1 Corinthians 6: Group Study Handout

How to use: read 1 Corinthians 6 aloud together, then take the questions in order. One page is enough for an evening.

Overview

Paul begins by questioning why believers go to court against one another instead of seeking resolution among themselves (vv. 1-6). He points out that they should judge matters of this life, as they will judge greater things.

Key verse

“Or don’t you know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God? You are not your own,”
1 Corinthians 6:19 (WEB)

Outline

1 Corinthians 6:1–6 Disputes Among Believers
1 Corinthians 6:7–11 Consequences of Immorality
1 Corinthians 6:12–14 Freedom and Responsibility
1 Corinthians 6:15–18 The Body's Relationship with Christ
1 Corinthians 6:19–20 The Body as a Temple

Discussion questions

In v6, why does Paul mention that brother goes to law with brother?
What does Paul mean by 'the unrighteous will not inherit God's Kingdom' in vv. 9-10?
Paul's phrase 'you were washed' in v11: what does it imply about the past behavior of the Corinthians?
The command 'Flee sexual immorality!' in v18: why does Paul emphasize fleeing rather than resisting?
When have you been tempted to seek justice against a fellow believer as seen in v6?

Go deeper

Passages that echo 1 Corinthians 6: 1 Corinthians 3, Ephesians 5, 2 Corinthians 6.

Before next time: read 1 Corinthians 7.