June 16, 2024

REPEATING HISTORY: THE IMPORTANCE OF YOU

June 16, 2024

Pastor Jonathan Falwell

 

Today we continue our series, “Repeating History.” Paul was writing to the church at Corinth, where he heard sins of the world were creeping into the church, and they were struggling. Envy, strife, and issues between brethren were hurting the church. Corinth was a strategic city, but still had only two categories of people, the saved and the unsaved. In chapter three, Paul addresses the Christians who, although they should have been growing in their faith, were stuck in sinful ways that were adverse to God’s plan for His children. Paul expected them to do their best to live a life of godliness, as we are to do as well.

Focal Passage: 1 Corinthians 3:1-23.

Where you started:

• Read 1 Cor. 3:1-4. What are the two types of Christians? Are both saved? What is the difference between them? What does Paul liken the carnal Christians to? What are some reasons Christians do not grow in their faith?
• What were the three main divisions that were hindering these Christians? What is usually the root of the problem when a confessed believer does not grow?
• What can new believers do to see they grow in doctrine, faith, and love for God? What is doctrine? Read 2 Tim. 3:16. How can we put this into practice?

Where you belong:                                                                                                                         

• Read 1 Cor. 3:5-11. In verses 5-7, what is Paul’s concern? Who “gives the increase” to growth in our lives? Why did Paul use so much agricultural language?
• In verses 8-11, what does he mean about rewards? What is it called when you feel called to do a certain work for God? Will you be rewarded for ministries that you perform for the benefit of others? Is salvation ultimately up to you or to God?
• As we minister, where do we get our strength? When you minister, do you ever question your reason why? What are some motives that would nullify your work?
• Read 1 Cor. 10:31. How does this apply to our everyday lives? How do we discipline ourselves to be doing it God’s way?

Where you don’t belong:

• Read vv. 12-17. Which Christian will “build” using gold, silver, or precious stones? What does the carnal—worldly—Christian build with? In the Day of judgment, what will happen to the works of the Christian who has been living with the world?
• Read Jer. 29:11. What are we to build our life upon? To begin, you must be in the “will of God”; how do you know God’s will? In verse 16, why is it so imperative we recognize we are God’s temple?
• How do we become constantly aware that the Holy Spirit is within us, knowing our thoughts, watching our actions, hearing our words, etc.? What happens to the one who defiles the temple of God?

Where you’re going:

• Read vv. 18-23. How much do you pat yourself on the back for the things you do? Do you feel you’re more clever than most people you interact with? Why is that wrong?
• Where does Paul say we should keep our eyes, and why?

TAKE AWAYS:

1. Make it your life’s goal to mature in your faith. (1 Cor. 3:16-17).
2. Exercise your spiritual muscles. (1 Tim. 4:8, 2 Tim. 2:15.)
3. Don’t let the world corrupt the temple. (Jas. 1:27).

Close: 

                  No church is perfect. As long as there are people in the sanctuary, there will be a reason that perfection cannot be attained within the building. We often hear a sermon and wish “so and so” were there to hear it. Unfortunately, we may miss the statement or conviction that was meant for us, and which would help us grow in Christ.

As people come into the church, have you ever stood to the side and observed the differences? Those who grew up in the “old days” of the mid-1900’s tend to dress conservatively, possibly in suits and dresses. As the young people enter, there can be any variety of fashion, from torn jeans to short shorts, midriff tops, or lots of skin showing. Modesty seems a thing of the past. Does the world judge Christianity by the way you drive, with your Christian bumper sticker or license tag? How do we see our actions as God sees them? How do we see everything we do—including our thoughts—as God sees us? Why is it so important that we learn to see as God does?

A cliché back in the 1980’s became an oft-quoted statement that turned out to be true: observe what’s happening in the world for in seven years it will be in your church. This seems to have held firm since the time of Paul. What can we do about it? None of us can control other people, (or few of us can), but we can control ourselves. We can love others. We can follow God’s guidelines as to His standards of living, of dressing, and of lifestyles. We can live putting Him first, growing in the knowledge of His character and plans for us. We can minister to those who are on their way to hell—for whatever reason. They seem to be clueless that they are going to go there. Without Christ, none of us would have eternal life. What are you are using as your measuring stick?

By Sandy Day                                                                                                                                                                                                                June 16, 2024