August 25, 2024

REPEATING HISTORY: THE CALLING OF US ALL

August 25, 2024

Pastor Jonathan Falwell

 

Today’s sermon is a summarization of the book of 1st Corinthians, as Pastor Jonathan recaps the letter written to the church Paul loved so much. Paul’s words to them have been full of rebuke, correction, teaching, encouragement and promises, all contained in the one missive that he penned to the Corinthians. Living in a large, immoral city, the church believers were allowing much sin—and thus division—into what should have been a holy gathering. Paul had to upbraid them for what they were doing, guide them into how to live for Christ, and ends by encouraging them.

Focal Passages: 1 Corinthians Overview

We’re in this together:

  • Read 1 Cor. 1:10-13. What happens when there are divisions in a church? How are some of the ways that division comes about? Who causes the divisions?
  • Why is it so important that in a church body the members strive hard to get along, being of the “same mind and the same spirit”? Can a church that is filled with strife, disunity, or conflict serve well in its community? What will be the testimony of a divided church?
  • Read 1 Cor. 3:3. What kind of believers cause division? What can be caused by some of their carnal habits?
  • Christians, like unbelievers, may often hold grudges. According to Matt. 6:15, how serious is unforgiveness?

Called to be holy:

  • Read 1 Pet. 1:15-16. Do you consider this a request or a command? Why does God desire us to be holy? What does holiness in a believer’s life look like?
  • Read 1 Cor. 6:15-20. Who is Paul writing about in verses 15-16? What does the word “flee” mean to you? Why is sexual immorality so destructive?
  • In verses 19-20, why do we owe God our whole heart? Do you think of your body as being the temple of God as you go about your day?
  • How should we handle things that try to enter our lives that would tear down our testimony? What are some steps we can take to change bad habits? When you sin, how quickly do you take care of it with God?
  • Read 1 Cor. 9:18. What are we to look forward to? What Paul consider the pinnacle of his life? Shouldn’t we also?

Empowered to serve

  • Read 1 Cor. 12:1, 4-7. Does everyone have a spiritual gift? What is it meant to be used for? Who gives the gifts? Who are they given to? When? Is anyone’s gift greater or more important than another’s? How do you know?
  • Who is to profit from the gifts? If all believers have a gift given them from God, how does this fit with Jer. 29:11? Do you think your gift is to be used as part of the plan God has for your life? What will happen if you don’t use it?
  • If you do not use your gift, who has to fill that role in the church body? Does that mean that someone has to step in, who may not have that particular gift, and try to fill the role that should have been yours? Think about it. Will it be easy for them?

Blessed by hope

  • Read 1 Cor. 15:1-4. What did Paul mean, we are to “stand” in the gospel? What else did we receive from the gospel? If we are truly saved, will we ever give up? Why not?
  • Read 1 Cor. 15:50-52. How can you tell someone has been saved? Read 2 Cor. 5:17. How does this tell us that we are no longer the same person? Is there hope in these promises? Why? Why do some people think we will get to heaven on our goodness?
  • Read 1 Cor. 15:57 and John 14:2-3. Why are these promises so special?

ACTION POINTS:

  • Seek unity: Even when things are difficult!!
  • Avoid the temptation to……… (fill in the blank). What weight drags you down?
  • Get engaged within the body of Christ: Look for places to serve, using your gift.

Close:   

In 1 Cor. 10:31, Paul writes that whether we eat, or drink, or whatever we do, we should do all to the glory of God. During any day, do you really think about that verse? That might bring conviction if we go about the routine of our job, whether it’s someone cleaning house, washing dishes or clothes, raising kids, doing yardwork or a job outside the home—anything where we are responsible for certain duties, etc. But at the same time, the attitude with which we carry out those routines can have a reflection of what our heart is like if we begrudge the time spent doing those things, rather than being able to use the hours for our own enjoyment. So yes, our daily actions can reflect a heart doing the work to bring God glory.  No matter what we do, it can all be done to show that we want to offer it to God as a sacrifice of praise and love. If our happiness comes from serving God with our whole heart,  may it bring joy that our life is bringing God glory. We can offer Him the sacrifice of a heart sold out to Him.

By Sandy Day

August 25, 2024

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