality of the gospel may make it necessary for believers

     to restrict their rights.

 
3.  We Are Free to Serve Others in Order to Win Them to Christ 

     (1 Corinthians 9:19-23)

     Our preferences and traditions are nowhere near as important

     as winning people to Christ.

Fusion: week of 11/19

FAMILY THEME: CONTENT IN CHRIST

1 Corinthians 7:1-40

True contentment is only found in Jesus.

1.  We Are to Cultivate Contentment in Our Marriages and

     Marital Status

     (1 Corinthians 7:1-16)

     Christ calls us to cultivate contentment in our particular

     marital situation.

 
2.  We Are to Develop Contentment in Our Callings,

     Professions, or Circumstances

     (1 Corinthians 7:17-24)

     We should view our profession or circumstances as

     God's calling in our lives.

 
3.  Whatever Our Situation, We Seek Our Ultimate

     Contentment in Serving the Lord 

     (1 Corinthians 7:25-40)

     We can find contentment in serving the Lord no 

     matter our particular situations.

Fusion: week of 11/12

FAMILY THEME: PURITY IN CHRIST

1 Corinthians 5:1-13 ;  6:9-11

Holiness is an essential aspect of being a follower of Jesus.

1.  Sinful Patterns of Behavior Among Believers Are to Be

     Grieved and Confronted

     (1 Corinthians 5:1-5,  13)

     Scripture does not give mixed signals regarding purity.

     It is to be dealt with, not ignored.

 
2.  Ignoring Sinful Practices Among Believers Endangers

     the Health of the Church

     (1 Corinthians 5:6-8)

     Just as leaven grows until it overtakes dough, so this

     one sin would affect the entire church.

 
3.  The Church is to Discipline and Disassociate With

     Unrepentant Believers 

     (1 Corinthians 5:9-13)

     Though uncomfortable, church discipline is necessary

     at times.

4.  The Work of Christ in Our Lives Cleanses Us From

     Worldly Sinful Habits 

     (1 Corinthians 6:9-11)

     A sinful lifestyle is not consistent with the work of

     God in one's life.

Fusion: week of 11/5

FAMILY THEME: UNITY IN CHRIST

1 Corinthians 1:10-31

Unity is an essential element of being a Christian.

1.  God Has Called His Followers to Unity

     (1 Corinthians 1:10-11)

     Believers are to live in unity because of our common

     commitment to and relationship with Jesus Christ.

 
2.  An Unhealthy Focus on Persons or Personalities 

     Often Leads to Divisions

     (1 Corinthians 1:12-16)

     No matter how influential someone has been in our

     lives, our primary allegiance should be to Jesus.

 
3.  Focusing on Our Mission Will Minimize Division 

     (1 Corinthians 1:17-25)

     Division distracts us from our mission of making

     disciples of all nations.

4.  An Honest Assessment of God's Work in Our Own

     Lives Should Cultivate Unity 

     (1 Corinthians 1:26-30)

     God did not choose us on the basis of our ability,

     wisdom, or strength, bur rather because of His

     grace and love.