Community Group Questions: April 19th-25th

April 19th, 2026
by Karissa Smith

1 Corinthians 4:6-13

The Apostles’ Example of Humility

6 Now, brothers and sisters, I have applied these things to myself and Apollos for your benefit, so that you may learn from us the meaning of the saying: “Nothing beyond what is written.” The purpose is that none of you will be arrogant, favoring one person over another. 7 For who makes you so superior? What do you have that you didn’t receive? If, in fact, you did receive it, why do you boast as if you hadn’t received it? 8 You are already full! You are already rich! You have begun to reign as kings without us—and I wish you did reign, so that we could also reign with you! 9 For I think God has displayed us, the apostles, in last place, like men condemned to die: We have become a spectacle to the world, both to angels and to people. 10 We are fools for Christ, but you are wise in Christ! We are weak, but you are strong! You are distinguished, but we are dishonored! 11 Up to the present hour we are both hungry and thirsty; we are poorly clothed, roughly treated, homeless; 12 we labor, working with our own hands. When we are reviled, we bless; when we are persecuted, we endure it; 13 when we are slandered, we respond graciously. Even now, we are like the scum of the earth, like everyone’s garbage.

Discussion Questions

Understanding the Text

What are the three rhetorical questions Paul asks in verse 7? What is the answer to each one? How do these questions expose the Corinthians' pride?
How does Paul use sarcasm in verses 8-10? What point is he trying to make by contrasting the Corinthians' self-perception with the apostles' actual experience?
What does Paul mean by "nothing beyond what is written" (v. 6)? Even though we don't know the exact saying, what can we understand from the context about staying within proper boundaries?

Personal Reflection

Paul asks, "What do you have that you didn't receive?" Take a moment to inventory your life—your abilities, opportunities, relationships, faith. How does recognizing these as gifts from God combat pride?
The sermon stated: "Your main enemy in this life will be your own pride." Do you agree? Why is pride so difficult to self-diagnose? How can we create space for others to speak truth into our lives about this?
Where in your life are you most tempted to seek the world's approval rather than God's? (Consider areas like: career, social media, parenting, ministry, appearance, intelligence, etc.)

Application

Paul describes the apostles as "fools for Christ" (v. 10). What would it look like for you to embrace being seen as foolish by the world for the sake of Christ? What specific cost might that involve in your current context?
The passage shows the apostles responding to persecution with blessing, endurance, and graciousness (v. 12-13). When have you been reviled, persecuted, or slandered for your faith? How did you respond? How does this passage challenge or encourage you?
The sermon contrasted "setting your mind on things above" versus "earthly things." What practical daily habits or decisions help you set your mind on things above? What earthly things most easily distract you?

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