MESSAGE NOTES, 5/18/25
The reality is—we all have stuff. Stuff we carry quietly, things we are working out with others, and challenges we wish would just go away. Death, disease, depression, disappointment, dependence, and even demons—these are the real struggles that weigh us down. But we don’t have to face them alone. In this series, we’ll explore each of these challenging topics and see how Jesus meets us with His peace and power to get through.
This week, our focus is on facing dependencies.
CONNECT
- Besides your phone, what are some things you just cannot live without?
Or consider this — If you were stranded on a desert island (assume there is solar electricity) and you were allowed to bring 1-3 modern conveniences with you – What would you bring?”
Read about the Historical & Cultural Context of Corinth
Corinth was a wealthy, cosmopolitan, and morally permissive city in ancient Greece, a hub of trade, culture, and pagan worship. The city was known for its rampant immorality—especially in the area of sexuality—and for its embrace of personal freedom, philosophical pluralism, and self-indulgence.
Paul’s first letter to the Corinthians addresses many problems in the church: division, immorality, lawsuits among believers, and distorted views of Christian liberty. Many in the church were interpreting their freedom in Christ as a license to do whatever they wanted—even engaging in behavior that contradicted the gospel and harmed others. Scholars widely agree that “Everything is permissible for me” was likely a popular slogan or justification used by some Corinthians to defend morally questionable behavior.
REFLECT
- Read 3x through slowly our main passage of 1 Corinthians 6:12. What key word(s) or phrase(s) in the passage stand out to you. How is the historical cultural context of Corinth similar to today or not? What is Paul’s timeless message to them and us?
- Like Paul, St. Ignatius of Loyola warned of “inordinate (excessive) attachments – unhealthy things we cling to for identity, comfort, or security, which in turn begin to rule our lives. List examples that you see in our current culture, in and outside of the church. What is the role of trauma, genetics, desire & temptation (James 1:13-14) in causing these “inordinate attachments”?
- Which of the five attachments (selfishness, substances, sensuality, status, security) have you been or are you currently mastered by. How do you know when it is mastering you? How does it impact you, others and your relationship with God? Why do you think it becomes so important and essential?
- Jesus offers freedom, not just from attachments, but for life with God (see: 1Cor. 10:13/2Cor. 3:17). What might it look like for you to practice “holy detachment” this week—letting go of something so you can more fully cling to Christ? How might “Gracious Curiosity” versus “Shameful Condemnation” help you figure out why you are overly attached?
- How will you call on the Spirit’s power and the support of God’s people to break free from your dependency? Who can walk with you on that journey?
PRAYER
Pray for yourself and others who are struggling with dependencies. Use the prayer on the back page or your own words.
A PRAYER FOR WHEN WE HAVE LOST OUR WAY AGAIN
Merciful Lord,
sometimes it seems like we can’t help but lose our way
again and again.
Our hearts long to follow you
but you know the way of the human heart.
You know how in our misguided longings we veer
off our journeying to you and begin to chart our own ways
by false thoughts and distorted visions.
Forgive us.
Forgive us when we forget
that we are already claimed by you,
loved by you, and purposed for you.
Forgive us when we allow ourselves
to shape and be shaped
by things and words that do not bring life,
create life, nurture life, sustain life, or resurrect life.
Merciful God,
help us find our way again.
Turn us back towards the road spotted with your other
pilgrims, wayfarers, and repentant servants.
Remind us that your Way is the way of returning.
Remind us of your faithfulness as you forgive
our short memory.
Place your wounded hands upon our broken hearts
and turn us towards you.
Lord of Light, Lord of the Life, Lord of Resurrection.
Amen.
Enuma Okora
A Rhythm of Prayer