By Michael C. Mack

1. Have you ever been in a situation where you did not understand what was being said? How did that feel? What did you do? 

Read 1 Corinthians 14:13-26.

2. What was Paul’s primary concern in this passage? (See vv. 5, 12, 17, 26.) 

3. Why is it critical that we engage both our minds (understanding) and our inner spirits in worship? 

4. How does Paul’s question in verse 16 apply to an inquirer (seeker) who does not understand “Christianese”—that is, the insider language Christians might use? 

5. Paul used the illustration of spiritual children and maturity earlier in this letter (3:1-4; 13:11-13). Why does he call some of the believers “children” here? 

6. Everyone should contribute, using his or her own spiritual gifts, in a small group meeting. But when or how could that get off track? (See vv. 26 and 40.) 

7. As a group how can you be sure that you do everything to build one another up (rather than just building your individual selves up)?

Michael Mack is the author of 16 small group books and discussion guides, including I’m a Leader . . . Now What? (Standard Publishing). He also leads church training events and consults with churches through his ministry, Small Group Leadership (www.smallgroupleadership.com).