Warm‑up & Opening Prayer
“The Bible calls us to grow up in Christ (1 Cor 3:1–3). When we ditch jealousy and strife, we make room for love, peace, and real maturity.”
Prayer: Father God, thank You for calling us to the higher life of the Spirit. Help us crucify the flesh and walk in love. Guard our mouths and renew our minds. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
1 Corinthians 3:3–7 (ESV)
3 for you are still of the flesh. For while there is jealousy and strife among you, are you not of the flesh and behaving only in a human way?
4 For when one says, “I follow Paul,” and another, “I follow Apollos,” are you not being merely human?
5 What then is Apollos? What is Paul? Servants through whom you believed, as the Lord assigned to each.
6 I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the growth.
7 So neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only God who gives the growth.
Definition & Quote
Strife — rivalry, contention; to battle/quarrel; a posture that insists on one’s own way (Gal 5:20; Rom 13:13; Titus 3:9).
“Feed your faith and your doubts will starve to death.” — Elesha Hodge
Illustration — “Caterpillar ➜ Butterfly”
Transformation takes time. The cocoon looks quiet, but strength is forming. In the same way, listening, repentance, and steady obedience form Christlike love.
- Observation: Contrast the works of the flesh with the fruit of the Spirit; notice how often speech appears.
- Application: Name one area you’ll embrace the Spirit’s process (patience, kind words) instead of forcing outcomes.
Quick Quiz
1) According to 1 Corinthians 3, who ultimately gives the growth?
2) True or False: A New Covenant believer must still strive for God to be with them.
3) Fill in the blank — James 3:16: “Where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be ______.”
Posture Check
Striving ➜ At Peace
Journal with God
Prompts are saved locally. Export to a .txt file anytime.
Guided Prayer
Take a minute to thank God for His growth plan and ask for an open door (Col 4:3).
Prayer: “Father God, thank You for Your brilliant plan of growth. Open to me a door for Your Word. Help me grow in grace and knowledge today. Amen.”