community group guides
Series: 1 Corinthians
Title: “Running the Race of Faith”
Text: 1 Corinthians 9:19-27
Week 1: September 14-20
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“Running the Race of Faith”
Outline:
I. RELATE for the Sake of the Gospel (vv. 19-23)
II. RUN with Discipline for the Prize (vv. 24-26)
III. REMAIN Steadfast until the End (v. 27)
My Story
1. Paul compares the Christian life to a race that requires discipline and focus. In what areas of your life do you need greater spiritual discipline so you can “run in such a way as to win the prize”?
2. Paul willingly gave up his comforts to better serve others and advance the gospel. What personal freedoms or comforts might God be calling you to surrender for the sake of others and His kingdom?
3. What inspired or challenged you in the sermon this week? What raised questions for you?
Digging Deeper
1. Read 1 Cor 9:19. What does Paul mean when he says he has made himself a “servant to all” in order to win more people, and how does this relate to his earlier discussion about laying down rights?
2. Read 1 Cor 9:24-25. How does Paul’s use of Greco-Roman athletic imagery (race, self-control, crown) help explain his point about spiritual discipline and perseverance? How can Christians live with the same intentionality?
3. Read 1 Cor 9:27. What does Paul mean when he says he disciplines his body so that after preaching he will not be “disqualified”? How should this be understood theologically?
4. Are there any questions this text raises for you that were not addressed in the guide? If so, what questions do you have?
Sign ups:
Our Community Groups run on a schedule of 10-week blocks and consist of a Winter, Spring, and Fall Session. Fall Session 2025 is now open for registration! Please take a moment to review the list of groups, and then complete the form to register for a group! We are excited to add new groups, hosts, and more varieties of days and times! If you have any questions, please reach out to Dr. Kevin Newman at knewman@shoresvb.com.
SSBC Community Groups, Fall Session 2025 (September 7 - November 22)
Kevin & Dawn Newman - Gathers at the church on Sunday afternoons at 12:30pm.
Jeff & Alice Chown - Gathers via Zoom on Sunday evenings at 6pm.
Jeff & Tracy Cioppa - Gathers at the church in the Oasis Bldg. on Sunday evenings at 6pm.
Sam & Rachael Gilbert - Gathers in their home (Norfolk) on Tuesday evenings at 6pm.
*Drew & Meghan Knofczynski - Gathers at their home (Haygood, VB) on Tuesday evenings at 6:30pm.
*Steve & Lisa Roby - Gathers at their home (Birchwood Gardens, VB) on Tuesday evenings at 7pm.
Adam & Krystal Rastetter - Gathers at the church on Thursday evenings at 6:30pm.
Tim & Amanda Parsons - Gathers at their home (Indian Lake, VB) on Friday evenings at 6pm.
*Group is at capacity and closed for registrations.
Please complete the form below to register for a group!
