1 Cor 1:1-17 - “You’re Good, but…Man!!
1 Corinthians • Sermon • Submitted • Presented
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Transcript
Intro -
Opening Statement - Today we start a new book of the Bible, First Corinthians. You could sum it up like this… “You’re Good, but…Man!!!” “Really?!?!” “Come on!?!?”
Opening Illustration - Corinth was a group of people who had EVERYthing they could possibly want…”blessed beyond belief”
But they were squandering what they had…because they wanted to mix the world in with their faith in Christ.
And as a church, we are supposed to be IN this world, but we are not supposed to be OF this world. (John 17:14-16)
Just like a boat — It is supposed to be in the water. But water is not supposed to be in the boat.
If you start letting the world into your church, it will capsize.
Corinth was quickly on their way to capsizing. Some holes in their boat that needed repair were : division, intellectualism, sexual immorality, a competitive preoccupation with spiritual gifts and self-promotion, drunkenness, divorce, and the list continues.
Paul’s letter is a “corrective epistle (letter)” written to address urgent and critical errors.
Paul had founded this church four years earlier, spending 18 months in Corinth (Acts 18:1-8); And it’s evident that he cares deeply about them.
Opening Background - Paul will address problems that were brought to him:
From Chloe (1 Cor 1:11) — in 1 Cor 1-6
From Corinth in a letter from them to Paul. — in 1 Cor 7-16
Relevance to CCB - Do we not let the world into our lives?
How are we letting water into our boats?
Into our Monday thru Friday lives? Into our friendships? Our families? Our marriages?
What ways are you letting the world MIX with your faith?!?!
All that water in your boat makes your sailing ineffective.
The problems of the world are the same today as they were back then. And they weigh us down.
If we could only get rid of all that ballast?
Tune in as Paul teaches these Corinthians how to be swift in their sailing.
Message
Let’s Pray
Read along (vv. 1 - 17)
Focus on Intro/Background (vv. 1 - 3)
Pauls “credentials” -
an apostle (apostolos - a “sent one” or an ambassador). He is an Apostle of Jesus Christ. Send by Jesus Christ to a foreign land to proclaim His message. Other men had become critical of Paul’s authority and tried to challenge and replace his biblical wisdom with their worldly wisdom.
called…through the will of God
NOT MAN — when you know these doctrines, you got this degree, went to seminary, tithe this much, volunteer this frequently, know this person, can communicate well, or have attained this level of spirituality…
These are all man-made metrics that mean NOTHING in regards to calling.
God is not waiting for you to “be awesome,” and when you get there to welcome you on-board.
He CALLS you into something before you think you’re ready. It’s scary, because you’re NOT equipped for the task He is calling you into.
God doesn’t call the qualified, He qualifies the called.
He does it this way, so that He can get the credit! “Look at what God did!”
BUT CALLED BY GOD —
Paul KNOWS his calling as an Apostle. And uses his credentials here, to remind them who he is. They once knew, but have since forgotten, that He is not just another man, speaking to teach their “itching ears” what they WANT to hear.
He’s not popular. He’s not a great orator.
But none of that matters. Because he’s doing what God wants him to.
God will use him mightily in spite of those “deficiencies.”
And following his calling is ALL that matters.
Our calling is all that should matter to us too!!
(v. 1b) and Sosthenes our brother - this is likely the same guy from Acts 18. This story is amazing
<Read Acts 18:4-8> Paul went to the synagogue (Jews) first, but after opposition went to Justus’ house (preaching to the Gentiles).
(Acts 18:8) “Then Crispus, the ruler of the synagogue, believed on the Lord…” — Amazing, right?? It get’s better
<Read Acts 18:9-13> Paul got brought up on charges in the Roman court system by the Jew’s for “religious matters/disagreements,” of which the Romans wish not to be entangled with.
<Read Acts 18:14-17> Apparently, Sosthenes had become Crispus’ replacement in the Synagogue and was Paul’s accuser.
But it backfired on Sosthenese when the case was thrown out, then the people decided to beat him up (v. 17), to teach him a lesson for bothering the court with “religious matters.”
It’s not a guarantee, but it’s most likely that this same Sosthenes, is now seen as Paul’s brother in the faith (v. 1b), probably Paul’s scribe writing this very letter.
If this was Sosthenes, then it’s an amazing story of how God turns His enemies into friends, as only He can do (Rom 5:8-10). And this all only came after Crispus first came to Christ.
Notice in this “God Story,” or “testimony” that God got all the credit and glory!! Not Paul.
Testimonies don’t elevate or promote the person, but God!!
Focus On (vv. 2 - 9) “You’re Good…’ (as in sanctified)
(v. 2) The church (ecclesia - a gathering/assembly of people) of God (Theos) at Corinth — the “The Church of God” is semi-generic, but Paul elaborates.
to those who are sanctified in Christ Jesus…called to be saints — (haggios) To be holy, set apart. Not to be used for “common purposes.”
If you were of the world, the world would love its own. Yet because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you.
Christians are called “out” to be different/sanctified.
Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own? For you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God’s.
Christian, Jesus owns you! He is sanctifying (cleansing/purifying) you! And He never fails, so it’s as good as done!
called [to be] saints - What’s your calling? Here, you are called [to be] saints
You don’t have to measure up to man-made’s definition of “saint” having to meet certain man-made criteria (and recognized by the Pope)
The Bible calls God’s people saints all throughout the Bible.
If you’re a believer in Jesus Christ; though you’re “in-process,” it’s already considered done (Phil 1:6).
Now, all we need to do is “be the person we are”…a SAINT.
J. Vernon McGee says there are only two classes of people in the world: saints and ain’ts.
who in every place call on the name of Jesus Christ our Lord -
All Christians in every place, have Jesus Christ at the center. (Col 1:18) “He is the head of the body, the church…”
Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.”
Jesus Christ - is what makes a Christian church a True church.
Jesus Christ - is what all churches have in common with each other.
Thats how you can go to a different denomination or a different country and encounter within the church, the same exact experiences that people have with Jesus.
The church has unity of purpose and mission. A single, clear goal, that we align our everyday actions to achieve.
Jesus Christ is what unifies our FAMILY and our MARRIAGES, which are like mini-churches.
And we should have Jesus Christ at the center of our FAMILY.
And We should have Jesus Christ at the center of our MARRIAGE.
If you’re family or your marriage is struggling with unity…PUT JESUS CHRIST AT THE CENTER
Pray with your wife and kids. Read through the Bible together. Come to church TOGETHER. Fill your homes with worship music instead of worldly music. Rinse, and Repeat!!
And watch God work! He will…I promise!!
(v. 3) Grace and Peace - Paul’s standard greeting…always in that order, addressing both Cultures (Jew and Gentile).
Grace - a Greek/Gentile greeting (Gk: Charis). Kindness, favor, or unearned gift.
Peace - a Jewish greeting (Hb: Shalom, Gk: Eirene). Peace, not just the absence of conflict, but indicates a restored harmony with God.
The order implies — that you must understand Grace first before you can have Peace
You need salvation (Grace) first before you can have harmony (Peace) with God.
(v. 4) I thank my God always concerning you - If you don’t know, “wherever there are people, there are people problems.” Paul knows this, and although he was disappointed by hearing about their failures, he is thankful for the opportunity to serve people…broken people…who are in process of becoming sanctified.
That’s why we need each other. Because we’re broken, we fail, and if left alone we will self-destruct.
(v. 5) that you were enriched in everything by Him. (2 Pet 1:3) — God has given the Christian “all things that pertain to life and godliness.” In other words, you have been fully equipped, lacking nothing.
in all utterance (Gk: logos) — to speak/reason
and all knowledge (Gk: gnosis) — to know/understand
Spiritual gifts are given (dispensed) by the Spirit of God and are given for the benefit of others.
If you have the spiritual gift of knowledge. It’s not just for you to know (gnosis) and feel special. It should also be shared (logos).
Spiritual gifts are for the edification (building up) of the church. (Eph 4:12)
“It is more blessed to give than it is to receive.”
(v. 6) the testimony of Christ was confirmed in you — you’re lives displayed the genuine work of Jesus Christ.
A testimony, testifies, NOT what you have done thanks to Jesus as your sidekick.
A testimony, testifies, giving credit, honor, and glory to God for what He has done.
A simple “test” for a testimony is — if the person center’s their God’s story about how awesome God made them, versus,
In spite of how horrible they were, how awesome God is!!
The Corinthians had the real thing.
(v. 7) so that you come short in no gift — so they had NO excuses for “why they couldn’t serve God.” Nor do we have excuses, because we have been given everything.
eagerly waiting for the revelation (Gk: apokalupsis) of our Lord Jesus Christ - they were waiting for Jesus’ return back then.
A thorough study through the Bible forces you to have to do something with Jesus’ return.
The Corinthians were awaiting for Jesus’ return (described Matt 24:3, 29-31, 36-39)
They believed Jesus was literally returning then, and he could have…but how much more should we now?
The world is ripe for the return of Jesus Christ!!
(v. 8) who will also confirm you to the end, that you may be blameless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ - Phil 1:6.
Jesus will ensure that you are blameless…not to be called to account. Free from accusation. Unaccused.
It doesn’t matter how you feel about it.
And these Corinthian Christians are about to get “dressed down” (scolded/corrected) by Paul for their wicked behavior.
The last “You’re Good…” verse for a while (v. 9) God is faithful - Yes, He is! He is faithful even when we are not. (2 Tim 2:13)
by whom you were called into the fellowship (Gk: koinonia) of His Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.
There is no english equivalent for koinonia, but it goes beyond fellowship & gathering (ecclesia) carries the meaning of communion, bonding, or partners. Oneness. Unity.
The church needs koinonia. Your family needs koinonia. Your marriage needs koinonia.
Oneness. Unity. Harmony. Joy…
Make Jesus the center and it will happen.
Focus on Division (vv. 10 - 13) “…But…Man!!”
Divison.
These six things the Lord hates, Yes, seven are an abomination to Him: A proud look, A lying tongue, Hands that shed innocent blood, A heart that devises wicked plans, Feet that are swift in running to evil, A false witness who speaks lies, And one who sows discord among brethren.
Be hyper-vigilant that you are not bringing division. Or having a divisive spirit. Never agreeable. Always argumentative. Always better then the other person. Always having a better way.
If you do, you invite the Lord’s hatred.
(v. 10) What right looks like.
speak the same thing - agree with each other with your words.
let there be no divisions (schisms, sects) among you - church, family, marriage.
be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgement - intellect/mind, and discernment/opinions/wisdom.
Do you know what kind of car Christians drive?
The Honda Accord. Because the Bible says they were all in one accord!
These all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication, with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with His brothers.
This doesn’t mean that we can’t have healthy disagreements about the non-essentials. But we do need to agree on the essentials.
In essentials unity, in non-essentials liberty, in all things charity. — Augustine
(v. 11) Paul discloses his source…by those of Chloe’s household — maybe a letter, or a visit.
Thank God she did. Because exposure is necessary for cleansing.
Had Chloe not have outed them…what would have become of the church in Corinth?
I’m sure Paul’s letter(s) had some good effects in Corinth.
that there are contentions (strife, quarrels) among you - Engaging in rivalry, spiritual competition, especially in positions. Could be positions in the church (roles). Could be doctrinal positions. Could be personality clashes, favoritism, sects based on favorite “preachers,” etc.
NOT Grace. NOT “esteeming others better then themselves.”
(v. 12) Now I say this, that each of you says, “I am of Paul,” or “I am of Apollos,” or “I am of Cephas,” or “I am of Christ.”
These people were picking their favorite pastors/preachers. PREACHER WORSHIP.
I like how Paul names himself first, throwing himself under the bus, saying it’s not about ME…and it’s not about ANYone else either. It’s about Jesus and Him alone!
Why worship the creation and stop short of the Creator?
The pastor is just a vessel for the message.
But people like to extreme pride themselves in their preferred teacher…and still do.
It sounds like, “well my dad can beat up your dad”
Pastor Worship:
Paul - “He might be ugly but he sure is tough.”
Apollos - Mighty in speech and intellect.
Cephas (Peter) - The “blue collar” fisherman.
“Oh, you have to listen to this fill in the blank preacher.” “If you don’t, you’re not as good a Christians as me”
We all love our favorite pastors/teachers, but lets not put them up on a pedestal. They are only men, and are fallible. Some will fall.
If you’re faith falls when the pastor falls, then your faith wasn’t in God, it was in the pastor.
Self-Worship:
I am of Christ - this is like proud people saying “I answer to no man,” “I only answer to Christ.”
If these were denominations it would be like people saying, “I’m a Catholic.” Baptist, Methodist, etc. And some other person coming up and proudly saying, “we’ll I’m non-denominational.”
Let’s not “put ourselves in the camp” of an certain man, denomination, or non-denomination category and instead
Don’t refer to your Christian identity first by your denomination or pastor…
Let’s say, “We’re just Christians.” We are simply a follower of Jesus!! He’s the One we idolize!
(v. 13) Is Christ divided? - Of course not. He is One. (Eph 4:1-6)
Was Paul crucified for you? Fastened to a cross? No.
Or were you baptized in the name of Paul? No. You are baptized in the name of Jesus Christ.
Remove man from the formula.
Insert Jesus Christ.
(v. 14-16) This “pastor worship” was so intense that whoever baptized new converts were implicated. Paul was happy not to have baptized such people (except for Crispus and Gaius).
(v. 17) For Christ did not send me to baptize, but to preach the gospel — Paul is contrasting salvation from baptism. NOT the same thing.
Baptismal regeneration is a false doctrine that some churches teach that baptism equals salvation. (Mark 16:16; Acts 2:37-38)
Infant baptism doesn’t do anything (Catholics).
Baptism immediately after salvation doesn’t confirm your salvation (Church of Christ).
Baptism isn’t the point. The Cross is the point.
Do I have to be baptized to be saved? No you have to be saved to be baptized. The only pre-req is Philip said, “if you believe, you may be baptized…”
You DON’T have to be baptized to go to heaven. So why do it? Because it’s about obedience. You can be a disobedient Christian, but why? It’s not the recommended way to go.
But there is something special and indescribable about baptism…maybe because obedience to God is special?
Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,
If you would like to be baptized, you can be, this afternoon at Coligny Beach!
If you have questions, i’d be more than happy to talk to you about after service!
(v. 17b) not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of no effect.
Paul wasn’t known as a Charismatic speaker.
And if he was, it would diminish the effect of the Cross of Christ/the gospel/good news of Jesus.
If God can use a donkey (and He often does), then he can use me.
Closing
Closure -
Closing Application - “You’re Good, but…Man!!”
Yes, thanks to Jesus, He has made us good (sanctified).
But let’s not take that for granted and abuse what He has given us (2 Pet 1:3) which was intended to bring Him glory.
Let’s not be caught up in divisions…but instead seek unity in Christ!
Let’s get that water out of the boat.
Maybe you have division in your marriage, in your family, or even here in the church.
Don’t leave here today without being prayed for!!
Maybe you are a believer and haven’t been baptized.
Consider getting baptized today!
Closing Illustration -
In the first 17 verses, Paul emphasizes the name Christ (13x), Jesus (9x), and Lord (7x).
Paul is elevating Jesus Christ to #1 spot in our hearts and minds.
The real way to get water out of our boat is to center our lives on Jesus Christ and the Cross.
Then we can change
From, “You’re Good, but…Man!!”
To, “You’re Good, but God…He is the Greatest!!!”
Urge to Action
If you don’t know Jesus as your Lord and Savior, you need to: in order to be right with God, to go to heaven, and to have peace and a purpose in your life.
You won’t ever achieve this peace with God on your own.
The only way to do it is to surrender and let His work cover you; its to give up and let God take over.
Ephesians 2:8–9 “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast.”
If thats you, you can accept Christ today.
Let’s pray.
Let’s Pray
Benediction
