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Thursday, February 25, 2010

Joshua 2:1-12

The Scarlet Cord

Adapted for NIU UBF from Mother Barry’s Message delivered at the North American Staff Conference 2-18-10

Joshua 2:1-12 NIU UBF 2-21-10
Key verse 2:21

“’Agreed’, she replied. ‘Let it be as you say.’ So she sent them away and they departed. And she tied the scarlet cord in the window.”

We just returned from the North American staff conference. At the conference, directors and their spouses and growing leaders, from the USA and Canada, gathered to newly discover the Gospel, the Power of God. The power of God is the power that raised Jesus from the dead, helped the Israelites to cross the Red Sea. It is the power that changes hearts and lives and enables us to do the work God wants us to do. Do you need the power of God? We all do. At the conference we heard a gripping message from Dr Scott Moreau, of Wheaton College, on contextualizing the Gospel. There were other tracks concerning ministry. I was in the co-working and networking track and Julie was in the counseling track. I learned that disciples of Jesus can not be raised up without networking and co-working. I also learned that the act of co-working together is one of the fruits of faith. We were glad to see the Triton UBF music team there, with Charisma, Tim, Ian and Andrew. Their Saturday morning praise and worship was very inspiring. Shp Teddy and Shp Liz, John Mike Pitts as well as Joseph and Charisma Magno were there for the entire conference. It was very inspiring and hopeful.

Part l: Rahab’s Faith

In this message we will think about the power of the gospel. We will continue to think about and pray for our house church ministry. It is the power of the Gospel that establishes house churches. And it is the Almighty God working in and through his church. Indeed he works through small house churches as well as though the larger, more organized churches to change and plant his kingdom in peoples’ hearts.

Today we want to think about a different kind of house church and a woman of great faith in God. Her name is Rahab and she became and ancestor of King David and of Jesus Christ. Look at verse 1, “Then Joshua son of Nun secretly sent two spies from Shittim. "Go, look over the land," he said, "especially Jericho." So they went and entered the house of a prostitute [a] named Rahab and stayed there.” At the time that our story begins Rahab was not married. She was a most unlikely person to be used in God’s history. She was a Gentile. She was a business woman and her business has been called the world’s oldest profession. She supported her parents and her extended family. Her house was conveniently part of the city wall (15). Her home was always open to travelers. Her Inn did good business. Travelers from all over the world came and stayed at her bread and breakfast Inn. So she heard stories and news about people and nations, about events that were happening from everywhere. It was the nearest thing to an international internet connection. Rahab also heard amazing stories about the God of Israel, whom they called the “Lord” (8-11) She heard about his amazing power and his mercy and his love. He rescued the Israelite people from slavery in Egypt. He dried up the waters of the Red Sea and allowed the people to cross over on dry land. She also heard that the Lord God had given the Israelites victory over powerful rulers on the east bank of the Jordan River. She realized that this God is the true God, the Creator of the heavens and the earth. In her heart, she wanted to know him and be one of his people. (6:25) Now the Israelites were there, right before her very eyes, encamped on the east side of the Jordan, just across the river from her city. They were there because Jericho was a strategic city. It was the first powerful walled city that the Israelites would encounter. It was the doorway to the land of Canaan, the Promised Land. It was the time for Rahab to act by faith and do so quickly.

Let’s think a little more deeply about the power of God that Rahab had heard about. The power of the gospel is the Power of the Almighty God. It is the power that parted the Read Sea and made the walls of Jericho come crashing down. (6:20) It is the power that raised Jesus from the dead. It is the power that changes human hearts. There are some people who are rendered powerless by feelings and emotions that entomb their hearts. They are so incapacitated that they can not co-work together. They can not even stand each so much that they may have a glimmer of glee when they see the other person suffer. There are many husbands and wives who should love and respect each other but can not. We have to realize that we can’t do anything to change another person’s heart. I can’t even change my own heart. For some people getting a degree seems to be a huge and vast Red Sea. Only God can dry up our “Red Seas” and help us to cross them as on dry ground. So many people are walking around with no life of God in them. They are like zombies because of their sins. But the power of the almighty God gives life. We need the power of the almighty God working in our lives, in our homes and in our ministry.

Part ll: Rahab’s Moment Of Decision

There was a high, strong wall around the city of Jericho. It has been said that they help chariot races on the walls of Jericho. But the two young Israelite spies slipped into the city like stealth ninja. These young men were sent to assess prospects for conquering the land. They entered the house of Rahab and found refuge there. (1b) the King of Jericho heard that the spies had come to Rahab’s inn. He demanded that she turn them over to him. This was the moment of decision for Rahab. It was reasonable and even morally right for her to be loyal to her own city and people. She should have turned in the spies. But something stopped her. She had come to believe that the God of Israel was the one true God. She made a decision to trust God, the Creator of the heavens and the earth and protect the spies. She decided to cast her lot with the people of Israel. She wanted to save the spies and so she lied. She reported to the king, “Some suspicious men did indeed come into my house, but at dusk, the time to close the city gate, they left. I don’t know which way they left. They haven’t been gone long, so if you go after them quickly you can probably catch them.” (4,5) The Jericho soldiers were duped. They set out in pursuit of the spies. They guessed that they were closed behind them. In the meantime, Rahab had hidden the spies on her roof top by covering them with stalks of flax.

We can learn faith from her actions. Hebrews 11:29 reads, “By faith, the prostitute Rahab, because she welcomed the spies, was not killed with those who were disobedient.” Why was it faith? She could have not trusted the men who came to her inn. She could have reported them to the king and identified with her own people. But she chose, by faith, to stand with God’s people, so she hid the spies. She chose to obey God because she believed that God is the true God, the owner of the heaven and the earth. She did a very dangerous thing. She put her life in jeopardy. God saw her faith through her decisions and her actions. God honored Rahab’s faith and adopted her into his own family.

Back in 1944 in Holland, Hitler was exterminating the Jews. A Christian watchmaker named Casper Ten Boom put himself and his family at great risk by rescuing, hiding and saving all the Jews that he could. Their house church became a hiding place. It cost him his life. It cost the lives of his family members. But the heavenly kingdom was planted in their hearts. Only one daughter survived to tell the story. She told her story of faith and courage, pain, death and forgiveness. Only the Almighty power of God could heal her wounded and bitter heart. Only God could enable her to forgive. Thousands of people have come to Jesus because of that story and that house church. God who forgives us through the blood of Jesus enables us to forgive and trust and love not only our enemies but our friends and co-workers in Christ as well.

Part lll: She Strengthened Their Faith

That night she went up on the roof where the spies were hiding and made a remarkable confession of faith to them. Look at verses 8-11a, “Before the spies lay down for the night, she went up on the roof 9 and said to them, "I know that the LORD has given this land to you and that a great fear of you has fallen on us, so that all who live in this country are melting in fear because of you. 10 We have heard how the LORD dried up the water of the Red Sea [b] for you when you came out of Egypt, and what you did to Sihon and Og, the two kings of the Amorites east of the Jordan, whom you completely destroyed.11 When we heard of it, our hearts melted and everyone's courage failed because of you,…” The people of Israel were the ones who had experienced the amazing power and love of God. But as they faced their first enemy and looked at the strong impregnable walls of the city of Jericho, fear came into their hearts. They were very quick to forget the almighty power of God. Rahab had greater faith than they had. They borrowed her faith and went back and told Joshua, “The Lord has given us this land.” This was the message that the Israelites needed to hear. In this way they could win the battle before it started. May God make each of us sources of encouragement and strength to the people of God.

God used this Gentile woman to plant faith in the hearts of his people. How important it is to strengthen one another’s’ faith! How important it is to confess our faith! How important it is to live by the faith that we confess! There is one woman, Monica Barry. She has pioneered many UBF chapters, including COD. Recently she drove from California, across the Rocky Mountains to come to Chicago. It was the dead of winter. There she received missionary training and by faith she went to Uganda to work as in the medical lab of Bethesda clinic in Uganda, joining Msn Joseph and Ester Kim there. She could have gone back to her family in the Philippines and took it easy enjoying the resources of her rich family. But she chose to spend her golden years serving Jesus, along with the people of God in Uganda. She chose to live by faith to the end. Her faith in action strengthens all of our faith.

Part lV: The Scarlet Rope.

Rahab was very sure of God’s victory. But she had one request. Look at verses 11b-13, “…for the LORD your God is God in heaven above and on the earth below. 12 Now then, please swear to me by the LORD that you will show kindness to my family, because I have shown kindness to you. Give me a sure sign 13 that you will spare the lives of my father and mother, my brothers and sisters, and all who belong to them, and that you will save us from death." The young men agreed in verse 14, “Our lives for your lives!" the men assured her. "If you don't tell what we are doing, we will treat you kindly and faithfully when the LORD gives us the land." She told them when and where to go, how to get back to the Jordan River crossing without getting caught. After waiting until the pursuers were gone, she let them down through the window that overlooked the city wall. The spies gave her a scarlet rope. She was to hang it on the window through which the spies escaped. Everyone in that house marked by the scarlet rope would be saved. By faith, Rahab hung the rope from the window of her house.

The fall of Jericho was one of the most amazing acts Almighty God. Joshua and the army of Israel won the victory by obeying God’s word in careful detail. The city was so protected that the city became a prison wall that kept anyone from going in or out. (6:1) Joshua and the people of Israel marched around the wall, obeying God’s instructions. For seven days they marched, than at Joshua’s command, the shouted, and the wall of Jericho fell down. The city and all who were in it were devoted to the Lord, completely destroyed. The one exception was Rahab the prostitute and those in her house which was marked by the scarlet rope. When Jericho was overthrown, the young spies rescued her. She married Salmon, (maybe he was one of the spies? That would make for a great romantic story.) And her house church became a source of blessing, for their son was Boaz who married Ruth. They are part of the genealogy of King David and Jesus.

We are sinners living in a world that is facing the judgment of the Almighty God. But God’s judgment is redemptive. God has given each of us a scarlet rope. It is the blood of Jesus that saves us. It is the blood of Jesus that forgives the sins of repentant sinners. It is the power of the Risen Christ, the power of the Gospel that changes lives. It is the power of this gospel that establishes and uses all kinds of people and all kind of house churches in God’s redemptive history. In Christ we have great hope for ourselves and our families and for those we love. Jesus and his blood shed on the cross is our scarlet rope.

Let’s give thanks to the Almighty God for his saving grace! Let us worship him and him alone. May he send us his Holy Spirit and work mightily among us this spring and summer. May he use us to bring the good news of the kingdom of God to the campus’ of America and the world, starting at NIU and then to the D.E.A.R area of western Chicagoland.

1 Corinthians 14:1-40

Eagerly Desire the Gift of Prophecy

1 Corinthians 14:1-40 Lesson 13
Key verse 14:12 NIU UBF 2-7-10

“Follow the way of love and eagerly desire spiritual gifts, especially the gift of prophecy."

In last week's message we learned what true love is. It is the love of God, love that is patient and kind. With this love in our hearts, we can use spiritual gifts properly. Then our Christian fellowship will be like a taste of the heavenly kingdom. Today's passage is about a controversial issue: speaking in tongues in the church. Apparently this caused problems in Corinth. It still causes problems in some congregations even today. We need to clarify how to use this gift of tongues. Furthermore, rather than speaking in tongues, we learn which spiritual gift we should more eagerly desire. It is the gift of prophecy. Let's learn what the gift of prophecy means to each of us practically.

Part l: Edify The Church (1-25)

Paul sets us on the right coarse in our Christian lives. Look at verse 1. "Follow the way of love and eagerly desire spiritual gifts, especially the gift of prophecy." Paul taught the way of love in chapter 13. Love is of utmost importance and the basis for using all spiritual gifts. We must follow the way of love if we are people of God. Here, the word, "follow", has the connotation of a hunter pursuing his prey. The hunter focuses his whole attention on the prey, focusing and hounding it relentlessly. Likewise, we must make every effort to learn and practice the love of God, whatever we do. Our lifestyle must be a lifestyle marked by love.

Paul also says that, along with love, we must eagerly desire spiritual gifts, especially the gift of prophecy. What is the gift of prophecy? The Hebrew word for prophet is "nabiy" which literally means spokesman. A prophet is God's spokesman. In the Old Testament a prophet delivered God's message to the people of their generation, and his word could become Scripture, such as the books of Isaiah and Jeremiah. In the New Testament, the gift of prophecy is somewhat different. According to Hebrews 1:1, God no longer speaks to us primarily through prophets, but through his Son Jesus Christ. The Holy Spirit makes Christ known to us (Jn 16:14). In this sense, one who has the gift of prophecy makes Christ known through the Scripture to the people of their generation. To prophesy is to reveal who Christ is and what he does through the Scriptures. Some people think of prophecy as telling the future. This may be part of it, but the emphasis is to reveal Christ through God's word. We can say that fruitful Bible teachers have the gift of prophecy.

There are two things are most important in the life of the Christian church, and for each of its members: the love of God, and the word of God. Look at verse 1 again. “Follow the way of love and eagerly desire spiritual gifts, especially the gift of prophecy." We need both love and prophecy. If there is love without the word of God, there will be many spiritually immature and weak people in the church. On the other hand, if there is the word of God without love, the church will be full legalists, wielding the word of God like a weapon with no grace, something like the Pharisees. So Paul urges us to follow both, the way of love and to eagerly desire spiritual gifts, especially the gift of prophecy. Then our church can be healthy and fruitful. Verses 2-25 explain why we should eagerly desire the gift of prophecy, which is the word of God, rather than the gift of tongues.

First, tongues edify oneself, but prophecy edifies the church (2-5). One who speaks in tongues speaks to God, from their spirit, in a language that others cannot understand (2). Look at verse 4. "He who speaks in a tongue edifies himself, but he who prophesies edifies the church.” This gift is for building up one's personal relationship with God. However, those who prophesy share the word of God with God’s people, in the language that they understand, for their strengthening, encouragement and comfort (3). So Paul encouraged them to prophesy in the church so that the whole church could be built up (5).

In order to understand this passage better, we should clarify what it means to speak in tongues. This is first mentioned in Acts 2. After Jesus ascended into heaven, 120 disciples gathered together and prayed constantly until they were united in the love of God. Then, according to Jesus' promise, the Holy Spirit came upon them at Pentecost in the form of a strong wind and tongues of fire. The apostles began to speak in tongues. People from all over the world gathered around them, and each one heard the wonders of God in their own native language. These tongues were intelligible to men. In Acts 10, Peter preached the gospel in Cornelius' house. Those who accepted the message received the Holy Spirit and began to speak in tongues and praised God. In Acts 19, Paul laid his hands on some disciples and prayed for them. Then the Holy Spirit came on them and they spoke in tongues and prophesied. Speaking in tongues is one sign of the Holy Spirit. However, when the word "tongues" is used in these passages in Acts, it can also be understood as "languages," according to the footnotes. These are the only recorded cases of speaking in tongues in the book of Acts. Some people claim that one who receives the Holy Spirit will speak in tongues and that one who does not speak in tongues has not received the Holy Spirit. That is not true. Tongues do not represent all gifts of the Holy Spirit. Many in the New Testament, who received the Holy Spirit, did not speak in tongues. As we studied in 1 Corinthians 12:3, one who confesses "Jesus is Lord" has the Holy Spirit.

The book of Acts is called the Acts of the Holy Spirit. When we review the book of Acts, we find that the Holy Spirit works through the word of God (Ac 2:37-39; 4:31; 11:1). Acts 6:7a says, "So the word of God spread. The number of disciples in Jerusalem increased rapidly...." Acts 12:24 says, "But the word of God continued to increase and spread." In Ephesus, Paul devoted himself for two years to teaching the word of God daily in the lecture hall at Tyrannus. Then all the people in the province of Asia heard the word of the Lord (Ac 19:10). Many who had practiced sorcery repented and burned their scrolls in a fire. A great miracle happened. Acts 19:20 says, "In this way the word of the Lord spread widely and grew in power." When Paul preached the word of God, people were changed. Lives were transformed. Broken families were healed and reunited. Society was reshaped. Where there is the word of God, there is the work of the Holy Spirit. It is like a needle and thread. Where one is working, the other is working as well.

Those who have received the Holy Spirit do so through the word of God. In UBF we study the word of God, share the word of God and pray based on the word of God. The Holy Spirit works through the word to transform lives and change us into new creations. This is the work of the Holy Spirit. There are people who have been completely changed by the work of the Holy Spirit through Bible study. You may be one of them. If this is true, then one day can you share your life testimony one day?

The Corinthian believers highly valued the gift of tongues as though it was everything. Paul wanted them to realize that speaking in tongues was good for their personal growth in the love of God. But speaking in tongues publicly can cause problems. So Paul did not encourage them to speak in tongues in the church, (unless there was an interpreter.) He also did not forbid them from speaking in tongues. Then what could they do? They could use their gift to have a deep relationship with God through prayer, very personally, in their own private room. They should not become proud and critical toward others because others don’t speak in tongues, but use their gift to develop their personal relationship with God. On the other hand, in the church, Paul urged the Corinthians to prophesy because this strengthens, encourages, comforts, and builds up the church. Therefore, Bible teachers should have confidence that they have the gift of prophesy and use it fervently, because this is the great work of the Holy Spirit.

Second, people understand prophecy, but not tongues (6-19). Look at verse 6. "Now, brothers, if I come to you and speak in tongues, what good will I be to you, unless I bring you some revelation or knowledge or prophecy or word of instruction?" This verse details some aspects of the gift of prophecy, which is the word of God to us. This gift is useful to the church because it communicates intelligibly and brings about transformation and spiritual growth. However, if Paul taught in a language that they did not understand, it would be ineffective. If we go to another country, where English is not known, and speak in English, we will fail in evangelism. No matter how well we prepare the message or Bible study, it will be useless. That is why Christian missionaries try to learn the native language in their mission field. When Tim’s brother, Chris Sagel went to Korea, he had to learn Korean to share the gospel meaningfully and that is what he is doing right now. There was a great work of God in Corinth because Paul shared the word of God in the language that the people could understand.

In verses 7-8, Paul uses the examples of musical instruments. “Even in the case of lifeless things that make sounds, such as the flute or harp, how will anyone know what tune is being played unless there is a distinction in the notes? 8Again, if the trumpet does not sound a clear call, who will get ready for battle?” A harp or a flute can make a beautiful sound. But to do this, the artist must practice hard and play properly, like an orchestra member. Otherwise the instruments do not make a beautiful sound, but rather an irritating noise. Trumpets are useful to convey messages to soldiers in the army, such as "charge," "retreat," and so forth. But to do so the specific tunes must be played clearly. Otherwise soldiers will be confused and make many mistakes. In verses 9-12, Paul uses the example of language. All sorts of languages have meaning. But if we do not grasp the meaning of what someone is saying, we become foreigners. So we must speak intelligible words to communicate with others. Otherwise there is no connection between us and we become like one who is simply speaking to the air. (9b) So when we share a message or teach the Bible we must know how to communicate with others in the church. We must use proper and appropriate language. Jenn is a Sophmore from DeKalb High school. She is training in forensics. She naturally talks like a teenager. But she was chosen to deliver the opening message for our “God’s Enduring Love” Bible School. She has to deliver her message in such a way that children and adults can hear what she is saying, to reveal that God is love. To share God's word effectively we must use language that others understand.
In verses 13-19, Paul talks about why we should pray or sing in the church with our spirit and also with our mind. If we pray or sing only with our spirit, people cannot understand (14). There is no response. No one can respond from their hearts. Someone may speak in tongues very powerfully and dramatically, but no one understands (16). But when we use both our spirit and mind, then people may understand what we are praying and singing and respond from their hearts and even say "Amen!" In this way we can edify the church. Paul could speak in tongues more than all of them. But what did he say? Let's read verse 19. "But in the church I would rather speak five intelligible words to instruct others than ten thousand words in a tongue." Here we learn that in the church, we have to speak intelligible words that others understand in order to edify the church.

Third, tongues drive unbelievers away while prophecy draws them to God (20-25). Look at verse 20. "Brothers, stop thinking like children. In regard to evil be infants, but in your thinking be adults." A child's thinking is self-centered, while an adult's thinking embraces others. An adult has wisdom, the ability to know what is right and what is wrong. In the church we need wisdom to know what is edifying to others, and what is not. Wise people know what to say, and what not to say, in the church. Wise people know how to speak in a way that strengthens, encourages and comforts others. But self-centered people easily hurt others and destroy their faith because they insist on their own ideas and through their words around without any regard for others. Those who speak in tongues in the church (without an interpreter/ in a disorderly way) can fall into this trap. So we must give our hearts to prophecy, the word of God, in the church, and be mature, growing into spiritual adulthood.

In verses 23-25 Paul gives us two scenarios that reveal the importance of prophecy in regards to unbelievers. If unbelievers come into a worship service in which everyone is speaking a different language at the same time, with no one understanding anyone else, they will conclude that Christians are crazy. Unbelievers do not come to church for entertainment. They come to church with heavy burdens of sin and hard life problems. Their souls are longing for the word of God. They come because they are weary and tired and they seek real rest. They have wandered without knowing the meaning of existence or their life destination and come to church to find meaning and direction. They need comfort and true hope. They need the message of the forgiveness of sins. In a word, they need the gospel. If all they find are people speaking in tongues they will not understand what is happening. None of their life questions will be answered and they will leave the church possibly never to return again. On the other hand, if they hear the words of prophecy, the message of the gospel, they can repent of their hidden sins and restore their love relationship with God. We have seen this happen time and again during our UBF conferences. When the word of God is preached with power, people can repent and turn to God. I did at the 1986 MSU Summer Bible Conference. I heard the clear message from John 4, concerning the Samaritan woman. I saw myself as a “Samaritan man” trying to quench my thirsty heart with the things of the world. But when I heard the gospel message, I repented of my sins, was saved and drank deep if Jesus’ living water. I pray that in the coming “God’s Enduring Love” Bible School, many people may hear the word of God, repent of their sins, and turn to God. Where there is the word of God, there is the work of the Holy Spirit. People are saved from their sins and become new creations in Christ. But without the word of God, no one can solve their sin problems. So the word of God is very important for any church. That is why we must eagerly desire the gift of prophecy, the word of God.
Part II: Worship In An Orderly Way (26-40)

When we read verses 26-40 we come across some controversial text and things that we are not familiar with. But we have to understand this passage in the context of the Corinthian church. Look at verse 26. "What then shall we say, brothers? When you come together, everyone has a hymn, or a word of instruction, a revelation, a tongue or an interpretation. All of these must be done for the strengthening of the church." The Corinthians were ancient Greeks in a Mediterranean world. They had a church program suited for their context. At the time there were hymns, words of instruction, revelation, tongues and interpretation. But at that time, the Bible as we now have it, had not been completed. They had the Old Testament and many letters written on scrolls that they shared. They had eye witnesses accounts. But they needed also needed revelation. Now that we have the Bible, we do not need revelation that is apart from the word of God. In fact, anyone who claims to receive direct revelation from God is a false prophet. Each nation is different, and each must discover their own appropriate worship program. Our worship here in America is much different than our worship in Africa.

In verses 27-28 Paul explains that if they speak in tongues they need an interpreter to edify the church. In verses 29-32 Paul explains how prophecy can edify the church. The point is that all of this must be done for the strengthening of the church (26b). The church must be orderly and peaceful. Look at verse 33. "For God is not a God of disorder but a God of peace as in all the congregations of the saints." God is pleased by worship that is orderly and peaceful in nature.

Verses 34-35 teach us that women should remain silent in the church. We should not take this literally. We have to understand this in the context of the Corinthian church. At that time, women's social position was very low. They did not even count in the census. It would be too shocking to their ancient culture to allow them to speak publicly. It was not the time for the church to take up the banner of woman liberation. (That would come later.) Now was the time to spread the message of the gospel across the pagan, Roman world as quickly as possible. But these days it is quite different. In 1984, the Winnipeg Manitoba UBF church was planted by women. In 1986, I met Jesus through the Bible teaching of a woman, Ruth Hwang and the counsel of Msn Ester Kim Jung, who was the pastor. In many ways women are more powerful than men. So women, please teach the Bible and bear much spiritual fruit for the glory of God. We pray that all UBF women to use the gift of prophecy in raising up disciples of Jesus in our generation.

In verses 36-38 Paul declares that they should accept his words as the Lord's command. If one ignores this, he will be ignored…ignored by the church and ignored by God. Look at verses 39-40 Paul concluded that they should be eager to prophesy, but not forbid speaking in tongues. Everything should be done in a fitting and orderly way.

In today's passage we learn that we need two things to be healthy Christians and have a healthy church. First, we must follow the way of love. Second we must eagerly desire the gift of prophecy, which is the word of God. Love and the word of God are essential in our Christian life, and in our Christian fellowship. When we have the love of God and the word of God we can grow spiritually and build up the church.

1. What two things did Paul urge them to do? (1) To whom is speaking in tongues directed? (2) Prophesying? (3) Why did Paul emphasize prophesying? (2,3)

2. What does it mean to prophesy? (3,4) Why is it important to edify the church more than oneself? How did Paul again encourage them to seek the gift of prophecy? (5)

3. What three examples does Paul use to illustrate the importance of meaningful communication? (6–11) How does meaningless communication affect church members negatively?

4. Read verse 12. What principle should guide us in developing and exercising our spiritual gifts? How can we apply this principle in an individualistic society? (Think about using spiritual gifts in terms of Christian fellowship.) How can we excel in the gift of prophecy and use it to build up our church? (1,3,26)

5. If someone wants to speak in tongues in church, what should he/she pray, and why? (13) What are the dangers of praying and singing without using our minds? (14–17) How did Paul use his gifts of tongues and prophesying? (18–19) In what respect were the Corinthians thinking like children? (20a) How did Paul help them? (20b)

6. How had God used the sign of tongues as a sign of judgment? (21) How did Paul apply this to the gifts of tongues and prophecy? (22) What two scenarios of worship did Paul give, and with what outcomes? (23–25)

7. How did believers participate in the Corinthian church? (26a) What principle must be followed in doing these things? (26b) What were Paul’s instructions about tongues-speaking? (27–28) About prophesying? (29–32) What kind of worship service does God want us to have? (33a)

8. What instructions did Paul give the Corinthian women about public worship, and how did this help build orderly worship? (33b–35) What attitude should they have toward Paul’s teaching? (36–37) What is the consequence of ignoring it? (38) What is Paul’s conclusion? (39–40)

Tuesday, February 9, 2010

1 Corinthians 12:31b-13:13

Love Is…

1 Corinthians 12:31b-13:13 Lesson 12
Key verse 13:13 NIU UBF 1/31/10

“And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love."

There are so many things to talk about; the Haitian earth quake; the faltering economy; the spiritual condition of our campus’. But all of these topics make our hearts heavy and hard. But when we talk about love our hearts suddenly begin to lighten and melt. Our group Bible study could have lasted for over two hours because we were so into talking about love. And so I introduce to you today’s topic…love. In 12:31b Paul says, "And now I will show you the most excellent way." This is the way of love. In Greek, there are three words for love: eros, phileo and agape. Eros is physical or romantic love. Phileo is brotherly love. Agape is God's love which is selfless, sacrificial and unconditional. In this passage, when Paul used the word "love," he used the word "agape." Paul is describing the love of God in Christ. In this love poem, Paul explains why we need this kind of love (1-3), what love is (4-7), and the characteristics of love (8-13). Love is the one indispensable ingredient of Christian character. Jesus commanded us to love one another. He commanded us to even love our enemies. Love is the glue which holds the Body of Christ together. No matter what other virtues one may have, if he or she does not have love, their strengths become liabilities. If they have love, then even their weaknesses are strengths. When we have this love, our souls are fully satisfied and we can be a blessing. Let's see what this love is and learn how to practice this love.

Part I. Without Love I Am Nothing (1-3)

In verses 1-3, Paul explains why we need love by using the phrase "If I" four times. Look at verse 1 for example. "If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal." Here, Paul first mentions speaking in tongues of men and of angels. We all want to speak eloquently, like high school forensics champions; like President Obama during the State Of The Union Address, but without love, our speech is like a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. These sounds are startling or even irritating to our ears. Words without love can come from a bitter stepmother. She may say the right thing to her newly acquired kids, but without love she may hurting the children. On the other hand, one's speech may be choppy, and one's vocabulary poor, yet when he or she speaks in love people accept it-even rebuking words. When we have love we can be good coworkers in the church and good Bible teachers. We want to teach well with correct words. But people really want love rather than correct words and information. Here we learn that love is everything and fluent speech is a bonus.

Love makes everything of highest value in God’s sight. Look at verse 2. "If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing." One may have tremendous spiritual insight that comes from the gift of prophecy and be able to explain difficult passages of Scripture and how they might apply them to our own times. But without love, this can be exercised with a critical spirit to the harm of others. In this uncertain world, if we can foretell what will happen in the future, it is very helpful and assuring. In our “information” generation, if we can fathom all knowledge like Solomon, how wonderful this would be in doing God's work. However, if we have not love, we are still as nothing. In verse 2, the gift of faith is special faith that can do miracles. We need this kind of faith when we want to invite students to 1:1 Bible study or when we want to invite people to the upcoming “God’s Enduring Love” Bible school. But without love it too is nothing.

Love is not just endless sacrifices. Look at verse 3. "If I give all I possess to the poor and surrender my body to the flames, but have not love, I gain nothing." To help poor people is beautiful. It requires sacrifice. Some people sacrifice with all of their hearts to help the poor. Jennifer and her friends sacrificed their fingers to weave bracelets for Haiti relief. It is a great thing to do. But without love, it is nothing. They may be recognized by people. But to God, without love, it is nothing, for God always sees our inner motive in giving something to the poor. The motive must be love. Thankfully Jennifer was motivated by love for God and for Haiti. We absolutely need love when using spiritual gifts. We cannot see love with our eyes. We can see the effects of tongues, prophecy and faith, but we cannot see love. So we easily ignore love, or place less priority on it. However, love is like life. Life is invisible, but it is essential for our body. If we do not have life in our body, it is nothing but a dead corpse. In the same way, when we do not have love, our spiritual service is as nothing before God. So we must earnestly pray that God may give us true love in whatever we do, such as delivering Gospel messages, teaching the Bible, giving to the poor, or doing acts of sacrifice for God's work. Whatever we do, we need true love.

Part II: What love is (4-7)

Then, what is true love? In verses 4-7, Paul tells us what true love is. First, "Love is patient...." (4a) It seems very odd to us that true love is patience. Here, to be patient does not mean merely tolerating another's existence as time passes by. It means to bear one's weaknesses and sins continually without judging, without giving up, and having hope for them to grow. It is not easy to be patient. When we raise children or disciples, at first we have hope for them to grow. But in time we find their weaknesses. We become impatient, saying, "This person is useless. I cannot bear him or her anymore." We become critical and condemning and give up. Impatience produces negative emotions. Impatience is the enemy of raising disciples or rearing children. Therefore, love is patient. Love is willing to bear pain in hope. In order to help someone else, we need love that is patient. It is the fruit of the Holy Spirit and something we must learn (Gal 5:22). I confess that there are times when I feel I cannot bear with others’ weaknesses. Then, I remember God's patience with me. As a young man I was full of eros, (one sided romantic love) and did wicked things to my own detriment and that of others. I eventually looked useless in my own eyes. But God's servants prayed for me and taught the word of God patiently, in great hope that I would grow spiritually. When I remember God's patience through his servants and his Spirit, I can be patient with others.

God is so patient. Romans 2:4 says, "Or do you show contempt for the riches of his kindness, tolerance and patience...." God forebears all of our wrongdoing in the hope that we will come to our senses and repent. His patience endures for over 100 years for some people! Jesus told the parable of the prodigal son. (Lk 15:11-32) His father knew he would squander his property and cause trouble. But his father let him go, shedding many tears. In his pain, the father did not forget his son. He waited for him to return. We can imagine how painful the father's heart was as he waited for his son. But he never stopped loving his son, and he never lost hope. Because he waited patiently, when his son came back, he could accept him as he was and restore him. (Lk 15:22-23) Jesus patiently bore with all kinds of people while on earth. Jesus was patient all the way to the cross, where he bore the sins of the world in his body. Despite the unbearable pain, Jesus prayed for those who crucified him, "Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing" (Lk 23:34a). Jesus patiently bore our sins and purchased forgiveness for us on the cross. We need this patience to raise children and disciples and to co-work with others.

Second, love is kind. Look at verse 4a. "...love is kind." Many people think that kindness is an attribute of character. They reason that some are born kind, and others are born mean. However, kindness is not part of one's character. Kindness is a fruit of the Holy Spirit. (Gal 5:22) Paul was once a mean person, persecuting Christian even to their deaths. (Acts 8:1) But when the Holy Spirit worked in him, he became a kind person. So he said in Galatians 2:7, "...but we were gentle among you, like a mother caring for her little children." Jesus was kind to his disciples; Jesus was never critical or legalistic. So he said in Matthew 11:29 "Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls." Let's learn of Jesus and grow to be kind and gentle.

Third, love is not... (4b-5). Let's read verses 4b-5. "…It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs." Here, "envy" is the same as "jealousy." It is interesting that both jealousy and love have zeal. But the emphasis is different. Love has zeal for others. Jealousy has zeal for oneself. Love comes from considering others better than oneself, praying for them, and serving them, thinking, "He is better than me in so may ways and so I respect him." But one who is jealous thinks, "I must always be better than you in every way." If someone else seems to be doing well, the jealous cannot bear it. If someone else is praised, the jealous begins to hyperventilate. That is not love. When we have love, we can recognize others' strong points, and accept them, and be happy together with them.

“Love is …not proud.” (4b) Pride is an attitude of heart that exalts oneself over others even if there is no reason for it. Boasting is the expression of this pride. The boastful begin their conversations with "I," and end with "me." 1 John 2:16 reads, “For everything in the world—the cravings of sinful man, the lust of his eyes and the boasting of what he has and does—comes not from the Father but from the world.” It’s o.k. to talk about what you have or do in order to have conversation with someone and build friendship. The problem comes when we start to boast about it to make people think, “Wow! He is really cool and well traveled and so spiritual.” The Corinthians were like this. They boasted about their spiritual gifts. They reminded others of what they had done again and again until others were sick to their stomachs. Love is not proud.

Love is not rude. To be rude is to be ill-mannered; disagreeable or discourteous in word or action. Rude people despise others and speak harshly, even to those who are kind to them. Love is not rude. Love is not self-seeking. Love thinks about others' interests more than oneself. Love is not easily angered. Some people have a habit of blowing up at others and later say, "Oh, that’s just me. Don’t take me so seriously." But love is not easily angered. The problem is not one of temper, but of love. That is why Augustine and myself chose Philippians 4:5-6 as our 2009 key verses, 4:5a reads, “Let your gentleness be evident to all the Lord is near…” God helped both of us to be less angry and more kind last year.

Love keeps no record of wrongs. People tend to want to remember every harm done to them in detail, nursing their wounds, with a desire for revenge. Some people seem to exist for the sake of taking vengeance. It is a temptation, in order to win an argument, to recall the mistakes and sins of others, especially between husbands and wives. Keeping a record of wrongs poisons relationships and one's own soul even more. Usually people are quick to forget grace, and slow to forget the wrongs done by others. But we learn here that love keeps no record of wrongs. What if God kept our record of wrongs and reminded us of each one again and again, every day. We would be so stressed out that no one could survive. Amazingly, God forgives us, erasing all of our wrongs, and remembers them no more (Jer 31:34). Let's accept this love of God in our hearts and love others, keeping no record of wrongs.

Fourth, "love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth" (6). Some may misunderstand that love condones evil. Gang members may claim that they love their fellow Gang members by risking their own lives to kill competing gang members. Young people may indulge in pagan revelry and in their drunken stupor say, “I love you man! You’re my best bud!” They may engage in one night stands and say, “I love you” to each other. But all of this is not love because it is focused on evildoing. But Romans 12:9 says, "Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good." True love is holy love. True love is grounded in the truth.

Fifth, love always... (7). Look at verse 7. "It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres." When Jesus called his disciples they were vulnerable and weak in many ways. But under Jesus' protection they could grow as men of God (Mk 2:23-26; Jn 17:15). Love always protects.

Love always trusts. Trust is fundamental to a healthy relationship with others. Everyone wants to be trusted. But we must learn how to trust others first. We can see a good example in Barnabas in the first century chruch. When Saul was suddenly converted, no one trusted him, wondering whether he had really changed. But Barnabas trusted Paul. When Barnabas needed a Bible teacher, he went to Tarsus and brought Paul back to Antioch to help him. Through Barnabas' trust, Paul became a pillar of God's work and history. (Acts 9:26-28) Love always trusts. When a husband and wife love each other, they always trust each other. When a church members trust each other, beautiful fellowship can be formed. When we trust Bible students we can raise disciples. When two churches trust each other, they can co-work together.

Love always hopes. At first when we begin to serve a disciple, we can have hope. However, when we find their weakness, we easily lose hope. But love always hopes in spite of the loved one's shortcomings. Love never changes and never gives up hope for them. When Jesus called Peter, Jesus had hope for him to become a “rock like” leader (Jn 1:42). Peter made many mistakes, even critical mistakes-denying Jesus three times during his passion. But Jesus never gave up hope for him. Jesus prayed that Peter would repent and strengthen his brothers (Lk 22:32). Yet, after Jesus' resurrection, Peter tried to go back to his old fishing job, forgetting his mission. (Jn 21:1-3) Jesus visited Peter and served him with a delicious breakfast and restored his love relationship with him. (Jn 21:9 15-18) Jesus embraced his disciples as they were, and had hope for them to become shepherds. I thank God for the Canadian missionaries who hoped in me. Before meeting Jesus I was very intimidating. I was very sinful in my heart. When I confessed my sins in a testimony Msn Ruth Hwang was scared. I was told that for a time a male missionary was posted at the door of the room that Msn Ruth and I were having 1:1 Bible study. But the Msn’s never gave up on me. They hoped in me continually and eventually I accepted Jesus and grew as a shepherd of God’s flock. Love always hopes. When we have hope we can persevere through all kinds of disappointments, failures and sufferings.

Part III: Love Never Fails (8-13)

Verse 8a says, "Love never fails." This means that love is everlasting, in comparison to the spiritual gifts which are temporal. Prophecies, tongues and knowledge will cease, be stilled and pass away. They are only parts of the whole that is to come. They are faint glimpses, and imperfect, partial images. Verse 10 says that perfection is coming. This means that Christ is coming to restore God's perfect reign. Christ is coming in power and glory and will transform all of his people to bear the image of God perfectly.

We must mature in love. Look at verse 11. "When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put childish ways behind me." This is Andrew’s 2010 key verse. "When I was a child" means that when Paul did not know the love of God, he was immature and self-centered. Those who do not have love are like children no matter how old their bodies may be. Such people are emotional and boast about themselves. Whatever they say, think or reason is childish. "A man" refers to one who knows true love and practices it. Such a person is spiritually mature. An unselfish life is always concerned for others and is willing to sacrifice for others with simplicity and purity. So we can say a mature person is childlike. However an immature person is childish. One does not become spiritually mature merely through the passing of time. One becomes spiritually mature by learning the love of Jesus and practicing it. When the love of Jesus touched Paul, he realized what true love is. He became ashamed of his childish way of life and he put it behind him. When he tried to imitate Jesus' love he could grow as shepherd whose heart was full of love for God and for the flock of God.

The best love is yet to come. Verse 12a says, "Now we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face." Now we have a very limited and impartial understanding of God and his kingdom. Now we are like people looking into one of the polished, ancient bronze mirrors which yield a very poor reflection. But when Christ comes we shall see him face to face. This means that we will know him as he truly is. We will also know ourselves as he truly knows us. We will have a perfect love relationship with Christ and our Heavenly Father which lasts forever. There is no more need for prophecies, tongues or partial knowledge. Yet love always remains. Love is eternal. Love that begins to blossom in our hearts, as we live in this world, will still be growing and bearing fruit into eternity. Love has everlasting value. Look at verse 13. "And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love." We know that faith and hope are very precious. Yet love is even more precious. One day faith will become sight and hope will be fulfilled. Love will only remain. Love is also the foundation of faith and hope.

The fundamental problem of human beings is sin that breaks our love relationships with God and with others. We long most for the true love that relates us perfectly to God and to others. Many people are miserable, not because the unemployment rate in Illinois is 11%, but because they do not know true love. Love is everything to us. When we know God's love and practice it, we are fully satisfied and happy. This love lasts forever. So we must desire this love more than anything. Let's pray to learn the love of God and practice it. Then we can be truly happy and build up the body of Christ.

Part l: Without love (1–3)

1. While teaching the Corinthians about spiritual gifts, what did Paul pause to show them? (12:31b) In verses 1–3, how many times does Paul use the expression, “If I”? What gifts does he mention? Why do Christians crave such gifts? What happens when these are practiced without love?

Part ll: What love is (4–7)

2. Read verses 4–7. In Greek, the word for love here is “agape.” It is derived from God’s love and means selfless, sacrificial and unconditional. In verses 4–6, what does Paul say love is? And what is it not? Of all the characteristics of love, why does Paul mention patience and kindness first? (Ro2:4)

3. Without love, what are we human beings inclined to do? (4b–6a; Ge6:5; 8:21) How can we overcome these sinful tendencies within us? (Ro8:5–9; Gal5:16ff.) How does love relate to the truth? (6b; Ro12:9)

4. Read verse 7. How are the verbs “protects,” “trusts,” “hopes” and perseveres” related to building up others? What is the progression here? See the following illustrations: “protects”: Mk2:23–26; Jn17:15; “trusts”: Ac9:26–28; “hopes”: Jn1:42; Lk22:32; “perseveres”: Lk15:20.

5. In light of verse 7, what one thing can you try to improve in the relationships in your personal life and fellowship?

Part lll: Love Never Fails (8–13)

6. How is love different from all other spiritual gifts? (8–10) What is most valuable, and how does this help us in using our gifts? How did God’s love affect Paul’s way of thinking and lead to his maturity? (11)

7. What is our hope, and what was Paul’s hope? (12) What are the three essentials in Christian life, and which is the greatest? (13) What should be most important to us in our struggle to grow as Christians?