Community Group Questions: March 1st-7th

March 1st, 2026
by Jay Beerley

1 Corinthians 1:26-31

Boasting Only in the Lord

26 Brothers and sisters, consider your calling: Not many were wise from a human perspective, not many powerful, not many of noble birth. 27 Instead, God has chosen what is foolish in the world to shame the wise, and God has chosen what is weak in the world to shame the strong. 28 God has chosen what is insignificant and despised in the world — what is viewed as nothing — to bring to nothing what is viewed as something, 29so that no one may boast in his presence. 30 It is from him that you are in Christ Jesus, who became wisdom from God for us — our righteousness, sanctification, and redemption — 31 in order that, as it is written: Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord.

Key Takeaways

God's Intentional Design: God deliberately fills His kingdom with ordinary, undistinguished people to demonstrate that salvation is entirely His work, not ours.
The Danger of Pride: God resists the proud but gives grace to the humble. Pride has no place in the kingdom of God.
All Boasting Belongs to God: Everything we have—our status, our salvation, our purpose—is a gift from God, received not earned.
Godly Self-Understanding vs. Self-Esteem: Our value doesn't come from ourselves or others' opinions, but from God's declaration over us.

Discussion Questions

Reflect on Your Calling

Paul asks the Corinthians to "consider your calling." What were you like when God called you? What was your spiritual, emotional, or life status?
How does remembering where you came from help you maintain humility in your walk with Christ?
Why do you think God chooses to use "foolish," "weak," and "insignificant" people to build His kingdom? What does this reveal about His character?

The Problem of Pride

Read 1 Peter 5:5 and Isaiah 2:11-17. Why does God hate pride so intensely? How have you seen pride damage relationships or spiritual growth?
The sermon mentioned that the Corinthians were dividing over which leader they followed. What are modern equivalents of this in today's church? (Hint: think about denominational pride, theological superiority, social status within church, etc.)
In what areas of your life are you most tempted to boast in yourself rather than in the Lord? (career, parenting, spiritual disciplines, knowledge, etc.)

Understanding Our Salvation

Paul says Christ became for us "righteousness, sanctification, and redemption." Discuss what each of these terms means:
- Righteousness: Right standing with God
- Sanctification: Being set apart and brought near to God
- Redemption: Purchased out of slavery to sin
How does understanding that salvation is 100% God's work change the way you view:
- Your own spiritual journey?
- Other believers?
- Non-believers?

Practical Application

The sermon emphasized we must proclaim the gospel to ALL people without favoritism. Read James 2:1-9. How can we as a group/church guard against showing favoritism based on:
- Socioeconomic status?
- Education level?
- Cultural background?
- Life circumstances (addiction, homelessness, etc.)?
The sermon challenged "identity politics" and the pursuit of self-esteem from the world. How does seeking acceptance and validation from the world damage us? What's the alternative?
Where are you currently seeking your identity or value from something other than Christ? What would it look like to "boast in the Lord" in that area instead?