Get Rid of the Old Yeast
1 Corinthians 5:1-13, NIU UBF 10-11-09
Key Verse: 5:7
"Get rid of the old yeast that you may be a new batch without yeast—as you really are. For Christ, our Passover lamb, has been sacrificed.”
Everyone wants to be healthy. We want to have a healthy body, we want a strong family, and a healthy church. And we know that there are some things that we should do to get healthy and stay healthy. In today’s passage, we learn the secret of being truly healthy. Paul says, “Get rid of the old yeast.” This is the key to attaining spiritual heath. May God help us to learn more about how Christians can be strong and vigorous in this world and how we can be a good influence to our culture rather than being influenced by it. This is going to be a very hard lesson today. I hope I don’t loose anyone by it, but it something that needs to be said. May God guide our hearts.
Part l: Hand This Man Over To Satan (1-5)
To start with, Paul confronts an outrageous problem that happened within the church. Let’s read verse 1. “It is actually reported that there is sexual immorality among you, and of a kind that does not occur even among pagans: A man has his father's wife.” The influence of the godless culture in Corinth had infiltrated the Corinthian church to the extent that a man had his father’s wife. It sounds like it was a man and his step-mother. If a man had his father’s wife then she could be both his girlfriend and his mother at the same time. That is just weird! This is the kind of thing that we may expect would happen among hamsters, but not among Christians. Not only that, if the man’s father was still alive he would be so hurt, and his siblings would hate the man who did this. It would tear the family apart. Even the godless Romans and Greeks thought such incestuous acts were wrong. How could this occur in the holy church of Jesus Christ our Lord? How could this act not be addressed by the Corinthians until they received Paul’s letter?
Paul rebukes the church for this problem, not just those who committed the sin. Verse 2 says, “And you are proud! Shouldn't you rather have been filled with grief and have put out of your fellowship the man who did this?” What were they so proud about? Maybe they were proud that their church was strong in the grace of God (Romans 6:1). They were proud that their church was tolerant, compassionate, non-judgmental and progressive. But Paul rebuked them for their pride. They ignored the teachings of the Old Testament and that of Jesus Christ and the Apostles. If they upheld the word of God, they should have been filled with grief and followed God’s command to challenge the man to repent of his sins. Leviticus 18:8 forbids a man to be with his step mother. In Matthew 18:17 Jesus said, “…if he refuses to listen even to the church, treat him as you would a pagan or a tax collector.” Sin in the church must be systematically and swiftly dealt with. If there is no repentance, according to the Bible, the perpetrator must be kicked out of the fellowship.
According to verse 3, Paul said that he already passed judgment on the one who did this. What does this mean? How could Paul pass judgment on the man when Jesus said that we should not judge? (Mt 7:1-5, 1 Cor 3:3-5) It is because the kind of judgment that Jesus forbids is hypocritical judgment based on a standard that we don’t even judge ourselves by. It is judgment that ends in self righteous condemnation rather than prayer for and shepherding of the fallen brother. As Christians we can certainly be honest about the facts of one’s conduct so that we can pray for others and counsel them. This kind of judgment is discernment. The man in this passage clearly committed a great sin in the sight of God. If he had repented, the matter would have been dealt with quietly and the man would have received the help he needed.
But apparently he refused to repent. Paul called for the Corinthians to assemble in the name of and the power of the Lord Jesus to deal with it openly. What were they to do in this public assembly? Look at verse 5. “hand this man over to Satan, so that the sinful nature may be destroyed and his spirit saved on the day of the Lord.” Paul regarded the church as a community, not a group of individuals. He wanted the whole church to co-work together to help the man repent by cutting him off from the church and the warmth of Christian fellowship. This would send a clear message to the whole church community that sin is very serious, and that they should have one opinion about the matter. If the church did not all have the same mind, the man could go around and get sympathy from various people. There could divisions in the church. Co-working to help people is important. For example, parents should co-work in helping their kids so the kids can’t play one parent against the other. When this man was expelled before the whole church, it was called “handing him over to Satan.” He would have to struggle in the world all by himself. In this way, he could plunge into the depths of misery like the prodigal son who wallowed in the mud among the pigs. (Luke 15:15-17) In this situation he could seriously think about what he did. Hopefully he would come to his senses, repent and come back into the loving arms of the Father. (Luke 15:11-32)
Today people don’t want to confront anyone about their sin. They want to be politically correct and not hurt anyone’s feelings. Sometimes we think that love means tolerating everything someone does gracefully (though we may not like it). However, the deepest love involves discipline that doesn’t feel very good at times. Ask any parent or any coach of a winning team. Hebrews 12:11 says, “No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.” Moreover, Proverbs 12:1 says, “Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge, but he who hates correction is stupid.” Discipline is a key to healthy churches, healthy families and healthy individuals. Correction is also necessary to get on the path to eternal life. Let’s take sin very seriously and be willing to rebuke those who sin, counseling them to repent. Let’s bring back true love rather than superficial love. Let’s also accept correction and discipline humbly as God’s great love for us so that we may be blessed.
Part l: Christ Our Passover Lamb Has Been Sacrificed (6-8)
Paul goes on to explain why such sin is so serious. It has to do with influence. Let’s read verse 6. “Your boasting is not good. Don’t you know that a little yeast works through the whole batch of dough?” Yeast is a small micro organism. Yet when a small amount is mixed with sugar and heated, it grows quickly. While it multiplies, it emits a gas that makes dough puffy. Likewise, sin spreads quickly among a group and makes people “puffed up”…that is…proud before God and boastful. Sin also spreads rapidly like a small amount of yeast through dough. Can you see the parallel? At first, sin seems like a small matter. But once it is compromised with, it becomes an insidious problem. It is not just a personal matter. It becomes a bad influence among the whole fellowship, like an infectious disease that corrupts many. In the case of the Corinthians, when they began to compromise with the immoral culture around them, corruption infiltrated their fellowship and spread until finally a man had his father’s wife.
There are many “yeast-like” sins. Laziness, complaining, greed and pride spread among other’s very easily. But Paul specifically addresses the yeast of sexual immorality. It must be very serious. Let’s think about the root of the matter. In Genesis 2, God made man and woman in paradise. When he brought them together they were very happy. God established the family as part of his greatest love and blessing on mankind. A man and woman, loving each other and getting married, is really a beautiful thing. That is why some of the best music, the best movies and the best literature, and indeed some of the best things in life, are related to a man a woman getting together and loving each other. But, sadly, it is often the best things that God made that are eventually twisted and perverted and become the most grievous of sins. The yeasts of sexual immorality especially influence us and grip our hearts. They may seem to be a small thing, like drinking a Mountain Dew. But they can ruin people and families and can make society like the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah which fell under the wrath of God. This is why we pray for many joyful and blessed families of faith, “Jesus centered” house churches, in our land. From these house churches, many people can grow in the love of God and share God’s blessing to those around them. Yesterday, Julie and the kids attended the marriage of Matt M. and Christian N. They had a very beautiful wedding. It was artistic with a Victorian flare. God has placed his hope in this family. May this new family be a joyful and loving house church which helps students see the blessing and love of God. Actually families like this are being formed by God around the world. Jennifer said the favorite part of the UBF World Mission magazine is to see the latest wedding photos of couples from far away lands. They look very happy and this makes us smile too.
God established the church to be a good influence to the world. Jesus said in Matthew 5:13-14, “You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled by men. You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden.” Salt spreads among food to enhance its flavor. Salt has a specific purpose. But if looses that ability to serve that purpose then it must be discarded. Likewise, instead of being a good influence, the Corinthian church was being influenced by the world and was being rendered useless. We need to be careful that we don’t loose our spiritual influence in this world. We can do so by getting rid of the yeast of sexual immorality through repentance and a commitment to live holy lives of mission in this world.
How can we overcome our evil desires and the influence of the sinful world? These things seem so strong. Let’s read verse 7, “Get rid of the old yeast that you may be a new batch without yeast- as you really are. For Christ, our Passover lamb, has been sacrificed.” The blood of the Passover lamb was the turning point between the old life of the Israelites in slavery in Egypt and their new life as God’s holy people. Likewise, the blood of Christ, who was crucified on Passover, is the turning point between our old life of sin and the new life in God’s grace, full of God’s salvation and hope in the kingdom of God. But to reach this point, we must get rid of the old yeast, which represents our old lives of sin and be a new batch without yeast as we really are.
Consider St Augustine. Before he met Christ, Augustine enjoyed many kinds of sexual immorality and had a child by a mistress. When he first heard the gospel he liked it but also liked his sin. So he said, “Lord, grant me chastity, but not yet.” ( wels.net/cgi-bin/site.pl?2617&contentID=83222&...&seq= ) Then one day, God convicted him through Romans 13:13,14, “Let us behave decently, as in the daytime, not in orgies and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and debauchery, not in dissension and jealousy. Rather, clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and do not think about how to gratify the desires of the sinful nature.” When his mistress called out, “Augie” he ran the other way and in doing so he became one of the most influential Christian intellectuals in all of history. The blood of the Passover Lamb has power to forgive anyone no matter who they are.
At 22 I was a hedonistic, “headbanger” who was indifferent to God and lived as if he did not exist. Although I worked hard to get a college degree in Chemical Technology, all I wanted to do is to live a “partying” lifestyle and be perceived by others as a “cool guy.” I was thoroughly infected by the yeast of sin. But by the blood of Jesus, I could get rid of the old yeast of hedonistic pleasure seeking, and became a shepherd of God’s flock, with a beautiful wife, five of the best children in the world, a nursing career. Mine is not just an isolated case but many of us here have experienced the life-changing power of the blood of Jesus which enabled us to get rid of our old sinful lives and live new lives in Christ. May the forgiving blood of the Passover lamb Jesus give many more people the power to get rid of their old lives of sin and live a new life under Jesus’ grace.
When we get rid of the “old yeast” of sin then our lives can be joyful. Look at verse 8. “Therefore let us keep the Festival, not with the old yeast, the yeast of malice and wickedness, but with bread without yeast, the bread of sincerity and truth.” According to this verse, Christian life is like one continuous Festival. In the Old Testament, the Feast of Unleavened Bread extended for one week, starting on Passover day. Along with the sacrifice of the Passover Lamb, God commanded the Israelites to eat bread without yeast and rid themselves of yeast. It was an assembly which joyfully celebrated God’s grace through the Passover in Egypt. Here Paul says that with Christ as our Passover Lamb, the Passover festival of celebrating God’s grace does not last just one week but our entire lifetime.
So we must replace the yeast of sin with bread of sincerity and truth. If we are sincere and truthful, we know that we cannot hide our sins before God. The yeasts of malice and wickedness should be confessed and God will take them out and help us to live the life of faith. 1 John 1:9 says, “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.” When we are sincere and truthful we maintain our love relationship with God. We can follow God’s leading out of sin and into the light and joy of Jesus. May God help each of us to keep the Festival continually, getting rid of the yeast and sincerely celebrating the grace of Jesus.
Part lll: Love People With God’s Love (9-13)
Getting rid of sin does not mean to isolate yourself from the world. Verses 9-10 say, “I have written you in my letter not to associate with sexually immoral people— not at all meaning the people of this world who are immoral, or the greedy and swindlers, or idolaters. In that case you would have to leave this world.” By being so uncompromising with sin, they might have misunderstood that he was saying that they should separate themselves from all immoral people, such as the greedy, swindlers and idolaters who are everywhere. On the contrary, God called Christians to live in this world among sinful people and make friends with them. Jesus himself spent time with tax collectors and sinners to save them. When he was criticized by the Pharisees for this he said in Luke 5:31-32, "It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance." God has left us here in the world to associate with people in the world and be a good influence on it. May God bless our campus ministries to help many young people to experience the grace of Jesus that is greater than all kinds of sin.
While loving people, we have to hate sin and not compromise with it. Paul says in verses 12-13, “What business is it of mine to judge those outside the church? Are you not to judge those inside? God will judge those outside. “Expel the wicked man from among you.” For those in the church who sin and should know better, they need to know that the way to truly love people is by being strict at times. It sounds extreme but Paul again asserted that they should purge evil among them. When we are clear with sin in the church, it is painful in the short term. But it is the best medicine. The command to expel the immoral brother made the Corinthians very sorrowful, and the man who was expelled had a very difficult time. But we know that the man who was handed over to Satan finally repented his sin and was changed by the grace of God. In the letter of 2 Corinthians, Paul asked them to accept and embrace the man who repented. In 2 Corinthians 7:9,10 Paul said, “For you became sorrowful as God intended and so were not harmed in any way by us. Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death.” Helping people to repent is very difficult. Often people get mad and try to retaliate when they are asked to repent. But even though it is very difficult, it is a very joyful thing to see people come to God.
Through this passage we learn of God’s love to send Jesus to cleanse our sins and make us pure. May God also give us a clear attitude towards sin so that we may not be influenced by the world, but be strong and healthy Christians who can be a good influence on the world. May our lives of faith be a Festival as we celebrate with joy our Passover Lamb Jesus with pure lives of sincerity and truth.
1. What disturbing report about the Corinthian Christians did Paul receive? (1) What should they have done about it? (2b) What did they do? (2a) Why?
2. How had Paul immediately taken action? (3) On what basis did he do so? (4) What did he command them to do (see also verses 2b,11b,13), and why did they need to deal with this publicly? (4,5) What was Paul’s purpose in casting him out? (5b)
3. How did their pride lead them to be negligent about this man’s sin? (6) How serious is one person’s sin within the Christian fellowship? (6) Think about the importance of influence.
4. Read verses 7–8. What were they to do, and for what purpose? To what does “the old yeast” refer? (Ex12:15; verse 8) How could they become “the new batch without yeast”? (7b) How did Christ’s sacrifice change them? (8) How can we be a good influence?
5. How had they misunderstood Paul’s instructions? (9–10) What did he really mean? (11) How should a Christian deal with immoral people outside the church and inside the church? (11–13)
Saturday, October 31, 2009
Friday, October 30, 2009
1 Corinthians 4:1-21
A Genuine Servant Of Christ
1 Corinthians 4:1-21 Lesson 4
Key verse 4:15-16 Shp Kevin Jesmer NIU UBF 10-4-09
"Even though you have ten thousand guardians in Christ, you do not have many fathers, for in Christ Jesus I became your father through the gospel. Therefore I urge you to imitate me.”
In our society there are all kinds of servants of God. They come in all shapes and sizes. They come from all sorts of denominations. It seems that in the USA as long as a person has a theology degree and is hired as a church leader then that person is a servant of God. Actually I have heard that in this country, if ten people call you a pastor, then you are a pastor. But the question is, are all people who call themselves servants of Christ, actually genuine servants of Christ? What makes one a genuine servant of Christ? How can we be genuine servants of Christ? Today Paul reveals distinctive elements that mark genuine servants of Christ. Let’s consider three of them.
Part l: The Genuine Servant Of Christ Is A Faithful Bible Teacher (1-7).
A leader in the church is a servant of God. Let’s read verse 1. “So then, men ought to regard us as servants of Christ and as those entrusted with the secret things of God.” Why does Paul say this? As we have studied, the Corinthians had been disputing about which servant of Christ was the greatest. One took pride in following Apollos. Another took pride in following Cephas. And there were those who were devoted to Paul. They saw the servants of Christ as contestants in some popularity contest. Who you followed became a fad among certain circles. Some church members rejected fellow church members based on which pastor they were loyal to. Their attitude was not right. Pastors are servants of Christ, no matter the degree of their charisma. Christ is the one who chose, equipped and sent them. The Corinthians should receive them as Christ’s servants, respect them, and listen to them as ones who have been sent by God.
Christ entrusts his servants with the secret things of God. What are the secret things of God? We don’t think that they are a secret. Most of us have grown up studying the Bible and consider its teaching just plain obvious. But we need to know that that there are still many secrets that we do not know. Daniel J. Boorstin once said, “Education is learning what you didn't even know you didn't know.” One Phd told me that the more he learned the more he realized he didn’t know. Instead of thinking that we know all of the secrets of the gospel, we need to concede that a lot of secrets are still hidden from us and humbly seek them out. (Isa 8:16)
What are the secret things of God? One great secret is the message of the cross. To those who repent and believe, it is the power and wisdom of God for salvation. (Ro 1:16) But to the worldly, it seems like foolishness. They don’t know the secret. The kingdom of God is another secret (Mk 4:11). God’s world salvation plan is also a secret (Eph 3:6). These secrets must be revealed by God. God reveals them to those who study the Bible diligently, like those seeking hidden treasure (Mt 13:44). Therefore, servants of Christ study the word of God until they find the secrets of God. These servants know Christ intimately through his word and Spirit. They know the mind of Christ.
To a servant of Christ, faithfulness is the most important quality. Let’s read verse 2. “Now it is required that those who have been given a trust must prove faithful.” The quality God is looking for is not handsomeness, intelligence, wit, or eloquence, but faithfulness. Sometimes faithful people do not seem to be so smart, but they are faithful. (It is best to be both faithful and sharp.) Servants of Christ must be doggedly faithful in teaching the Bible. They must deliver the Lord’s message as of first importance. They must share the message as it is, without changing the contents to suit their own feelings or purpose. They must share the message when and where Christ wants them to. When the Lord says, “go,” they go. When the Lord says, “stay,” they stay. Paul proved himself faithful. He stayed in Corinth according to the Lord’s command even though he suffered so much (Ac 18:9-11). Then there was a great harvest of souls and the Corinthian church was born. If Paul had not stayed, what would have happened? In two weeks there will be a USA staff conference in Columbus Ohio. There will be over 200 attendants. Most are heads of small house churches. They answered God’s call to live as a house church ministry. They give their hearts, week after week, to prepare the message and teach the Bible, but most times students don’t want to join them on their mission. So often it is just them and their kids and one or two students. It seems that their lives are endless sacrifices. Why do they do it for so few people? It is because they are revealing God’s faithfulness and God is working through servants of God such as these to pioneer campus’ across the USA. God values faithfulness the most.
We must value faithfulness the most. We must thank God for faithful Bible teachers for where there are faithful Bible teachers there is hope for a church to grow. I thank God for Julie’s faithful Bible studies. She is an inspiration to all of our coworkers. We are thankful for the music ministry. Through the faithfulness of the music servants a joyful atmosphere can be created in our worship service. We have something to offer when we visit other chapters. We must pray to be faithful to Christ. Christ said, “Be faithful, even to the point of death, and I will give you the crown of life” (Rev 2:10b).
However, we have all discovered that when one faithfully preaches the gospel, the response is not usually widespread acceptance, but rather sometimes criticism, judgment and condemnation. How should a servant of Christ respond? Look at verses 3-4, “I care very little if I am judged by you or by any human court; indeed, I do not even judge myself. 4My conscience is clear, but that does not make me innocent. It is the Lord who judges me.” Paul tells us to care “very little” about the judgments of others. True, there may be a grain of truth in their criticism that will help us improve our character or way of ministry. However, servants of Christ must not care much about human judgments. Paul also tells us that he did not judge himself. That does not mean that he did not evaluate himself, for he surely did that. Paul did his best in serving Christ and allowed his conscience to guide him in observing an exemplary work ethic, striving for excellence. But he knew that human excellence was not good enough. What mattered was whether Christ was pleased or not. Like Abel in Genesis, Paul offered his best to God as one who needed mercy, trusting God’s grace to accept and bless his offering. If God was pleased, Paul was happy, no matter what men might say (5). If God was not pleased, Paul was very sorry about it, no matter how much praise he might receive from men. Only God’s judgment really matters. And you can tell if God is pleased or not.
Servants of Christ faithfully proclaim the message of Christ based on the Bible—nothing more, nothing less (6). In this verse he says, “Do not go beyond what is written.” Members of the body should accept it humbly and come to Christ. Christ is the center. His word is in the forefront of all we do. We must all grow in Christ. Christ changes us through his word. This is solely by Christ’s grace (7). We must always stick to the message of Christ from the Bible and not go beyond the Bible to realm of our own ideas.
As Christians, we have received the secret of the gospel of Christ. So now what? Let’s read verse 2 again. “Now it is required that those who have been given a trust must prove faithful.” To receive this trust is nothing but the grace of Christ and it is a sacred trust. We must prove faithful to Christ. We can do that by obeying Jesus in all of life’s situations. It also means sharing his purpose by sharing the gospel with others as God gives us opportunity. In this ministry we have especially been called to share it through one-to-one Bible study. May God help each of us reveal a Christ like character and to be faithful Bible teachers, for our generation, for the glory of Christ.
Part ll: The Genuine Servant Of Christ Participates In Christ’s Suffering (8-13).
In verse 8a, Paul rebukes the Corinthians for thinking that they were above carrying their cross. He says, “Already you have all you want! Already you have become rich! You have become kings—and that without us! How I wish that you really had become kings so that we might be kings with you!” The Corinthian Christians thought that they were already glorified, sitting on thrones like kings, sharing the power and reign of Christ. They looked down on others and judged others, even the servants of God who weren’t so charismatic and who seemed to be suffering endlessly in this world. Their concept of serving Christ was worldly. They thought it meant having power and glory in this world. To correct them, Paul explained the reality to them. The reality is that servants of Christ suffer a lot for God’s glory while living in this world.
Let’s see how these exemplary servants of God lived. Look at verse 9. “For it seems to me that God has put us apostles on display at the end of the procession, like men condemned to die in the arena. We have been made a spectacle to the whole universe, to angels as well as to men.” Paul had in mind the victory processions of Roman conquerors, as we can see in the classic movies like “Ben-Hur,” and “Quo Vadis.” Leading the procession was the conquering general in a white and golden chariot with attendants and entourage. He was followed by soldiers in shining armor, marching sharply. At the very end of the procession were prisoners of war, who were jeered and spit upon and beaten, as they headed to the arena to be fed to the lions. In terms of this procession, the Corinthians thought they were in the place of the conquering general. But Paul said that apostles are like the men at the end of the procession. They suffer much and died in the most humiliating circumstances. Paul said in verses 12-13, “We work hard with our own hands. When we are cursed, we bless; when we are persecuted, we endure it; when we are slandered, we answer kindly. Up to this moment we have become the scum of the earth, the refuse of the world.” We see some of this suffering happening today in China and North Korea and the Middle East. We have our own unique Christian sufferings here in America. I don’t wish such sufferings on anyone, but we must know that God puts his servants in such circumstances to reveal the character of Christ and the glory of God through their sufferings. That is why genuine servants of Christ are willing to participate in the suffering of Christ.
Horace G. Underwood, of the famous Underwood typewriter family, went to Seoul, Korea as a missionary in 1885. He was a very able man—a Princeton graduate who could speak eight languages. However, when he decided to go to Korea as a missionary, his fiancé broke their engagement. At age 26, with a broken heart, Underwood went to Korea. After four years on the mission field, he married Miss Horton, who was eight years older than him. He married by faith, for the mission. They traveled to northern Korea to preach the gospel and minister to suffering people. There were many dangers and hardships. What is more, in northern Korea, they became spectacles to the native people. Wherever they went, people gathered to observe them, saying, “They look so strange! Are they human beings? Their eyes are blue! Can they see with blue eyes?” The Underwoods became like monkeys in the zoo for Christ. However, in this way the gospel spread throughout Korea. Theirs is not a story of riches, fame and success, but of hardship, misunderstanding and suffering. And God bore abundant fruit through their lives of faith. There are now three generations of Underwoods serving as missionaries. A true servant of Christ should have a resume of sufferings more than of worldly honors.
Part lll: The Genuine Servant Of Christ Is A Spiritual Father (14-21).
Though Paul’s words to the Corinthians were sharp, they were not intended to shame them, but to warn them as a father (14). Paul spoke to them as his own dear children whom he wanted to correct for their good. Let’s read verse 15 together. “Even though you have ten thousand guardians in Christ, you do not have many fathers, for in Christ Jesus I became your father through the gospel.” In what respect was Paul their spiritual father?
In the first place, Paul participated in their birth through the gospel. Just as physical children do not choose their birth parents, spiritual children do not choose their birth parents. God chooses them. God gives them life according to his own sovereign will. It was through Paul’s prayer and Bible teaching that the word of God came into their hearts and gave them new life. God chose to work through Paul by his sovereign will and one-sided grace. Christians should respect their spiritual parents out of reverence for God. I will always respect my spirit parent, Msn Ruth Hwang, who led me to Jesus and began to raise me as a disciple.
Missionary Ruth Hwang who lives in Montreal Quebec. She taught me the Bible, prayed for me and served me delicious food in her home. She even took me to the ballet. When I was getting insincere in my spiritual struggle, revealed through my superficial testimony writing and Bible study, she cried in front of me, urging me to repent and renew my sincere struggle to grow in Jesus. At that point I wrote an open and honest testimony confessing my deep sin to God. It was that testimony that released me from the chains that bound my heart for I received God’s forgiveness. I felt release. I was free to be honest and I could begin to grow as a servant of Jesus. I will always honor and respect her for being a conduit of God’s grace to me.
In the second place, Paul’s relationship with them was like that of a father and his children. For eighteen months Paul endured many hardships to work with his own hands to support himself and also provide spiritual food for the Corinthians. He had gone through birth pains, shepherded them as they grew and protected them, until the tender roots of the gospel could grow strong and healthy in them.
Paul had been greatly changed in Christ. At one time, Paul was not like a father. He was a strict and legalistic Pharisee who would not tolerate others’ shortcomings. But now he was a loving father-like shepherd who embraces and patiently endures immature children. How could he be so changed? It was because he knew the heart of God. God is a Father to weak and vulnerable human beings. Jesus taught us to call God “Father” in the Lord’s Prayer. God loves us like a father. God’s love for us is unconditional, sacrificial, everlasting and longsuffering. God loves us so much that he gave his one and only Son Jesus as a sacrifice of atonement to save us from our sins. God is patient with sinners in the hope that we may repent and grow and have a healthy love relationship with him. God pours out his grace upon us day after day, though we don’t understand it or deserve it. In this way, God wants to raise us as holy children. When Paul knew God’s heart, he could be a spiritual father to the Corinthians.
Julie has been a like a spiritual parent to several young female students. She taught the Bible and talked with Carrie for many hours every week. This went on for years. Eventually Carrie gave her heart and life to Jesus. She married Jay and established a house church (family) with Jay. They have served as missionaries to Ecuador and are now faithful members of a community church near Elgin. Julie was like a spiritual parent to Trish. She also studied with Trish very week and talked for hours even sacrificing time with her family. This went on for years. Now Trish has taken spiritual responsibility to be a “mother like” mentor to Janice and one of her other friends. She has strength to help her husband to come to Jesus. God worked through Julie. Indeed God works through those with the heart of a spiritual parent.
There is a contrast in verse 15 between spiritual fathers and guardians. Fathers care for their children out of love. Guardians serve them to make money. It is similar to the contrast Jesus makes between the good shepherd and the hired hand (Jn 10:12-13). Do you know why the hired hand takes care of the sheep very well, even professionally? It is to get their wool! We need to ask ourselves, “Am I a parent or a guardian?” What is our motive in serving God’s sheep? Is it to gain wealth or honor for ourselves? We must love God’s children with pure hearts as spiritual parents, and give all the glory to God.
Paul was a spiritual father worth imitating. He said in verse 16, “Therefore I urge you to imitate me.” Not all fathers can say this. If Paul was a chronic gambler or an alcoholic, it would be better not to say, “imitate me.” Yet Paul could say, “imitate me.” very boldly and with confidence. To all those who reject Pauline theology and think that they can ignore Apostle Paul, he says in 1 Corinthians 11:1, “Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ.” Especially, Paul wanted them to learn Jesus’ humbleness and shepherd heart. This would solve their problem of arrogance and enable them to love one another from the heart.
To help them remember his example, Paul sent Timothy to them. Timothy had learned Christ’s humility and faithfulness from Paul. Timothy loved God’s children purely (Php 2:20). Timothy’s real and living example would help them glimpse the universal love of Christ, as it was practiced throughout the world. Paul also wanted to come to them to help them solve certain issues that were hurting the church. Of course he would try to solve the matters rationally and prayerfully, but if necessary, he would bring his “whip” (21). Yes, like any good father, Paul’s fatherly love included training in the truth. (Heb 12:10-11) He would not avoid painful encounters if it helped his children spiritually.
Today we learned how to recognize and how to be genuine servants of Christ. Christ entrusts his servants with the secret things of God. Servants of God seek these secrets out and help others to discover these secrets. Servants of Christ are faithful people. Servants of Christ proclaim the message of Christ based on the Bible. Servants of Christ are willing to participate in the suffering of Christ. They are spiritual parents. It is not easy to be genuine servants of God. But when we pray, God will help us. Especially, let’s pray to have a spiritual parent’s heart like Apostle Paul, and especially like Jesus himself.
Part l: The Genuine Servant Of Christ Is A Faithful Bible Teacher (1-7).
1. How should believers regard Christian workers? (1) What great privilege does Paul mention? (1b; Ro3:2) What is the most fundamental quality of a servant of God? (2; 2Ti2:2; Heb3:1,2) Why?
2. What three judgments does Paul mention and which one was he most concerned about? (3,4) Why should we not judge but wait until the Lord comes? (5) How did Paul apply this principle to himself and Apollos? Why? (6a) Why shouldn’t we take pride in one man over against another? (6b,7)
Part ll: The Genuine Servant Of Christ Participates In Christ’s Suffering (8-13).
3. How did Paul rebuke their sin of pride in verse 8? What good examples did he show through his own life? (9–14) Note especially his humility and shepherd’s heart.
Part lll: The Genuine Servant Of Christ Is A Spiritual Father (15-21).
4. Read verse 15. What confidence did Paul have in relation to them? How could he have such confidence? What does it mean to be a spiritual father? Why is this an important attribute of a servant of God?
5. Read verse 16. What did Paul urge them to do? What especially did he want them to imitate? Why is it important to imitate such a servant of God? Why did he send Timothy to them? (17)
6. What problem did Paul point out? (18) How did he say he would deal with it? (19,21) How does this reveal his father’s heart for them?
7. Summarize what you learn in this study about how to be a servant of God.
1 Corinthians 4:1-21 Lesson 4
Key verse 4:15-16 Shp Kevin Jesmer NIU UBF 10-4-09
"Even though you have ten thousand guardians in Christ, you do not have many fathers, for in Christ Jesus I became your father through the gospel. Therefore I urge you to imitate me.”
In our society there are all kinds of servants of God. They come in all shapes and sizes. They come from all sorts of denominations. It seems that in the USA as long as a person has a theology degree and is hired as a church leader then that person is a servant of God. Actually I have heard that in this country, if ten people call you a pastor, then you are a pastor. But the question is, are all people who call themselves servants of Christ, actually genuine servants of Christ? What makes one a genuine servant of Christ? How can we be genuine servants of Christ? Today Paul reveals distinctive elements that mark genuine servants of Christ. Let’s consider three of them.
Part l: The Genuine Servant Of Christ Is A Faithful Bible Teacher (1-7).
A leader in the church is a servant of God. Let’s read verse 1. “So then, men ought to regard us as servants of Christ and as those entrusted with the secret things of God.” Why does Paul say this? As we have studied, the Corinthians had been disputing about which servant of Christ was the greatest. One took pride in following Apollos. Another took pride in following Cephas. And there were those who were devoted to Paul. They saw the servants of Christ as contestants in some popularity contest. Who you followed became a fad among certain circles. Some church members rejected fellow church members based on which pastor they were loyal to. Their attitude was not right. Pastors are servants of Christ, no matter the degree of their charisma. Christ is the one who chose, equipped and sent them. The Corinthians should receive them as Christ’s servants, respect them, and listen to them as ones who have been sent by God.
Christ entrusts his servants with the secret things of God. What are the secret things of God? We don’t think that they are a secret. Most of us have grown up studying the Bible and consider its teaching just plain obvious. But we need to know that that there are still many secrets that we do not know. Daniel J. Boorstin once said, “Education is learning what you didn't even know you didn't know.” One Phd told me that the more he learned the more he realized he didn’t know. Instead of thinking that we know all of the secrets of the gospel, we need to concede that a lot of secrets are still hidden from us and humbly seek them out. (Isa 8:16)
What are the secret things of God? One great secret is the message of the cross. To those who repent and believe, it is the power and wisdom of God for salvation. (Ro 1:16) But to the worldly, it seems like foolishness. They don’t know the secret. The kingdom of God is another secret (Mk 4:11). God’s world salvation plan is also a secret (Eph 3:6). These secrets must be revealed by God. God reveals them to those who study the Bible diligently, like those seeking hidden treasure (Mt 13:44). Therefore, servants of Christ study the word of God until they find the secrets of God. These servants know Christ intimately through his word and Spirit. They know the mind of Christ.
To a servant of Christ, faithfulness is the most important quality. Let’s read verse 2. “Now it is required that those who have been given a trust must prove faithful.” The quality God is looking for is not handsomeness, intelligence, wit, or eloquence, but faithfulness. Sometimes faithful people do not seem to be so smart, but they are faithful. (It is best to be both faithful and sharp.) Servants of Christ must be doggedly faithful in teaching the Bible. They must deliver the Lord’s message as of first importance. They must share the message as it is, without changing the contents to suit their own feelings or purpose. They must share the message when and where Christ wants them to. When the Lord says, “go,” they go. When the Lord says, “stay,” they stay. Paul proved himself faithful. He stayed in Corinth according to the Lord’s command even though he suffered so much (Ac 18:9-11). Then there was a great harvest of souls and the Corinthian church was born. If Paul had not stayed, what would have happened? In two weeks there will be a USA staff conference in Columbus Ohio. There will be over 200 attendants. Most are heads of small house churches. They answered God’s call to live as a house church ministry. They give their hearts, week after week, to prepare the message and teach the Bible, but most times students don’t want to join them on their mission. So often it is just them and their kids and one or two students. It seems that their lives are endless sacrifices. Why do they do it for so few people? It is because they are revealing God’s faithfulness and God is working through servants of God such as these to pioneer campus’ across the USA. God values faithfulness the most.
We must value faithfulness the most. We must thank God for faithful Bible teachers for where there are faithful Bible teachers there is hope for a church to grow. I thank God for Julie’s faithful Bible studies. She is an inspiration to all of our coworkers. We are thankful for the music ministry. Through the faithfulness of the music servants a joyful atmosphere can be created in our worship service. We have something to offer when we visit other chapters. We must pray to be faithful to Christ. Christ said, “Be faithful, even to the point of death, and I will give you the crown of life” (Rev 2:10b).
However, we have all discovered that when one faithfully preaches the gospel, the response is not usually widespread acceptance, but rather sometimes criticism, judgment and condemnation. How should a servant of Christ respond? Look at verses 3-4, “I care very little if I am judged by you or by any human court; indeed, I do not even judge myself. 4My conscience is clear, but that does not make me innocent. It is the Lord who judges me.” Paul tells us to care “very little” about the judgments of others. True, there may be a grain of truth in their criticism that will help us improve our character or way of ministry. However, servants of Christ must not care much about human judgments. Paul also tells us that he did not judge himself. That does not mean that he did not evaluate himself, for he surely did that. Paul did his best in serving Christ and allowed his conscience to guide him in observing an exemplary work ethic, striving for excellence. But he knew that human excellence was not good enough. What mattered was whether Christ was pleased or not. Like Abel in Genesis, Paul offered his best to God as one who needed mercy, trusting God’s grace to accept and bless his offering. If God was pleased, Paul was happy, no matter what men might say (5). If God was not pleased, Paul was very sorry about it, no matter how much praise he might receive from men. Only God’s judgment really matters. And you can tell if God is pleased or not.
Servants of Christ faithfully proclaim the message of Christ based on the Bible—nothing more, nothing less (6). In this verse he says, “Do not go beyond what is written.” Members of the body should accept it humbly and come to Christ. Christ is the center. His word is in the forefront of all we do. We must all grow in Christ. Christ changes us through his word. This is solely by Christ’s grace (7). We must always stick to the message of Christ from the Bible and not go beyond the Bible to realm of our own ideas.
As Christians, we have received the secret of the gospel of Christ. So now what? Let’s read verse 2 again. “Now it is required that those who have been given a trust must prove faithful.” To receive this trust is nothing but the grace of Christ and it is a sacred trust. We must prove faithful to Christ. We can do that by obeying Jesus in all of life’s situations. It also means sharing his purpose by sharing the gospel with others as God gives us opportunity. In this ministry we have especially been called to share it through one-to-one Bible study. May God help each of us reveal a Christ like character and to be faithful Bible teachers, for our generation, for the glory of Christ.
Part ll: The Genuine Servant Of Christ Participates In Christ’s Suffering (8-13).
In verse 8a, Paul rebukes the Corinthians for thinking that they were above carrying their cross. He says, “Already you have all you want! Already you have become rich! You have become kings—and that without us! How I wish that you really had become kings so that we might be kings with you!” The Corinthian Christians thought that they were already glorified, sitting on thrones like kings, sharing the power and reign of Christ. They looked down on others and judged others, even the servants of God who weren’t so charismatic and who seemed to be suffering endlessly in this world. Their concept of serving Christ was worldly. They thought it meant having power and glory in this world. To correct them, Paul explained the reality to them. The reality is that servants of Christ suffer a lot for God’s glory while living in this world.
Let’s see how these exemplary servants of God lived. Look at verse 9. “For it seems to me that God has put us apostles on display at the end of the procession, like men condemned to die in the arena. We have been made a spectacle to the whole universe, to angels as well as to men.” Paul had in mind the victory processions of Roman conquerors, as we can see in the classic movies like “Ben-Hur,” and “Quo Vadis.” Leading the procession was the conquering general in a white and golden chariot with attendants and entourage. He was followed by soldiers in shining armor, marching sharply. At the very end of the procession were prisoners of war, who were jeered and spit upon and beaten, as they headed to the arena to be fed to the lions. In terms of this procession, the Corinthians thought they were in the place of the conquering general. But Paul said that apostles are like the men at the end of the procession. They suffer much and died in the most humiliating circumstances. Paul said in verses 12-13, “We work hard with our own hands. When we are cursed, we bless; when we are persecuted, we endure it; when we are slandered, we answer kindly. Up to this moment we have become the scum of the earth, the refuse of the world.” We see some of this suffering happening today in China and North Korea and the Middle East. We have our own unique Christian sufferings here in America. I don’t wish such sufferings on anyone, but we must know that God puts his servants in such circumstances to reveal the character of Christ and the glory of God through their sufferings. That is why genuine servants of Christ are willing to participate in the suffering of Christ.
Horace G. Underwood, of the famous Underwood typewriter family, went to Seoul, Korea as a missionary in 1885. He was a very able man—a Princeton graduate who could speak eight languages. However, when he decided to go to Korea as a missionary, his fiancé broke their engagement. At age 26, with a broken heart, Underwood went to Korea. After four years on the mission field, he married Miss Horton, who was eight years older than him. He married by faith, for the mission. They traveled to northern Korea to preach the gospel and minister to suffering people. There were many dangers and hardships. What is more, in northern Korea, they became spectacles to the native people. Wherever they went, people gathered to observe them, saying, “They look so strange! Are they human beings? Their eyes are blue! Can they see with blue eyes?” The Underwoods became like monkeys in the zoo for Christ. However, in this way the gospel spread throughout Korea. Theirs is not a story of riches, fame and success, but of hardship, misunderstanding and suffering. And God bore abundant fruit through their lives of faith. There are now three generations of Underwoods serving as missionaries. A true servant of Christ should have a resume of sufferings more than of worldly honors.
Part lll: The Genuine Servant Of Christ Is A Spiritual Father (14-21).
Though Paul’s words to the Corinthians were sharp, they were not intended to shame them, but to warn them as a father (14). Paul spoke to them as his own dear children whom he wanted to correct for their good. Let’s read verse 15 together. “Even though you have ten thousand guardians in Christ, you do not have many fathers, for in Christ Jesus I became your father through the gospel.” In what respect was Paul their spiritual father?
In the first place, Paul participated in their birth through the gospel. Just as physical children do not choose their birth parents, spiritual children do not choose their birth parents. God chooses them. God gives them life according to his own sovereign will. It was through Paul’s prayer and Bible teaching that the word of God came into their hearts and gave them new life. God chose to work through Paul by his sovereign will and one-sided grace. Christians should respect their spiritual parents out of reverence for God. I will always respect my spirit parent, Msn Ruth Hwang, who led me to Jesus and began to raise me as a disciple.
Missionary Ruth Hwang who lives in Montreal Quebec. She taught me the Bible, prayed for me and served me delicious food in her home. She even took me to the ballet. When I was getting insincere in my spiritual struggle, revealed through my superficial testimony writing and Bible study, she cried in front of me, urging me to repent and renew my sincere struggle to grow in Jesus. At that point I wrote an open and honest testimony confessing my deep sin to God. It was that testimony that released me from the chains that bound my heart for I received God’s forgiveness. I felt release. I was free to be honest and I could begin to grow as a servant of Jesus. I will always honor and respect her for being a conduit of God’s grace to me.
In the second place, Paul’s relationship with them was like that of a father and his children. For eighteen months Paul endured many hardships to work with his own hands to support himself and also provide spiritual food for the Corinthians. He had gone through birth pains, shepherded them as they grew and protected them, until the tender roots of the gospel could grow strong and healthy in them.
Paul had been greatly changed in Christ. At one time, Paul was not like a father. He was a strict and legalistic Pharisee who would not tolerate others’ shortcomings. But now he was a loving father-like shepherd who embraces and patiently endures immature children. How could he be so changed? It was because he knew the heart of God. God is a Father to weak and vulnerable human beings. Jesus taught us to call God “Father” in the Lord’s Prayer. God loves us like a father. God’s love for us is unconditional, sacrificial, everlasting and longsuffering. God loves us so much that he gave his one and only Son Jesus as a sacrifice of atonement to save us from our sins. God is patient with sinners in the hope that we may repent and grow and have a healthy love relationship with him. God pours out his grace upon us day after day, though we don’t understand it or deserve it. In this way, God wants to raise us as holy children. When Paul knew God’s heart, he could be a spiritual father to the Corinthians.
Julie has been a like a spiritual parent to several young female students. She taught the Bible and talked with Carrie for many hours every week. This went on for years. Eventually Carrie gave her heart and life to Jesus. She married Jay and established a house church (family) with Jay. They have served as missionaries to Ecuador and are now faithful members of a community church near Elgin. Julie was like a spiritual parent to Trish. She also studied with Trish very week and talked for hours even sacrificing time with her family. This went on for years. Now Trish has taken spiritual responsibility to be a “mother like” mentor to Janice and one of her other friends. She has strength to help her husband to come to Jesus. God worked through Julie. Indeed God works through those with the heart of a spiritual parent.
There is a contrast in verse 15 between spiritual fathers and guardians. Fathers care for their children out of love. Guardians serve them to make money. It is similar to the contrast Jesus makes between the good shepherd and the hired hand (Jn 10:12-13). Do you know why the hired hand takes care of the sheep very well, even professionally? It is to get their wool! We need to ask ourselves, “Am I a parent or a guardian?” What is our motive in serving God’s sheep? Is it to gain wealth or honor for ourselves? We must love God’s children with pure hearts as spiritual parents, and give all the glory to God.
Paul was a spiritual father worth imitating. He said in verse 16, “Therefore I urge you to imitate me.” Not all fathers can say this. If Paul was a chronic gambler or an alcoholic, it would be better not to say, “imitate me.” Yet Paul could say, “imitate me.” very boldly and with confidence. To all those who reject Pauline theology and think that they can ignore Apostle Paul, he says in 1 Corinthians 11:1, “Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ.” Especially, Paul wanted them to learn Jesus’ humbleness and shepherd heart. This would solve their problem of arrogance and enable them to love one another from the heart.
To help them remember his example, Paul sent Timothy to them. Timothy had learned Christ’s humility and faithfulness from Paul. Timothy loved God’s children purely (Php 2:20). Timothy’s real and living example would help them glimpse the universal love of Christ, as it was practiced throughout the world. Paul also wanted to come to them to help them solve certain issues that were hurting the church. Of course he would try to solve the matters rationally and prayerfully, but if necessary, he would bring his “whip” (21). Yes, like any good father, Paul’s fatherly love included training in the truth. (Heb 12:10-11) He would not avoid painful encounters if it helped his children spiritually.
Today we learned how to recognize and how to be genuine servants of Christ. Christ entrusts his servants with the secret things of God. Servants of God seek these secrets out and help others to discover these secrets. Servants of Christ are faithful people. Servants of Christ proclaim the message of Christ based on the Bible. Servants of Christ are willing to participate in the suffering of Christ. They are spiritual parents. It is not easy to be genuine servants of God. But when we pray, God will help us. Especially, let’s pray to have a spiritual parent’s heart like Apostle Paul, and especially like Jesus himself.
Part l: The Genuine Servant Of Christ Is A Faithful Bible Teacher (1-7).
1. How should believers regard Christian workers? (1) What great privilege does Paul mention? (1b; Ro3:2) What is the most fundamental quality of a servant of God? (2; 2Ti2:2; Heb3:1,2) Why?
2. What three judgments does Paul mention and which one was he most concerned about? (3,4) Why should we not judge but wait until the Lord comes? (5) How did Paul apply this principle to himself and Apollos? Why? (6a) Why shouldn’t we take pride in one man over against another? (6b,7)
Part ll: The Genuine Servant Of Christ Participates In Christ’s Suffering (8-13).
3. How did Paul rebuke their sin of pride in verse 8? What good examples did he show through his own life? (9–14) Note especially his humility and shepherd’s heart.
Part lll: The Genuine Servant Of Christ Is A Spiritual Father (15-21).
4. Read verse 15. What confidence did Paul have in relation to them? How could he have such confidence? What does it mean to be a spiritual father? Why is this an important attribute of a servant of God?
5. Read verse 16. What did Paul urge them to do? What especially did he want them to imitate? Why is it important to imitate such a servant of God? Why did he send Timothy to them? (17)
6. What problem did Paul point out? (18) How did he say he would deal with it? (19,21) How does this reveal his father’s heart for them?
7. Summarize what you learn in this study about how to be a servant of God.
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
Romans 16:3-17
An Exemplary House Church: Priscilla And Aquila.
Romans 16:3-17 NIU UBF 10/18/09
Key verse 16:5a, Shp Kevin Jesmer (An adaption of Pastor Mark Vucekovich’s
message delivered at the Fall 2009 USA UBF Staff conference at
Columbus Ohio.
“Greet also the church that meets at their house….”
We have just come back from our Fall 2009 USA staff conference. It was so good to see old friends and coworkers from across America. It was so good to see a co-working spirit manifest among us. It was also encouraging to hear the powerful messages of Dr Ruth Tucker, Pastor Mark Vucekovich and Pastor Kevin Albright. We all acknowledged that God has called us to be not only a campus ministry… not only a missionary sending institute, but also a house church movement. We chose this passage to try to learn from Priscilla and Aquila the principles of house church ministry. May God speak to our hearts and inspire us as we meditate on the words of life.
As we study the New Testament, we see that Paul really wanted the gospel of Jesus’ saving grace to grow and spread to the whole world. He didn’t want to remain small or in just a few places. It wasn’t just Paul’s vision, it was God’s vision given to Paul (Act 16:9-10; 26:19-20; cf. 9-18) To actualize this vision, at the end of his letter to the Romans, he focused on encouraging house church ministries in Rome. At the time there was no such thing as a Christian church building. Instead, believers met together in one another’s houses. In large places like Rome it seems there were many kinds of house churches scattered throughout the city. Partly it was out of necessity. Being a brand new movement, Christians faced suspicion and persecution from the population at large. Meeting in public places could cause riots and arrests. But in private homes Christians could continue to encourage one another, as well as help new people believe.
In today’s passage we meet perhaps the most famous of the house church leaders in the New Testament. They are Priscilla and Aquila. Uniquely, this couple is mentioned in the New Testament, seven times (Acts 18:2; 18, 19, 26; 1 Cor 16:19; Ro 16:3; 2 Tim 4:19) Here, they are first on the list of Christians in Rome to whom Paul sends greetings. In several ways, Priscilla and Aquila exemplify qualities essential for house church leaders and we want to discover what they are. Through this message may God open our hearts and inspire us to spread the gospel of Jesus to college students in America though the house church ministry.
House church ministry in the early church should not be a surprise to us. It is actually a practical expression of God’s purpose for his people, which he had from the beginning. God told the Israelites coming out of Egypt: “You will be for me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation.” (Ex 19:6). It was a remarkable grace and vision for people who had formerly lived as slaves. The Apostle Peter told the early Christians basically the same thing: “But you are a chose people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of the darkness and into his wonderful light.”(1 Peter 2:9) This is known as the “priesthood of believers.”
What better way to live out our new identity in Christ, as holy priests, than in a house church setting? In such a setting there is accountability. We know that in history, one of the weaknesses of Christianity has been hypocrisy. Christians tend to act one way on Sundays and another way at home throughout the week. But a house church setting helps to stop this. In a house church, Christian teachings and real life intersect every day. House church settings help us to obey Christ’s command to love each one another. (Jn 15:17) Earlier, in chapters 12-15, Paul taught practical Christian ethics. Among all the teachings on loving each other, he wrote, “Share with God’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.” (Rom 12:13) In our individualistic culture, which puts a premium on privacy, it is especially not easy to love one another. But in a house church, we can practice loving one another.
It is not easy to run a house church, but through thinking about the example of Pricilla and Aquila we want to learn how it can be done. First, Pricilla and Aquila co-worked for the gospel. Read verse 3. We notice here that Pricilla’s name comes first. In fact, out of seven times they are mentioned in the New Testament, five times her name comes first. (Acts 18:18, 19, 26; Rom 16:3, 2 Tim 4;19) At that time, to put the wife’s name first was highly unusual. This has led to much speculation. Many think Pricilla was a strong woman, perhaps from an aristocratic family, and so her name had to be first. If we read all of Romans 16, we might understand better. In verses 1-2 Paul commended a woman deacon, Phoebe. In verses 5b-16, Paul mentions another 25 people, seven of them are women. These greetings show that Paul deeply appreciated women who worked hard in the Lord and who mothered God’s people. It seems that such godly women are the key in developing house church ministry. So Paul put Pricilla’s name first, recognized her and encouraged her.
In any case, in the Bible, this couple’s names are always mentioned together. And they did not see to have any problem whose name is first. We meet this couple first in Acts 18:1-3, “After this, Paul left Athens and went to Corinth. 2There he met a Jew named Aquila, a native of Pontus, who had recently come from Italy with his wife Priscilla, because Claudius had ordered all the Jews to leave Rome. Paul went to see them, 3and because he was a tentmaker as they were, he stayed and worked with them.” Pricilla and Aquila were both tent makers. They worked in the tent making business together. Perhaps Aquila did manufacturing and Priscilla managed marketing and distribution. It is likely that the first floor was used for tent making and the second floor for living quarters. In America, people used tents mainly for camping. But in the Roman Empire, tents were used for the vast Romans army and for slaves working on construction projects. It was a good business everywhere. Everywhere they settled Pricilla and Aquila seemed to have been tentmakers. They worked hard with their own hands and with the profits they served God’s people. Statistics showed that it is hard for a couple to be in business together. But this couple saw each other every day throughout the day, yet did not get on each others nerves.
How could they work so closely and so well? Paul’s says at the end of verse 3 that they were both in “Christ Jesus.” It means that both Pricilla and Aquila had a personal, vine and branch relationship with Jesus (Jn 15:5) They both new the grace of God personally. They both experienced the love of God personally. So they could love each other, not with romantic love only, but with God’s love. They could embrace each other, support each other, pray for each other, encourage each other and be strong for each other. And their relationship was not just for themselves. It was for the sake of the gospel. They were both committed to serving Christ Jesus, their spiritual king. So they were both willing to use their home as house church. Pricilla did not just invite people over making Aquila angry. They were both interested in sharing the gospel with outsiders and in building up God’s people. Neither of them was consumed with money making only. Their deep love in Jesus and mutual commitment to the gospel was the foundation of their house church ministry. No doubt Aquila loved his wife as Christ loves the church. No doubt Pricilla respected her husband. They mutually submitted to one another out of reverence for Christ (Eph 5:21-23). So when people came to their home, they were moved by their relationship. One of the secrets of a successful house church is for the husband and the wife to have a beautiful relationship in Christ. It is such a gracious behavior that opens outsider’s hearts, wins their trust and makes the message about Christ attractive. (cf. Tit 2;10; 1 Peter 3:1)
In Triton UBF we see an example of a couple loving each other and co-working in Christ moving young people’s hearts. Charisma works full time as a nurse and helps to raise two young boys with Joseph Magno. Charisma gives her heart to serving the Triton Bible Club and shepherding a few people. Joseph smiles a lot and welcomes her Bible students into their home. Michael and Grace Norte are another such family. I can’t explain it, but people are simply attracted to this family. Grace is friendly and honest and forthright, Michael is graceful and smiles a lot and is always willing to help out, especially in driving and purchasing cars for other people. Whoever goes to their home feels like they are at home. I’ve watches many a movie and ate many a delicious Philippino meal at Michael and Grace’s house. Much fruit is being born out of these families. Through our ministry may God continue to raise couples that lovingly co-work in Christ for disciple-raising ministry.
Second, Priscilla and Aquila co-worked with Apostle Paul for the gospel. Read verse 3 again. Here Paul calls them not “my sheep” but “my co-workers in Christ Jesus.” Paul had come to respect them deeply. As we saw in Acts 18, Paul met this couple when he first arrived in Corinth. Some people believe that at this time, Priscilla and Aquila were already Christians. Others think that through living with Paul they came to believe in Jesus. In any case, they were with Paul in Corinth for a year and a half (Ac18:11). It says that when Paul met them in Corinth, “he stayed and worked with them” (Ac18:3b). At first, they made tents together. No doubt Paul also shared his deep Bible study and gospel faith with them. Through life together with Apostle Paul, Priscilla and Aquila grew spiritually and became his close co-workers. When Paul stopped making tents and dedicated himself to ministry in Corinth full-time (Ac18:5), Priscilla and Aquila no doubt continued to support him. Paul’s gospel faith was controversial. Most people hated him; a few liked him. Paul himself became scared to live in Corinth. So the Lord appeared to him in a dream and encouraged him to stay there (Ac18:6–10). Priscilla and Aquila also must have encouraged Paul. They supported Paul and encouraged him practically. When Paul finally did leave Corinth, it was Priscilla and Aquila who accompanied him (Ac18:18). Right away, Paul left them at Ephesus (Ac18:19), where he would later return on his third missionary journey. Paul trusted this couple so much that he wanted them to establish a footing in that city as well. It shows us that Priscilla and Aquila were willing to pull up and go anywhere to co-work with God’s servant, Paul. Usually, for a woman it is particularly hard to suddenly pull up and move her family, but Priscilla did it. Later, when Paul arrived in Ephesus, Priscilla and Aquila were there, ready to co-work with and support him. It was during their time together in Ephesus that Paul wrote the church in Corinth, saying, “Aquila and Priscilla greet you warmly in the Lord, and so does the church that meets at their house” (1Co16:19b). Priscilla and Aquila ran a house church ministry with Paul first in Corinth, then, in Ephesus. Through their practical support, in Ephesus Paul’s daily Bible teaching at the lecture hall of Tyrannus became very fruitful, so that the word of God spread to the entire province of Asia (Ac19:8–10). Read verse 3 again. Paul calls Priscilla and Aquila “my co-workers.” It was not empty flattery. Paul came to deeply love and respect this couple as gospel co-workers.
We learn from Priscilla and Aquila’s example that good house church leaders do not isolate and protect themselves; they learn how to co-work closely with and support God’s servants. This was how Missionary Sarah Barry co-worked with Dr. Samuel Lee first in Korea, then in America. Since UBF’s conception in 1961, our ministry has grown to have chapters in 90 nations with over 1700 missionaries. Julie has had the privilege of co-working with Shp Teddy over the years. Now she is co-working the publication committee. During Purdue ’08 she could c-work with the registration and office team. May God continue to raise up servants of God who can humbly co-work in building up God’s kingdom in the hearts of American young people. If our house church ministry is really going to work and bear fruit, we need to continue to develop such deep mutual respect and close co-working.
Third, Priscilla and Aquila risked their lives for the gospel. Read verse 4a. The literal Greek expression here is: “they stuck their necks out for me.” Priscilla and Aquila supported Paul not just with a room to stay in, some meals, or some financial support from time to time. Their support went so far as to risk their own lives to protect and defend Paul. It was not mere human loyalty; it shows their true colors and the depth of their commitment to the gospel. Priscilla and Aquila realized how important Apostle Paul was for the cause of the gospel, and especially, how important his Gentile ministry was. They rightly recognized that at that time, but for Paul there probably would have been no outreach to the Gentiles. So they protected Paul at the cost of their own lives, so that the gospel of Jesus might continue to spread to the Gentiles. We are not sure what event Paul may be referring to here. Some guess it was the riot in Ephesus. Read verse 4b. Somehow, the Gentile believers had all come to know what Priscilla and Aquila had done for Paul. Probably their courageous, self-sacrificing faith became a source of courage and strength for many facing intense persecution. No doubt their practical, sacrificial life of always opening their home to Gentiles also was a good role model and influence to the Gentile churches. It is still risky to run a house church ministry. Inviting even one stranger into our home can be risky business. It is our basic instinct to protect and preserve ourselves, our homes and our families. But good house church leaders master how to sacrifice and even risk their lives for the gospel. Our UBF ministry worldwide is also indebted to couples like Priscilla and Aquila who can risk everything for the gospel? Dr Ruth Tucker and Dr John Armstrong have stuck their necks out, risking their reputations, to support the work of God in UBF. One Shpherd stuck his neck to for me to help me be able to work in Chicago. Julie did it to marry me. Have you “stuck your neck out” to support the work of God? Has anyone stuck their neck out for you? Thank God for such people.
Fourth, Priscilla and Aquila shared God’s vision along with Paul. In Acts we see that Priscilla and Aquila went to major cities ahead of Paul: first in Corinth; next, in Ephesus; and now, in Rome. It is quite likely they had gone to Rome not just because Jews were allowed back, but also because they knew firsthand of Paul’s vision: “I must visit Rome also” (Ac19:21). While in Ephesus, Paul was inspired by how God’s vision for world evangelism could be actualized. If he stayed in one major city and taught the Bible, the word of God could spread to an entire region. If God worked that way through Ephesus, how much greater through Rome! After leaving Ephesus Paul was busy strengthening the fledgling work of God; he also was deeply committed to taking a Gentile offering to Jerusalem, to build spiritual unity among God’s people. During this time, it seems Priscilla and Aquila had moved to Rome to set up shop there. Paul prayed especially for Priscilla and Aquila, because they shared his world mission vision. They were good his co-workers not because they tried to follow Paul humanly but because they shared his world mission vision. They lived in Corinth, Ephesus and Rome: gorgeous, wealthy cities in the Roman Empire. No doubt they had a prosperous business to be able to have their own homes in all three cities. But their purpose was to spread the gospel of Jesus through house church ministry. They put their hope not in their home equity “nest egg,” but in the kingdom of God. It must been especially hard to move back to Rome, where they had previously been cast out. But they were willing to move anywhere, to do anything, if only it could advance the gospel of Jesus. This kind of world mission vision and spirit is essential for effective house church leaders. Still, it seems too hard to do. How could this couple move from city to city and keep starting over? In UBF many people try hard to build up their own ministry, their own house church, their own chapter. But Priscilla and Aquila were willing to leave everything, to sacrifice everything. How could they? It must have been because of their living hope in the kingdom of God. They were working for God’s kingdom.
One such house church is that of John Mike and Dawn Pitts. In 1988 they left the main center and moved out to Triton College with Shp Teddy and Shp Liz and several other co-workers. They shared in a common vision, to preach the gospel to Triton College students and pioneer the western suburbs of Chicago. Holding onto this vision, Shp Dawn was there to faithfully type up messages. John Mike was there to deliver messages when Shp Teddy was out of town. They continuously invited people into their homes to serve the gospel ministry. (including me in 1991). Baby sitting during SWS and church events was always in their home. They even purchased a home next to Triton UBF church in order to co-work closely with Pastor Teddy in building up the Triton UBF church. Every event that is held at Triton UBF they are there to serve and support it. Nobody even wonders if they are going to be there..they just are. Good house church leaders share God’s great vision for the whole world. May God raise up leaders who share in the vision to make NIU and Kingdom of Priests and a holy nation and for the pioneering of the DEAR (DeKalb, Elgin, Aurora, Rockford) area of Illinois.
Fifth, Priscilla and Aquila were excellent Bible teachers who helped people to have clear gospel faith. It is noteworthy that they grew this way after living with Apostle Paul. In Acts 18:24–26 we read how Priscilla and Aquila helped Apollos. He was a learned man with a thorough knowledge of the Scriptures. He was a good public speaker. But when they heard him, Priscilla and Aquila immediately recognized that something was missing in his message. They did not publicly embarrass him. Instead, they invited him to their home, probably served him a delicious meal, and explained to him the way of God “more adequately.” They helped him understand the deep meaning of Jesus’ death and resurrection, the work of the Holy Spirit, the hope of the kingdom of God, the Second Coming of Jesus and God’s plan for world salvation. This able, young intellectual did not intimidate them; rather, they saw him from God’s point of view, based on gospel faith. And in their house church setting they could take personal time to help him practically. After being helped by them, Apollos went on to become an effective gospel worker, helping those who by grace had already believed. Good house church leaders not only share common life, giving housing and food; they also are excellent Bible teachers who share their gospel faith with even one person deeply in their home.
In our UBF ministry, it means we use our homes for one-to-one Bible study, prayer, personal counseling and disciple raising. For example, Julie was able to invite Janice and her sisters into our home during a critical time in Janice’s life. She prayed with her, served her and taught her the Bible faithfully for two years. Through that time Janice’s heart could begin to heal and she could have strength to bear up under a heavy cross that she is now called to bear. Though her life is difficult she does not doubt the love of God. She is faithfully studying the Bible with Trish at the main center every week. Janice could do this by the grace of God revealed to her by Julie’s shepherding her in her house church. Caring for one person through deep Bible study may seem small, but it is the hope of God for his kingdom to expand in the world. Let’s pray that God may help us to dig deep into each 1:1 Bible study and testimony writing so that we may continually grow as excellent Bible teachers. Then we can be effective house church leaders who can plant clear gospel faith in young college students.
Sixth, Priscilla and Aquila opened their home for church meetings. Read verse 5a. It seems Priscilla and Aquila always used their house for church meetings. They did so in Corinth, in Ephesus, and now, in Rome. They never got tired of doing so. They did not open their home grudgingly. They served others warmly. Their hearts were always open to God’s people. God always blessed them financially to be able to give to others. When God blessed them, they did not hoard their wealth; they used it to show hospitality and serve God’s needy people in many ways. We wonder what was going on in the church meetings in their home. We can only guess. But in light of Paul’s teachings elsewhere, we can just imagine. Their home was a place of God’s peace, where God’s troubled people could come and find rest. Their home was also a place of God’s word. When fellow believers came, they taught and admonished them based on the word of God. God’s word was the focus, and it was freely shared. Their home was a place where believers could gather to sing songs and hymns. Thus, it was a place to remember God’s amazing grace in Jesus and to give thanks. In their home, everything was done not for the sake of someone’s pride, but all in the name of the Lord Jesus, to turn people’s attention to God (Col3:15–17). Tim is learning how hard it to keep his home open for church meetings. It means cleaning up and setting up. It means preparing an environment faithful several times a week. It means serving.
In a large mega-church people easily can be ignored or hide. But in a house church, they can be cared for deeply and everyone can participate. That is one reason that we are all growing as messengers of God’s word and singers and musicians. Moreover, disciple making can be done naturally. There are so many examples in UBF ministry of beautiful house churches. Missionary Sarah Barry still personally runs a house church ministry out of her first floor apartment in Chicago, even though she is nearly 80 years old. Liz and Teddy Hembekides are another outstanding example. For years they lived in an unbelievably tiny apartment above the Bible house. They served many broken and needy American young people with the word of God, the love of God and prayer, day in and day out, from early in the morning until late at night. Through their sacrificial ministry run out of their house, so many disciples of Jesus were raised. Recently they held a 20-year celebration of God’s work at Triton, and we could see the powerful impact of the gospel through their house church ministry.
But it is not easy to live as a house church. So as a conclusion to his greetings here in Romans 16, Paul says in verse 20, “The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet. The grace of our Lord Jesus be with you.” How can we keep on co-working? How can we keep on giving and giving? How can we keep on overcoming cultural differences, persecutions and discouragements of all kinds? Paul says, “The grace of our Lord Jesus be with you.” House church ministry is possible when we renew the grace of Jesus in our hearts.
Today we learned the principles of house church ministry. They are: 1) loving co-working in Christ; 2) close co-working with God’s servants; 3) life-risking spirit; 4) sharing God’s great vision for the world; 5) planting clear gospel faith in young intellectuals; 6) building a spiritually healthy environment based on the peace of Christ and the word of Christ; 7) holding on to the grace of our Lord Jesus personally (Ro16:20b). May God strengthen our UBF house church ministries in the USA and around the world to follow these principles and be used preciously by him for his kingdom work.
1. What was Paul’s first thanksgiving topic? How did Paul share God’s view? (Ac 1:8; 19:21) In his vision, what did Paul do for them wholeheartedly and constantly?
2. Who was his witness? What do “my God” and “serve with my whole heart” reveal about Paul’s relationship with God? What was his prayer topic?
3. For what reason did Paul want to see them? What was the spiritual gift that Paul wanted to give them? (Ro 15:24,29-30) Why did he want to give this gift to them? (11b,12) What did Paul want them to be aware of? (13) What could be the harvest Paul wanted? (Ro 15:25-28)
4. Read verse 14. To whom was Paul obligated? What does it mean to be obligated? Where did his sense of obligation come from? (1 Ti 1:13-16; 2 Ti 1:11; Mt 18:32-33) What can we learn from Paul and his great sense of obligation?
5. Read verse 15. What did his obligation compel him to do, also for the saints at Rome? (1 Cor 9:16) What should be our motive to preach the gospel?
6. Read verses 16-17. Why was Paul not ashamed of the gospel? What is revealed in the gospel?
Romans 16:3-17 NIU UBF 10/18/09
Key verse 16:5a, Shp Kevin Jesmer (An adaption of Pastor Mark Vucekovich’s
message delivered at the Fall 2009 USA UBF Staff conference at
Columbus Ohio.
“Greet also the church that meets at their house….”
We have just come back from our Fall 2009 USA staff conference. It was so good to see old friends and coworkers from across America. It was so good to see a co-working spirit manifest among us. It was also encouraging to hear the powerful messages of Dr Ruth Tucker, Pastor Mark Vucekovich and Pastor Kevin Albright. We all acknowledged that God has called us to be not only a campus ministry… not only a missionary sending institute, but also a house church movement. We chose this passage to try to learn from Priscilla and Aquila the principles of house church ministry. May God speak to our hearts and inspire us as we meditate on the words of life.
As we study the New Testament, we see that Paul really wanted the gospel of Jesus’ saving grace to grow and spread to the whole world. He didn’t want to remain small or in just a few places. It wasn’t just Paul’s vision, it was God’s vision given to Paul (Act 16:9-10; 26:19-20; cf. 9-18) To actualize this vision, at the end of his letter to the Romans, he focused on encouraging house church ministries in Rome. At the time there was no such thing as a Christian church building. Instead, believers met together in one another’s houses. In large places like Rome it seems there were many kinds of house churches scattered throughout the city. Partly it was out of necessity. Being a brand new movement, Christians faced suspicion and persecution from the population at large. Meeting in public places could cause riots and arrests. But in private homes Christians could continue to encourage one another, as well as help new people believe.
In today’s passage we meet perhaps the most famous of the house church leaders in the New Testament. They are Priscilla and Aquila. Uniquely, this couple is mentioned in the New Testament, seven times (Acts 18:2; 18, 19, 26; 1 Cor 16:19; Ro 16:3; 2 Tim 4:19) Here, they are first on the list of Christians in Rome to whom Paul sends greetings. In several ways, Priscilla and Aquila exemplify qualities essential for house church leaders and we want to discover what they are. Through this message may God open our hearts and inspire us to spread the gospel of Jesus to college students in America though the house church ministry.
House church ministry in the early church should not be a surprise to us. It is actually a practical expression of God’s purpose for his people, which he had from the beginning. God told the Israelites coming out of Egypt: “You will be for me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation.” (Ex 19:6). It was a remarkable grace and vision for people who had formerly lived as slaves. The Apostle Peter told the early Christians basically the same thing: “But you are a chose people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of the darkness and into his wonderful light.”(1 Peter 2:9) This is known as the “priesthood of believers.”
What better way to live out our new identity in Christ, as holy priests, than in a house church setting? In such a setting there is accountability. We know that in history, one of the weaknesses of Christianity has been hypocrisy. Christians tend to act one way on Sundays and another way at home throughout the week. But a house church setting helps to stop this. In a house church, Christian teachings and real life intersect every day. House church settings help us to obey Christ’s command to love each one another. (Jn 15:17) Earlier, in chapters 12-15, Paul taught practical Christian ethics. Among all the teachings on loving each other, he wrote, “Share with God’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.” (Rom 12:13) In our individualistic culture, which puts a premium on privacy, it is especially not easy to love one another. But in a house church, we can practice loving one another.
It is not easy to run a house church, but through thinking about the example of Pricilla and Aquila we want to learn how it can be done. First, Pricilla and Aquila co-worked for the gospel. Read verse 3. We notice here that Pricilla’s name comes first. In fact, out of seven times they are mentioned in the New Testament, five times her name comes first. (Acts 18:18, 19, 26; Rom 16:3, 2 Tim 4;19) At that time, to put the wife’s name first was highly unusual. This has led to much speculation. Many think Pricilla was a strong woman, perhaps from an aristocratic family, and so her name had to be first. If we read all of Romans 16, we might understand better. In verses 1-2 Paul commended a woman deacon, Phoebe. In verses 5b-16, Paul mentions another 25 people, seven of them are women. These greetings show that Paul deeply appreciated women who worked hard in the Lord and who mothered God’s people. It seems that such godly women are the key in developing house church ministry. So Paul put Pricilla’s name first, recognized her and encouraged her.
In any case, in the Bible, this couple’s names are always mentioned together. And they did not see to have any problem whose name is first. We meet this couple first in Acts 18:1-3, “After this, Paul left Athens and went to Corinth. 2There he met a Jew named Aquila, a native of Pontus, who had recently come from Italy with his wife Priscilla, because Claudius had ordered all the Jews to leave Rome. Paul went to see them, 3and because he was a tentmaker as they were, he stayed and worked with them.” Pricilla and Aquila were both tent makers. They worked in the tent making business together. Perhaps Aquila did manufacturing and Priscilla managed marketing and distribution. It is likely that the first floor was used for tent making and the second floor for living quarters. In America, people used tents mainly for camping. But in the Roman Empire, tents were used for the vast Romans army and for slaves working on construction projects. It was a good business everywhere. Everywhere they settled Pricilla and Aquila seemed to have been tentmakers. They worked hard with their own hands and with the profits they served God’s people. Statistics showed that it is hard for a couple to be in business together. But this couple saw each other every day throughout the day, yet did not get on each others nerves.
How could they work so closely and so well? Paul’s says at the end of verse 3 that they were both in “Christ Jesus.” It means that both Pricilla and Aquila had a personal, vine and branch relationship with Jesus (Jn 15:5) They both new the grace of God personally. They both experienced the love of God personally. So they could love each other, not with romantic love only, but with God’s love. They could embrace each other, support each other, pray for each other, encourage each other and be strong for each other. And their relationship was not just for themselves. It was for the sake of the gospel. They were both committed to serving Christ Jesus, their spiritual king. So they were both willing to use their home as house church. Pricilla did not just invite people over making Aquila angry. They were both interested in sharing the gospel with outsiders and in building up God’s people. Neither of them was consumed with money making only. Their deep love in Jesus and mutual commitment to the gospel was the foundation of their house church ministry. No doubt Aquila loved his wife as Christ loves the church. No doubt Pricilla respected her husband. They mutually submitted to one another out of reverence for Christ (Eph 5:21-23). So when people came to their home, they were moved by their relationship. One of the secrets of a successful house church is for the husband and the wife to have a beautiful relationship in Christ. It is such a gracious behavior that opens outsider’s hearts, wins their trust and makes the message about Christ attractive. (cf. Tit 2;10; 1 Peter 3:1)
In Triton UBF we see an example of a couple loving each other and co-working in Christ moving young people’s hearts. Charisma works full time as a nurse and helps to raise two young boys with Joseph Magno. Charisma gives her heart to serving the Triton Bible Club and shepherding a few people. Joseph smiles a lot and welcomes her Bible students into their home. Michael and Grace Norte are another such family. I can’t explain it, but people are simply attracted to this family. Grace is friendly and honest and forthright, Michael is graceful and smiles a lot and is always willing to help out, especially in driving and purchasing cars for other people. Whoever goes to their home feels like they are at home. I’ve watches many a movie and ate many a delicious Philippino meal at Michael and Grace’s house. Much fruit is being born out of these families. Through our ministry may God continue to raise couples that lovingly co-work in Christ for disciple-raising ministry.
Second, Priscilla and Aquila co-worked with Apostle Paul for the gospel. Read verse 3 again. Here Paul calls them not “my sheep” but “my co-workers in Christ Jesus.” Paul had come to respect them deeply. As we saw in Acts 18, Paul met this couple when he first arrived in Corinth. Some people believe that at this time, Priscilla and Aquila were already Christians. Others think that through living with Paul they came to believe in Jesus. In any case, they were with Paul in Corinth for a year and a half (Ac18:11). It says that when Paul met them in Corinth, “he stayed and worked with them” (Ac18:3b). At first, they made tents together. No doubt Paul also shared his deep Bible study and gospel faith with them. Through life together with Apostle Paul, Priscilla and Aquila grew spiritually and became his close co-workers. When Paul stopped making tents and dedicated himself to ministry in Corinth full-time (Ac18:5), Priscilla and Aquila no doubt continued to support him. Paul’s gospel faith was controversial. Most people hated him; a few liked him. Paul himself became scared to live in Corinth. So the Lord appeared to him in a dream and encouraged him to stay there (Ac18:6–10). Priscilla and Aquila also must have encouraged Paul. They supported Paul and encouraged him practically. When Paul finally did leave Corinth, it was Priscilla and Aquila who accompanied him (Ac18:18). Right away, Paul left them at Ephesus (Ac18:19), where he would later return on his third missionary journey. Paul trusted this couple so much that he wanted them to establish a footing in that city as well. It shows us that Priscilla and Aquila were willing to pull up and go anywhere to co-work with God’s servant, Paul. Usually, for a woman it is particularly hard to suddenly pull up and move her family, but Priscilla did it. Later, when Paul arrived in Ephesus, Priscilla and Aquila were there, ready to co-work with and support him. It was during their time together in Ephesus that Paul wrote the church in Corinth, saying, “Aquila and Priscilla greet you warmly in the Lord, and so does the church that meets at their house” (1Co16:19b). Priscilla and Aquila ran a house church ministry with Paul first in Corinth, then, in Ephesus. Through their practical support, in Ephesus Paul’s daily Bible teaching at the lecture hall of Tyrannus became very fruitful, so that the word of God spread to the entire province of Asia (Ac19:8–10). Read verse 3 again. Paul calls Priscilla and Aquila “my co-workers.” It was not empty flattery. Paul came to deeply love and respect this couple as gospel co-workers.
We learn from Priscilla and Aquila’s example that good house church leaders do not isolate and protect themselves; they learn how to co-work closely with and support God’s servants. This was how Missionary Sarah Barry co-worked with Dr. Samuel Lee first in Korea, then in America. Since UBF’s conception in 1961, our ministry has grown to have chapters in 90 nations with over 1700 missionaries. Julie has had the privilege of co-working with Shp Teddy over the years. Now she is co-working the publication committee. During Purdue ’08 she could c-work with the registration and office team. May God continue to raise up servants of God who can humbly co-work in building up God’s kingdom in the hearts of American young people. If our house church ministry is really going to work and bear fruit, we need to continue to develop such deep mutual respect and close co-working.
Third, Priscilla and Aquila risked their lives for the gospel. Read verse 4a. The literal Greek expression here is: “they stuck their necks out for me.” Priscilla and Aquila supported Paul not just with a room to stay in, some meals, or some financial support from time to time. Their support went so far as to risk their own lives to protect and defend Paul. It was not mere human loyalty; it shows their true colors and the depth of their commitment to the gospel. Priscilla and Aquila realized how important Apostle Paul was for the cause of the gospel, and especially, how important his Gentile ministry was. They rightly recognized that at that time, but for Paul there probably would have been no outreach to the Gentiles. So they protected Paul at the cost of their own lives, so that the gospel of Jesus might continue to spread to the Gentiles. We are not sure what event Paul may be referring to here. Some guess it was the riot in Ephesus. Read verse 4b. Somehow, the Gentile believers had all come to know what Priscilla and Aquila had done for Paul. Probably their courageous, self-sacrificing faith became a source of courage and strength for many facing intense persecution. No doubt their practical, sacrificial life of always opening their home to Gentiles also was a good role model and influence to the Gentile churches. It is still risky to run a house church ministry. Inviting even one stranger into our home can be risky business. It is our basic instinct to protect and preserve ourselves, our homes and our families. But good house church leaders master how to sacrifice and even risk their lives for the gospel. Our UBF ministry worldwide is also indebted to couples like Priscilla and Aquila who can risk everything for the gospel? Dr Ruth Tucker and Dr John Armstrong have stuck their necks out, risking their reputations, to support the work of God in UBF. One Shpherd stuck his neck to for me to help me be able to work in Chicago. Julie did it to marry me. Have you “stuck your neck out” to support the work of God? Has anyone stuck their neck out for you? Thank God for such people.
Fourth, Priscilla and Aquila shared God’s vision along with Paul. In Acts we see that Priscilla and Aquila went to major cities ahead of Paul: first in Corinth; next, in Ephesus; and now, in Rome. It is quite likely they had gone to Rome not just because Jews were allowed back, but also because they knew firsthand of Paul’s vision: “I must visit Rome also” (Ac19:21). While in Ephesus, Paul was inspired by how God’s vision for world evangelism could be actualized. If he stayed in one major city and taught the Bible, the word of God could spread to an entire region. If God worked that way through Ephesus, how much greater through Rome! After leaving Ephesus Paul was busy strengthening the fledgling work of God; he also was deeply committed to taking a Gentile offering to Jerusalem, to build spiritual unity among God’s people. During this time, it seems Priscilla and Aquila had moved to Rome to set up shop there. Paul prayed especially for Priscilla and Aquila, because they shared his world mission vision. They were good his co-workers not because they tried to follow Paul humanly but because they shared his world mission vision. They lived in Corinth, Ephesus and Rome: gorgeous, wealthy cities in the Roman Empire. No doubt they had a prosperous business to be able to have their own homes in all three cities. But their purpose was to spread the gospel of Jesus through house church ministry. They put their hope not in their home equity “nest egg,” but in the kingdom of God. It must been especially hard to move back to Rome, where they had previously been cast out. But they were willing to move anywhere, to do anything, if only it could advance the gospel of Jesus. This kind of world mission vision and spirit is essential for effective house church leaders. Still, it seems too hard to do. How could this couple move from city to city and keep starting over? In UBF many people try hard to build up their own ministry, their own house church, their own chapter. But Priscilla and Aquila were willing to leave everything, to sacrifice everything. How could they? It must have been because of their living hope in the kingdom of God. They were working for God’s kingdom.
One such house church is that of John Mike and Dawn Pitts. In 1988 they left the main center and moved out to Triton College with Shp Teddy and Shp Liz and several other co-workers. They shared in a common vision, to preach the gospel to Triton College students and pioneer the western suburbs of Chicago. Holding onto this vision, Shp Dawn was there to faithfully type up messages. John Mike was there to deliver messages when Shp Teddy was out of town. They continuously invited people into their homes to serve the gospel ministry. (including me in 1991). Baby sitting during SWS and church events was always in their home. They even purchased a home next to Triton UBF church in order to co-work closely with Pastor Teddy in building up the Triton UBF church. Every event that is held at Triton UBF they are there to serve and support it. Nobody even wonders if they are going to be there..they just are. Good house church leaders share God’s great vision for the whole world. May God raise up leaders who share in the vision to make NIU and Kingdom of Priests and a holy nation and for the pioneering of the DEAR (DeKalb, Elgin, Aurora, Rockford) area of Illinois.
Fifth, Priscilla and Aquila were excellent Bible teachers who helped people to have clear gospel faith. It is noteworthy that they grew this way after living with Apostle Paul. In Acts 18:24–26 we read how Priscilla and Aquila helped Apollos. He was a learned man with a thorough knowledge of the Scriptures. He was a good public speaker. But when they heard him, Priscilla and Aquila immediately recognized that something was missing in his message. They did not publicly embarrass him. Instead, they invited him to their home, probably served him a delicious meal, and explained to him the way of God “more adequately.” They helped him understand the deep meaning of Jesus’ death and resurrection, the work of the Holy Spirit, the hope of the kingdom of God, the Second Coming of Jesus and God’s plan for world salvation. This able, young intellectual did not intimidate them; rather, they saw him from God’s point of view, based on gospel faith. And in their house church setting they could take personal time to help him practically. After being helped by them, Apollos went on to become an effective gospel worker, helping those who by grace had already believed. Good house church leaders not only share common life, giving housing and food; they also are excellent Bible teachers who share their gospel faith with even one person deeply in their home.
In our UBF ministry, it means we use our homes for one-to-one Bible study, prayer, personal counseling and disciple raising. For example, Julie was able to invite Janice and her sisters into our home during a critical time in Janice’s life. She prayed with her, served her and taught her the Bible faithfully for two years. Through that time Janice’s heart could begin to heal and she could have strength to bear up under a heavy cross that she is now called to bear. Though her life is difficult she does not doubt the love of God. She is faithfully studying the Bible with Trish at the main center every week. Janice could do this by the grace of God revealed to her by Julie’s shepherding her in her house church. Caring for one person through deep Bible study may seem small, but it is the hope of God for his kingdom to expand in the world. Let’s pray that God may help us to dig deep into each 1:1 Bible study and testimony writing so that we may continually grow as excellent Bible teachers. Then we can be effective house church leaders who can plant clear gospel faith in young college students.
Sixth, Priscilla and Aquila opened their home for church meetings. Read verse 5a. It seems Priscilla and Aquila always used their house for church meetings. They did so in Corinth, in Ephesus, and now, in Rome. They never got tired of doing so. They did not open their home grudgingly. They served others warmly. Their hearts were always open to God’s people. God always blessed them financially to be able to give to others. When God blessed them, they did not hoard their wealth; they used it to show hospitality and serve God’s needy people in many ways. We wonder what was going on in the church meetings in their home. We can only guess. But in light of Paul’s teachings elsewhere, we can just imagine. Their home was a place of God’s peace, where God’s troubled people could come and find rest. Their home was also a place of God’s word. When fellow believers came, they taught and admonished them based on the word of God. God’s word was the focus, and it was freely shared. Their home was a place where believers could gather to sing songs and hymns. Thus, it was a place to remember God’s amazing grace in Jesus and to give thanks. In their home, everything was done not for the sake of someone’s pride, but all in the name of the Lord Jesus, to turn people’s attention to God (Col3:15–17). Tim is learning how hard it to keep his home open for church meetings. It means cleaning up and setting up. It means preparing an environment faithful several times a week. It means serving.
In a large mega-church people easily can be ignored or hide. But in a house church, they can be cared for deeply and everyone can participate. That is one reason that we are all growing as messengers of God’s word and singers and musicians. Moreover, disciple making can be done naturally. There are so many examples in UBF ministry of beautiful house churches. Missionary Sarah Barry still personally runs a house church ministry out of her first floor apartment in Chicago, even though she is nearly 80 years old. Liz and Teddy Hembekides are another outstanding example. For years they lived in an unbelievably tiny apartment above the Bible house. They served many broken and needy American young people with the word of God, the love of God and prayer, day in and day out, from early in the morning until late at night. Through their sacrificial ministry run out of their house, so many disciples of Jesus were raised. Recently they held a 20-year celebration of God’s work at Triton, and we could see the powerful impact of the gospel through their house church ministry.
But it is not easy to live as a house church. So as a conclusion to his greetings here in Romans 16, Paul says in verse 20, “The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet. The grace of our Lord Jesus be with you.” How can we keep on co-working? How can we keep on giving and giving? How can we keep on overcoming cultural differences, persecutions and discouragements of all kinds? Paul says, “The grace of our Lord Jesus be with you.” House church ministry is possible when we renew the grace of Jesus in our hearts.
Today we learned the principles of house church ministry. They are: 1) loving co-working in Christ; 2) close co-working with God’s servants; 3) life-risking spirit; 4) sharing God’s great vision for the world; 5) planting clear gospel faith in young intellectuals; 6) building a spiritually healthy environment based on the peace of Christ and the word of Christ; 7) holding on to the grace of our Lord Jesus personally (Ro16:20b). May God strengthen our UBF house church ministries in the USA and around the world to follow these principles and be used preciously by him for his kingdom work.
1. What was Paul’s first thanksgiving topic? How did Paul share God’s view? (Ac 1:8; 19:21) In his vision, what did Paul do for them wholeheartedly and constantly?
2. Who was his witness? What do “my God” and “serve with my whole heart” reveal about Paul’s relationship with God? What was his prayer topic?
3. For what reason did Paul want to see them? What was the spiritual gift that Paul wanted to give them? (Ro 15:24,29-30) Why did he want to give this gift to them? (11b,12) What did Paul want them to be aware of? (13) What could be the harvest Paul wanted? (Ro 15:25-28)
4. Read verse 14. To whom was Paul obligated? What does it mean to be obligated? Where did his sense of obligation come from? (1 Ti 1:13-16; 2 Ti 1:11; Mt 18:32-33) What can we learn from Paul and his great sense of obligation?
5. Read verse 15. What did his obligation compel him to do, also for the saints at Rome? (1 Cor 9:16) What should be our motive to preach the gospel?
6. Read verses 16-17. Why was Paul not ashamed of the gospel? What is revealed in the gospel?
Sunday, October 11, 2009
1 Corinthians 3:1-23
God Makes It Grow
1 Corinthians 3:1-23 Lesson 3
Key verse 3:6 NIU UBF 9-27-09
“I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God made it grow.”
In this chapter Paul returns to a troubling problem in the Corinthian church which he first mentioned in chapter 1 (10-17), namely that there were divisions, caused by elevating leaders too highly. In the last chapter Paul re-introduced the message of the cross, and Jesus as the power of God and the wisdom of God. Paul contrasted worldly wisdom with God’s wisdom. Paul’s ministry was not based on worldly wisdom but on God’s power. God’s power is manifested in the changed lives of those who repent and believe the message of the cross. But this wasn’t good enough to impress some people. In this chapter, Paul urges the Corinthian Christians to have a proper view of God’s ministers and of themselves. He also urges them to build their lives on the foundation of Christ. May God help us to humbly and honestly examine ourselves and repent of anything that displeases God or anything that damages ourselves or others.
Part l: We Are God’s Fellow Workers (1-3)
The first problems Paul mentioned were jealousy and quarreling among the church members. Look at verses 1-3. “Brothers, I could not address you as spiritual but as worldly—mere infants in Christ. I gave you milk, not solid food, for you were not yet ready for it. Indeed, you are still not ready. You are still worldly. For since there is jealousy and quarreling among you, are you not worldly? Are you not acting like mere men?” Their jealousy and quarreling revealed that they were not spiritual, but worldly. They were believers in Christ. But they were acting like unbelievers. Paul said they were being spiritually immature, like infants in Christ. Here we learn that arguing or feuding with others is childish and a sign of spiritual immaturity. The Bible encourages us to be childlike, but not childish. To be childlike is to be humble, with a learning mind and forgiving. But to be childish is quite different. To be childish is to be self-centered and selfish, like children fighting for things and calling each other names. Childish peoples’ four favorite words are “I, my, me, mine.” Childish Christians are immature Christians. They complain or criticize or quarrel, becoming a burden to those around them. Christians all need to grow spiritually. Otherwise, we are unhappy in our souls; we stagnate in our own spiritual growth and become a hindrance to the formation of Christian fellowship. God really wants us to grow.
Why were they spiritually immature? Paul called them “worldly.” This means that they loved this world. They were focusing too much on their worldly desires. The Bible tells us not to love the world—which is defined as three things: the cravings of sinful man, the lust of his eyes and the boasting of what he has and does (1Jn 2:15-17). Many Corinthian Christians were just coming out of godless past lives. But their hearts were turning back to the world. They were like the Israelites in Moses’ time, who, though they physically came out slavery, were still filled with desires to return to Egypt for small bits and pieces of food and security. (Ex 14:12; 16:2).
We must grow mentally and spiritually into Christian maturity. Ephesians 4:15 says, “Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into him who is the Head, that is, Christ.” In a recent article that I read, pastor’s are having a difficult time defining and recognizing spiritual maturity. There is confusion as to what a mature Christian looks like. But there doesn’t have to be such confusion for when we study the Bible deeply, we learn that a mature Christian looks more and more like Jesus.
Then how can we grow? 1 Peter 2:1-2 tells us how. Peter says, “Therefore, rid yourselves of all malice and all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and slander of every kind. Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation…” There are many more Bible references alluding to this holy battle of dying to our sinful passion and pride. Colossians 3:5 says, “Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry.”
After an overview of the New Testament you will discover that a growing Christian denies himself, takes up his cross and follows Jesus (Lk 9:23). The growing Christian gives thanks, rather than complaining (1 Thess 5:18). The growing Christian encourages others rather than criticizing others. He speaks the truth in love rather than flattering people to be accepted. (Eph 4:15) He prays with and works together with others. He prays for others, with empathy, sincerely caring about others’ plight. In a word, he is not self-centered, but God-centered, and “others” centered. He bears the good fruit of the Holy Spirit, which is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. (Gal 5:22-23) Let’s examine ourselves honestly and ask, “am I growing spiritually? Am I making spiritual progress”? Let us renew our decision to mature and grow as a people of God by God’s grace.
Through this message preparation, I came to realize that I have remained in my spiritual immaturity in so many ways. I become lazy in my message preparation. I have stopped taking time to think deeply about daily bread. I seldom read. I can’t slow down and stop and think deeply about the words of God. In my business I have ignored time and again trying to walk in Jesus footsteps by neglecting the fishing ministry. I have worked and flew by the seat of my pants, spiritually speaking. In this way, I have stunted my spiritual growth. Lord, help me not to be childish but to grow and mature spiritually in Christ. Help all of us, by your mercy, grow to maturity in Christ.
Part ll: Humble Co-working In Christ (4-7)
What was Paul addressing specifically? It was the exalting one leader over another and their lack of co-working. Let’s read verses 4-7: “For when one says, ‘I follow Paul,’ and another, ‘I follow Apollos,’ are you not mere men? 5What, after all, is Apollos? And what is Paul? Only servants, through whom you came to believe—as the Lord has assigned to each his task. 6I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God made it grow. 7So neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow.” We can learn three ways to overcome the exalting leaders at the cost of unity in Christ. First, realize that God is the one who makes us grow. The most important word in that statement is God. God used Paul and Apollos as gospel servants through whom the Corinthian Christians came to believe in Christ. Paul planted the gospel seed in Corinth as the pioneer, founder and first pastor. Then Apollos came as another pastor and watered the gospel seed, which Paul had planted. Through Apollos, the church in Corinth continued to grow and thrive like a garden through his preaching, teaching and discipleship training. Paul planted the seed and Apollos watered it. But, God made it grow. God is the essential element in the birth and growth of a Christian. It is God’s sovereign choice and power that gives life to anyone, both physically and spiritually. God decides. God gives the right. God gives the power. Genesis chapter 1 is a powerful reminder that it is God who is doing all the work. When we analyze these words we find that God created, God said, God saw, God made, God set, God blessed, God separated. Jesus said in John 5:17, “My Father is always at his work to this very day, and I, too, am working.” God is the one who blesses and uses a man’s labor or not (Ps 127:1). We should not exalt man over God. And we should uphold whomever God raises up.
There is another important factor to consider. We need to acknowledge that God is the one who is working to bless our labors. It is not just our human abilities. It’s good to work hard for the Lord. But hard work is not enough. God is the one who works by his word and Holy Spirit to draw people to Jesus, lead them to salvation, and enable them to grow. God works in and through people and churches. It is God who is doing the work. (Philippians 2:13) Whatever we do, we must not just see people, but see what God is doing in and through us and others. We can apply this to disciple-making and also to raising our kids. Sometimes we become impatient and push Bible students or our children to grow thinking that we can force them to mature in Christ. That is like trying to push a plant to grow, or demanding that a 12 year old act like a 25 year old. God’s work is not done by our human pushing power. When we do this we may be hindering God’s work because of our impatience. But when we see what God is doing, we can be patient with others. We can be patient with ourselves. We can be instep with God and in this way glorify God and build up the work of God. Then we can say, from our deep heart of hearts, “To God be the glory!”
Second, we learn the importance of co-working. Paul and Apollos were different people. They had different ways in carrying out ministry, different characters and their influence was different. But they were not competitors. They each did their assigned task given them by God. Paul planted and Apollos watered and God blessed their labor. The Christian life is like a team sport. In any team sport, the team’s objective is to win. A team spirit is crucial. One standout player cannot win the game by himself. All members must keep their positions and play them well. Then the game can be won.
But the Corinthians were taking sides as if their favorite preachers were competing. Paul says they were being worldly and childish. How about us? Aren’t there times when we get envious or compete with others, even other Christians? Let’s examine our hearts and repent of such an attitude, for it hinders God’s work. Anyone who attended the wonderful Praise Band Concert at Triton College last Friday (9/25/09) can see the wonderful fruit of co-working. But co-working in Jesus is not easy. We get competitive in a negative way, and exalt one servant of God over another. But where there is humble and beautiful co-working in Jesus, there is God’s manifold blessing. That is why the start and end of Psalm 133 says, “How good and pleasant it is when brothers live together in unity!....For there the LORD bestows his blessing, even life forevermore.”
Third, each will be rewarded. Let’s read verse 8. “The man who plants and the man who waters have one purpose, and each will be rewarded according to his own labor.” The kids don’t like team projects at school because the poor performance of some team members brings their grade down. They would rather do it themselves. But in Christ things are different. Just because we are to work as a team, this does not negate our individual work. Verse 8 clearly tells us that the Lord will reward each man according to his own labor. Jesus promised blessing and recognition for good and faithful servants. God rewards those who earnestly seek him. (Heb 11:6) This is just.
Sometimes we are discouraged when our task doesn’t seem so glorious compared with others. For example, reaping a harvest is more satisfying and impressive than sowing the seeds. But God assigns to each his task. Whatever our task from God, we should do our best for the glory of God for we are all working together for his glory. Colossians 3:23 says, “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.”
There is another way to overcome negative competition in a fellowship. Have the right view point of each other. Look at verse 9. “For we are God's fellow workers; you are God's field, God's building.” Paul says we are God’s fellow workers. He is referring to Apollos and himself. But it also refers to us. We are all God’s fellow workers! What a privilege it is! We are not robots or slaves, but God’s precious coworkers! God could do his work all by himself. But he has chosen to use our hands and feet and mouths and hearts to participate in his glorious, soul saving work as his fellow workers. At the same time, we are God’s field, and we are God’s building. God is working in us and through us all in different ways for a certain purpose. Remembering this helps us to rejoice in who we are before God and to respect and love our fellow Christians as God’s precious coworkers.
I thank God for his fellow workers who had a role in my conversion to Christ and spiritual growth. My Catholic upbringing helped me to have a basic belief in God’s existence and a respect for church. I also believed that if a person is going to seek God then they should start with the Bible. In high school, I will always remember Lori Dyer inviting me to youth group in grade nine, Paul McGinn arguing in God’s favor at drunken parties, Scott Yoeman’s father handing out gospel tracts at his pizza restaurant. In coming to Christ I will always remember the street preachers in Winnipeg, the charismatic hair cutter, crying and hitting my chest, pleading with me to accept Jesus. I can never forget the Korean missionaries inviting me to Bible study at the U of Winnipeg, and especially Msn Ruth Hwang taught me the Bible and who shed tears for me when I got insincere and superficial in my spiritual struggle. Through her tearful prayers I could break free from the chains that bound me and grow as a shepherd. So many people helped me spiritually, prayed for me and were a godly influence on me to help me in my newfound faith. By God’s grace, I have studied the Bible with some students over the past 23 years. I don’t know if these Bible studies made an eternal impact on them. There were some whom I studied the Bible once and no more. Later on I have discovered that some became Christians and are serving God somewhere else. There is a beautiful song called, “Thank You,” (by Ray Boltz) which describes how when we get to heaven we will meet all the people we positively influenced for Christ, even if we didn’t realize it. Thank God who is working in us and through us purely by his grace. Let us respect fellow co-workers in Jesus.
Part lll: Build On Jesus, The True Foundation (10-23)
Paul shifts from a gardening analogy to a construction analogy—from a field, to a building in verses 10-11: “By the grace God has given me, I laid a foundation as an expert builder, and someone else is building on it. But each one should be careful how he builds. 11For no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ.” The construction of a building begins with the foundation. To lay the foundation requires much time, effort and money. Under the Sears Tower is a foundation 10 stories deep. That is how it can be so steady. The house with its foundation on rock can withstand windstorms and floods. The house is our lives, families, and ministries. Then what is the trustworthy foundation which Paul laid? It is Jesus Christ. Jesus taught the importance of having our foundation on the rock by putting his words into practice. (Lk 6:46-49) Jesus Christ is the true foundation for individuals and for the church. Jesus Christ is the cornerstone of God’s house and of God’s redemptive history.
Here, we need to ask ourselves: What is the foundation of my life? Some people try to build their lives on money, a career or a family. Some build their lives on another person whom they admire or on a dream or a human philosophy. None of these are a lasting foundation. Only Jesus Christ is the firm foundation established by God through the gospel. Anyone who trusts in him will never be put to shame. (Ro 9:33)
Look at verses 12-15. These verses tell us how to build our house on Jesus. Paul likens Christian life or ministry to building a house. A building can be made of fragile, cheap, natural materials like wood, hay or straw or of enduring, costly, transformed commodities like gold, silver or costly stones. Then what does it mean to build with cheap materials? Cheap materials represent trying to build our lives and ministries on something else other than the Gospel and the way of the cross. Our natural, easy-going, comfort-seeking selves always want to avoid sacrifice, and lead us to a life of compromise. We try to build our lives in Christ and build up our ministries with cheap materials that don’t require much sacrifice. In the Bible, Lot was drawn to a worldly life. He himself didn’t want to live a godless life, but his life of faith was too weak to influence his wife and children for good. With his faith, he himself could be saved, but he had nothing to show—no fruit. He could not even save his family or his possessions. So it will be with the person who does not build his life and ministry in Christ. Who is the wise builder? He is one who invests his time, effort and money in building God’s kingdom. He denies himself, takes up his cross, and follows Jesus. He struggles to obey Jesus ahead of his own worldly desires and ideas. He labors to please the Spirit of God rather than his sinful nature (Gal 6:7-8). In light of Paul’s words, let us help and pray for others to trust Christ and build their lives wisely on Jesus Christ.
Now look at verses 16-17. “Don't you know that you yourselves are God's temple and that God's Spirit lives in you? 17If anyone destroys God's temple, God will destroy him; for God's temple is sacred, and you are that temple.” Paul has already called the Corinthian church “God’s field” and “God’s building”. Now he calls them “God’s temple.” Paul wanted the Corinthians to see themselves as God’s holy dwelling place, with God’s Spirit living in them. They were precious to God. They needed to identify themselves and each other as God’s holy people. Then they could live holy lives and respect each other. Paul warns that anyone who destroys, damages or defiles God’s temple will be punished by God. Let’s repent of anything that damages or defiles God’s people or God’s church.
In closing this chapter, Paul quotes two Bible verses to show again the folly of worldly wisdom. He concludes, “All things are yours, 22whether Paul or Apollos or Cephas or the world or life or death or the present or the future—all are yours, 23and you are of Christ, and Christ is of God.” Everything belongs to God and thus owes thanks and praise to God. The solution to divisions in the church is to focus on God and give him thanks and praise for what he is doing, rather than focusing on men and what they are doing. Paul admonishes Christians to be God-centered and not man-centered. God is the one working in and through people for his glory and the advancement of his kingdom. Let’s grow in Jesus and build our lives on him.
1. What problem in the brothers did Paul expose? (1¬¬–3) In what respects were they worldly (infants in Christ)? Why were they still spiritual infants?
2. How did God use Paul and Apollos in the Corinthian ministry? (4–6) How did some of the brothers misunderstand this? How did Paul help them to see God? (7) Think about how God is working through his servants. (cf. Jn5:17; Php2:13)
3. How were the tasks of Paul and Apollos different? How was their purpose the same? (6–8) How then should they view God’s servants and thems¬elves? (Read verse 9.) Why is it important to have this viewpoint? How can you apply this principle to yourself and your ministry?
II. Build On Jesus, The True Foundation (10-23)
4. What new analogy is Paul using in verses 10,11? Why is the foundation of a building so important? What is the church’s one foundation? (11; 15:3,4; Eph2:20–22)
5. How does Paul compare Christian works to building materials? (12) Which ones survive a fire and which ones don’t? (13-15) Why did he give this warning?
6. How did Paul help the Corinthians see themselves? (16,17) What happens to those who destroy God’s temple?
7. What false confidence did they have in worldly wisdom? (18) How does God view such wisdom? (19,20) What was their motive in boasting? Why should we not boast about men? (21b–23) In light of the above study, what is the solution to divisions in the church?
1 Corinthians 3:1-23 Lesson 3
Key verse 3:6 NIU UBF 9-27-09
“I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God made it grow.”
In this chapter Paul returns to a troubling problem in the Corinthian church which he first mentioned in chapter 1 (10-17), namely that there were divisions, caused by elevating leaders too highly. In the last chapter Paul re-introduced the message of the cross, and Jesus as the power of God and the wisdom of God. Paul contrasted worldly wisdom with God’s wisdom. Paul’s ministry was not based on worldly wisdom but on God’s power. God’s power is manifested in the changed lives of those who repent and believe the message of the cross. But this wasn’t good enough to impress some people. In this chapter, Paul urges the Corinthian Christians to have a proper view of God’s ministers and of themselves. He also urges them to build their lives on the foundation of Christ. May God help us to humbly and honestly examine ourselves and repent of anything that displeases God or anything that damages ourselves or others.
Part l: We Are God’s Fellow Workers (1-3)
The first problems Paul mentioned were jealousy and quarreling among the church members. Look at verses 1-3. “Brothers, I could not address you as spiritual but as worldly—mere infants in Christ. I gave you milk, not solid food, for you were not yet ready for it. Indeed, you are still not ready. You are still worldly. For since there is jealousy and quarreling among you, are you not worldly? Are you not acting like mere men?” Their jealousy and quarreling revealed that they were not spiritual, but worldly. They were believers in Christ. But they were acting like unbelievers. Paul said they were being spiritually immature, like infants in Christ. Here we learn that arguing or feuding with others is childish and a sign of spiritual immaturity. The Bible encourages us to be childlike, but not childish. To be childlike is to be humble, with a learning mind and forgiving. But to be childish is quite different. To be childish is to be self-centered and selfish, like children fighting for things and calling each other names. Childish peoples’ four favorite words are “I, my, me, mine.” Childish Christians are immature Christians. They complain or criticize or quarrel, becoming a burden to those around them. Christians all need to grow spiritually. Otherwise, we are unhappy in our souls; we stagnate in our own spiritual growth and become a hindrance to the formation of Christian fellowship. God really wants us to grow.
Why were they spiritually immature? Paul called them “worldly.” This means that they loved this world. They were focusing too much on their worldly desires. The Bible tells us not to love the world—which is defined as three things: the cravings of sinful man, the lust of his eyes and the boasting of what he has and does (1Jn 2:15-17). Many Corinthian Christians were just coming out of godless past lives. But their hearts were turning back to the world. They were like the Israelites in Moses’ time, who, though they physically came out slavery, were still filled with desires to return to Egypt for small bits and pieces of food and security. (Ex 14:12; 16:2).
We must grow mentally and spiritually into Christian maturity. Ephesians 4:15 says, “Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into him who is the Head, that is, Christ.” In a recent article that I read, pastor’s are having a difficult time defining and recognizing spiritual maturity. There is confusion as to what a mature Christian looks like. But there doesn’t have to be such confusion for when we study the Bible deeply, we learn that a mature Christian looks more and more like Jesus.
Then how can we grow? 1 Peter 2:1-2 tells us how. Peter says, “Therefore, rid yourselves of all malice and all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and slander of every kind. Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation…” There are many more Bible references alluding to this holy battle of dying to our sinful passion and pride. Colossians 3:5 says, “Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry.”
After an overview of the New Testament you will discover that a growing Christian denies himself, takes up his cross and follows Jesus (Lk 9:23). The growing Christian gives thanks, rather than complaining (1 Thess 5:18). The growing Christian encourages others rather than criticizing others. He speaks the truth in love rather than flattering people to be accepted. (Eph 4:15) He prays with and works together with others. He prays for others, with empathy, sincerely caring about others’ plight. In a word, he is not self-centered, but God-centered, and “others” centered. He bears the good fruit of the Holy Spirit, which is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. (Gal 5:22-23) Let’s examine ourselves honestly and ask, “am I growing spiritually? Am I making spiritual progress”? Let us renew our decision to mature and grow as a people of God by God’s grace.
Through this message preparation, I came to realize that I have remained in my spiritual immaturity in so many ways. I become lazy in my message preparation. I have stopped taking time to think deeply about daily bread. I seldom read. I can’t slow down and stop and think deeply about the words of God. In my business I have ignored time and again trying to walk in Jesus footsteps by neglecting the fishing ministry. I have worked and flew by the seat of my pants, spiritually speaking. In this way, I have stunted my spiritual growth. Lord, help me not to be childish but to grow and mature spiritually in Christ. Help all of us, by your mercy, grow to maturity in Christ.
Part ll: Humble Co-working In Christ (4-7)
What was Paul addressing specifically? It was the exalting one leader over another and their lack of co-working. Let’s read verses 4-7: “For when one says, ‘I follow Paul,’ and another, ‘I follow Apollos,’ are you not mere men? 5What, after all, is Apollos? And what is Paul? Only servants, through whom you came to believe—as the Lord has assigned to each his task. 6I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God made it grow. 7So neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow.” We can learn three ways to overcome the exalting leaders at the cost of unity in Christ. First, realize that God is the one who makes us grow. The most important word in that statement is God. God used Paul and Apollos as gospel servants through whom the Corinthian Christians came to believe in Christ. Paul planted the gospel seed in Corinth as the pioneer, founder and first pastor. Then Apollos came as another pastor and watered the gospel seed, which Paul had planted. Through Apollos, the church in Corinth continued to grow and thrive like a garden through his preaching, teaching and discipleship training. Paul planted the seed and Apollos watered it. But, God made it grow. God is the essential element in the birth and growth of a Christian. It is God’s sovereign choice and power that gives life to anyone, both physically and spiritually. God decides. God gives the right. God gives the power. Genesis chapter 1 is a powerful reminder that it is God who is doing all the work. When we analyze these words we find that God created, God said, God saw, God made, God set, God blessed, God separated. Jesus said in John 5:17, “My Father is always at his work to this very day, and I, too, am working.” God is the one who blesses and uses a man’s labor or not (Ps 127:1). We should not exalt man over God. And we should uphold whomever God raises up.
There is another important factor to consider. We need to acknowledge that God is the one who is working to bless our labors. It is not just our human abilities. It’s good to work hard for the Lord. But hard work is not enough. God is the one who works by his word and Holy Spirit to draw people to Jesus, lead them to salvation, and enable them to grow. God works in and through people and churches. It is God who is doing the work. (Philippians 2:13) Whatever we do, we must not just see people, but see what God is doing in and through us and others. We can apply this to disciple-making and also to raising our kids. Sometimes we become impatient and push Bible students or our children to grow thinking that we can force them to mature in Christ. That is like trying to push a plant to grow, or demanding that a 12 year old act like a 25 year old. God’s work is not done by our human pushing power. When we do this we may be hindering God’s work because of our impatience. But when we see what God is doing, we can be patient with others. We can be patient with ourselves. We can be instep with God and in this way glorify God and build up the work of God. Then we can say, from our deep heart of hearts, “To God be the glory!”
Second, we learn the importance of co-working. Paul and Apollos were different people. They had different ways in carrying out ministry, different characters and their influence was different. But they were not competitors. They each did their assigned task given them by God. Paul planted and Apollos watered and God blessed their labor. The Christian life is like a team sport. In any team sport, the team’s objective is to win. A team spirit is crucial. One standout player cannot win the game by himself. All members must keep their positions and play them well. Then the game can be won.
But the Corinthians were taking sides as if their favorite preachers were competing. Paul says they were being worldly and childish. How about us? Aren’t there times when we get envious or compete with others, even other Christians? Let’s examine our hearts and repent of such an attitude, for it hinders God’s work. Anyone who attended the wonderful Praise Band Concert at Triton College last Friday (9/25/09) can see the wonderful fruit of co-working. But co-working in Jesus is not easy. We get competitive in a negative way, and exalt one servant of God over another. But where there is humble and beautiful co-working in Jesus, there is God’s manifold blessing. That is why the start and end of Psalm 133 says, “How good and pleasant it is when brothers live together in unity!....For there the LORD bestows his blessing, even life forevermore.”
Third, each will be rewarded. Let’s read verse 8. “The man who plants and the man who waters have one purpose, and each will be rewarded according to his own labor.” The kids don’t like team projects at school because the poor performance of some team members brings their grade down. They would rather do it themselves. But in Christ things are different. Just because we are to work as a team, this does not negate our individual work. Verse 8 clearly tells us that the Lord will reward each man according to his own labor. Jesus promised blessing and recognition for good and faithful servants. God rewards those who earnestly seek him. (Heb 11:6) This is just.
Sometimes we are discouraged when our task doesn’t seem so glorious compared with others. For example, reaping a harvest is more satisfying and impressive than sowing the seeds. But God assigns to each his task. Whatever our task from God, we should do our best for the glory of God for we are all working together for his glory. Colossians 3:23 says, “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.”
There is another way to overcome negative competition in a fellowship. Have the right view point of each other. Look at verse 9. “For we are God's fellow workers; you are God's field, God's building.” Paul says we are God’s fellow workers. He is referring to Apollos and himself. But it also refers to us. We are all God’s fellow workers! What a privilege it is! We are not robots or slaves, but God’s precious coworkers! God could do his work all by himself. But he has chosen to use our hands and feet and mouths and hearts to participate in his glorious, soul saving work as his fellow workers. At the same time, we are God’s field, and we are God’s building. God is working in us and through us all in different ways for a certain purpose. Remembering this helps us to rejoice in who we are before God and to respect and love our fellow Christians as God’s precious coworkers.
I thank God for his fellow workers who had a role in my conversion to Christ and spiritual growth. My Catholic upbringing helped me to have a basic belief in God’s existence and a respect for church. I also believed that if a person is going to seek God then they should start with the Bible. In high school, I will always remember Lori Dyer inviting me to youth group in grade nine, Paul McGinn arguing in God’s favor at drunken parties, Scott Yoeman’s father handing out gospel tracts at his pizza restaurant. In coming to Christ I will always remember the street preachers in Winnipeg, the charismatic hair cutter, crying and hitting my chest, pleading with me to accept Jesus. I can never forget the Korean missionaries inviting me to Bible study at the U of Winnipeg, and especially Msn Ruth Hwang taught me the Bible and who shed tears for me when I got insincere and superficial in my spiritual struggle. Through her tearful prayers I could break free from the chains that bound me and grow as a shepherd. So many people helped me spiritually, prayed for me and were a godly influence on me to help me in my newfound faith. By God’s grace, I have studied the Bible with some students over the past 23 years. I don’t know if these Bible studies made an eternal impact on them. There were some whom I studied the Bible once and no more. Later on I have discovered that some became Christians and are serving God somewhere else. There is a beautiful song called, “Thank You,” (by Ray Boltz) which describes how when we get to heaven we will meet all the people we positively influenced for Christ, even if we didn’t realize it. Thank God who is working in us and through us purely by his grace. Let us respect fellow co-workers in Jesus.
Part lll: Build On Jesus, The True Foundation (10-23)
Paul shifts from a gardening analogy to a construction analogy—from a field, to a building in verses 10-11: “By the grace God has given me, I laid a foundation as an expert builder, and someone else is building on it. But each one should be careful how he builds. 11For no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ.” The construction of a building begins with the foundation. To lay the foundation requires much time, effort and money. Under the Sears Tower is a foundation 10 stories deep. That is how it can be so steady. The house with its foundation on rock can withstand windstorms and floods. The house is our lives, families, and ministries. Then what is the trustworthy foundation which Paul laid? It is Jesus Christ. Jesus taught the importance of having our foundation on the rock by putting his words into practice. (Lk 6:46-49) Jesus Christ is the true foundation for individuals and for the church. Jesus Christ is the cornerstone of God’s house and of God’s redemptive history.
Here, we need to ask ourselves: What is the foundation of my life? Some people try to build their lives on money, a career or a family. Some build their lives on another person whom they admire or on a dream or a human philosophy. None of these are a lasting foundation. Only Jesus Christ is the firm foundation established by God through the gospel. Anyone who trusts in him will never be put to shame. (Ro 9:33)
Look at verses 12-15. These verses tell us how to build our house on Jesus. Paul likens Christian life or ministry to building a house. A building can be made of fragile, cheap, natural materials like wood, hay or straw or of enduring, costly, transformed commodities like gold, silver or costly stones. Then what does it mean to build with cheap materials? Cheap materials represent trying to build our lives and ministries on something else other than the Gospel and the way of the cross. Our natural, easy-going, comfort-seeking selves always want to avoid sacrifice, and lead us to a life of compromise. We try to build our lives in Christ and build up our ministries with cheap materials that don’t require much sacrifice. In the Bible, Lot was drawn to a worldly life. He himself didn’t want to live a godless life, but his life of faith was too weak to influence his wife and children for good. With his faith, he himself could be saved, but he had nothing to show—no fruit. He could not even save his family or his possessions. So it will be with the person who does not build his life and ministry in Christ. Who is the wise builder? He is one who invests his time, effort and money in building God’s kingdom. He denies himself, takes up his cross, and follows Jesus. He struggles to obey Jesus ahead of his own worldly desires and ideas. He labors to please the Spirit of God rather than his sinful nature (Gal 6:7-8). In light of Paul’s words, let us help and pray for others to trust Christ and build their lives wisely on Jesus Christ.
Now look at verses 16-17. “Don't you know that you yourselves are God's temple and that God's Spirit lives in you? 17If anyone destroys God's temple, God will destroy him; for God's temple is sacred, and you are that temple.” Paul has already called the Corinthian church “God’s field” and “God’s building”. Now he calls them “God’s temple.” Paul wanted the Corinthians to see themselves as God’s holy dwelling place, with God’s Spirit living in them. They were precious to God. They needed to identify themselves and each other as God’s holy people. Then they could live holy lives and respect each other. Paul warns that anyone who destroys, damages or defiles God’s temple will be punished by God. Let’s repent of anything that damages or defiles God’s people or God’s church.
In closing this chapter, Paul quotes two Bible verses to show again the folly of worldly wisdom. He concludes, “All things are yours, 22whether Paul or Apollos or Cephas or the world or life or death or the present or the future—all are yours, 23and you are of Christ, and Christ is of God.” Everything belongs to God and thus owes thanks and praise to God. The solution to divisions in the church is to focus on God and give him thanks and praise for what he is doing, rather than focusing on men and what they are doing. Paul admonishes Christians to be God-centered and not man-centered. God is the one working in and through people for his glory and the advancement of his kingdom. Let’s grow in Jesus and build our lives on him.
1. What problem in the brothers did Paul expose? (1¬¬–3) In what respects were they worldly (infants in Christ)? Why were they still spiritual infants?
2. How did God use Paul and Apollos in the Corinthian ministry? (4–6) How did some of the brothers misunderstand this? How did Paul help them to see God? (7) Think about how God is working through his servants. (cf. Jn5:17; Php2:13)
3. How were the tasks of Paul and Apollos different? How was their purpose the same? (6–8) How then should they view God’s servants and thems¬elves? (Read verse 9.) Why is it important to have this viewpoint? How can you apply this principle to yourself and your ministry?
II. Build On Jesus, The True Foundation (10-23)
4. What new analogy is Paul using in verses 10,11? Why is the foundation of a building so important? What is the church’s one foundation? (11; 15:3,4; Eph2:20–22)
5. How does Paul compare Christian works to building materials? (12) Which ones survive a fire and which ones don’t? (13-15) Why did he give this warning?
6. How did Paul help the Corinthians see themselves? (16,17) What happens to those who destroy God’s temple?
7. What false confidence did they have in worldly wisdom? (18) How does God view such wisdom? (19,20) What was their motive in boasting? Why should we not boast about men? (21b–23) In light of the above study, what is the solution to divisions in the church?
1 Corinthians 2:1-16
A Demonstration Of The Spirit’s Power And Wisdom
1 Corinthians 2:1-16 Lesson 2
Key verse 2:4,5 Shp Kevin Jesmer NIU UBF 9-20-09
“My message and my preaching were not with wise and persuasive words, but with a demonstration of the Spirit's power, 5so that your faith might not rest on men's wisdom, but on God's power.”
Paul was a highly educated scholar, but when he preached or taught the Bible, he did not show off his knowledge. He resolved to talk only about Jesus who was crucified for our sins. When he did, the Holy Spirit moved the hearts of people, and they put their trust in Jesus. How can such a powerful work of God happen? It is by the wisdom of God and the Spirit of God. God gives his Spirit and wisdom to those who receive his love and forgiveness. Through this passage, may God give us repentant hearts so that we can receive his precious Holy Spirit. Through this passage may our faith rest on God’s power.
Part l: Paul Resolved To Preach Only Jesus Crucified (1-5).
Paul reminds them of how he and the believers in Corinth first met. Look at verse 1. “When I came to you, brothers, I did not come with eloquence or superior wisdom as I proclaimed to you the testimony about God.” When he came to them, he didn’t speak at all like may of his contemporaries. In those days, speaker’s words were expected to be eloquent, Like Mark Antony in William Shakespeare’s “Julius Caesar” who said, “Friends, Romans, countrymen, lend me your ears!” Eloquent speeches produce intellectual and emotional responses. They served to persuade their audiences. Jennifer is learning things like this through her high school forensics class. Teachers of the time would also speak from a position of one possessing superior wisdom. But Paul spoke differently. Unlike philosophers and orators of the age, his message was simple and straight forward. He was proclaiming to them the testimony about God, the gospel message. But he did not do so with eloquence or wisdom. He spoke to them as a humble shepherd. These are some things that Jenn will not learn in forensics.
If we know anything about Paul, we know he was well educated. He was the top student and a master of Jewish law under Gamaliel, which is like studying at Harvard in our day. He was a Roman citizen, born in Tarsus. Tarsus rivaled Athens and Alexandria as a center of Greek culture and knowledge, boasting a library of more than 200,000 books. (http://www.answers.com/topic/tarsus) After conversion, Paul returned to Tarsus (Acts 9:30). I am sure that he spent many hours studying the books of that great library. Maybe it was like the month long missionary training at the main center. Paul certainly had eloquence and superior wisdom. When we read his epistles, his wisdom shines. But why didn’t he rely on this when he was in Corinth?
Paul decided to appeal to the people on the basis of Christ alone. Look at verse 2. “For I resolved to know nothing while I was with you except Jesus Christ, and him crucified.” He could have appealed to them from their Greek culture and society, which he understood well. He could have used his oratory skills to persuade them with his human wisdom. Instead, Paul forced himself to know nothing but Jesus Christ, and him crucified. Paul relied on the simple message of the gospel. In that immoral and philosophically oriented society, such a simple message, as the gospel, seemed irrelevant and unrelated to their situation. Perhaps some felt ashamed of the gospel, compared to the “superior” knowledge of the day. But Paul did not. In Romans 1:16 he boldly stated, “I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile.” Paul believed that the gospel, simple as it was, far surpassed contemporary wisdom. All the philosophy, rhetoric and clever thoughts of men have no power to change anyone’s heart. Paul was convinced that in the gospel, in the message of the cross, we find the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes. In our complex, rational and relativistic society, we are sometimes ashamed of our simple Bible study. Sometimes we envy bigger churches with all their talent, technology and high tech productions and psychology. But Paul was not ashamed of the simple gospel. He decided to preach the gospel message exclusively.
Paul may have come to this conclusion through personal experience. For example, on his 2nd missionary journey, prior to this visit to Corinth, he had been in Athens. While there, he preached the gospel about Jesus and the resurrection. The Epicurean and Stoic philosophers rejected the gospel, saying, “What is he babbling about?” (Acts 17:18) But they invited him to speak before all the top intellectuals of the day, the Areopagus (Acts 17:16-21). What a human honor and once in a lifetime opportunity! It is like being invited to speak at the UIC Pavillion, before a packed house of Chicagoan intellectuals. Paul prepared an eloquent message, “Men of Athens!” He quoted Greek poets, introduced God the Creator, and expressed superior knowledge, stating that he was proclaiming to them the God they didn’t know (Acts 17:22-31). It was a stirring speech. But he didn’t mention Jesus. Only at the end did he mention the resurrection, almost as an aside (Acts 17:31). Greeks are already full of wisdom, philosophy, and thought provoking subjects. When the gospel was treated as just another theory among many, it had no power or impact. Some people liked his teaching, and became followers of Paul, but only a few (Acts 17:34). No church was established there. History tells us there was no permanent Christian presence in Athens until well into the 4th century. Paul’s efforts appeared to be a failure. After learning a great lesson, Paul entered Corinth.
Paul’s ministry in Corinth was not carried out in eloquence and human wisdom, but in weakness and fear. Paul says, “I came to you in weakness and fear, and with much trembling.” (3) On the Sabbath he started by talking about Jesus among the Jews, but it only made the Jews opposed him (Acts 18:1-6). Paul was discouraged. But he did not give up on Corinth. He decided to go back to the gospel and stick to it. He entered the house of a Roman worshiper of God, and began to preach the gospel (Acts 18:7). The gist of his message was that we are sinners, who need the blood of Jesus. If he could not compete with the orators, philosophy and entertainment of the age, would they listen to him. Would his preaching be effective?
Yes, it was very effective! Verse 4 reads, “My message and my preaching were not with wise and persuasive words, but with a demonstration of the Spirit’s power.” The Spirit worked mightily through Paul’s message. Hearts and lives were changed. A Christian church was born starting from that humble house church. If it was not from Paul’s superior intellect and speaking abilities, where did this power come from? Jesus helped him when he was true to the gospel. Acts 18:9 tells us, “One night the Lord spoke to Paul in a vision: ‘Do not be afraid; keep on speaking, do not be silent. For I am with you…’” Paul was not alone; Jesus was with him. Paul’s preaching may not have been impressive or persuasive on a human level. It may not have been entertaining or thought-provoking. But on a spiritual level it had power that pierced the hearts of those who listened.
Many people today deliver messages trying to use beautiful and persuasive words, and large numbers gather around them. Some even talk about Jesus, teaching people who want to learn techniques to be happy from him. But so often there is no power to change lives. Paul’s message was different. Let’s read verses 4-5 together, “My message and my preaching were not with wise and persuasive words, but with a demonstration of the Spirit’s power, so that your faith might not rest on men’s wisdom but on God’s power.” Despite of its poor draw, the gospel was, is and will always posses the power of God for the salvation of all who believe. I have been giving messages from this pulpit since 1998. I don’t have any eloquence or wisdom like Paul. I have been criticized for reading from the text. There is a temptation to preach something else instead of just the gospel to attract people to our lowly outpost. But through this message I resolve to always go back to the gospel. While we serve our campuses, may God help us to preach the gospel on campus, in meekness and humility, depending on the power of the Holy Spirit alone. Then lives will be changed and transformed. Already the power of our unsophisticated preaching is accompanied by the Spirit’s power. Augustine and Sarah are keeping the lamp of God burning in their middle school campus through their Bible reading and prayer club. Jenn is organizing a “See You At The Pole” at her high school and jumpstarting the Christian club. We are producing beautiful music together for the upcoming praise concert. All of this is possible because of the simple Gospel coupled with the Spirit of Christ.
Part II: Paul Teaches About The Spirit’s Wisdom (6-16).
The fact that Paul did not depend on men’s wisdom, did not mean that his messages were without wisdom. God gave us a brain and human intellect. God will help us to use it for the glory of God. And he provides an ocean of godly wisdom to sink our teeth into in the Bible. Verse 6-7 reads, “We do, however, speak a message of wisdom among the mature, but not the wisdom of this age or of the rulers of this age, who are coming to nothing. No, we speak of God’s secret wisdom, a wisdom that was hidden and that God destined for our glory before time began.” The wisdom of this age has many good uses. We need it to pass math, science and music theory. But while the wisdom of this age may be crucial, the wisdom of this age is totally useless in helping us to come closer to God. True wisdom –ultimate truth regarding God, man’s destiny, and salvation—can only be found through God’s secret wisdom. (7) No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has ever conceived the wisdom of the gospel, yet to those who love God, it is our glory. God’s wisdom is that he gave his One and Only Son as a ransom sacrifice for the sins of the world. God’s wisdom is his love. God’s wisdom is the gospel.
God wants to be known by us. He wants to be with us. Likewise, we want to be known by God and know him. But the wisdom of this world, as advanced as it is, cannot breach the wall between us and God. Instead, the wisdom of this age and the rulers of this age lead us toward self-indulgence and self glorification. God’s wisdom is in stark opposition to this. James 3:17 says, “But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good frit, impartial and sincere.” (9). Those who hold onto the wisdom of God become more and more pure; peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. They come to know God and be known by God.
How did God share his wisdom with us? Verses 10-11 read, “But God has revealed it to us by his Spirit. The Spirit searches all things, even the deep things of God. For who among men knows the thoughts of a man except the man’s spirit within him? In the same way, no one knows the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God.” I can know a lot of things about you by spending time with you. I am learning a lot about people through reading news feeds and profiles on Facebook. But I can only know about people if they allow me to know them…if they accept my friend invitation or if they agree to interrupt their busy lives so we can talk and share God’s word together. But no matter how hard I try, there is always a limitation. Even after years of marriage, there are things people never know about each other. How much less are we able to know the thoughts of God Almighty! But God has opened a way for us to know his deepest thoughts. Verse 12 reveals that God gives the Holy Spirit so we may understand the deep grace he has freely given us in the gospel. This was his goal, to build a relationship with us. When the Spirit is with us, we can understand the Bible and apply it to our lives. We have access to the gifts of God (Eph 1:13-14) and the secrets of the kingdom of heaven. Praise God for his bridging the gap through his spirit.
In verses 13-16, Paul brings up two gifts we receive when we have the Spirit of God. Look at verses 13. “This is what we speak, not in words taught us by human wisdom but in words taught by the Spirit, expressing spiritual truths in spiritual words.” The Spirit of God helps us to know spiritual truths nestled in spiritual words. We all long to know spiritual truths, like where did I come from? Where am I going? Who am I? What is life all about? Human wisdom gives no satisfying answers. So many of our young people think that there are no answers to these questions of life. But there are! Jesus told his disciples that the Holy Spirit would teach them all things (Jn 14:26). The Spirit teaches us the answers to these questions, through spiritual words in the Bible.
When I was studying at Red River Community College in Winnipeg, I had these same questions. But all I possessed was a little human wisdom, and decided, like most people that the best life is spent trying to maximize pleasure while avoiding pain. But this only led me to slavery to many sins. I lived as a hedonistic student. In the end, I had no meaning of life or direction. I was bored with everything. But I accepted the gospel message about Jesus, repenting all my sins and receiving his forgiveness. As I studied the Bible, I found the way of life. Jesus satisfied my thirsty heart with his living water (Jn 4:13-14). Living for Jesus, and following his way has not been easy, but it has never been boring and always satisfying to my soul. I thank God everyday for this grace, and His answers to the “big” questions of life. Not only so, I’m thankful to be able to share these truths with others, as a Bible teacher and messenger at the NIU campus. Indeed spiritual wisdom is a gift from heaven.
The second gift is the discernment granted by the Holy Spirit. Verse 14-15 reads, “The man without the Spirit does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him, and he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually discerned. The spiritual man makes judgments about all things, but he himself is not subject to any man’s judgment.” When we have the Holy Spirit we have discernment. This is a gift from God. God helps us to think differently, and to come to the truth of a matter. How can we know what is the right thing to do or where to go? Human advice helps, but is limited. When the Spirit of God is with us, we have a higher counsel, that of God. As we live in fellowship with his Spirit, spending time in his word, we have the very mind of Christ and his understanding regarding all matters (15). Without the Holy Spirit’s help, we are destined to make mistake after mistake, living by trial and error. But for those who are spiritually discerned, the Holy Spirit, as we listen, becomes like an entire university of teachers, helping us to understand, learn and find the right way (Isa 30:21).
People of the world will not be able to judge the spiritual person, meaning, they will not be able to understand the reasons why he does what he does, and this may lead them to oppose that person. But we are not subject to their judgment. Verse 16 reads, “‘For who has known the mind of the Lord that he may instruct him?’ But we have the mind of Christ.” In the end, it is not our wisdom they are coming against, but the very wisdom of God, and who can tell God he is right or wrong? But we must make sure that we are conducting ourselves with the mind of Christ.
Lately I have been thinking about the sacrifices made to keep the 1:1 discipleship ministry among university students. So much time and materials are used to keep this small beach head in the battle to raise disciples of Jesus in a culture overrun with secular humanism. We maintain a Bible house and spend lots of time preparing Bible material and music. We swim against the flow of culture in order to keep a Christian presence at school and work. And not only that, my family is 1,000 miles away in Manitoba Canada and Julie’s is 2,000 miles away in LA. A friend of mine asked me, “You are doing all of this for such a small amount of people? Why?” I asked my self the same question, “Why?” It makes no worldly sense. I could be doing so many other things. But then I look to Jesus, who gave his whole life to raise up 12 disciples and a ragtag, but sincere, group of followers. He loved and served others to the end. He preached the Kingdom of God, tirelessly. He laid down his life on the cross. His sacrificial life made no sense to many. But when I beheld Jesus, a still small voice whispered in my heart, “This is the way, walk in it.” Some cannot understand why we do this, and all I can answer is because we love Jesus. God is leading. Now, instead of depending on my own discernment and wisdom, I want to pray and struggle to know the mind of Christ, and go his way through my entire lifetime, persuading others to do likewise.
Part lll: Ask God For His Holy Spirit
We learn in this Bible study that in order to powerfully share the gospel, we must receive the Holy Spirit (Mk 13:11; Acts 1:8). We know that the Holy Spirit is full of power for our salvation and the salvation of souls everywhere. But can I ask you a question? Does your life pulse with power and wisdom from God? Do we experience the demonstration of the Spirit’s power as we put forth the word of God? God wants to renew his presence in us through the Holy Spirit.
The Bible is not mute on this subject of receiving the Holy Spirit. First, we must repent. Acts 2:38 tells us, “Repent and be baptized...And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.” It is our sins that separate us from God. But God gave his one and only Son Jesus Christ as a ransom for our sins. When we accept him, he forgives our sin, and purifies us from all unrighteousness (1Jn 1:9) Then we can receive the Holy Spirit. Second, we must stop living according to the sinful nature. Galatians 5:17 reads, “For the sinful nature desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the sinful nature. They are in conflict with each other, so that you do not do what you want.” If we yield to the sinful nature, which is contrary to the Spirit, how can the holy God dwell in us? Instead, as Galatians 5:25 says, “Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.” Third, after repenting we must ask God for the Holy Spirit. We do not receive because we do not ask. Luke 11:13 tells us, “…how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!” Always remember that God is our Father in heaven, who loves us and wants to bless us with every spiritual blessing in Christ (Eph 1:3). When we ask, he will answer. Try it. You will be pleasantly surprised.
In this passage we learned the Spirit’s power, which is at work among us as we preach the simple gospel message. Hearts will be changed. God’s wisdom will draw us closer to him. May we resolve to live in Christ and share the gospel of Jesus, and not be envious of, nor depend on worldly wisdom. May all of our evangelistic efforts be accompanied by a demonstration of the Spirit’s power. As we do so, may God work through us to make America a kingdom of priests and a holy nation.
Part l: How To Deliver The Message Of The Power Of The Cross (1-5)
1. What did Paul not use in proclaiming his message in Corinth? (1) What was his resolution? (2) What are the two essentials of his gospel message? How can we imitate Paul in preaching the gospel in our time?
2. When he came to the Corinthians, what was going through Paul’s mind and heart? (3) How do verses 4 and 5 shed light on why he was like this?
3. Based on verse 4, why was Paul’s message so powerful? What is the result of a message that demonstrates the Spirit’s power? (Ac2:37; 16:14; 18:7,8) What should our faith rest on, and why? (5)
Part ll: How To Understand The Message Of The Cross (6-16)
4. To whom did Paul speak a message of wisdom? (6) How is God’s wisdom different from the world’s? (7) Why do the rulers of this age not understand it? (8) To whom how does God reveal it? (9,10a)
5. What does the Spirit do? (10b,11) What are the things that God has freely given us, and how can we understand these things? (12)
6. Read verses 13,14. Who can discern and express spiritual things? What privileges does the spiritual man have? (15,16) Who is not qualified to judge a spiritual man?
1 Corinthians 2:1-16 Lesson 2
Key verse 2:4,5 Shp Kevin Jesmer NIU UBF 9-20-09
“My message and my preaching were not with wise and persuasive words, but with a demonstration of the Spirit's power, 5so that your faith might not rest on men's wisdom, but on God's power.”
Paul was a highly educated scholar, but when he preached or taught the Bible, he did not show off his knowledge. He resolved to talk only about Jesus who was crucified for our sins. When he did, the Holy Spirit moved the hearts of people, and they put their trust in Jesus. How can such a powerful work of God happen? It is by the wisdom of God and the Spirit of God. God gives his Spirit and wisdom to those who receive his love and forgiveness. Through this passage, may God give us repentant hearts so that we can receive his precious Holy Spirit. Through this passage may our faith rest on God’s power.
Part l: Paul Resolved To Preach Only Jesus Crucified (1-5).
Paul reminds them of how he and the believers in Corinth first met. Look at verse 1. “When I came to you, brothers, I did not come with eloquence or superior wisdom as I proclaimed to you the testimony about God.” When he came to them, he didn’t speak at all like may of his contemporaries. In those days, speaker’s words were expected to be eloquent, Like Mark Antony in William Shakespeare’s “Julius Caesar” who said, “Friends, Romans, countrymen, lend me your ears!” Eloquent speeches produce intellectual and emotional responses. They served to persuade their audiences. Jennifer is learning things like this through her high school forensics class. Teachers of the time would also speak from a position of one possessing superior wisdom. But Paul spoke differently. Unlike philosophers and orators of the age, his message was simple and straight forward. He was proclaiming to them the testimony about God, the gospel message. But he did not do so with eloquence or wisdom. He spoke to them as a humble shepherd. These are some things that Jenn will not learn in forensics.
If we know anything about Paul, we know he was well educated. He was the top student and a master of Jewish law under Gamaliel, which is like studying at Harvard in our day. He was a Roman citizen, born in Tarsus. Tarsus rivaled Athens and Alexandria as a center of Greek culture and knowledge, boasting a library of more than 200,000 books. (http://www.answers.com/topic/tarsus) After conversion, Paul returned to Tarsus (Acts 9:30). I am sure that he spent many hours studying the books of that great library. Maybe it was like the month long missionary training at the main center. Paul certainly had eloquence and superior wisdom. When we read his epistles, his wisdom shines. But why didn’t he rely on this when he was in Corinth?
Paul decided to appeal to the people on the basis of Christ alone. Look at verse 2. “For I resolved to know nothing while I was with you except Jesus Christ, and him crucified.” He could have appealed to them from their Greek culture and society, which he understood well. He could have used his oratory skills to persuade them with his human wisdom. Instead, Paul forced himself to know nothing but Jesus Christ, and him crucified. Paul relied on the simple message of the gospel. In that immoral and philosophically oriented society, such a simple message, as the gospel, seemed irrelevant and unrelated to their situation. Perhaps some felt ashamed of the gospel, compared to the “superior” knowledge of the day. But Paul did not. In Romans 1:16 he boldly stated, “I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile.” Paul believed that the gospel, simple as it was, far surpassed contemporary wisdom. All the philosophy, rhetoric and clever thoughts of men have no power to change anyone’s heart. Paul was convinced that in the gospel, in the message of the cross, we find the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes. In our complex, rational and relativistic society, we are sometimes ashamed of our simple Bible study. Sometimes we envy bigger churches with all their talent, technology and high tech productions and psychology. But Paul was not ashamed of the simple gospel. He decided to preach the gospel message exclusively.
Paul may have come to this conclusion through personal experience. For example, on his 2nd missionary journey, prior to this visit to Corinth, he had been in Athens. While there, he preached the gospel about Jesus and the resurrection. The Epicurean and Stoic philosophers rejected the gospel, saying, “What is he babbling about?” (Acts 17:18) But they invited him to speak before all the top intellectuals of the day, the Areopagus (Acts 17:16-21). What a human honor and once in a lifetime opportunity! It is like being invited to speak at the UIC Pavillion, before a packed house of Chicagoan intellectuals. Paul prepared an eloquent message, “Men of Athens!” He quoted Greek poets, introduced God the Creator, and expressed superior knowledge, stating that he was proclaiming to them the God they didn’t know (Acts 17:22-31). It was a stirring speech. But he didn’t mention Jesus. Only at the end did he mention the resurrection, almost as an aside (Acts 17:31). Greeks are already full of wisdom, philosophy, and thought provoking subjects. When the gospel was treated as just another theory among many, it had no power or impact. Some people liked his teaching, and became followers of Paul, but only a few (Acts 17:34). No church was established there. History tells us there was no permanent Christian presence in Athens until well into the 4th century. Paul’s efforts appeared to be a failure. After learning a great lesson, Paul entered Corinth.
Paul’s ministry in Corinth was not carried out in eloquence and human wisdom, but in weakness and fear. Paul says, “I came to you in weakness and fear, and with much trembling.” (3) On the Sabbath he started by talking about Jesus among the Jews, but it only made the Jews opposed him (Acts 18:1-6). Paul was discouraged. But he did not give up on Corinth. He decided to go back to the gospel and stick to it. He entered the house of a Roman worshiper of God, and began to preach the gospel (Acts 18:7). The gist of his message was that we are sinners, who need the blood of Jesus. If he could not compete with the orators, philosophy and entertainment of the age, would they listen to him. Would his preaching be effective?
Yes, it was very effective! Verse 4 reads, “My message and my preaching were not with wise and persuasive words, but with a demonstration of the Spirit’s power.” The Spirit worked mightily through Paul’s message. Hearts and lives were changed. A Christian church was born starting from that humble house church. If it was not from Paul’s superior intellect and speaking abilities, where did this power come from? Jesus helped him when he was true to the gospel. Acts 18:9 tells us, “One night the Lord spoke to Paul in a vision: ‘Do not be afraid; keep on speaking, do not be silent. For I am with you…’” Paul was not alone; Jesus was with him. Paul’s preaching may not have been impressive or persuasive on a human level. It may not have been entertaining or thought-provoking. But on a spiritual level it had power that pierced the hearts of those who listened.
Many people today deliver messages trying to use beautiful and persuasive words, and large numbers gather around them. Some even talk about Jesus, teaching people who want to learn techniques to be happy from him. But so often there is no power to change lives. Paul’s message was different. Let’s read verses 4-5 together, “My message and my preaching were not with wise and persuasive words, but with a demonstration of the Spirit’s power, so that your faith might not rest on men’s wisdom but on God’s power.” Despite of its poor draw, the gospel was, is and will always posses the power of God for the salvation of all who believe. I have been giving messages from this pulpit since 1998. I don’t have any eloquence or wisdom like Paul. I have been criticized for reading from the text. There is a temptation to preach something else instead of just the gospel to attract people to our lowly outpost. But through this message I resolve to always go back to the gospel. While we serve our campuses, may God help us to preach the gospel on campus, in meekness and humility, depending on the power of the Holy Spirit alone. Then lives will be changed and transformed. Already the power of our unsophisticated preaching is accompanied by the Spirit’s power. Augustine and Sarah are keeping the lamp of God burning in their middle school campus through their Bible reading and prayer club. Jenn is organizing a “See You At The Pole” at her high school and jumpstarting the Christian club. We are producing beautiful music together for the upcoming praise concert. All of this is possible because of the simple Gospel coupled with the Spirit of Christ.
Part II: Paul Teaches About The Spirit’s Wisdom (6-16).
The fact that Paul did not depend on men’s wisdom, did not mean that his messages were without wisdom. God gave us a brain and human intellect. God will help us to use it for the glory of God. And he provides an ocean of godly wisdom to sink our teeth into in the Bible. Verse 6-7 reads, “We do, however, speak a message of wisdom among the mature, but not the wisdom of this age or of the rulers of this age, who are coming to nothing. No, we speak of God’s secret wisdom, a wisdom that was hidden and that God destined for our glory before time began.” The wisdom of this age has many good uses. We need it to pass math, science and music theory. But while the wisdom of this age may be crucial, the wisdom of this age is totally useless in helping us to come closer to God. True wisdom –ultimate truth regarding God, man’s destiny, and salvation—can only be found through God’s secret wisdom. (7) No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has ever conceived the wisdom of the gospel, yet to those who love God, it is our glory. God’s wisdom is that he gave his One and Only Son as a ransom sacrifice for the sins of the world. God’s wisdom is his love. God’s wisdom is the gospel.
God wants to be known by us. He wants to be with us. Likewise, we want to be known by God and know him. But the wisdom of this world, as advanced as it is, cannot breach the wall between us and God. Instead, the wisdom of this age and the rulers of this age lead us toward self-indulgence and self glorification. God’s wisdom is in stark opposition to this. James 3:17 says, “But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good frit, impartial and sincere.” (9). Those who hold onto the wisdom of God become more and more pure; peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. They come to know God and be known by God.
How did God share his wisdom with us? Verses 10-11 read, “But God has revealed it to us by his Spirit. The Spirit searches all things, even the deep things of God. For who among men knows the thoughts of a man except the man’s spirit within him? In the same way, no one knows the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God.” I can know a lot of things about you by spending time with you. I am learning a lot about people through reading news feeds and profiles on Facebook. But I can only know about people if they allow me to know them…if they accept my friend invitation or if they agree to interrupt their busy lives so we can talk and share God’s word together. But no matter how hard I try, there is always a limitation. Even after years of marriage, there are things people never know about each other. How much less are we able to know the thoughts of God Almighty! But God has opened a way for us to know his deepest thoughts. Verse 12 reveals that God gives the Holy Spirit so we may understand the deep grace he has freely given us in the gospel. This was his goal, to build a relationship with us. When the Spirit is with us, we can understand the Bible and apply it to our lives. We have access to the gifts of God (Eph 1:13-14) and the secrets of the kingdom of heaven. Praise God for his bridging the gap through his spirit.
In verses 13-16, Paul brings up two gifts we receive when we have the Spirit of God. Look at verses 13. “This is what we speak, not in words taught us by human wisdom but in words taught by the Spirit, expressing spiritual truths in spiritual words.” The Spirit of God helps us to know spiritual truths nestled in spiritual words. We all long to know spiritual truths, like where did I come from? Where am I going? Who am I? What is life all about? Human wisdom gives no satisfying answers. So many of our young people think that there are no answers to these questions of life. But there are! Jesus told his disciples that the Holy Spirit would teach them all things (Jn 14:26). The Spirit teaches us the answers to these questions, through spiritual words in the Bible.
When I was studying at Red River Community College in Winnipeg, I had these same questions. But all I possessed was a little human wisdom, and decided, like most people that the best life is spent trying to maximize pleasure while avoiding pain. But this only led me to slavery to many sins. I lived as a hedonistic student. In the end, I had no meaning of life or direction. I was bored with everything. But I accepted the gospel message about Jesus, repenting all my sins and receiving his forgiveness. As I studied the Bible, I found the way of life. Jesus satisfied my thirsty heart with his living water (Jn 4:13-14). Living for Jesus, and following his way has not been easy, but it has never been boring and always satisfying to my soul. I thank God everyday for this grace, and His answers to the “big” questions of life. Not only so, I’m thankful to be able to share these truths with others, as a Bible teacher and messenger at the NIU campus. Indeed spiritual wisdom is a gift from heaven.
The second gift is the discernment granted by the Holy Spirit. Verse 14-15 reads, “The man without the Spirit does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him, and he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually discerned. The spiritual man makes judgments about all things, but he himself is not subject to any man’s judgment.” When we have the Holy Spirit we have discernment. This is a gift from God. God helps us to think differently, and to come to the truth of a matter. How can we know what is the right thing to do or where to go? Human advice helps, but is limited. When the Spirit of God is with us, we have a higher counsel, that of God. As we live in fellowship with his Spirit, spending time in his word, we have the very mind of Christ and his understanding regarding all matters (15). Without the Holy Spirit’s help, we are destined to make mistake after mistake, living by trial and error. But for those who are spiritually discerned, the Holy Spirit, as we listen, becomes like an entire university of teachers, helping us to understand, learn and find the right way (Isa 30:21).
People of the world will not be able to judge the spiritual person, meaning, they will not be able to understand the reasons why he does what he does, and this may lead them to oppose that person. But we are not subject to their judgment. Verse 16 reads, “‘For who has known the mind of the Lord that he may instruct him?’ But we have the mind of Christ.” In the end, it is not our wisdom they are coming against, but the very wisdom of God, and who can tell God he is right or wrong? But we must make sure that we are conducting ourselves with the mind of Christ.
Lately I have been thinking about the sacrifices made to keep the 1:1 discipleship ministry among university students. So much time and materials are used to keep this small beach head in the battle to raise disciples of Jesus in a culture overrun with secular humanism. We maintain a Bible house and spend lots of time preparing Bible material and music. We swim against the flow of culture in order to keep a Christian presence at school and work. And not only that, my family is 1,000 miles away in Manitoba Canada and Julie’s is 2,000 miles away in LA. A friend of mine asked me, “You are doing all of this for such a small amount of people? Why?” I asked my self the same question, “Why?” It makes no worldly sense. I could be doing so many other things. But then I look to Jesus, who gave his whole life to raise up 12 disciples and a ragtag, but sincere, group of followers. He loved and served others to the end. He preached the Kingdom of God, tirelessly. He laid down his life on the cross. His sacrificial life made no sense to many. But when I beheld Jesus, a still small voice whispered in my heart, “This is the way, walk in it.” Some cannot understand why we do this, and all I can answer is because we love Jesus. God is leading. Now, instead of depending on my own discernment and wisdom, I want to pray and struggle to know the mind of Christ, and go his way through my entire lifetime, persuading others to do likewise.
Part lll: Ask God For His Holy Spirit
We learn in this Bible study that in order to powerfully share the gospel, we must receive the Holy Spirit (Mk 13:11; Acts 1:8). We know that the Holy Spirit is full of power for our salvation and the salvation of souls everywhere. But can I ask you a question? Does your life pulse with power and wisdom from God? Do we experience the demonstration of the Spirit’s power as we put forth the word of God? God wants to renew his presence in us through the Holy Spirit.
The Bible is not mute on this subject of receiving the Holy Spirit. First, we must repent. Acts 2:38 tells us, “Repent and be baptized...And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.” It is our sins that separate us from God. But God gave his one and only Son Jesus Christ as a ransom for our sins. When we accept him, he forgives our sin, and purifies us from all unrighteousness (1Jn 1:9) Then we can receive the Holy Spirit. Second, we must stop living according to the sinful nature. Galatians 5:17 reads, “For the sinful nature desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the sinful nature. They are in conflict with each other, so that you do not do what you want.” If we yield to the sinful nature, which is contrary to the Spirit, how can the holy God dwell in us? Instead, as Galatians 5:25 says, “Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.” Third, after repenting we must ask God for the Holy Spirit. We do not receive because we do not ask. Luke 11:13 tells us, “…how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!” Always remember that God is our Father in heaven, who loves us and wants to bless us with every spiritual blessing in Christ (Eph 1:3). When we ask, he will answer. Try it. You will be pleasantly surprised.
In this passage we learned the Spirit’s power, which is at work among us as we preach the simple gospel message. Hearts will be changed. God’s wisdom will draw us closer to him. May we resolve to live in Christ and share the gospel of Jesus, and not be envious of, nor depend on worldly wisdom. May all of our evangelistic efforts be accompanied by a demonstration of the Spirit’s power. As we do so, may God work through us to make America a kingdom of priests and a holy nation.
Part l: How To Deliver The Message Of The Power Of The Cross (1-5)
1. What did Paul not use in proclaiming his message in Corinth? (1) What was his resolution? (2) What are the two essentials of his gospel message? How can we imitate Paul in preaching the gospel in our time?
2. When he came to the Corinthians, what was going through Paul’s mind and heart? (3) How do verses 4 and 5 shed light on why he was like this?
3. Based on verse 4, why was Paul’s message so powerful? What is the result of a message that demonstrates the Spirit’s power? (Ac2:37; 16:14; 18:7,8) What should our faith rest on, and why? (5)
Part ll: How To Understand The Message Of The Cross (6-16)
4. To whom did Paul speak a message of wisdom? (6) How is God’s wisdom different from the world’s? (7) Why do the rulers of this age not understand it? (8) To whom how does God reveal it? (9,10a)
5. What does the Spirit do? (10b,11) What are the things that God has freely given us, and how can we understand these things? (12)
6. Read verses 13,14. Who can discern and express spiritual things? What privileges does the spiritual man have? (15,16) Who is not qualified to judge a spiritual man?
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