Divisions - Chapters 1-4 - #2

INTRODUCTION:    Our response to wisdom either helps to purify or pollute our lives and the church.

PROPOSITION:        We need to practice wisdom, with those who build into our lives.

TRANSITION:           This morning, I want us to see three needs as we pursue wisdom in church relationships.

A.     We Need to Build With Caution.       

1.      Be careful that no one messes with the right foundation.         1 Cor. 3:10-11

·         The foundation is the Gospel.  1 Cor. 15:1-8

·         Anyone attempting to mess with the foundation should be stopped.

·         If someone can alter the foundation, they can then alter everything that will be built on the foundation.

2.      Inspect what is being constructed.       1 Cor. 3:10-15

·         Make sure that the builder is sticking to God’s blueprints.

·         Make sure that the builder is using God approved materials.

3.      Recognize and accept that God will bring many people to build into your life.           1 Cor. 3:21-23

4.      God will deal with those who seek to bring harm to His Church.         1 Cor. 3:16-17

B.     Builders Need to Maintain the Right Motives.

1.      Builders need to see themselves clearly.          1 Cor. 4:1

·         They are Servants of Christ.

·         They are Stewards of what God been entrusted.

2.      Builders must prove themselves faithful.         1 Cor. 4:2

·         Faithful in how they have handled the secret things of God.

·         Faithful in how they have built into Christ’s Church.

·         Builders prove their faithfulness to God, not us.

C.     We Need to Choose the Correct Response.   (to the Builders and What is Being Built)

1.      How should we respond to the builders?

·         We need to recognize that Builders are God’s servants.          1 Cor. 4:1

·         It is not our place to judge the motives of the builders.            1 Cor. 4:2-5

·         We should not play favorites among the builders.       1 Cor. 4:6-7

a.      As a body, there are many people who build into our lives (Elders, Teachers, H.F Leaders, Etc…).

b.      As the Elders put together the surveys, we were particularly concerned here & sought to be very careful.

·         Honor the builders that God has brought into your life.  (Treat them with love and respect.) 1 Cor. 4:8-15

2.      How should we respond to what is being built into our lives?                  

·         Don’t get proud.  (This is the fruit of God’s servants, God’s Spirit & your willingness to be teachable.)

·         Guard your attitude toward the builders.  There was a very strong attitude here that said – (We don’t need you

      anymore Paul.  We’ve grown beyond you!)  (Some of us may need to make things right with former builders.)

·         Remember, we are being built to worship and Serve God.  (Not our families, careers, hobbies, bosses, etc…)

3.      Ultimately, you set the environment of relationship between you and the builders.                      1 Cor. 4:18-21

·         One choice is an environment of arrogance and battle.

·         Another choice is an environment of love and gentleness.

CONCLUSION:  

We need to practice wisdom, with those who build into our lives.