We must be flexible, deferential, and loving as we experience the divergence of opinion about issues related to COVID-19 and our forthcoming resumption of our services, knowing that there are many convictions which are neither biblically right or wrong.

Application Questions

These questions are provided for your further study and application of the sermon. Thoughtfully writing out the answers to these questions will help to drive home the point of the study. It is also helpful when you are able to discuss your answers with others.

1. Read 1 Corinthians 8:1. What are some ways love might manifest itself during a time like this when there is a potential of a variety of strong convictions among fellow Christians which do not agree?

2. Read 1 John 3:16-18. What are some of the ways Jesus did not insist on his own way when the matters were not issues of clear biblical truths?

3. Read Philippians 2:1-5. What are some qualities held out in this passage that make it a joy to be part of a healthy and unified church?

4. Read 1 Corinthians 1:10. Obviously there were a variety of tastes, preferences, and opinions held by the many Christians in the church of Corinth, and yet Paul’s example in vv.11-13 shows us that there are bigger issues which can undermine unity within the church. How do the strong phrases in v.10 challenge you to work harder at maintaining our unity through this COVID-19 crisis? What specific steps can you take and what safeguards can you keep in place as we seek to get through this as a team of Christ-followers?