20 Sep
2026

God’s Field, God’s Building

Passage: 1 Corinthians 3:5-17

REFLECTION QUOTE

“Christ has no body now on earth but yours, no hands but yours, no feet but yours. Yours are the eyes through which to look out Christ’s compassion to the world. Yours are the feet which he is to go about doing good; Yours are the hands with which he is to bless men now.”

— Teresa of Avila, 16th Spanish church leader

SERMON OUTLINE:

1. Where does the power come from?
2. How should we understand our role?
3. What should we do?

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS: 

What faulty foundations do people try to build their lives on?

Read 1 Corinthians 3:5-17. What does this passage show you about God’s character and about being his follower? What challenges, encourages, or sparks questions for you in this passage?

Consider the two metaphors Paul uses to describe working in God’s kingdom: a farm and a building. What similarities do these images share?
In what ways are we prone to rank different kinds of Christian service as more or less important? Why do you think we do this?
As you think about our Christian community at Covenant Church, what does it mean that “you are God’s temple” (v 16)? What are we invited into because of this truth?
Think about your personal responsibilities at church, home, neighborhood, workplace, or elsewhere. What is at stake for the people you serve and for yourself?
In what ways are you currently using your gifts well and in what areas could you more fully “color in the outline” with your gifts and care?
What from this passage and this discussion is something you want to put into practice or be more aware of this week or praise God for?

 

PRAYER

Share with your group how they can be praying for you: what is weighing on you from this past week? What are you praising God for from this past week?

Praise God, from Whom all blessings flow;
Praise Him, all creatures here below;
Praise Him above, ye heavenly host;
Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.

Doxology