community group guides
Series: 1 Corinthians: "A Church in Conflict, Correction at the Cross"
Title: “Clarity Over Confusion" (pt. 1)
Text: 1 Corinthians 14:1-25
Week 9: November 9-15
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“Clarity Over Confusion” (pt. 1)
Outline:
1. The Purpose of Spiritual Gifts:
To Build the Church Up in Love (vv. 1–5)
2. The Priority of Clarity:
Intelligible Speech Is Required to Build Up the Church (vv. 6–12)
3. The Primacy of Instruction:
Engaged Minds Supersede Ecstatic Experiences (vv. 13-19)
4. The Point of “Tongues”:
A Sign for Unbelievers (vv. 20–25)
My Story
1. When have you experienced confusion because people were communicating in different ways—maybe through language, terminology, or tone? How did that affect understanding and connection?
2. What have you previously thought or learned about “tongue-speaking” or the nature of this gift? Why do you think there is so much confusion over it today?
3. What inspired or challenged you in the sermon this week? What raised questions for you?
Digging Deeper
1. Read 1 Cor 14:1-5. Paul encourages believers to desire the gift of prophecy over speaking in tongues. What reasons does he give for this, and what does that reveal about God’s priorities for worship and ministry?
2. Read 1 Cor 14:6-19. Paul emphasizes that speech in the church should be clear, intelligible, and edifying. How might this principle guide the way we use our words, teaching, music, and worship today?
3. Read 1 Cor 14:20-25. How are tongues a sign for unbelievers? What does this teach us about the role of the church’s worship and message in reaching those who don’t yet believe?
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!
