May 13, 2016  1 Corinthians 12:1-20

Paul begins a new section addressing specific questions from the Corinthians, marked by another “Now concerning…” introduction (cf. 7:1, 7:25, 8:1).  This topic flows right out of the previous sections.  After the distractions of cultural issues (hair length and head coverings) and arrogant abuses of the Lord’s Supper, now he turns to the church gathering in general.  Why do we meet together?  What should that look like?  How do we relate to each other when we are so different?

Hopefully the handouts we have been using in our study and discussion group have been helpful.  Having a convenient way to read and mark up a passage, all using the same translation, is helpful in the process of learning the skills of inductive Bible study.  However, some situations (an impromptu conversation over coffee, for example) may not have a readily available prepared handout.  Also, looking at different translations together can add another layer to a discussion – sometimes helpful, sometimes confusing, usually profitable.  This week use your own Bible translation (or several) to read and study the passage.  The suggestions in the article on Methodical Bible Study provide good reminders of the kinds of questions that will stir your thinking in the Observation, Interpretation, and Application phases of study.  Read the passage and come to the group ready to ask questions to help all of us learn from this text.