For you were called to freedom, brethren; only do not turn your freedom into an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another. - Galatians 5:13

Approximately 20 years after the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus Christ, and following Paul’s first missionary journey, the apostles and early church leaders met to discuss whether or not the growing number of Gentiles who were coming to the faith needed to be circumcised. This gathering, which is detailed in Acts 15, became known as the Jerusalem Council. It was led by James, the half-brother of Jesus, and both Peter and Paul were present and spoke at this meeting. Ultimately, it was decided that circumcision was not necessary in order to be a Christian. However, a letter was drafted to be carried to and read by the Gentile churches that urged them to abstain from sexual immorality and from consuming certain things, including things sacrificed to idols.  

It seems likely that either Paul, Peter, or perhaps both of them taught about and discussed these particular issues during their time in Corinth (as well as in the other cities and churches where they visited). Nevertheless, the Corinthians still had several questions. Paul already spoke about sexual immorality back in chapter 6, and now in chapters 8-10 he deals with eating and drinking things that have been sacrificed to idols. However, he will approach this narrow topic with a much broader explanation of Christian liberty.

I. KNOWLEDGE VS. LOVE (1 Corinthians 8:1-3)

Paul began this portion of his letter by pointing out that everyone had already been made aware of the instruction not to eat or drink anything that had been sacrificed to idols. They all knew what the letter said about this issue. However, this knowledge alone was not sufficient. Paul explained that knowledge, apart from love, simply leads to arrogance. In other words, if our religious practices and doctrinal allegiance are not accompanied by God’s love, mercy, and compassion, we will become pious, puffed up, and haughty like the Pharisees. Paul will revisit this same principle again in chapter 13 when he talks about the imperative nature of love. Here, he briefly said that love edifies, while knowledge does not.

As Christians, we are in a relationship with God. If we claim to know God intellectually, yet lack a genuine love for Him and our fellow man, then we don’t really know Him to the extent that we should. It is only when we sincerely love God and abide in His love that we truly know Him and, more important, are known by Him. In other words, a person can know all sorts of facts about God and the Bible yet still be lost. Satan and the demons are perfect examples. Head knowledge alone will not save us… only heart knowledge will.  

II. THERE IS ONLY 1 GOD (1 Corinthians 8:4-6)

Idols are nothing more than lifeless pieces of carved wood, stone, or cast metals. They are powerless, futile images. They are not gods at all, nor do they actually represent real gods, as there are no other gods except for God alone. Over the centuries people have made up all sorts of “so-called” gods, with some residing in heaven and others on earth. They have foolishly worshiped these false gods as though they actually existed and wielded influence over the earth.

However, Christians know that there is only 1 God, the heavenly Father. He is the Creator of all things and we were made by and exist for Him. In addition, there is only 1 Lord, the Son Jesus Christ, through Whom all things were made and exist. Though not mentioned in this passage, we also know there is 1 Spirit, the Holy Spirit, who indwells the life of every believer. There is only 1 true, living, and triune God - Father, Son, And Holy Spirit. Idols are not gods at all.

III. APPLYING THESE TRUTHS (1 Corinthians 8:7-13)

In this chapter, Paul started by laying out 2 foundational principles. First, knowledge apart from love is insufficient and can even be harmful. Second, idols have no real significance because there is only 1 true God. With this pair of truths in place, Paul will now address the question at hand concerning things that had been sacrificed to idols.

Paul explained that not every believer knew the principles he’d just given. There were some who believed that if a person consumed something that had been sacrificed to an idol they would be defiled in some way. Paul described those who held this view as having a weak conscience. Paul wrote that food will not commend us to God, regardless of whether we eat or don’t eat. Food that has been sacrificed to idols is no different than food that hasn’t been - it's still the same. This is similar to Jesus’ teaching about unwashed hands and that it’s not what goes into the man’s mouth that defiles him, but rather what comes out of it (Matthew 15:11,15-20).   

That said, Christians who have a stronger conscience and a fuller knowledge of the truth should still be careful as to how they use their liberty. Just because they may know intellectually that it doesn’t actually defile a person to eat things sacrificed to idols, doesn’t necessarily mean they should do so. If their actions would be seen by a Christian with a weaker conscience and become a stumbling block to them, then such behaviors would be sinful. The sin in this instance would not be defilement caused by the eating of food that had been sacrificed to idols, but rather the harming of another believer’s conscience by a misuse of Christian liberty.

In the end, we should take into account how our actions will affect other, less mature Christians and choose not to do things that will hinder their faith or wound their conscience. Our actions should be motivated by love for one another, not merely a knowledge of what is and isn’t permissible. Paul concluded that, though he was free to eat anything, he would voluntarily abstain from eating meat if doing so caused his brother to stumble. 

CONCLUSION

Earlier in this letter, Paul stated that just because you can do something doesn’t necessarily mean that you should (1 Corinthians 6:12). In this chapter, he repeated and applied this same concept specifically to the issue of eating or drinking things that had been sacrificed to idols. The bottom line is that Jesus has set us free from the requirements of the Law, but this freedom is not a blank check to do whatever we want to. We must consider how our choices affect others and must demonstrate love for our fellow man in the things we say and do. We have not been set free to serve ourselves, but rather to serve God by serving others.

In next week’s message, Paul will elaborate on how he has chosen to exercise his own Christian liberty. Until then, may each of us use our freedom to edify and encourage one another, to love and nurture one another, and to build up and strengthen the kingdom of God without compromising the truth of His Word.

Marriage is to be held in honor among all, and the marriage bed is to be undefiled; for fornicators and adulterers God will judge. - Hebrews 13:4

This morning we will finish the discussion we began last Sunday on Paul’s teachings about marriage. Apparently, the congregation at Corinth had several questions on this particular topic. Turn with me to 1 Corinthians 7 and let’s begin…  

I. WALK IN THE MANNER YOU WERE CALLED (1 Corinthians 7:17-27)

Paul urged the Corinthians to walk in the manner in which they were called. In other words, if the LORD had called them to marriage, let them be married and if He had called them to be unmarried, let them be unmarried. This was Paul’s teaching in every church he visited - to abide by God’s will and not resist it. Though his main emphasis in this passage was on marriage, Paul provided a few other examples to validate this principle.

He explained that some who had come to faith in Christ were circumcised. These were Jews who had converted to Christianity. Others who had become Christians were uncircumcised. These were Gentile believers. Paul stated that the uncircumcised didn’t need to be circumcised nor the circumcised need to be uncircumcised. It didn’t matter - what God desired was obedience!

Some of the new believers were free while others were slaves. Certainly, if those who were slaves were afforded the opportunity to become free they should take it. Nevertheless, whether free or slave was not the issue. In fact, spiritually speaking those who were slaves had been set free in Christ and those who were free had become slaves of Christ. Either way - as born-again children of God, they had been bought with a price and belonged to the LORD.

The point Paul was making is that someone can be a faithful, obedient Christian whether they are circumcised or uncircumcised, whether you are slave or free, and whether they are married or unmarried. Following this principle, Paul addressed “virgins” - those who had never married and never had sex. He stated that, in his informed opinion, if they were presently betrothed (or engaged), they should go ahead and get married.  If not, they shouldn’t be in a rush to get married. Bottom line… be content with and walk in God’s will for your life.

II. BENEFITS OF BEING UNMARRIED (1 Corinthians 7:28-35)

In accordance with the parameters Paul taught previously in this chapter, Paul again wrote that it  is not a sin to be married. That said, Paul argued that there were benefits to remaining single. He spoke from personal experience, as he was unmarried (some believe he was never married and others think he was a widower). Paul stated that marriage brings with it certain troubles that being unmarried spares you from. He reasoned that time is short and Christians should make the most of it by focusing on their relationship with and service to God. As such, they must be careful not to become overly distracted or burdened by the passing things of this world like grief, joy, material possessions, and/or even their spouses.

Paul wanted the Corinthians to be free from concern. He suggested that the unmarried men were concerned about the things of God and how to please Him, while the married men had divided interests which included a concern about earthly things and how to please their wife. Furthermore, the unmarried women and virgins were concerned about the things of the LORD and how to remain holy in body and spirit, while the married women were concerned about earthly things and how to please their husbands. Paul declared that he was not opposed to or counseling against marriage, but simply saying that a major benefit of being unmarried is an undistracted and/or undivided devotion to God.

III. FATHERS GIVING DAUGHTERS IN MARRIAGE (1 Corinthians 7:36-38)

In Biblical times, especially within the Jewish culture, marriages were typically arranged by the fathers of the prospective bride and groom. The father of the bride had to give consent before his daughter could be given in marriage and the groom typically paid some sort of dowry for her. There are differing interpretations of this passage, but perhaps the most common associates it with fathers who had daughters.

If a father feels that he is not doing right by his daughter because he is not arranged for her to be married, especially if she is past her youth, he should go ahead and let her marry. This would not be a sin. On the contrary, if he feels otherwise, he may choose to let her remain unmarried. It seems reasonable to believe that the father’s opinion on this issue would be informed to some extent by the feelings of the daughter in question. Thus, the father does well either way, but as stated previously, there are potential benefits to remaining single.

If this is the proper rendering of these verses, they are largely obsolete in modern Western culture. However, at the time they were quite relevant and remain so in certain regions of the world where arranged marriage is still common practice today. 
  
CONCLUSION

I want to conclude this morning with a recap of the major teachings given in this chapter on marriage, divorce, remarriage, and so forth. This will include content from both this week’s and last week’s messages. For starters, let’s remember that Biblical marriage is a covenant relationship between 1 man and 1 woman in which God supernaturally makes the 2 spouses into 1 flesh. This unison, and thus the marriage itself, remains intact until the physical death of either the husband or the wife.

To those who are married - stay married if possible. Develop and maintain a healthy and mutually satisfying sexual relationship within your marriage so that you will not be tempted to cheat on your spouse. Even if your spouse is not a Christian, don’t just leave them - especially if you have children! Divorce should only be considered in the most serious of circumstances.

To those who have never been married - if you can control your sexual desires and can remain single without committing sexual immorality, then stay single. There are benefits to remaining unmarried, as it frees you from certain troubles and concerns and allows you to be more wholly devoted to the LORD. However, if you can’t control these desires, then by all means get married.

To widows and widowers - you are free to remarry if you want to, so long as you marry a Christian. However, it might be better to remain unmarried, if you can do so without committing sexual immorality. Again, there are advantages to being unmarried.

To those who are divorced - if your spouse is still living, you are still bound to them. Therefore, either remain unmarried or be reconciled to them. Otherwise, you and the person you wed in a subsequent marriage may be committing adultery - this teaching is disputed by some.

To those who are engaged - unless there is a compelling reason to call it off, go through with your marriage. Don’t walk away from someone you’ve already made a commitment to just because you now recognize the benefits of being single.

And I would add, though not taught explicitly in this chapter, to those in an unbiblical marriage - you are free to divorce and, if desired, seek out a biblical marriage. In this specific instance, remarriage to another person while your original spouse or spouses are still living is not an act of adultery - because your “first marriage” was no marriage at all; it was illegitimate and not sanctioned by God.

Whichever of these scenarios describes you, be content with God’s will for your life and follow His lead. Be faithful and obedient to Him. Walk in accordance with your calling, for this is the priority.

For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and shall be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh. This mystery is great; but I am speaking with reference to Christ and the church. - Ephesians 5:31-32

Good morning.  Last Sunday we talked about the sin of sexual immorality and the proper use of our bodies to glorify God. In that sermon, Paul briefly pointed out the broad implications of “two people becoming one flesh”. In this week’s passage he logically transitions into a much fuller discussion about marriage, divorce, and remarriage. All of chapter 7 is devoted to these topics. However, we will not be able to complete the entire chapter today. Therefore, this morning’s message will be “Part 1” and next Sunday’s will be “Part 2”.

I. SEX WITHIN MARRIAGE (1 Corinthians 7:1-7)

Apparently the Corinthians had sent a letter to Paul that included several questions about marital issues. As he began to address these questions, he began by stating that it is good for a man not to touch a woman. In other words, it is a wonderful thing for a person to master their physical desires, remain unmarried, and live a life of celibacy. It is not a sin and should not be considered a stigma for a person to be single. However, this is simply not the case for most people. In order to avoid sexual immorality, a man and woman should marry and maintain an exclusive sexual relationship with each other.

Within the context of the marriage, both husband and wife should recognize that their bodies belong to one another. Remember, they are “one flesh”, and therefore neither has the absolute right to demand or deny sex from the other. Spouses should openly, honestly communicate and lovingly compromise with each other in order to develop and maintain a mutually satisfying sexual relationship. The particulars of this arrangement will vary from marriage to marriage.

Husbands and wives should not use sex as a weapon against one another. They should not deprive each other of physical intimacy, except as mutually agreed upon for a brief season of prayer. If the physical relationship in a marriage is unhealthy or unsatisfying, the husband, wife, or possibly both partners will be tempted to look elsewhere. Marital infidelity has resulted in an untold number of divorces and broken homes. A fulfilling sexual relationship is a critical component of every godly marriage.

Again Paul wished that all people had the ability and self-control to remain single or unmarried. Nevertheless, he acknowledged that not everyone does. Paul described marriage as a gift from God given to those for whom it was intended. He did not disparage the institution of marriage. Some Bible scholars even believe that Paul himself was a widower.

II. CANDIDATES FOR MARRIAGE (1 Corinthians 7:8-11, 39-40)

Yet again, Paul stated his deeply held conviction that it was good for those who were unmarried or who were widowed (that is, their spouse had died) to remain single. If you read this entire section of verses as well as other similar passages, it becomes clear that “unmarried” in this instance refers only to those who have never been married. He then conceded that it would be better for them to marry or remarry than to burn with passion. Thus, Paul clearly indicated that those who have never married are free to marry and those who are widowed are free to remarry.

At the end of this chapter, Paul addressed widows and widowers specifically. He stated that a wife is bound to her husband as long as he is alive. She may only remarry after he dies, and even then only to a Christian man. This same standard also applies to husbands. In other words, divorce does not negate a marriage in God’s eyes. What God has joined together cannot truly be separated or undone by man. The Bible teaches that marriage is for life, and it only ends when a spouse dies. Paul added that, in his godly and respected opinion, a widowed person would be happier if they chose to remain unmarried.

Paul taught that, in accordance with God’s instruction, husbands and wives should make every attempt to stay married. The Bible clearly states that God hates divorce (Malachi 2:16) and Scripture strongly discourages it. That said, God did give provisions that allowed for divorce in certain circumstances - not because He endorsed it, but rather because of the hardness of the human heart. Thus, it is not necessarily a sin to get a divorce, especially in serious instances such as marital infidelity or an abusive relationship. Nevertheless, Paul explained that if a person does get divorced they must either remain unmarried or be reconciled to their spouse.  

The overwhelming majority of passages on this issue echo exactly what Paul taught here - that remarriage, under any circumstances other than the death of the husband or wife, is an act of adultery for both parties involved. This is clearly and unambiguously confirmed in Matthew 5:32b, Mark 10:11-12, Luke 16:18, and Romans 7:2-3.  

It must be noted that there is a single verse of Scripture, Matthew 19:9, that seems to suggest an exception to this rule. This verse is an outlier. It states that, “whoever divorces his wife, except for immorality, and marries another woman commits adultery.” Many interpret this to mean that if either spouse is unfaithful, the faithful spouse is free to divorce them and remarry someone else without committing sin. However, if this is true, then all of the other previously mentioned passages on this topic are misleading and incomplete. In my opinion, based upon much study, the correct interpretation of Matthew 19:9 is that if a person is in an immoral marriage - such as a polygamous, incestuous, homosexual, or otherwise biblically illegitimate marriage - they are free to divorce and remarry. This interpretation completely reconciles with all of the other passages on this topic, it follows the sound rules of hermeneutics, and it allows for a person to free themselves from a sinful relationship and try again without committing additional sin themselves. I will be the first to acknowledge that not everyone agrees with me on this issue.

III. UNBELIEVING SPOUSES (1 Corinthians 7:12-16)

Unlike the verses that immediately preceded these, which were directions given by the LORD, Paul introduced this paragraph by indicating that this section reflected his opinion. He urged any Christians who were married to non-Christian spouses to remain with them as long as they consented to stay together. He explained that the non-believing spouse is sanctified (at least to a degree) by the believing spouse. This is especially important if the couple has children. Perhaps the presence and witness of the Christian will lead their unsaved spouse and/or children to the LORD.

That said, Paul reasoned that if the non-believing spouse was to leave the relationship, the Christian spouse was under no obligation to seek reconciliation. In such a case, divorce would be acceptable. Even still, this does not give either divorcee the grounds to remarry. No such statement is made or implied in this passage at all. 

CONCLUSION

Though we’ve touched on several topics today, such as the importance of a healthy sex life within a marriage and the positive effects of a believing spouse on a non-believing spouse and their children in a marriage, I suspect that our discussion of divorce and remarriage is what stands out in your mind. This topic can be quite controversial. So as we close, I want to be clear on my interpretation of Scripture. Let me state that my stance is not mine alone, but is shared by many other Christians - albeit probably not the majority.

To be frank, I am uncomfortable with any person who has been divorced remarrying another person while their first spouse is still living. While I wouldn’t publicly condemn someone for doing so, nevertheless I can’t completely dismiss the possibility that such a marriage is sinful. Because of my uncertainty, I have made the personal choice as a pastor not to conduct wedding ceremonies so as to avoid this scenario. It is not my intention to alienate divorced people, especially fellow Christians, yet I will not deny my sincerely held convictions.

If you are listening to the message today and you have divorced and remarried, please don’t hate me. I don’t hate you. We can agree to disagree on this issue. Unlike most other issues, which are plainly black or white, there is some level of ambiguity here. We can still be friends, hang out, maintain fellowship, and worship together. All I ask is that we appreciate and respect one another’s perspective. Who knows, I could be wrong? Wouldn’t be the first time…

I will give thanks to You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Wonderful are Your works, and my soul knows it very well. - Psalm 139:14

Last week we began 1 Corinthians 6 with a discussion about verses 1-11. In these verses Paul strongly discouraged filing lawsuits against others, especially against fellow believers. He also broadly listed several examples of unfaithful behaviors and sinful lifestyles. It appears that the litigation Paul was referring to stemmed from the sharp division of the congregation that he’d elaborated on earlier in this letter. The topic of today’s message seems to be yet another extension of a previously discussed matter.

Back in chapter 5 Paul rebuked the Corinthians for their willful inaction regarding a church member who was engaging in sexually immoral conduct. To be specific, he was sleeping with his father’s wife. Paul urged them to put this man out of the church. Now, in verses 12-20 of chapter 6, he deals explicitly with the issue of sexual immorality. I have titled this sermon, “How to Use Your Body”.

I. MADE TO LAST (1 Corinthians 6:12-14)

Jesus lived a perfectly righteous life and was wholly without sin. By doing so, He fulfilled the demands of the Law and went on to establish a New Covenant through His shed blood. Christians no longer live under the Law, but rather are covered by God’s grace. They are not saved on the basis of their works, but rather upon the completed work of Christ. In Him, they have been set free from the requirements of the Law. But does this freedom entitle believers to sin without impunity? How should Christians properly exercise their religious liberty?

Paul will delve much deeper into this subject later in this letter (chapters 8-9), but for now he states that just because you can do something doesn’t necessarily mean that you should. Although Christians are not judged by their works, some behaviors are not beneficial to them and may even wield a negative influence in or over their lives. In context, some actions have damaging and harmful effects on the body. Such conduct should be avoided.

Food satisfies the hunger of the stomach and the stomach necessitates the eating of food. They go together, and both will pass away. Similarly, the physical body has its own desires. The carnal flesh longs for sexual indulgence and gratification. However, the body is not made for sexual immorality, but rather for the Lord. Whatsmore, people’s bodies are not disposable or dispensable - they will not simply pass away. On the contrary, they will be physically raised just as Jesus was. These bodies will be glorified and fashioned for eternity.

II. MEMBERS OF CHRIST (1 Corinthians 6:15-17)

When a person accepts Jesus unto salvation, they become a member of His body. Paul will give a more thorough explanation of this issue later on in chapter 12. In this passage, he simply introduced the concept by stating that born-again believers are bound to Christ. They are wholly connected to Him - both body and spirit. The Bible also describes this union as a branch that has been grafted into the vine (Romans 11:11-24; John 15:1-6). Just as the Christian abides in Jesus, so also Jesus abides in the Christian. Heaven forbid that a saved person would defile their body by giving it over to a prostitute!

There is no such thing as casual or meaningless sex. There are emotional, psychological, spiritual, and other aspects of sexual expression that go far beyond the physical act itself. According to Scripture, when people have sex with each other, they become “one flesh” (Genesis 2:24). They are mysteriously bound in the eyes of God. This is why the LORD reserves sex exclusively for married couples. Christians should not be binding their bodies to prostitutes - or to anyone other than their spouse!

Believers should give their bodies to the Lord. They should be united in spirit with Him. They should be members of Christ, not members of a prostitute.    

III. NOT YOUR OWN (1 Corinthians 6:18-20)

Paul instructed the Corinthians to flee from sexual immorality. They were to run from its charms and not be enticed by them. While the Romans glorified and practiced all sorts of sexual sin, Paul urged the Corinthian church to set itself apart. He explained that, unlike most other sins, sexual immorality is a sin against one’s own body. It not only defiles the purity of the body, but also invites debilitating disease.

He then recalled and repeated a metaphor that he’d used earlier in this letter (1 Corinthians 3:16-17). He reminded the Corinthians that their bodies were the temple of God. Beloved, the Holy Spirit resides within the body of each Christian. Therefore, believers should strive to keep their bodies clean, pure, and holy. They should not dirty themselves with sexual immorality.

Finally, Paul explained that Jesus died on the cross not only to save the souls of sinners, but also to redeem their bodies. He paid the price at Calvary to forgive and restore all of mankind - both spiritually and physically. As such, these bodies belong to Him. They have been bought with a price. It is only fitting and proper that they be used for His purposes. Thus, Christians should utilize their bodies (which actually belong to the LORD) to glorify God.       

CONCLUSION

Some Christians mistakenly believe that their bodies are not very important. Aren't they just earthen vessels or tents to be discarded? No, my friends, they are much more! In today’s message, we have highlighted several important truths about our physical bodies. Let’s summarize the major points that we’ve touched on:

Our bodies are fearfully and wonderfully made. All of us have been lovingly crafted by the Creator of the universe. Each person is beautifully unique. We should not treat ourselves like cheap garbage.

As Christians, our bodies will be raised, glorified, and united with our souls so that we may live with Jesus physically and spiritually forever. They are not merely temporary or expendable. 

As Christians, our bodies are members of Christ. We are one with Him and He with us. When we defile our bodies by joining them with a prostitute, we defile His body as well.

Sexual immorality is a sin against one’s own body. In other words, it is self-destructive. We should not inflict harm upon ourselves by engaging in sexual immoral behavior.

Christians are indwelt by the Holy Spirit. He abides in us. Our bodies are His temple. We should strive to keep them pure and holy.

In truth, our bodies do not belong to us. They belong to Jesus. As such, they should be used in accordance with His will and purposes.

For all of these reasons - we as Christians should flee from sexual immorality. In all of its forms, and there are several, sexual immorality is a sin against God. Instead, we should use our bodies to glorify the LORD!

Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. - James 1:2-4

Over the past several weeks, we’ve talked about the heated division that raged within the Corinthian church. We’ve also discussed their blind indifference to an egregious and immoral sin that was taking place openly in their midst. In today’s sermon, we will focus on yet another issuing that hindered the believers at Corinth.

I have titled the message, “Lawsuits Discouraged”. That’s pretty straightforward. It is the 9th installment of our current sermon series, “The Messed Up Church: Paul’s Letters to Corinth”. It seems that the further we get into this letter, the more we discover how far the Corinthian church had gone off the rails…

I. DON’T GO TO COURT (1 Corinthians 6:1-6)

It appears that some of the members of the Corinthian church were filing suit against one another in the civil courts. Their bitter disputes and quarrels, which had already been discussed earlier, prompted them to pursue litigation - even on rather small and petty matters. Paul questioned how Christians - the very saints of God - could be comfortable having their problems resolved by secular, unrighteous judges. Why would they trust the corrupt Roman legal system to settle their problems? Such a notion seemed preposterous.

Someday Christians will share in Christ’s authority and judgment over the world (Revelation 2:26-27). In addition to this, they will also judge and hold a higher status than the angels. This being the case, it would seem reasonable that competent believers within the church could find a way to work out their own disagreements. Whatsmore, why would Christians be content with the appointment of unrighteous judges who do not even participate in the church?

Paul rebuked them for their litigious behavior which only aggravated and further amplified their division. It was woefully shameful. He asked if there was any saved member in the church - even just one wise person - who could be trusted to hear and mediate their disputes. As a general rule, Christians should not sue each other or look to unbelieving outsiders for resolutions to their problems.

II. BECAUSE YOU CAN’T WIN (1 Corinthians 6:7-8)

Paul told those who were involved in lawsuits against their brethren that, regardless of the outcome of their cases, they had already been defeated. Even if the legal decision that was rendered went their way, they had effectively driven a wedge between themselves and fellow believers. In other words, it was a lose-lose situation.  

Is it more important that we get earthly justice for ourselves or that we maintain unity and fellowship within the body of Christ? Would it not be better to suffer injustice in the name of Jesus than to alienate one another and possibly destroy our Christian witness? By the way, did our Savior cry foul when He was unjustly condemned and crucified? No, He didn’t.

To go a step further, when we take another person to court we do wrong by them. The action itself publicly expresses doubt about their character. Whether justified or not, we are not to hurt or defame one another - especially fellow members of the church. 

III. WITH UNRIGHTEOUS JUDGES (1 Corinthians 6:9-11)

Having just described secular judges as unrighteous (v1), Paul then broadened his argument to include other categories of sinful behavior. He listed a sampling of the many different types of sin. He also warned the Corinthian Christians not to foolishly believe that such folks would inherit the kingdom of God.

Fornicators are single people who are having premarital or extra-marital sex. Idolaters are those who practice idolatry. Adulterers are married people who are having sex with someone other than their spouse. The effeminate may refer to any of a wide range of sins, as this word carries multiple meanings in Scripture depending on its context. Some suggest it refers to transgenderism, others to self-indulgent behavior, others to prostitution, and still others to an unwillingness to work. Homosexuals are men having sex with men or women having sex with women. Thieves are those who steal, the covetous are those who covet, and drunkards are those who get drunk. Revilers verbally abuse others and swindlers practice deceit.     

Paul reminded the congregation that, before Christ came into their lives, many of them conducted themselves in these ways. But, by God’s grace, through faith in Christ and by the power of the Spirit, they had been purified, sanctified, and justified. Having been delivered out of sin themselves, they should lovingly desire the same salvation for others still lost in it.

Everyone sins from time to time, even the most devout Christian.  We are carnal, fallen, imperfect, and unholy human beings. It is important to note that this passage, and others like it, concern continuous behavior and/or practices that constitute a lifestyle. While a saved person may certainly be tempted by and struggle with these issues, out of faithful reverence and obedience to God they will strive to avoid them.

CONCLUSION

Just because something is legal doesn’t necessarily mean its right. There are many things that are acceptable in the eyes of the law that are displeasing to God. In the same way, just because something is illegal doesn’t necessarily make it wrong. There are many things that are forbidden by this world’s law that are actually pleasing to and even commanded by God. Here is the bottom line - man’s legal system and God’s moral system are not always in line with one another. When they diverge, we as Christians must prioritize God’s will over man’s.

Furthermore, many of our courts are presided over by corrupt judges. They can be easily bribed, influenced, and manipulated. They typically favor the wealthy and famous. They have a biased and fluctuating interpretation of the law. They are more inclined to serve an agenda rather than to pursue justice. They have an affinity for criminals rather than victims. They are cowardly, soft, and often unwilling to render decisions that would effectively deter unlawful behavior. In short - they are sinners who do not concern themselves with the things of God.

For these reasons, Christians are strongly discouraged from initiating legal action against other people - especially fellow believers. Unrighteous persons should not be determining outcomes for the righteous. Does this mean that suing someone is always wrong in every circumstance? No, but it should only be done after other measures have been exhausted. It should always be preceded by serious and thoughtful prayer. Even then, it might be better to suffer wrong and wait for God’s justice rather than to move forward with legal action.

I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot; I wish that you were cold or hot. So because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of My mouth. - Revelation 3:15-16

As we have read over the past few weeks, Paul began his letter to the Corinthians by dealing broadly with the issue of division plaguing their church. He identified numerous factors that were contributing to their unrest and gave godly counsel for resolving them. Paul urged the Corinthians to be united in the name of Christ.

In today’s message, we will move on to another point of concern. I have titled the sermon, “Immorality and Indifference”. Open your Bibles to 1 Corinthians, chapter 5…

I. THE PROBLEM (1 Corinthians 5:1-2)

Paul had received news of a specific and quite troubling problem within the Corinthian church. There was a member of the congregation who was involved in an incestuous sexual relationship with his father’s wife. It is widely held that he was either married to or having an affair with his step mother. This was a blatant act of sexual immorality and, though the old covenant had been fulfilled by Christ, it was a glaring violation of Jewish Law (Leviticus 20:11). This conduct was so reprehensible that even the non-believing Gentiles did not engage in such behavior.

Besides the brazen act of sexual immorality itself, the Corinthian church didn’t seem overly concerned by it. Rather than mourning the damage being caused by this horrible sin to both the guilty persons and the church itself, instead they were arrogant and boasting about it. They had not taken any steps to deal with this man’s immoral behavior or made any attempts to remove him from the church. On the contrary, they seemed quite content with the status quo. Their complacency was just as troubling as the individual’s sexual immorality.

This situation provides us with a good opportunity to talk about the ongoing value of the Old Testament Law. We as Christians are not legalistically bound to the Law, but rather are under grace. We have salvation through the blood of Jesus. Nevertheless, though not constrained by it, we would be foolish to ignore or disregard the moral stipulations of the Law. They provide us with principles and guidelines which were given by God to help His people live more righteously. While the Jewish civil and ceremonial laws may be largely obsolete, the moral laws can serve as an essential aide to those who love the LORD and seek to keep His commandments.    

II. THE PRECEDENT (1 Corinthians 5:3-5)

Without reservation, Paul told the Corinthians plainly what he would do - in fact, what he had already done. Though he was not physically there, Paul told them that he had already judged the offender. He had decided, by the authority of the Lord Jesus, to turn the sexually immoral man over to Satan. This euphemism simply meant that Paul had determined to expel this person from the church, leaving them to dwell again among the lost world.

This act of church discipline, and the sin for which it would be enacted, would certainly have an impact on the physical body. It would be a severe, but temporal punishment. The goal, however, would be restorative. Perhaps “the destruction of the flesh” might lead to repentance. If, in fact, this man was a believer, perhaps he would turn from his immoral ways back to God and his soul would be saved. The primary purpose of godly discipline is to bring about repentance and restoration. It is an act of love.

III. THE PRINCIPLE (1 Corinthians 5:6-8)

Paul rebuked the Corinthians for accepting and even boasting about this immoral church member. He reminded them about the principle of leaven. Leaven is a substance used to make bread rise when baked - typically yeast. When just a small amount is kneaded into dough it will affect the entire lump. In the Bible, leaven is most often used figuratively to represent the powerful and pervasive influence of sinful behaviors and/or teachings.  

This metaphor also has a historic connotation. At the beginning of the exodus, on the night of the Passover, the Children of Israel were instructed to make unleavened bread (without yeast) because their hasty departure from Egypt would not allow time for the bread to rise. In subsequent celebrations of the Passover and the Feast of Unleavened Bread which followed, the Jews would remove all leaven from their homes. This represented the cleansing of sin. The Christian application is that we, in the wake of Jesus’s crucifixion (our Passover Lamb), should purge ourselves of our old sinful practices, and instead live unleavened lives characterized by purity and righteousness.

Paul used this metaphor to describe the perilous consequences of permitting the sexually immoral man to remain as a part of the church. His singular presence was negatively impacting the entire congregation. This principle is demonstrated elsewhere throughout Scripture, notably in the story of Achin (Joshua 7:10-26).

IV. THE PRESCRIPTION (1 Corinthians 5:9-13)

Paul wrote that, in a previous letter, he had instructed them not to associate with immoral people. The earlier letter he mentioned here has never been found. Thus, the letter we are currently studying called 1 Corinthians is not actually Paul’s first letter to Corinth, rather it is the first of those included in the Bible. Nevertheless, it seems that the Corinthians had misunderstood Paul’s meaning.

The Corinthian Christians were not associating with the immoral people of the world, i.e. those outside of the church. However, Paul’s instruction was not to associate with any so-called believer who practiced immorality, i.e. those within the church. Paul explained that God would judge sinful outsiders. Christians should concern themselves with the church and those who are members of it. It is no surprise for a lost person to act immorally, but when a professing Christian does so it is a disgrace. Paul commanded the Corinthians to dismiss the sexually immoral man from the church.

CONCLUSION

Christians should not tolerate the presence of blatantly sinful teachings and practices within the church. Such wickedness damages the church by destroying its witness to the world, harming its members, and bringing shame to the name of Christ. When the church turns a blind eye to the sin in its midst, controversy and scandal soon follow. Just as a loving father disciplines his young children for their own good and for that of the family, so also we must lovingly employ church discipline as necessary for the edification of the wayward member and that of the congregation as a whole.

In closing, we should flee from sexual immorality. This includes any type of sexual expression outside the confines of Biblical marriage. All such behaviors are sin. Paul will elaborate on this more extensively in the coming chapter.

When the wickedness of the world is glaringly evident within the church itself, you have a “Messed Up Church”. Beloved, have you read the news or been paying attention? This is us. May the LORD help us to get our house - that is, His house - in order.

Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves; - Philippians 2:3

​What a joy it is to be a child of the LORD! I am so grateful that you have joined us here this morning to study God’s Word and learn from His teachings. What a blessing it is to open the Bible together!

This morning we will continue our reading in 1 Corinthians chapter 4. Last week we got through the first 5 verses, and today we will pick up where we left off. Remember, Paul is addressing division within the church at Corinth. The sermon is titled, “Living In Humility”.

I. DON’T ACT SUPERIOR (1 Corinthians 4:6-7)

In the preceding passage, Paul talked about the role of ministers and church leaders. Pastors are servants of the congregation, not dictators over it. They are stewards and servants of God. The church members do not belong to them as many were claiming - on the contrary, it would be more appropriate to say that they belong to the church members. This is the manner in which Paul referred to himself and Apollos (and also Peter). They should not be regarded by the church in any lofty manner beyond this, nor should the Corinthians pit themselves against each other as if anyone was superior.

Which of them was greater than any of the others? Everything they had was of God, not of themselves! So what did they have to boast about? God was the source of all they had received, so they should boast only in the Lord. Just as they shouldn’t have compared Apollos with Paul, nor should they have compared themselves with others.

II. THE LOT OF APOSTLES (1 Corinthians 4:8-13)

Many of the Corinthians were foolishly acting as though they were wealthy kings, having become rich and prosperous by their own doings. Paul sarcastically stated that he wished this were true, so that he might leave his meager circumstances behind and come reign with them in their extravagance. Of course, Paul was being satirical. He was sharply pointing out their misplaced love of earthly things.

In contrast to their relative luxury, Paul described the difficult life of an apostle. He reasoned that God had ordained apostles last of all - following the prophets, priests, and kings of old - as those condemned to death to be a spectacle to both men and angels. Though the Corinthians were prudent in Christ, the apostles were fools for Him; they were strong, but the apostles were weak; they were distinguished, but the apostles were a reproach. Paul and those like him were hungry, thirsty, poorly clothed, roughly treated, and homeless. They labored tirelessly with their own hands. When they were scolded, they blessed; when persecuted, they endured; when slandered, they made peace. The apostles were considered by society to be the lowest of the low. (Contrast this with the so-called modern-day “apostles”.)

It is important to point out that Paul was not complaining about his circumstances or bemoaning his calling as an apostle. Rather, he was simply giving the Corinthians an honest description of what it was like for him, Apollos, and others. They had given themselves fully to Christ and to the cause of the gospel. It wasn’t easy, and the church needed to understand and appreciate that. When we approach life with the proper perspective, it changes the way we speak and act.

III. I AM YOUR FATHER (1 Corinthians 4:14-21)

It was not Paul’s intention to shame the Corinthians by describing how much easier and comfortable their lives were than his, but rather to admonish them for boasting in themselves and judging one another. The fact is, Christ had used Paul to establish their church and this would always be the case. They had already had and would continue to have many more pastors and teachers come in the future, yet Paul would always be their founder and first preacher. In this sense, he was the father of the church at Corinth. As such, he felt a special burden to nurture them and, as necessary, to lovingly discipline them so that they might excel and reach their fullest potential. He was not insinuating that the other pastors didn’t care, but rather expressing his own responsibilities.

To that end, Paul urged the Corinthian Christians to imitate him by embracing the same humble, servant-like attitude that he had. Timothy, 1 of Paul’s dearest followers, who had apparently brought them this letter, would also both model and remind them of the humility they needed. Despite what some were saying, Paul planned to come visit Corinth personally in the near future and see for himself what was going on. Would they pridefully and arrogantly resist him when he arrived, or humbly and gently receive him? Either way, Paul intended to set things right.

Before I surrendered to vocational ministry, I served as an educator in the public school system for 13½ years. During that time, I was blessed to teach hundreds of young children. Sadly, many came from broken and abusive homes. I quickly learned that, no matter how hard I tried, in the overwhelming majority of cases I had very little influence over the lives of these children. Usually, whether for good or bad, kids turn out like their parents. This is why parents (especially fathers) play such an important role in the life of their children - God designed it that way. 

CONCLUSION

In the opening pages of this letter to the Corinthian church, Paul addressed the issue of division. The church was divided into various factions, with each group rigidly aligning themselves with a former pastor. Some had sided with Paul, others with Apollos, and still others with Peter. Only a few rightly understood the gospel and aligned themselves with Christ. This separation had led to bitter quarreling and contention within the church.

In an attempt to correct this problem, Paul identified several factors that were contributing to the division in Corinth. He gave godly advice for how to address each of these individual issues. Some of the concerns he listed include:

A theological misunderstanding of water baptism (1:12-17)
A misplaced emphasis on worldly wisdom rather than godly wisdom (1:18-25)
Boasting in themselves rather than upon God  (1:26-31, 3:18-23)
A failure to rely on the leading of the Holy Spirit (2:1-16)
Widespread spiritual immaturity (3:1-4)
A misunderstanding of the nature and value of human works (3:5-15)
A lack of regard for their church as the temple of God (3:16-17)
Having an elevated view of the apostles - notably Paul, Apollos, and Peter (4:1-5, 8-13)
Comparing themselves with others and acting superior (4:6-7)
The slanderous attitude of some toward Paul specifically (4:14-21)

As we can clearly see, the church at Corinth was “A Messed Up Church”. It was immersed in all sorts of problems that were severely impeding its effectiveness and ability to reach lost people for Christ. May we, as a church, learn from their example and strive for peace, unity, and humility within our own congregation.

For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many. - Mark 10:45

Paul opens the epistle of 1 Corinthians by confronting and addressing the quarreling and animosity that is present within their congregation. In the first 4 chapters of this book, he identifies several causes for the strife and prescribes solutions to remedy these issues. Theological misunderstandings, a reliance on worldly wisdom rather than the Holy Spirit, widespread spiritual immaturity, and boasting in human works have all contributed to the church’s division. This morning’s message picks up where we left off last week as we continue to focus on the discord rampant in Corinthian church.

I. YOU ARE THE TEMPLE (1 Corinthians 3:16-17)

Later in this letter Paul applies these teachings to the lives of individual Christians (1 Corinthians 6:12-20). We will elaborate on this perspective much more when we reach that passage. But for now, in this context, he is addressing the Corinthians as a church body - as a group. We should interpret these verses accordingly.

In the preceding passage, Paul referred to their congregation collectively as God’s building. He explained that God used him to lay the church’s foundation, which was none other than Jesus Christ, and used others - specifically Apollos - to build upon it. He warned them to be careful as to how they built their church and implored them to use quality materials that would endure God’s testing. Of course, he was speaking metaphorically.

Now Paul goes a step further by stating that the church isn’t just any building. It’s not a store, a workshop, or a house. Paul declares that it is the temple of God. It is the place where God’s Spirit dwells. Since the days of the exodus, God’s manifest presence dwelt among His people Israel first in the tabernacle and then in the temple. But this all changed when the Jewish people rejected their Messiah and the old covenant was suspended. Under the new covenant, the local Christian church became and currently serves as the house of God. Whenever and wherever believers gather corporately, the Holy Spirit should dwell in their midst.

For this reason, Christians should be careful not to allow any individual or group of individuals damage or destroy the church. It is the temple of God. Those who do harm to it will be dealt with harshly by the LORD Himself. The church is a holy place - pure, set apart, and sanctified for God’s purposes. It should be regarded as such by those who gather there.

Sadly, many of us have lost our reverence for the church. We lack a holy regard for it. We practice things in the church that have no place there. We allow unrepentant sinners to behave openly and shamefully there. We rarely, if ever, practice church discipline. Many churches have become unwelcoming and hostile environments for the Holy Spirit. I dare to say that the Spirit of God has even vacated some churches completely, leaving them powerless and lifeless. We would be wise to remember that Jesus righteously cleansed the temple and, as necessary, perhaps we should do likewise…

II. LET ME SAY THIS AGAIN (1 Corinthians 3:18-23)

In this passage, Paul revisits and summarizes some of the major themes he has mentioned in the preceding chapters. He tells those who trust in worldly wisdom that they are deceiving themselves, and says that they must accept the foolishness of God’s wisdom in order to become truly wise. He repeats his earlier point that this world’s wisdom is foolishness to God, citing a pair of verses from the Old Testament to reinforce his argument (Job 5:13, Psalm 94:11).

Again Paul commands them not to boast in men or the works of men - even those of godly men. Specifically, they should not perceive themselves as belonging to either Paul, Apollos, or Peter (originally stated in 1 Corinthians 1:12). In fact, the opposite is true - pastors belong to the church. The congregation has authority over the pastor, and his role is merely servant leadership. The pastor is not a president, king, dictator, or boss - he is an undershepherd who strives to edify the church and its members. Beyond their leaders, God has given all things to the church that they might serve and worship Him both now and forever. Finally, the church belongs to Christ, and Christ belongs to God.

III. JUDGING AND BEING JUDGED (1 Corinthians 4:1-5)

Paul states that he, along with all other ministers, including Apollos and Peter, should be regarded as servants of Christ and stewards of God. A steward is responsible for managing the possessions of someone else. Jesus taught a parable comparing a just and unjust steward (Luke 12:42-48). In short, everything belongs to the LORD and church leaders are tasked with taking care of it. As such, they must be honest and trustworthy.

Though Paul conducts himself in this way and strives to maintain a godly reputation, he is not overly concerned with how the Corinthians or anyone else thinks of him. The truth is, people will find reasons to slander and condemn even the most righteous person if it fits their agenda. Whatsmore, Paul is careful not to degrade, belittle, or malign himself. The only judgment that really matters comes from the LORD, because only He knows the truth. We must not take the judgmental remarks of others too seriously, nor should we be overly hard on ourselves.

Paul instructs the Corinthians to withhold their judgment of others until the LORD comes. At that time, God will bring to light the hidden things and disclose the true intentions of all men. Following this revelation, God will render praise to whom it is due. Praise from men is futile and meaningless compared to the approval of God. The content of these verses, and others to follow, indicate that some of the people in the Corinthian church were making slanderous comments about Paul’s character.

CONCLUSION

In this sermon, we have touched on several different topics that may seem to be a bit disjointed. Nevertheless, let’s go over them quickly before we close.

First - the local church is the temple of God. When Christians gather there, the Holy Spirit should be manifestly present in their midst. To that end, the church and its members should conduct itself in a reverent and godly manner that encourages and fosters the corporate presence of the Holy Spirit. Our practices and preaching should be orderly and grounded in Biblical truth. 

Second - the members of the church don't belong to the pastors, but rather the pastors belong to the members. Pastors and church leaders are servants and stewards of God who are called to shepherd a specific congregation. To go a step further, the entire church belongs to Jesus, who is the head of the body, and Jesus belongs to the Father.

Third - while it is imperative for pastors and leaders to conduct themselves with integrity and trustworthiness, honestly the opinions of other people don’t mean much. God knows a person’s heart - whether for good or bad - and His judgment is all that really matters. Don’t let others puff you up or tear you down, and don’t do this to yourself either.

Next week we will wrap up our discussion on division within the church as we finish chapter 4. Until then, may God richly bless you and yours. Amen.

And He was saying to them, “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; therefore beseech the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest.” - Luke 10:2

Having received troubling news of quarrels and strife within the Corinthian church, Paul opens this epistle with a lengthy discussion about division. There are many possible causes for division within the Body of Christ.  In the case of these believers at Corinth, Paul begins by highlighting their theological misunderstanding of water baptism, their emphasis on worldly wisdom, and their failure to hear and rely on the Holy Spirit. Each of these issues is plaguing their congregation and causing real problems.

In today’s message, Paul stresses the limitations and weaknesses of man. He continues to reinforce that notion that we, as fallen and corrupt people, have no basis for boasting. While we are certainly called to do good works, nevertheless our works will never save us. Our greatest accomplishments pale in comparison to the works of Almighty God. May we never trust in our works to earn God’s favor or secure His grace.

The following sermon is titled, “The Works of Man”. It is the 5th message in this series. Turn with me to 1 Corinthians chapter 3 and let’s begin. 

I. YOU ARE STILL INFANTS (1 Corinthians 3:1-4)

Paul again reflected upon his initial visit to Corinth. At that time, there was no established church and those who were receptive to his preaching were becoming brand new Christians. As a result, Paul focused on the most basic and fundamental aspects of Christianity, rather than on more complex and challenging doctrinal truths. They were infants in Christ, being nurtured by milk rather than meat, as they were not yet ready to receive it. 

Now a few years had passed by, and they had been blessed with the preaching and teaching of both Apollos and (possibly) Peter. It seems reasonable to expect that their faith and Christian understanding would have grown and developed somewhat. Yet, their behaviors continued to reflect an immaturity and fleshly childishness. Paul lovingly rebuked them for their jealousy and strife which resembled that of the lost world. Citing their foolish division, he asked them to honestly consider for themselves whether or not they were acting immaturely.

Beloved, we as Christians should grow up. We are called to maturity. Our faith should deepen, our knowledge of Scripture should expand, our peace, joy, and contentment in Christ should broaden and become less shakable, and our reliance on the Spirit should become strong. We should become increasingly mindful of and obedient to the LORD’s will. In short, our beliefs should blossom into godly lifestyles. I am astounded by the number of people who profess to be Christians for many years and yet still act and speak like brand new believers. My friends, living things grow… and if someone isn’t growing in their walk with God over time could it be that they are not alive? Just saying…

II. WE ARE LOWLY WORKERS (1 Corinthians 3:5-9)

Paul described himself and Apollos as mere servants who were used by the LORD to lead the Corinthian Christians to Christ. Though he is not directly mentioned, we can include Peter in this group as well. Paul planted the church and Apollos (and possibly Peter) watered it, but God alone was responsible for its growth. Paul stressed the fact that God alone was responsible for the life and growth of His children and His church. We as ministers, preachers, and teachers should always serve in humble recognition of this truth.

There is no distinction between the church planter who was used by God to establish the church and those preachers who were used by God to lead it thereafter. All of these are servants of the LORD. Nevertheless, God is good and has promised to reward those who labor for the sake of His kingdom. In this sense, Paul refers to himself, Apollos, and other Christian ministers as God’s fellow workers. He describes the Corinthian church as God’s field or God’s building.

We as born-again believers are privileged to serve as God’s co-workers. He includes us in the labor of His kingdom and the advancement of the gospel. Though God alone is ultimately responsible for its growth and success, He allows us to participate alongside Him. We are His “hands and feet”. This work provides us with significance, purpose, and connection to both God and one another. Though it is often difficult and exhausting, we as Christians should always view our service to God as a blessing rather than a burden (Galatians 6:9). Though He doesn’t need us, the LORD lovingly invites us to join Him.
   
III. OUR WORK WILL BE TESTED (1 Corinthians 3:10-15)

Having just described the church at Corinth as God’s building, Paul continued to develop this beautiful metaphor. He stated that, by God’s grace, he had laid the foundation for the church. Apollos, Peter, and others had and would continue to build upon it. He warned that each person should be careful as to how they build upon it. Most importantly, Paul identified the foundation of the church as Jesus Christ and declared that there is no other suitable foundation. In order for our building to stand, it must be built upon the Rock (Matthew 7:24-27).   

Paul compared the works of man to various building materials including gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, and straw. Obviously, some of these things are more valuable and more durable than others. He concluded that on judgment day each man’s work will be tested by the fire of Almighty God. Each person will be rewarded for that which remains and suffer loss for that which is burned up. Nevertheless, they themselves will be saved regardless of the enduring quality of their works.

Beloved, first and foremost we must build our lives on the firm foundation - Jesus Christ. Our works should be focused on eternal things - kingdom things, rather than temporal and material things. We shouldn’t serve God just to be rewarded, yet we can rest in knowing that He will reward those who diligently serve Him. Fortunately, our salvation is not based on our works, but rather on God’s grace through faith in Jesus Christ. Though our works will someday be tested to determine rewards, if we’ve repented of our sin and trusted in Jesus as our Lord and Savior, our salvation can never be lost.

CONCLUSION

Let’s quickly go back and touch on the major points of today’s message:

The Christian life is not always a straight line or a steady climb. All of us wander and get lost from time to time. The journey is filled with mountains and valleys - seasons of great joy and hopefulness, followed by deep doubt and despair. Nevertheless, over the years our faith should develop and mature. We should draw closer and more intimately connected to the LORD, just as we would to our dearest loved ones. If this isn’t happening, something is wrong…

God is wholly responsible for the success and advancement of His kingdom. We as Christians are privileged and blessed to participate in His work. May we never conflate our lowly efforts with the glorious work of the LORD. We are mere servants and He is the Master!

That which we build must rest on the foundation of Jesus Christ. We must labor for His kingdom, not for our own, so that our work will withstand God’s judgment. We should rejoice in knowing that our service for the Lord is not in vain, but will be rewarded on the Last Day. Finally, we should be thankful that our salvation is not contingent upon our works, but rather is secured by the finished work of Christ!   

Christian, is your walk with God basically the same today as it was years ago when you were first saved? Christian, have you arrogantly boasted in your own feeble works? Lost person, have you been trying to earn God’s favor by doing good works? Repent.

But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all that I said to you. - John 14:26

Good morning. Welcome to Calvary Baptist Church. I am so grateful you’ve come to worship the Lord with us today. The upcoming message is the 4th in our new sermon series, “The Messed Up Church: Paul’s Letters to Corinth”.

In the opening chapter of 1 Corinthians, Paul addresses the issue of division within the church - a concern that had been reported to him. This fracturing of the congregation seems to have been caused, in part, by a misunderstanding of water baptism and a misplaced trust in worldly wisdom. Some of the members were even boasting in and about themselves.

As we move into chapter 2, Paul continues discussing this problem. Using himself as an example, he begins to talk about how the Corinthian believers should reject conventional wisdom and start leaning on the Holy Spirit. Our message is titled, “Rely on the Spirit”.

I. IT WASN’T ME (1 Corinthians 2:1-5)

Paul asked the Corinthian Christians to remember what he was like a few years before when he’d first arrived in their city. At that time, their church did not exist. Paul had spent 18 months there preaching (Acts 18), yet he was not a highly skilled orator or a spiritual scholar. Rather, he simply and passionately declared the message of Christ’s crucifixion - that’s it, nothing else. He was nervous and anxious just like everyone else, and wasn’t particularly persuasive or wise. Yet, in spite of Paul’s ineptness, the Spirit of God moved powerfully in Corinth, several people were saved, and the church was established. Their faith had not been birthed by the words of a polished, well-spoken preacher, but rather by the power of God.

Beloved, we as a church need to get back to the purity and simplicity of the cross. We need to preach Christ and Him crucified as the central and repeated theme of our messages. We don’t need clever gimmicks, dazzling theatrics, and/or elaborate special effects to enhance our presentations. There is no way to manufacture a genuine stirring of the Holy Spirit. Instead of trying to mimic it with emotion, we should focus on plainly and directly preaching the gospel, coupled with sincere, sustained prayer. Perhaps then we would see the Spirit move mightily.      

II. THEY DIDN’T GET IT (1 Corinthians 2:6-9)

Paul explained that those who were mature (that is, those who were saved) recognized and understood the wisdom of God manifest within his preaching, but the lost masses and their secular rulers missed it. God’s wisdom is a mystery, hidden since time began from those who lack the faith to see it. Had the authorities who crucified Jesus known the wisdom of God, they wouldn't have executed Him. Yet, as the Old Testament prophet stated, the unbelieving world can’t perceive the marvelous wonders that God has prepared for His children (Isaiah 64:4).

Until a sinner surrenders to the convicting power of the Holy Spirit and responds to the Lord’s calling by faith, they will never understand the wisdom of God or know His salvation. The rulers of this world just don’t get it, and their leadership reflects their corruption. This is why it is so important that we as Christians pray for our leaders (and all lost people for that matter), because despite our best efforts, only God can truly change their hearts (1 Timothy 2:1-2).

III. IT’S THE SPIRIT (1 Corinthians 2:10-13)

Paul continued by stating that the Holy Spirit had revealed all of the LORD’s aforementioned wonders to both he and his fellow missionaries (and, by extension, to all who believe). The Spirit searches all things, even the depths of God. Just as the human spirit knows a man’s thoughts, so also the Holy Spirit knows the thoughts of God. Therefore, when a born again believer is indwelt by the Holy Spirit, the thoughts and wisdom of God become readily accessible to them. Paul and his colleagues didn’t speak from human wisdom, but rather from things taught and revealed to them by the Holy Spirit. The Spirit interprets the spiritual mysteries of God so that Christians can understand and proclaim them.

This passage clearly describes the existence of 2 spirits. The natural spirit, which is present in every person, is tainted by sin. Notice that it doesn’t depart when a person accepts Christ. Rather, the Holy Spirit takes up residence within the life of the believer alongside their human spirit. Thus, a Christian is indwelt by both. The question then becomes… will they listen to and trust in the Holy Spirit or will they lean upon their own human spirit?  

IV. WE HAVE IT (1 Corinthians 2:14-16)

Paul concludes that a natural man, who operates by his own spirit, does not accept the things of the Holy Spirit. In fact, he views them as foolishness. An unsaved person cannot genuinely grasp the truths of God apart from the Holy Spirit, while the saved person can. This disparity leaves worldly skeptics and critics in no position to rightly cast judgment against Christians. While no person is able to fully comprehend the mind of the LORD or give Him instruction (Isaiah 40:13), born again believers do have the mind of Christ. In short, the Holy Spirit enables them to comprehend God’s purposes and His redemptive plan for creation.

Following Paul’s example, Christians are called to rely on the Holy Spirit and to adopt the mind of Christ. We should forsake worldly wisdom and the inclinations of our own fallen nature, and instead lean upon and be led by the Spirit of God. The most certain way to do this is by reading and obeying the Bible, the living Word of God, which was and is inspired by the Holy Spirit. As we do so, the Spirit will guide and direct us. 

CONCLUSION

We as Baptists are often hesitant to talk about the Holy Spirit. Most of us are pretty conservative in our religious beliefs and practices. We know that the Holy Spirit has the power to heal and work mighty miracles. We know that when the Spirit moves hearts are changed, lives are transformed, and souls are saved. We have seen and experienced these things personally and hear reports of them often. Yet, we have also seen countless false teachers, hucksters, and charlatans make outrageous claims supposedly given to them by the Holy Spirit that proved to be patently false. We’ve seen “spiritual healers” who scam the vulnerable and desperate to fund their lavish lifestyles. We’ve watched as “prophetic revelations” are pulled off of social media to trick the naive. These, and many other acts falsely attributed to the Holy Spirit, make us leery.

Beloved, it is not the fundamental role of the Holy Spirit to validate Jesus or His would-be prophets through the working of miracles or the giving of new revelation. The empty grave proves who Jesus is and those who preach repentance of sin and salvation in Christ are His true messengers. The Bible is God’s complete revelation to man, and we are expressly warned not to add to it.

No analogy is perfect, but some can be helpful for a simpleton like me. I sometimes think of the Holy Spirit as an antennae. He allows me to tune into, hear, and understand the voice of God. Without the Spirit, I would not be able to do any of these things. Beyond that, the Holy Spirit allows me to commune with God. Not only does the LORD speak to me, but I can speak to Him through the Spirit. Of course the Holy Spirit does much more than just this - such as affecting and securing my salvation for example - but, at a basic level, the Holy Spirit enables me to have fellowship with the LORD. Why wouldn’t I take advantage of this privilege and rely on Him?