Disucssion Guide: When Conflict Arises in God's Church

Nov 10, 2025

Small Group Guide: When Conflict Arises in God's Church

1 Corinthians 6:1-11

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Opening Prayer

Begin your time together by asking God to open your hearts to His Word and give you wisdom to apply it to your lives and relationships.

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Key Takeaways from the Sermon

1. The Problem at Corinth: Believers were taking their disputes before unbelievers in court rather than resolving them within the church family, damaging their witness and reputation.

2. Three-Part Identity in Christ:

Washed - Complete cleansing from sin (past, present, and future)

Sanctified - Set apart as holy for God's purposes

Justified - Declared righteous before God

3. The Gospel Solution: Live according to your new identity in Christ rather than according to worldly wisdom or personal rights.

4. The Challenge: Are we handling conflict in a way that honors Christ and reflects the gospel?

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Discussion Questions

Understanding the Text

1. Why was Paul so shocked and disappointed that the Corinthians were taking their disputes to secular courts? What was at stake beyond just the individual conflicts?

2. What does Paul mean in verses 2-3 when he says believers will judge the world and angels? How does this relate to handling current conflicts?

3. Look at verses 9-11. Why does Paul list all these sins before reminding them "and such were some of you"? What is his purpose?

Personal Reflection

4. The sermon asked: "Are you trying to handle your conflict without Jesus?" How does this question challenge you personally?

5. Which of the three aspects of your identity (washed, sanctified, justified) is hardest for you to believe or accept? Why?

6. The pastor mentioned that we often don't feel righteous even though God has declared us righteous. How does this gap between our feelings and God's declaration affect your daily life?

Application

7. Paul asks in verse 7, "Why do you not rather accept wrong? Why do you not rather let yourselves be cheated?" This is a radical question. When might it be appropriate to give up your rights for the sake of the gospel? When might it not be?

8. Think about a current conflict in your life (with family, coworkers, or fellow believers). How are you handling it? Is your approach reflecting your identity in Christ?

9. The sermon emphasized that "the circle of people involved should never be greater than the offense." How does gossip violate this principle? What practical steps can we take to follow Matthew 18:15-17 instead?

10. How can we as a small group help each other handle conflicts in a gospel-centered way?

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Practical Applications

This Week's Challenge

Choose one of the following to put into practice this week:

Option 1: Reconciliation If you have an unresolved conflict with someone, especially a fellow believer, take the initiative to reach out and seek reconciliation. Go directly to them with humility and a desire to restore the relationship.

Option 2: Identity Meditation Spend 10 minutes each day this week meditating on your identity in Christ. Read through verses about being washed (Titus 3:5), sanctified (1 Corinthians 1:2), and justified (Romans 5:1). Journal about what these truths mean for your daily life.

Option 3: Conflict Inventory Take an honest inventory of how you typically handle conflict.

Ask yourself:

· Do I seek to be right or to reconcile?

· Do I involve too many people in disputes?

· Do I seek worldly wisdom or biblical wisdom?

· Am I willing to give up my rights for the gospel's sake?

Write down one specific change you need to make.

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Accountability Questions

1. Did you take steps toward reconciliation in any relationship this week?

2. How did remembering your identity in Christ affect your decisions or attitudes?

3. Were there any conflicts this week where you chose to honor God rather than "win"?