Grow up!

10,000 Sermon Illustrations Greed

Greed

I once heard of a child who was raising a frightful cry because he had shoved his hand into the opening of a very expensive Chinese vase and then couldn’t pull it out again. Parents and neighbors tugged with might and main on the child’s arm, with the poor creature howling out loud all the while. Finally there was nothing left to do but to break the beautiful, expensive vase. And then as the mournful heap of shards lay there, it became clear why the child had been so hopelessly stuck. His little fist grasped a paltry penny which he spied in the bottom of the vase and which he, in his childish ignorance, would not let go. Helmut Thielicke

Source unknown

(1) Paul instructs the Corinthian assembly to be mature in how they think (v. 20)

"Malice" - used as well.

1. kakia (κακία, 2549), primarily, “badness” in quality (akin to A, No. 1), denotes (a) “wickedness, depravity, malignity,”

Application: Selfish activity is evidence of immature thinking.

"Malice" - I Corinthians 5:8 used as well.

Selfish activity is evidence of immature thinking.

1. kakia (κακία, 2549), primarily, “badness” in quality (akin to A, No. 1), denotes (a) “wickedness, depravity, malignity,” Application: Selfish activity is evidence of immature thinking.

We consider ourselves to be more mature than we really are. Need a does of humility

Galatians 5:26 KJV 1900

Let us not be desirous of vain glory, provoking one another, envying one another.

(2) Paul gives scripture to prove his point (v. 21) ;

Philippians 2:4 KJV 1900

Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others.

10,000 Sermon Illustrations Quotes

Strong sons of God are not perfected by childish pursuits. - David Breese, Living For Eternity, Moody Press, 1988, p. 78

(2) Paul gives scripture to prove his point (v. 21) ;

Application: Scripture confirms how the Lord used tongues in the past.

Scripture confirms how the Lord used tongues in the past.

We’ve not taken time to consider the scriptures fully and deeply as we should, so we remain in immaturity (v. 21)

Consider how Satan used the scriptures

Consider how the Pharisees, Sadducees, and the Lawyers used the scriptures

(3) Paul applies the truth for believers (v. 22)

Application:Prophecy is for serving believers.

Prophecy is for serving believers.

(4) Paul applies the truth for unbelievers (v. 23 - 25)

Application: Prophecy can also lead unbelievers to faith.

Prophecy can also lead unbelievers to faith.

Paul is saying this because he wants the corporate body to be edified and unbelievers to be saved.

Why prevents us from doing this today?

Our application of scripture is often done immaturely

We don’t really know how to apply scripture

When we do apply, we apply so individual that we fail to consider the corporate nature of application

How does this passage reflect Christ and how are we able to live this out?

It is only right that Paul would expect this kind of mature expression out of the church at Corinth because of what they had experienced. Remember what Paul had told them initially:

I Corinthians 1:

1 Corinthians 1:4 KJV 1900

I thank my God always on your behalf, for the grace of God which is given you by Jesus Christ;

1 Corinthians 2:1–2 KJV 1900

And I, brethren, when I came to you, came not with excellency of speech or of wisdom, declaring unto you the testimony of God. For I determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified.

1 Corinthians 8:1 KJV 1900

Now as touching things offered unto idols, we know that we all have knowledge. Knowledge puffeth up, but charity edifieth.

1 Corinthians 8:3 KJV 1900

But if any man love God, the same is known of him.

I Corinthians 13:

1 Corinthians 13:2 KJV 1900

And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing.

The basis of the love that they are to have for one another is the love that Christ has had for them:

John 13:34 KJV 1900

A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another.

John 15:12 KJV 1900

This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you.

John 15:17 KJV 1900

These things I command you, that ye love one another.

Ultimately, the exhortation to be mature in our thinking is based on the fact that Christ showed this kind of maturity towards us.

In Christ showing us this kind of maturity, we have been enabled and gifted to live this out towards each other in the assembly of believers.

Questions:

Does your activity among the assembly reflect childishness or maturity?

Does your study/understanding of the scriptures drive you to a greater commitment to the body of Christ?

Does our behavior reflect a commitment to the primacy of preaching?

Does our application of scripture study reflect immaturity?

What is the passage saying?

What must I do?

Why can’t I do it? (what sins prevent me?)

How did Jesus do it?

How, in Jesus, am I able to do it?

How can God use my obedience to help others?

Encyclopedia of 7700 Illustrations 825 Florence Nightingale at 30

825 Florence Nightingale At 30

Florence Nightingale at thirty wrote in her diary, “I am thirty years of age, the age at which Christ began His mission. Now no more childish things, no more vain things. Now, Lord, let me think only of Thy will.” Years later, near the end of her illustrious, heroic life she was asked for her life’s secret, and she replied, “Well, I can only give one explanation. That is, I have kept nothing back from God.”

—Paul Rees