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.
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.