Discussion Questions

Understanding God's Wisdom vs. World's Wisdom

1. Paul says we must "become fools" to become wise (v. 18). What does this mean practically? How have you experienced tension between what the world calls wise and what God calls wise?
2. The sermon mentioned that "the reasonings of the wise are futile" (v. 20). Can you think of examples from culture, science, or philosophy where worldly wisdom has shifted or collapsed on itself? How does this build your confidence in God's unchanging truth?
3. How does the resurrection of Christ validate God's wisdom over the world's wisdom? Why is the resurrection the ultimate proof that we should trust God's way of doing things?

Self-Deception and Humility

4. Paul warns against self-deception (v. 18). Why is it so easy to deceive ourselves? What are some ways we might be deceiving ourselves about our spiritual lives, relationships, or priorities?
5. The sermon emphasized having "humility and a teachable spirit." How does being part of a local church community protect us from self-deception? Can you share an example of when someone in the church helped you see a blind spot?
6. What role does our statement of faith and church community play in keeping us grounded in truth? How is this different from just reading the Bible on your own?

Everything Is Yours in Christ

7. Paul makes the stunning claim that "everything is yours" (v. 21-22). What does he include in "everything"? Why is it significant that he includes both life AND death, present AND future?
8. The Corinthians were fighting over which leader to follow. What are modern equivalents of this in the church today? (Examples: worship styles, programs, personalities, methods, etc.)
9. "Everything is yours because you belong to Christ, and Christ belongs to God" (v. 23). How does this truth address the problems the Corinthians were facing? How does it address problems we face today?

Living with Resurrection Hope

10. The sermon shared two recent answered prayers (the water truck for Lemuel and the church lease). How do these examples demonstrate living with resurrection hope rather than worldly wisdom?
11. How should the reality of Christ's resurrection change the way we approach:
    • Difficult circumstances?
    • Church conflicts or disagreements?
    • Personal disappointments?
    • Cultural pressures to conform?
12. What does it look like to be "fools to the world, wise in the Lord" in your daily life? Where do you feel the most pressure to adopt worldly wisdom instead of God's wisdom?