Scripture Focus:

1 Corinthians 2:6–3:4

Big Idea

God doesn’t want us to stay at a shallow level in our faith—He invites us to grow deeper through His Spirit so we can live like Jesus.

Short Devotional (Read Aloud)

Have you ever seen someone swimming in the shallow end of a pool when there’s a whole deep end available? Sometimes we do that in our faith too—we stay where it’s comfortable instead of growing deeper.

Paul tells the Corinthians that there are two kinds of wisdom. One comes from the world and focuses on being impressive, successful, or better than others. The other comes from God and leads us to love, serve, and follow Jesus—even when it’s hard.

The amazing part is that God hasn’t hidden His wisdom from us. He gives it freely through the Holy Spirit! The Spirit helps us understand God’s truth and gives us the power to live it out.

But Paul also says some believers were acting like “spiritual babies”—arguing, comparing, and living like people who don’t know Jesus. Instead of growing, they were stuck.

God invites us into something better. Through His Spirit, we can grow, change, and become more like Jesus. There is always more—more wisdom, more strength, and more of God’s presence in our lives.

Discussion Questions

For Preschoolers

Who helps us learn about God? (Answer: The Holy Spirit)
Does God want us to grow or stay the same?
Can you name one way to be kind like Jesus?
Who can you share or help this week?

For Kids (Elementary)

What are the two kinds of wisdom Paul talks about?
Who helps us understand God’s truth?
What does it mean to grow in your faith?
Can you think of a way to choose God’s way instead of your own this week?

For Students (Middle/High School)

What are some examples of “worldly wisdom” you see at school or online?
Why do you think following Jesus sometimes looks different from what culture values?
What does it mean to rely on the Holy Spirit instead of yourself?
Where do you see “spiritual immaturity” (jealousy, comparison, division) show up in your life?

For Adults

Where might you be settling for a “surface-level” faith instead of pursuing deeper spiritual growth?
How do you personally distinguish between worldly wisdom and God’s wisdom in decision-making?
In what ways is the Holy Spirit currently prompting growth “in you” and “through you”?
Are there areas of jealousy, comparison, or division that reveal spiritual immaturity?

Family Application Activity

“Shallow vs. Deep” Object Lesson

What you need: Two bowls of water (one shallow, one deeper), or simply talk it through.

Talk about how the shallow bowl represents staying comfortable and not growing.
The deeper bowl represents trusting God more and going deeper in faith.

Activity:
Have each family member answer:

One way I’ve been staying “shallow” in my faith is…
One way I want to go deeper with God this week is…

Family Prayer

“God, thank You for giving us Your Spirit to teach us and guide us. Help us not to stay shallow in our faith, but to grow deeper with You. Show us what You want to do in us and through us. Make us more like Jesus. Amen.”