Gotta Share It! (Epiphany 5B Epistle 1)

Download a PDF of the Word One Bible Study for Epiphany 5 Epistle, option 1.

Text: 1 Corinthians 9:16-23 for the Fifth Sunday after Epiphany (Baptism of our Lord), Lectionary Series B

OBJECTIVES

Participants will:

1. Realize that they are to share the Gospel with others.
2. Acknowledge that it is the love of God that can motivate them to share the Gospel.
3. Discover how Christ wants them to reach out to people where they are at with the Gospel.

MATERIALS NEEDED

Bibles

3×5 cards

Pen/pencil

GROUP GUIDELINES

Form small groups of 4-6 people.  Choose as leader the person who has the longest thumb.  The leader’s job is to keep the group moving through the study and be sure that everyone has a chance to participate.  If anyone feels uncomfortable sharing, they do not need to do so.

BUILDING COMMUNITY

1. Share the best thing that has happened to you this week.
2. Tell why it was the best thing that happened to you this week.
3. Tell how sharing this news with the group makes you feel.

LOOKING AT GOD’S WORD

1. Read 1 Corinthians 9:16-18.
2. Why do you think Paul felt compelled to preach the Gospel?  (verse 16)
3. What was at stake for the people?  (Romans 10:14)
4. What would compel or motivate you to share the Gospel with someone else?
5. Read 1 Corinthians 9:19-23.
6. What did Paul do to reach people with the Gospel?  (verse 22B)
7. How can you reach out to people where they are at with the Gospel?
8. Why was Paul willing to reach out to people with the Gospel?  (verse 22b)
9. How would it make you feel if you knew that God had used you to help save someone?

REINFORCING WHAT HAS BEEN LEARNED

1. Think of one person you know who needs to know Christ.
2. Write down on a 3×5 card:
   1. The person’s name.
   2. How you plan on sharing the Gospel with them.
   3. How focusing on God’s blessings can help you as you share the Gospel.

CLOSING

Close with a silent prayer, praying for the person whose name you have written on the card, for strength to carry through with sharing the Gospel with them, and any special needs that you might have.

by John Hollmann

Originally published in Discovery Bible Studies 9, 1996.

Updated for youthESource in February 2015