Outlive Your Critics

Community Group Discussion Guide for the Week of February 23, 2025

Miss this week’s teaching? You can watch it here.

# Summary

In this sermon, Pastor Jim discusses 1 Corinthians 4, where Paul addresses the Corinthian church's immaturity and division. Paul emphasizes the importance of faithful service over human judgment, using the metaphor of servants as 'under-rowers' who simply need to be faithful to their captain. Pastor Jim particularly focuses on leadership challenges and how to handle criticism, encouraging leaders – of which we are all to some degree – to 'outlive their critics' rather than constantly trying to defend themselves.

# Intro Prayer

Lord, as we gather to discuss Your Word, we ask that You open our hearts and minds to receive what You want to teach us about faithful service and spiritual maturity. Help us to see areas where we need to grow and give us the courage to respond to Your conviction. Guide our discussion and help us learn from each other. In Jesus' name, Amen.

# Ice Breaker

Who is someone you admire for how they handle criticism or opposition in their life? What makes their response(s) admirable?

# Key Verses

  • • 1 Corinthians 4:1-2

    • 1 Corinthians 4:5

    • Philippians 3:17

# Questions

  • What does Paul mean when he says ministers should be regarded as 'servants of Christ'? How does this apply to us today?

  • Why does Paul say it matters very little how he is judged by others or even himself? What can we learn from this perspective?

  • How can we balance being thick-skinned about criticism while maintaining a soft heart toward God and others?

  • What does it mean to 'outlive your critics'? How is this different from ignoring or fighting back against criticism?

  • In what ways might you be acting spiritually immature in your own life? What steps can you take to grow?

  • How can we avoid the trap of elevating some leaders while tearing down others in the church

  • What does it mean that 'the kingdom of God is not just a lot of talk but living by God's power'

  • How can we ensure we're learning 'in the sanctuary' rather than having to learn 'in the storm'?

# Life Application

This week, identify one area where you need to 'grow up' spiritually. It might be in how you handle criticism, how you speak about others, or how you serve in the church. Make a specific plan to mature in that area through prayer, Bible study, and intentional action.

# Key Takeaways

  • True spiritual leadership is about faithful service, not human approval

  • We should focus on God's evaluation of us rather than others' opinions

  • Spiritual maturity requires moving beyond division and criticism to unity and love

  • The kingdom of God is demonstrated through power and action, not just words

  • We can choose to learn through God's Word or through difficult circumstances

# Ending Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank You for Your patience with us as we grow in spiritual maturity. Help us to be faithful servants who focus on Your approval rather than human judgment. Give us the strength to handle criticism with grace, the wisdom to learn from Your Word, and the courage to grow in areas where we're still immature. May we demonstrate Your kingdom not just through words, but through lives transformed by Your power. In Jesus' name, Amen.

1 CorinthiansPastor Jason MookMTN CHURCH