Preparing For Greatness

Preparing For Greatness

1 Corinth 16:13-14

Every Christian Can Live A Life Of Worship

Introduction:

Graduation Sunday, We are celebrating the lives of Aaron, Adam, Adam, Beckah, and Tanya as they begin a new chapter in their lives. 

Illustration:

I want to tell you of a missionary that went to a certain part of the world that was known for behaving terrible.

Description of Corinthian Church

Gross sexually immorality                        stealing

Prostitution                                                  drugs

Pagan idol worship                                                adultery

Even the name of the city became synonymous with immorality (it became a joke)

One of the main problems the Christians at Corinth faced, was separating themselves from the immoral, sinful culture surrounding them.

Paul wrote this letter during his 3rd missionary journey

Read 1 Corinth 16:13-14

These 2verses contain the last commands that Paul gives the Corinthians in this first letter.

            “Be on the alert, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong.  Let all that

            you do be done in love.”

1.     Every Christian can live a life of worship when we are “ALERT” spiritually

a.     1 Peter 5 describes Satan as a roaring lion looking for people to devour

b.     ILLUSTRATION

                                                              i.      Blind Beach Erosion/Slow Faith Erosion

1.     Accretion – sand accumulates on the beach from waves

2.     Erosion – sand is slowly taken away from the beach by waves

2.     Every Christian can live a life of worship when we are “ROOTED” in our faith

a.     Know God’s Word/Truth

b.     Faith in the Truth not just trusting God’s Word but knowing it is TRUTH

c.      APPLICATION:

                                                              i.      Do you truly believe that the Bible is the Word of God?

                                                            ii.      Do you truly believe you can trust the words printed in this book?

                                                          iii.      Do you spend time in the Word daily?

1.     The answer to that question may help you in answering the previous 2 questions I just asked.

3.     Every Christian can live a life of worship when we are “MATURING” constantly

a.     “sense of control, confidence” – things the Corinthians were not

b.     The more mature we become, the more Christ becomes our JOY!

4.     Every Christian can live a life of worship when we are “EMPOWERED” by God

a.     Inner Strength/Spiritual Growth

b.     Ephesians 6:10 says “Be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might.”

5.     Every Christian can live a life of worship when we are “DEVOTED” to God

a.     Love is what the Corinthians needed most, it’s what we as believers need most, it’s what unbelievers need most.

b.     1 John 1:7 “Let us love one another, for love is from God; and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God. 

c.      1 John 1:19 “We love, because He first loved us.”

d.     ILLUSTRATION:

                                                              i.      Mary broke the vase of nard and poured it out on Jesus’ feet.

e.     APPLICATION:

                                                              i.      Are we loving Christ and giving Him all that we need?

                                                            ii.      Are we loving our neighbors the good and the bad?

Conclusion:

You are now ARMED to go into this world and live a life of God-honoring worship.

It is a sin to live a Good life it you are called to Greatness!

Live as though Christ died yesterday, rose from the grave today, and is coming back tomorrow. 

Theodore Epp

Prayer

18 [I pray] that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened so you may know what is the hope (A) of [God’s] calling, (B) what are the glorious riches of His inheritance among the saints, 19 and what is the immeasurable greatness of His power (C) to us who believe, according to the working of His vast strength.