What's Ahead for Grace?

So I’m looking at the bulletin cover today. Isn’t that apropos? I am that guy right now.

It’s exciting to get a new call and just like the picture suggests, there’s an open road of ministry to go down and you literally have no idea what’s coming your way. It’s re-invigorating for a Pastor to arrive at a new call like this with a brand new start like this in a new place, with a new community, new church members, new disciples of Jesus to engage the mission field around us with.

All kidding aside, I am that guy in the picture today. It’s exciting to get a new call and just like the picture suggests, there’s an open road of ministry to go down and you literally have no idea what’s coming your way. You can imagine how this can be a renewing thing for a pastor after being in one place for a decade or so, and then getting a brand new start like this in a new place, with a new community, new church members, new disciples of Jesus to engage your mission field with.

I hope you’re excited too. Makes you wonder, too—what’s lying ahead on that road of ministry ahead of us? What does the LORD have in store for Grace and its new pastor?

I imagine the Apostle Paul feeling like this guy on this cover, too, when he started out. In our text for today he’s looking back. I imagine him smiling and shaking his head a bit as he writes these words, because Paul knows, looking back, there’s no way he would’ve scripted things like this. I’m summarizing a bit here, but just take a look at what God put in the path of Paul’s ministry: (vv.23-29) “I’ve been imprisoned, flogged, beaten with rods, pelted with stones, shipwrecked and constantly in danger from this and that and the other thing—rivers, bandits, Jewish and Gentile persecutors alike—danger in the city, danger in the country, danger at sea—I have labored and toiled without sleep, without food, naked and cold—and besides all that I am constantly weighed down by the mental pressure of tending to the flock who is constantly being led into sin—and it leaves me burning and churning inside as I see that happening to them!”

Years ago when I was just starting out in the ministry, I remember my grandpa, the Reverend A.B. Anderson (He was a pastor, too) repeating these words of Jesus on the cover t me. “Remember, Billy, when you put your hand to that plow, you don’t look back.”

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When I was just starting out in the ministry a few years ago, I remember my grandpa Anderson (He was a pastor, too) and he repeated those words of Jesus to me back then. “Remember, Billy, when you put your hand to that plow, you don’t look back.”

So, HERE WE ARE. If you could this morning, picture yourself standing there with me on this cover, looking ahead down the road. What’s it going to be like? What we are we going to do together and what are we going to experience while we’re doing it? As we go forward the Apostle Paul tells us today in God’s Word about some things to take with us. FIRST, he would say, take some humility and a willingness to take up the cross and sacrifice for the sake of the gospel. And OBVIOUSLY, while not specifically stated here (it’s implied), take the promises of the LORD to go with you and bless you as you go.

I imagine the Apostle Paul feeling like this guy on this cover, too, when he started out. In our text for today he’s looking back. I imagine him smiling and shaking his head a bit as he writes these words, because Paul knows, looking back, there’s no way he would’ve scripted things like this. I’m summarizing a bit here, but just take a look at what God put in the path of Paul’s ministry: (vv.23-29) “I’ve been imprisoned, flogged, beaten with rods, pelted with stones, shipwrecked and constantly in danger from this and that and the other thing—rivers, bandits, Jewish and Gentile persecutors alike—danger in the city, danger in the country, danger at sea—I have labored and toiled without sleep, without food, naked and cold—and besides all that I am constantly weighed down by the mental pressure of tending to the flock who is constantly being led into sin—and it leaves me burning and churning inside as I see that happening to them!”

I’m looking at that picture today, and I’m wondering and thinking about a few things. First I’m wondering: what’s this going to be like? Maybe you’re wondering too. Where are we headed and a congregation with this new pastor, and what’s it going to be like?

If I don’t feel like that guy today. And I can’t help but wonder: what’s this going to be like going forward? Maybe you’re wondering too. Where are we headed as a congregation with this new pastor, and what’s it going to be like?

Paul’s ministry wasn’t a cushy, nerf ministry.

Ministry

Paul’s ministry wasn’t a cushy, nerf ministry.

So here we are. Picture yourself standing here with me here on the cover. What’s it going to be like? What we are we going to do together God only knows—but as we go forward the Apostle Paul tells us today in God’s Word about some important things we need to take with us. First, take some humility. And second, take a willingness sacrifice for the sake of the gospel.

They say hindsight is 20-20. As Paul looked back on this path of ministry, clearly, it was a path the LORD chose for Paul. He wouldn’t have chosen this. None of us are drawn to suffering and sacrifice like this. Our sinful always steers clear of it. It prefers a comfortable life, a cushy, nerf life (Remember the old “Nerf” footballs—soft & cushy)—Paul’s ministry wasn’t a cushy, nerf ministry! It’s just like Jesus said in the Verse of the Day today.

wonder what Paul would’ve thought if he knew ALL that was coming down the road in his ministry. “I’m not sure I would have scripted it this way!” They say hindsight is 20-20. Looking back it’s easier to say I would do this or that differently. Looking with Paul at his path of ministry, and it’s obvious, this was a path that clearly, no one but the LORD would choose for him.

They say hindsight is 20-20. Lookingministryl back on his path of ministry, clearly, this was a path the LORD chose for Paul. He wouldn’t have chosen this. None of us are drawn to suffering and sacrifice like this. Our sinful nature doesn’t like the idea of sacrifice or hardship. It prefers a cushy, nerf life (Remember the old “Nerf” footballs—soft & cushy)—but what did Jesus say in the Verse of the Day today? () “If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.” When Jesus spoke to Paul after his conversion he said, () “Indeed, I will show him how much he must suffer for the sake of my name.” Those words were prophetic. And not only was Paul okay with this, he actually defended this road of ministry that the LORD led him down as the only way God really ended up getting his will and work done in Paul’s life. It was through the way of the cross—through hardships, through setbacks, trial and error, through health issues, and persecution that God kept Paul humble, that He trained Paul to rely on the power of the gospel and not his own tricks and human reason. Through the way of the cross God also trains us to realize that the only true and lasting blessings in life are found not in money and things, or by indulging our sinful nature and its desires. And sometimes God has to take those things away so that we start to realize the folly of pursuing only earthly comforts. There will never be a heaven on this earth; there is only heaven in heaven, and this is our time of Grace now (and for everyone else), it’s our only chance RIGHT NOW to get all this sorted out. Life is too short!

it going to be like? What we are we going to do together and what are we going to experience while we’re doing it? As we go forward the Apostle Paul tells us today in God’s Word about some things to take with us. FIRST, he would say, take some humility and a willingness to take up the cross and sacrifice for the sake of the gospel. And OBVIOUSLY, while not specifically stated here (it’s implied), take the promises of the LORD to go with you and bless you as you go.

When I was just starting out in the ministry a few years ago, I remember my grandpa Anderson (He was a pastor, too) and he repeated those words of Jesus to me back then. “Remember, Billy, when you put your hand to that plow, you don’t look back.”

I wonder what Paul would’ve thought if he knew ALL that was coming down the road in his ministry. “I’m not sure I would have scripted it this way!” They say hindsight is 20-20. Looking back it’s easier to say I would do this or that differently. Looking with Paul at his path of ministry, and it’s obvious, this was a path that clearly, no one but the LORD would choose for him.

Christ led Paul the way of the cross.

Years ago when I was just starting out in the ministry, I remember my grandpa, the Reverend A.B. Anderson (He was a pastor, too) repeating these words of Jesus on the cover t me. “Remember, Billy, when you put your hand to that plow, you don’t look back.”

I’m looking at that picture today, and I’m wondering, what’s it going to be like? And I’m glad—really glad--about one thing: I’m not standing here alone! Last Sunday Pastor Jensen emphasized that in my installation service—he happened to leave his sermon manuscript here so I’ll you what he said: “Not even Paul was a one-man show, and he was a full-fledged apostle…and as you serve here, Pastor Finn, you’re relying on the people of Grace.”

I’m glad—really glad--about one thing: I’m not standing here alone! Pastor Jensen emphasized that in my installation service last Sunday—and I quote—(because he happened to leave his sermon manuscript here: “Not even Paul was a one-man show, and he was a full-fledged apostle…and as you serve here, Pastor Finn, you’re relying on the people of Grace.”

So,

But not only was Paul okay with that, he defended the road of ministry that the LORD led him down as the only way God really ended up getting his will and work done in Paul’s life.

First on our mind as go along: Bringing people closer to Christ.

What was happening in Corinth was that some false teachers had infiltrated the congregation, false teachers who were also skilled speakers who were well-versesed in the art of rhetoric of the day—but it was mostly smooth-talk and flattery—it was dangerous also because it led the people away from Christ and back to Jewish works and ways which, Paul warned them about earlier, saying, (2 Cor.11:3) “But I am afraid that just as Eve was deceived by the serpent’s cunning, your minds may somehow be led astray from your sincere and pure devotion to Christ.”

So here we are. Picture yourself standing here with me here on the cover. What’s it going to be like? What we are we going to do together God only knows—but as we go forward the Apostle Paul tells us about some important things we need to take with us. First, take some humility. And second, take a willingness sacrifice for the sake of the gospel.

But I am afraid that just as Eve was deceived by the serpent’s cunning, your minds may somehow be led astray from your sincere and pure devotion to Christ.

Christ led Paul the way of the cross.

That’s why Paul was defending his ministry to the Corinthians. It wasn’t bragging. It wasn’t Paul saying, “Look at all the stuff I went through and did for Christ and you and the gospel.” No, Paul said, (v.30) “If I must boast, I will boast of the things that show my weakness.” “Yes, to some, it might look like I’m definitely on the wrong end of the success ladder and that my ministry was a failure,”—LOOK AT ALL THAT HAPPENED TO ME AND WERE DONE TO ME—THOSE THINGS DON’T HAPPEN TO “YES MEN” AND PEOPLE PLEASERS--Perhaps Paul could’ve settled down in a town if he wanted to, watered down his message and got lots of people gathered around him to build a mega-church, but Paul would say, “My ministry wasn’t ever about worldly success and comfort. It was about Christ. If that’s foolish. If that ever looks like a failure because of the rejection and persecution I went through because of it, then so be it! I welcome that label.”

That’s what mattered the most to Paul. Their devotion to Christ. That was his main job as Pastor.

“Yes, to some, it might look like I’m definitely on the wrong end of the success ladder and that my ministry was a failure,” —but Paul maintained, “My ministry wasn’t ever about worldly success and comfort. It was about Christ. If that’s foolish. If that ever looks like a failure because of the rejection and persecution I went through because of it, then so be it! I welcome that label

As the Apostle Paul started out his ministry, Remember his start in the ministry? He had that dramatic conversion on the Road to Damascus, and after that I imagine probably all fired up to take the world by storm and tell them everything in God’s Word about Jesus and how he (the JEWS) had it all wrong and how now he was seeing everything in God’s Word brand new light for the first time! And at first everyone was amazed! But very soon after that the same people who killed Christ came after Paul to kill him, too! And his escape wasn’t all that heroic. Under the cover of night fellow believers lowered Paul secretly through an opening in the city wall by a basket and he got away. So began the career of the great Apostle who it says came () with “a demonstration of the Spirit and of power.”

As I look ahead on the road of ministry before me, I don’t know what lies in store for you and me. What kind of obstacles and challenges will there be? What will be the results as we speak the truth in love to people—What will it cost us? What kind of crosses will Jesus call on us to bear? In what ways will he ask us to sacrifice and serve HIM for the sake of the gospel and winning souls?

First on our mind as go along: Bringing people closer to Christ.

Remember his start in the ministry? He had that dramatic conversion on the road to Damascus. After that I imagine him all fired up to take the world by storm and tell them everything about Jesus and about how he (the JEWS) had it all wrong before and how now he was seeing everything in God’s Word in a brand new light for the first time! And at first everyone was amazed! But very soon after that the same people who killed Christ came after Paul to kill him, too! And his escape wasn’t all that heroic. Under the cover of night fellow believers lowered Paul secretly through an opening in the city wall by a basket and he got away. So began the career of the great Apostle who it says came (1 Cor.2:2) with “a demonstration of the Spirit and of power.”

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First on our mind as go along: Bringing people closer to Christ.

listen to what Paul says was on his mind when he began writing the things here! Back in (11:2) He said, “I am jealous for you with a godly jealousy. I promised you to one husband, to Christ, so that I might present you as a pure virgin to him.”

Or think of King David. What can you say about a guy whose lust for another woman that wasn’t his wife, led him not only to commit adultery with her, but then murder to cover it up?! And yet, the Bible calls David a man after the Lord’s own heart. Why?! Not because of David’s heart, but because of the new heart of humble repentance that the LORD gave to David through the work of the Holy Spirit.

When the Apostle Paul’s ministry started out, you know how it started? Remember how he had that dramatic conversion on the Road to Damascus? After all that he was probably all fired up to take the Jewish world by storm and show them everything in God’s Word about Jesus and how he (and they) had it all wrong and how now he was seeing everything in God’s Word brand new for the first time! And at first everyone was amazed! But it didn’t take long before the same people who killed Christ came after Paul to kill him, too! And His escape wasn’t all that heroic. Under the cover of night fellow believers lowered Paul secretly through an opening in the city wall by a basket and he got away. So began the career of the great Apostle Paul who came to the Corinthians () with “a demonstration of the Spirit and of power.”

Bringing people closer to Christ.

Or there was Jonah, the reluctant prophet. That was another one of the suggested supplemental readings for today (like this one from 2 Cor). God called Jonah to go to proclaim his Word to the Ninevites, whom God loved (but Jonah detested). Think of the people in town here you might write off and turn away form because of their appearance, or income or love for the word, and God says, “They’re not going to come to your church, so I want you to go to them.” But then you don’t go. That’s Jonah. It took a storm at sea for Jonah and a foul and deadly experience in the stomach of a great fish to turn him around in repentance and faith again.

I don’t know that, but I DO KNOW what will be first on my mind and yours as Pastor and people. It’s the same thing that was first on Paul’s mind during his ministry among the Corinthians. Back in verse two Paul said, (11:2) “I am jealous for you with a godly jealousy. I promised you to one husband, to Christ, so that I might present you as a pure virgin to him.”

And on and on the stories go. There’s Jacob who was too smart and conniving for his own good, who kept learning his lessons the hard way until finally God trained him to take him at his Word in humility and faith.

That’s what was always first in Paul’s mind when it came to his ministry among the Corinthians. Earlier in the chapter he wrote: (11:2) “I am jealous for you with a godly jealousy. I promised you to one husband, to Christ, so that I might present you as a pure virgin to him.”

I don’t know that, but I DO KNOW what will be first on my mind and yours as Pastor and people. It’s the same thing that was first on Paul’s mind during his ministry among the Corinthians. Back in verse two Paul said, (11:2) “I am jealous for you with a godly jealousy. I promised you to one husband, to Christ, so that I might present you as a pure virgin to him.”

First on our mind as go along: Bringing people closer to Christ.

What a beautiful picture of the pastor’s ministry and preaching—it’s all about bringing people closer to Christ—so that you can be his bride! Regardless of your age or marital status that’s how I’d encourage you to think of your faith relationship with Jesus—Not me, actually, that’s how Jesus wants you to see this. Whether you’re single, or dating someone, engaged or married, widowed, or whatever your status, every believer in Jesus is married to Him by faith. One of my teachers at Northwestern put it this way in his book of Christian doctrine:

I’ll tell you what you didn’t see. who you here pouting about his situation instead of

What a beautiful picture of the pastor’s ministry and preaching—it’s all about bringing people closer to Christ—so that you can be his bride! Regardless of your age or marital status that’s how I’d encourage you to think of your faith relationship with Jesus—Not me, actually, that’s how Jesus wants you to see this. Whether you’re single, or dating someone, engaged or married, widowed, or whatever your status, every believer in Jesus is married to Him by faith. One of my teachers at Northwestern put it this way in his book of Christian doctrine:

Again, the point is that there are very few halos in the Bible. God didn’t use saints or “super-apostles” or geniuses to get his work done. He used people. Like the Apostle Paul.

Bringing people closer to Christ.

What a beautiful picture of the pastor’s ministry and preaching—it’s all about bringing people closer to Christ—so that you can be his bride! Regardless of your age or marital status that’s how I’d encourage you to think of your faith relationship with Jesus—Not me, actually, that’s how Jesus wants you to see this. Whether you’re single, or dating someone, engaged or married, widowed, or whatever your status, every believer in Jesus is married to Him by faith. One of my teachers at Northwestern put it this way in his book of Christian doctrine:

“The picture is never one of a marriage that has grown old and tiresome or stale. It is always a picture of an engagement that waits eagerly for the wedding banquet to come in heaven when the church on earth will be joined with him perfectly there forever” (Deutschlander, “Grace Abounds: The Splendor of Christian Doctrine,” p.449).

So, how’s your marriage?

“The picture is never one of a marriage that has grown old and tiresome or stale. It is always a picture of an engagement that waits eagerly for the wedding banquet to come in heaven when the church on earth will be joined with him perfectly there forever” (Deutschlander, p.449).

What a marvel of his grace that Jesus makes the whole business of his kingdom, of his church, so intimate, so personal.

oint) and then he goes on to mention the times he imprisoned, flogged, beaten with rods, pelted with stones, shipwrecked and constantly in danger from this and that and the other thing—rivers, bandits, Jewish and Gentile persecutors alike—danger in the city, danger in the country, danger at sea—I have labored and toiled without sleep, without food, naked and cold—and besides all that I am constantly weighed down by the mental pressure of tending to the flock who is constantly being led into sin—and it leaves me burning and churning inside as I see that happening to them!”

His detractors surely didn’t. Some flashy false teachers were running Paul down, saying just that very thing. They came to the Corinthians after he founded the congregation and began to talk about

In fact, looking from the outside in at me, Paul would say, “My ministry looked pretty pathetic.” That’s why in v.21 he says “I am speaking as a fool” by talking this way here, but (v.21) “Whatever anyone else dares to boast about…I also dare to boast about...” and then he goes on to mention the times he imprisoned, flogged, beaten with rods, pelted with stones, shipwrecked and constantly in danger from this and that and the other thing—rivers, bandits, Jewish and Gentile persecutors alike—danger in the city, danger in the country, danger at sea—I have labored and toiled without sleep, without food, naked and cold—and besides all that I am constantly weighed down by the mental pressure of tending to the flock who is constantly being led into sin—and it leaves me burning and churning inside as I see that happening to them!”

At first that’s not what Paul seems

“His throne is be sure high above the highest heavens. Look at the starry sky. Look through the most powerful telescope that you can find. He made it all, billions of stars and uncounted galaxies. Beyond all of it, unlimited to time or space, he dwells from eternity to eternity. And yet he descended to become man in the womb of the virgin…He humbled himself and became obedient unto death, even death on a cross. After all that the sin of the whole human race did to him, he ascended with his human nature inseparably joined to the divine beyond all space and time. And now that same Jesus does not despise the fallen he came to save.” (Deutschlander, p.448).

At the seminary there’s a class called pastoral theology. It’s a practical course about what to expect and how to deal with things that pastors deal with in ministry. And I can safely say that none of the guys in our graduating class, then and now,

Now, it’s true, from a worldly, unbelieving perspective, Paul’s ministry looked kind of pathetic. “I’d be speaking like a fool to suggest anything different,” Paul said, “but permit me anyway,” he says. (v.21) “Whatever anyone else dares to boast about…I also dare to boast about...”—

By the cross, I mean difficulties, and sacrifice and suffering. What did Jesus tell his disciples. () “The student is not above the teacher, nor a servant above his master.” Which was Jesus’ way of saying, like it was for me, it’s going to be for you, too. Jesus’ cross saved us. The crosses he places into our lives are opportunities serve him like he saved us.

professor we didn’t have a unit telling on any remember our professor

That’s why Paul was so adamant about not letting the Corinthians get taken in by the false teaching of the “super-apostles.” First and foremost, he cared about their faith.

Prof. Vallesky Outwardly, not many would count Paul’s ministry a success, not at least in worldly terms. In fact, looking at me from the outside in, Paul would say, “My ministry looked pretty pathetic.” I’d be speaking like a fool to suggest anything different Paul said, but permit me anyway, he says. (v.21) “Whatever anyone else dares to boast about…I also dare to boast about...” —“I’ve been imprisoned, flogged, beaten with rods, pelted with stones, shipwrecked and constantly in danger from this and that and the other thing—rivers, bandits, Jewish and Gentile persecutors alike—danger in the city, danger in the country, danger at sea—I have labored and toiled without sleep, without food, naked and cold—and besides all that I am constantly weighed down by the mental pressure of tending to the flock who is constantly being led into sin—and it leaves me burning and churning inside as I see that happening to them!”

So, here we are, looking down a road of ministry together today. Paul was looking back. We’re looking ahead. So like him at the outset, we have no earthly idea what to expect. Just don’t expect that it will be easy. () “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me.”

Outwardly, not many would count Paul’s ministry a success, not at least in worldly terms. In fact, looking at me from the outside in, Paul would say, “My ministry looked pretty pathetic.” I’d be speaking like a fool to suggest anything different Paul said, but permit me anyway, he says here (v.21) “Whatever anyone else dares to boast about…I also dare to boast about...” If anyone wants to run me and my ministry down I guess they could—I’ve been imprisoned, flogged, beaten with rods, pelted with stones, shipwrecked and constantly in danger from this and that and the other thing—rivers, bandits, Jewish and Gentile persecutors alike—danger in the city, danger in the country, danger at sea—I have labored and toiled without sleep, without food, naked and cold—and besides all that I am constantly weighed down by the mental pressure of tending to the flock who is constantly being led into sin—and it leaves me burning and churning inside as I see that happening to them!”

From a worldly, unbelieving perspective, from the outside looking in, Paul’s ministry must’ve looked pretty pathetic. “I’d be speaking like a fool to suggest anything different,” Paul said, “but permit me anyway,” he says. (v.21) “Whatever anyone else dares to boast about…I also dare to boast about...”—

would say, “My ministry looked pretty pathetic.” I’d be speaking like a fool to suggest anything different Paul said, but permit me anyway, he says. (v.21) “Whatever anyone else dares to boast about…I also dare to boast about...” —“I’ve been imprisoned, flogged, beaten with rods, pelted with stones, shipwrecked and constantly in danger from this and that and the other thing—rivers, bandits, Jewish and Gentile persecutors alike—danger in the city, danger in the country, danger at sea—I have labored and toiled without sleep, without food, naked and cold—and besides all that I am constantly weighed down by the mental pressure of tending to the flock who is constantly being led into sin—and it leaves me burning and churning inside as I see that happening to them!”

Outwardly, not many would count his ministry as a success, not at least in worldly terms. Looking from the outside in at me, Paul would say, “My ministry looked pretty pathetic.” That’s why in v.21 he says “I am speaking as a fool” by talking this way here, but (v.21) “Whatever anyone else dares to boast about…I also dare to boast about...” and then he goes on to mention the times he imprisoned, flogged, beaten with rods, pelted with stones, shipwrecked and constantly in danger from this and that and the other thing—rivers, bandits, Jewish and Gentile persecutors alike—danger in the city, danger in the country, danger at sea—I have labored and toiled without sleep, without food, naked and cold—and besides all that I am constantly weighed down by the mental pressure of tending to the flock who is constantly being led into sin—and it leaves me burning and churning inside as I see that happening to them!”

At first, his words in these verses seem like the exact opposite of humility. (v.21) “Whatever anyone else dares to boast about…I also dare to boast about...” and then he goes on and on with all this stuff about working harder, imprisoned, flogged, beaten with rods, pelted with stones, shipwrecked, constantly in danger from this and that and the other thing—rivers, bandits, Jewish and Gentile persecutors—danger in the city, danger in the country, danger at sea—I have labored and toiled without sleep, without food, naked and cold—and besides all that I am constantly weighed down by the mental pressure of tending to the flock who is constantly being led into sin—and it leaves me burning and churning inside as I see that happening to them!

The New International Version. (2011). (). Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan.

Ministry isn’t always going to be easy, at all.

In other words, “Yes, to some, it might look like I’m definitely on the wrong end of the success ladder and that my ministry was a failure.” And yet, I welcome that label, “failure.” (v.30) “If I must boast, I will boast of the things that show my weakness.”

But if you look at this whole chapter and take this in context, Paul’s real point isn’t, “Look a how much I’m doing for Christ,” but rather, in (v.30) he says, “If I must boast, I will boast of the things that show my weakness.”

So, here we are, looking down a road of ministry together today. Paul was looking back. We’re looking ahead. So like him at the outset, we have no earthly idea what to expect. Just don’t expect that it will be easy. Some of you already know what Jesus means by his words in the verse of the day today: () “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me.”

I’m looking at that picture today, and I’m wondering, what’s it going to be like? And I’m glad—really glad--about one thing: I’m not standing here alone! Last Sunday Pastor Jensen emphasized that in my installation service—he happened to leave his sermon manuscript here so I’ll you what he said: “Not even Paul was a one-man show, and he was a full-fledged apostle…and as you serve here, Pastor Finn, you’re relying on the people of Grace.”

So, here we are, looking down a road of ministry together today. Paul was looking back. We’re looking ahead. So like him at the outset, we have no earthly idea what to expect. Just don’t expect that it will be easy. Some of you already know what Jesus means by his words in the verse of the day today: () “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me.”

“Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take uptheir cross and follow me.

I don’t know if you knew this but, there’s a manual for Christian worship with a few pages of material on the sermon in the service. I guess I’d like to start with an extended quotation from this (I know, sounds exciting doesn’t it—reading from the Christian Worship Manual—but there’s actually lots of good stuff in here about why we worship the way we do and here’s a little bit it says to keep in mind about the sermon and preaching:

But if you look at this whole chapter and take this in context, Paul’s real point isn’t, “Look a how much I’m doing for Christ,” but rather, in

We can expect joys as we see the gospel bearing fruit. We can fun doing it together, but don’t think it will be easy street. At the same time, sacrifice and service for the gospel is exciting, it is rewarding and fun—when you’re on Jesus’ side and you’re supporting and serving and speaking out with the gospel—you will sometimes see the blessed results of the work you do hin his name—like Jesus, “You will see Satan fall like lightning from the sky,” so to speak, as lost souls are brought to Christ, and as even one sinner repents because of that witness you gave, or that call you made or card you sent, or prayer you prayed for someone who needs Jesus.

I’m looking at that picture today, and I’m wondering, what’s it going to be like? And I’m glad—really glad--about one thing: I’m not standing here alone! Last Sunday Pastor Jensen emphasized that in my installation service—he happened to leave his sermon manuscript here so I’ll you what he said: “Not even Paul was a one-man show, and he was a full-fledged apostle…and as you serve here, Pastor Finn, you’re relying on the people of Grace.”

One of the reason I tool the call here was because of the comment the District President call in one of your call meetings here a year ago, that you saw yourself as a kind of “mission re-start.” The readings today in the service actually give us a good chance to think about what that means, and to evaluate just how serious you and I are about that.

Why do you think Paul was willing to go through all the things he went through for the sake of the gospel? It was the because of the joy that was his in Christ. Paul was married to Jesus in faith and he was constantly going back I’m sure to God’s Word to be reminded of how Jesus did everything necessary to make his relationship with him a reality.

“The preacher is neither to be a lecturer or entertainer, but a link through through whom the Holy Spirit brings law and gospel to bear upon the hearts and minds of the worshipers and enlivens their faith and life. With his sermon the pastor enhances the the dialogue in the liturgy between God and the congregation [Nothing “routine” about worship if you keep that in mind—that in worship it’s really God coming to you through the humble form of the written Word and speaking to you in worship and in the sermon and then we praise Him back together]. His presentation of the sermon, together with the Lessons, stands alongside the Sacrament of Holy Communion as one of the twin peaks in the liturgy, one of two vital parts of our worship.” (Christian Worship, Manual, p.156)

According to the WELS manual for Christian Worship, “The preacher is neither to be a lecturer or entertainer, but a link through through whom the Holy Spirit brings law and gospel to bear upon the hearts and minds of the worshipers and enlivens their faith and life. [I’m the middle man, so to speak between you and what the Holy Spirit wants to do in you his listeners]. With his sermon the pastor enhances the the dialogue in the liturgy between God and the congregation [Worship won’t become “routine” if you remember that—that worship is God coming to you and speaking to you in worship and the sermon and you praising Him back]. His presentation of the sermon, together with the Lessons, stands alongside the Sacrament of Holy Communion as one of the twin peaks in the liturgy, one of two vital parts of our worship.” (Christian Worship, Manual, p.156)

In a nutshell, my job as preacher is to communicate God’s truth to you. There are a number of things the sermon ought not to be, but there is one thing the sermon ought always to be: the Word of God, proclaiming the living voice of the gospel to God’s redeemed people!

First and foremost, a good sermon will always stay on topic, too—and what’s the main topic you want me to bring before you each Sunday? In a word: Christ. Earlier Paul wrote this to the Corinthians: () “What we preach is not ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, and ourselves as your servants for Jesus’ sake.”

what we preach is not ourselves, but Jesus Christas Lord, and ourselves as your servants for Jesus’ sake.

That’s going to be the main topic in the sermon today, next Sunday and all the Sundays after that—Christ, Christ and more Christ!!! What else would you expect from a Christian pastor and his preaching?!

So what should we think about today in the sermon? I’d like to talk about your marriage today. We’re all married in a sense, aren’t we? Regardless of age, single, engaged, married, widowed, or whatever your status, you’re married by faith to Jesus so this conversation applies to you.

Why do you think Paul was willing to go through all the things he went through for the sake of the gospel? It was the because of the joy that was his in Christ, and for the joy of saving lost souls. Paul was married to Jesus in faith and he was constantly going back to that blessing of that relationship with his Savior for encouragement and strength. Like we sang in the hymn earlier today:

What else would people expect from their pastor and his preaching and ministry among them?! At the beginning of our chapter today that’s what Paul says was on his mind—Christ and his people! Back in (11:2) Paul wrote, “I am jealous for you with a godly jealousy. I promised you to one husband, to Christ, so that I might present you as a pure virgin to him.”

“The love of Christ, who died for me is more than mind can know,

At the beginning of this chapter in Second Corinthians

His mercy measureless and free to meet the debt I owe.

To meet the debt I owe

He came my sinful cause to plead; He laid His glories by,

For me a homeless life to lead, A shameful death to die. (CWS #749:1)

I’m glad that Jesus set us on this delightful road together, here in this place, at this time. May the joy of knowing his saving sacrifice and service on the cross be your strength as you offering thankful sacrifice and service back to Him. Amen.

Why do you think Paul was willing to go through all the things he went through for the sake of the gospel? It was the because of the joy that was his in Christ. Paul was married to Jesus in faith and he was constantly going back I’m sure to God’s Word to be reminded of how Jesus did everything necessary to make his relationship with him a reality.

What a beautiful picture of the pastor’s ministry and preaching—it’s all about bringing people closer to Christ—so that you can be his bride! What a marvel of his grace that Jesus makes the whole business of his kingdom, of his church, so intimate, so personal. One of my teachers at Northwestern put it this way in his book of Christian doctrine:

There are two ways to look at the whole idea of church and religion—either it’s mainly about what WE DO in this building and revolves around preserving the institution of the church here, or it’s about a living relationship with Jesus. Either it’s church of the three sprinkles—you know—a sprinkle of water at baptism, a sprinkle of rice at the wedding and a sprinkle of dirt at your funeral, or it’s something that’s mainly focused on what God does for us in Christ and it relates to every day of our life.

I’m glad that Jesus set us on this delightful road together, here in this place, at this time.

------------------------------------------------------------------

That’s what I’d you to think about. What does Christ bring to your relationship, what do you bring, and how does that relate to our church and its mission? We bring our need: our need for forgiveness and rescue from the wages of our sin. We bring our need for health, and shelter and every other form of daily bread that we receive from his almighty hand. But most importantly, we bring our need to be delivered out of the clutches of sin and death and hell itself. Earlier Paul wrote, () “The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel that displays the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.”

Yes, regardless of your age or marital status—whether you’re single, just dating someone, engaged, married, widowed, or whatever your status, every believer in Jesus is married to Jesus by faith. So, this conversation applies to all of us.

used to bring people and Christ in a relationship so close that it was like a marriage. Yes, regardless of your age or marital status—whether you’re single, just dating someone, engaged, married, widowed, or whatever your status, every believer in Jesus is married to Jesus by faith. So, this conversation applies to all of us.

That’s what I’d you to think about what Christ brings to your marriage, what you bring to it, and how that relates to our church and its mission. What does Christ bring? What do we bring? We bring our need: our need for forgiveness and rescue from the wages of our sin. We bring our need for health, and shelter and every other form of daily bread that we receive from his almighty hand. But most importantly, we bring our need to be delivered out of the clutches of the devil and hell itself. Earlier Paul wrote, () “The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel that displays the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.”

Sermon delivered by Pastor Finn Sunday, July 21, 2019 PENT 6

That’s what I’d you to think about. What does Christ bring to your relationship, what do you bring, and how does that relate to our church and its mission? We bring our need: our need for forgiveness and rescue from the wages of our sin. We bring our need for health, and shelter and every other form of daily bread that we receive from his almighty hand. But most importantly, we bring our need to be delivered out of the clutches of sin and death and hell itself. Earlier Paul wrote, () “The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel that displays the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.”

Text: “What’s Ahead for Grace?”

Why does this matter?

So I’m looking at the bulletin cover today. Isn’t that apropos? I am that guy right now.

It’s exciting to get a new call and just like the picture suggests, there’s an open road of ministry to go down and you literally have no idea what’s coming your way. It’s re-invigorating for a Pastor to arrive at a new call like this with a brand new start like this in a new place, with a new community, new church members, new disciples of Jesus to engage the mission field around us with.

I hope you’re excited too. Makes you wonder, too—what’s lying ahead on that road of ministry ahead of us? What does the LORD have in store for Grace and its new pastor?

I imagine the Apostle Paul feeling like this guy on this cover, too, when he started out. In our text for today he’s looking back. I imagine him smiling and shaking his head a bit as he writes these words, because Paul knows, looking back, there’s no way he would’ve scripted things like this. I’m summarizing a bit here, but just take a look at what God put in the path of Paul’s ministry: (vv.23-29) “I’ve been imprisoned, flogged, beaten with rods, pelted with stones, shipwrecked and constantly in danger from this and that and the other thing—rivers, bandits, Jewish and Gentile persecutors alike—danger in the city, danger in the country, danger at sea—I have labored and toiled without sleep, without food, naked and cold—and besides all that I am constantly weighed down by the mental pressure of tending to the flock who is constantly being led into sin—and it leaves me burning and churning inside as I see that happening to them!”

They say hindsight is 20-20. Looking with Paul back on his path of ministry, clearly, this was a path the LORD chose for Paul. He wouldn’t have chosen this. None of us are drawn to suffering and sacrifice like this. Our sinful nature doesn’t like the idea of sacrifice or hardship. It prefers a cushy, nerf life (Remember the old “Nerf” footballs—soft & cushy)—but what did Jesus say in the Verse of the Day today? () “If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.” When Jesus spoke to Paul after his conversion he said, () “Indeed, I will show him how much he must suffer for the sake of my name.” Those words were prophetic. And not only was Paul okay with this, he actually defended this road of ministry that the LORD led him down as the only way God really ended up getting his will and work done in Paul’s life. Christ led Paul the way of the cross—through hardships, through setbacks, trial and error, through health issues, and persecution—God used these things to keep Paul humble, and to train him in faith to rely on the power of the gospel and not his own tricks and human reason. Through the way of the cross God also trains us to realize that the only true and lasting blessings in life are found not in money and things, or by indulging our sinful nature and its desires. Sometimes God has to send troubles into our lives to refocus our minds away from sin and back to the eternal blessings that come to us as members of His eternal kingdom of grace. God uses crosses in life to train us in so many ways—chief of which is to remind us that there will never be a heaven on this earth; we’ll only have heave in heaven someday, and this is our time of Grace now (and for everyone else), to get that straight in our hearts and minds! Life is too short! That’s why Paul defended the fact that Christ Jesus led him the way of the cross all throughout his life and ministry. There is no other way to heaven than this!

What a marvel of his grace that Jesus makes the whole business of his kingdom, of his church so intimate, so personal. One of my teachers at Northwestern put it this way in his book of Christian doctrine:

At the time Paul was writing this, some false teachers had infiltrated the Corinthian congregation. They were high-powered teachers and speakers—tongue in cheek, Paul refers to them as “super-apostles”—but that wasn’t because they did a super job of pointing the Corinthians to Christ. Just the opposite—they were false teachers who used smooth-talk and flattery to lead the Corinthians away from Christ and back to the work-righteous ways of the Jews. () “I am afraid,” Paul said, “that just as Eve was deceived by the serpent’s cunning, your minds may somehow be led astray from your sincere and pure devotion to Christ.”

That’s why Paul was defending his ministry to the Corinthians. It wasn’t bragging. It wasn’t Paul saying, “Look at all the stuff I went through and did for Christ and you and the gospel.” No, Paul said, (v.30) “If I must boast, I will boast of the things that show my weakness.” “Yes, to some, it might look like I’m definitely on the wrong end of the success ladder and that my ministry was a failure,”—LOOK AT ALL THAT HAPPENED TO ME AND WERE DONE TO ME—THOSE THINGS DON’T HAPPEN TO “YES MEN” AND PEOPLE PLEASERS--Perhaps Paul could’ve settled down in a town if he wanted to, watered down his message and got lots of people gathered around him to build a mega-church, but Paul would say, “My ministry wasn’t ever about worldly success and comfort. It was about Christ. If that’s foolish. If that ever looks like a failure because of the rejection and persecution I went through because of it, then so be it! I welcome that label.”

“His throne is be sure high above the highest heavens. Look at the starry sky. Look through the most powerful telescope that you can find. He made it all, billions of stars and uncounted galaxies. Beyond all of it, unlimited to time or space, he dwells from eternity to eternity. And yet he descended to become man in the womb of the virgin…He humbled himself and became obedient unto death, even death on a cross. After all that the sin of the whole human race did to him, he ascended with his human nature inseparably joined to the divine beyond all space and time. And now that same Jesus does not despise the fallen he came to save.” (Deutschlander, “Grace Abounds: The Splendor of Christian Doctrine,” p.448).

As I look ahead on the road of ministry before me, I don’t know what lies in store for you and me. What kind of obstacles and challenges will there be? What will be the results as we speak the truth in love to people—What will it cost us? What kind of crosses will Jesus call on us to bear? In what ways will he ask us to sacrifice and serve HIM for the sake of the gospel and winning souls?

I don’t know that, but I DO KNOW what will be first on my mind and yours as Pastor and people. It’s the same thing that was first on Paul’s mind during his ministry among the Corinthians. Back in verse two Paul said, (11:2) “I am jealous for you with a godly jealousy. I promised you to one husband, to Christ, so that I might present you as a pure virgin to him.”

So, how’s your marriage? Regardless of your age or marital status that’s how I’d encourage you to think of your faith relationship with Jesus—Not me, actually, that’s how Jesus wants you to see this. Whether you’re single, or dating someone, engaged or married, widowed, or whatever your status, every believer in Jesus is married to Him by faith. So, this conversation applies to all of us.

What a beautiful picture of the pastor’s ministry and preaching—it’s all about bringing people closer to Christ—so that you can be his bride! Regardless of your age or marital status that’s how I’d encourage you to think of your faith relationship with Jesus—not me--actually that’s how Jesus wants you to see this. Whether you’re single, or dating someone, engaged or married, widowed, or whatever your status, every believer in Jesus is married to Him by faith. One of my teachers at Northwestern put it this way in his book of Christian doctrine:

“The picture is never one of a marriage that has grown old and tiresome or stale. It is always a picture of an engagement that waits eagerly for the wedding banquet to come in heaven when the church on earth will be joined with him perfectly there forever” (Deutschlander, “Grace Abounds: The Splendor of Christian Doctrine,” p.449).

What a marvel of his grace that Jesus makes the whole business of his kingdom, of his church, so intimate, so personal.

“His throne is be sure high above the highest heavens. Look at the starry sky. Look through the most powerful telescope that you can find. He made it all, billions of stars and uncounted galaxies. Beyond all of it, unlimited to time or space, he dwells from eternity to eternity. And yet he descended to become man in the womb of the virgin…He humbled himself and became obedient unto death, even death on a cross. After all that the sin of the whole human race did to him, he ascended with his human nature inseparably joined to the divine beyond all space and time. And now that same Jesus does not despise the fallen he came to save.” (Deutschlander, p.448).

used to bring people and Christ in a relationship so close that it was like a marriage. Yes, regardless of your age or marital status—whether you’re single, just dating someone, engaged, married, widowed, or whatever your status, every believer in Jesus is married to Jesus by faith. So, this conversation applies to all of us.

That’s why Paul was so adamant about not letting the Corinthians get taken in by the false teaching of the “super-apostles.” First and foremost, he cared about their faith.

even though Jesus’ kingdom despite the fact that our bridegroom, Jesus’ kingdom

So, here we are, looking down a road of ministry together today. Paul was looking back. We’re looking ahead. So, like him at the outset, we have no earthly idea what to expect. Just don’t expect that it will be easy. () “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me.”

We can expect joys as we see the gospel bearing fruit. We can fun doing it together, but don’t think it will be easy street. At the same time, sacrifice and service for the gospel is exciting, it is rewarding and fun—when you’re on Jesus’ side and you’re supporting and serving and speaking out with the gospel—you will sometimes see the blessed results of the work you do in his name—like Jesus, “You will see Satan fall like lightning from the sky,” so to speak, as lost souls are brought to Christ, and as even one sinner repents because of that witness you gave, or that call you made or card you sent, or prayer you prayed for someone who needs Jesus.

Why do you think Paul was willing to go through all the things he went through for the sake of the gospel? It was the because of the joy that was his in Christ, and for the joy of saving lost souls. Paul was married to Jesus in faith and he was constantly going back to that blessing of that relationship with his Savior for encouragement and strength. Like we sang in the hymn earlier today:

“The picture is never one of a marriage that has grown old and tiresome or stale. It is always a picture of an engagement that waits eagerly for the wedding banquet to come in heaven when the church on earth will be joined with him perfectly there forever” (Deutschlander, p.449).

Look at what Paul endured for the name of Jesus: (vv.24-28) “Five times I received from the Jews the forty lashes minus one. 25 Three times I was beaten with rods, once I was pelted with stones, three times I was shipwrecked, I spent a night and a day in the open sea, 26 I have been constantly on the move. I have been in danger from rivers, in danger from bandits, in danger from my fellow Jews, in danger from Gentiles; in danger in the city, in danger in the country, in danger at sea; and in danger from false believers. 27 I have labored and toiled and have often gone without sleep; I have known hunger and thirst and have often gone without food; I have been cold and naked. 28 Besides everything else, I face daily the pressure of my concern for all the churches.”

“The love of Christ, who died for me is more than mind can know,

A marriage relationship is supposed to be the closest possible relationship on the face of this earth! How’s your marriage relationship with Jesus? The picture is never one of a marriage that has grown old and tiresome or stale. It is always a picture of an engagement that waits eagerly for the wedding banquet to come in heaven when the church on earth will be joined with him perfectly there forever.

His mercy measureless and free to meet the debt I owe.

He came my sinful cause to plead; He laid His glories by,

For me a homeless life to lead, A shameful death to die. (CWS #749:1)

“The picture is never one of a marriage that has grown old and tiresome or stale. It is always a picture of an engagement that waits eagerly for the wedding banquet to come in heaven when the church on earth will be joined with him perfectly there forever” (Deutschlander, p.449).

I’m glad that Jesus set us on this delightful road together, here in this place, at this time. May the joy of knowing his saving sacrifice and service on the cross be your strength as you offer thankful sacrifice and service back to Him.

Amen.

-------------------------------------

In the end, there are two ways to look at the whole idea of church and religion—either it’s mainly about what WE DO in this building and revolves around preserving the institution of the church here, and its programs—OR--it’s about a living relationship with Jesus and filling up heaven like he told us to in the Great Commission! Which one sounds like more fun to you!? Either it’s church of the three sprinkles—you know—a sprinkle of water at baptism, a sprinkle of rice at the wedding and a sprinkle of dirt at your funeral, or it’s something that serves to bring heaven to earth through the gospel for sinners who can’t bring themselves an inch closer to Him on their own. () “The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel that displays the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.”

What’s it going to be like going ahead from this point forward today? I thought it was just plain uncanny when I took a look at the bulletin cover today.

I’m not sure how it would’ve went over, though,

24 Five times I received from the Jews the forty lashes minus one. 25 Three times I was beaten with rods, once I was pelted with stones, three times I was shipwrecked, I spent a night and a day in the open sea, 26 I have been constantly on the move. I have been in danger from rivers, in danger from bandits, in danger from my fellow Jews, in danger from Gentiles; in danger in the city, in danger in the country, in danger at sea; and in danger from false believers. 27 I have labored and toiled and have often gone without sleep; I have known hunger and thirst and have often gone without food; I have been cold and naked. 28 Besides everything else, I face daily the pressure of my concern for all the churches.”

Why do you think Paul was willing to go through all the things he went through for the sake of the gospel? It was the because of the joy of that was his in Christ. Look at what Paul endured for the name of Jesus: (vv.24-28) “Five times I received from the Jews the forty lashes minus one. 25 Three times I was beaten with rods, once I was pelted with stones, three times I was shipwrecked, I spent a night and a day in the open sea, 26 I have been constantly on the move. I have been in danger from rivers, in danger from bandits, in danger from my fellow Jews, in danger from Gentiles; in danger in the city, in danger in the country, in danger at sea; and in danger from false believers. 27 I have labored and toiled and have often gone without sleep; I have known hunger and thirst and have often gone without food; I have been cold and naked. 28 Besides everything else, I face daily the pressure of my concern for all the churches.”

The New International Version. (2011). (). Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan.

On the basis of Paul’s word here in Corinthians, I’d you to think about what Christ brings to your marriage, what you bring to it, and how that relates to our church and its mission. What does Christ bring? What do we bring? We bring our need: our need for forgiveness and rescue from the wages of our sin. We bring our need for health, and shelter and every other form of daily bread that we receive from his almighty hand. But most importantly, we bring our need to be delivered out of the clutches of the devil and hell itself. Earlier Paul wrote, () “The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel that displays the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.”

Paul would say “Everything!” and “Nothing!”

We’re the ones God has called to change that situation for people before it’s too late. Like Paul was a servant of the gospel, I’m your Pastor sent to lead the way down a path of ministry that Jesus promises to go with us on, and one day reward us with those blessed words of commendation in heaven when he says, “Well done, good and faithful servant! Come and share your Master’s happiness.”

There’s nothing whatsoever that I could brag about when it comes to making this relationship happen. It would be the height of foolishness, Paul says to suggest anything different!

(11:1) “I hope you will put up with me in a little foolishness. Yes, please put up with me!”

The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel that displays the glory of Christ, who is the image of God. 5 For what we preach is not ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, and ourselves as your servants for Jesus’ sake.

() “If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.”

Bearing the cross now and suffering and serving for the sake of the gospel doesn’t save us, but it is a blessed road with heavenly rewards as you join with Jesus in his saving work.

Speaking after Paul’s conversion Jesus said, () “I will show him how much he must suffer for the sake of my name.” How prophetic those words were in Paul’s life. And not only was Paul okay with that, he realized looking back that was the only way God ended up getting his will and work done in Paul’s life. It’s one thing to look back on tough stuff like that and to see how God got us through all that and even made us stronger Christians because of it. It’s another thing when you’re going through it.

That’s how he made him into the servant he needed to be to do the extraordinary things Jesus would accomplish through him. We are the sum of our experiences. Through hardships, through setbacks, trial and error, through health issues, and persecution--God used these things to keep Paul humble, and to train him in faith to rely on the power of the gospel and not his own tricks and human reason.

Christ led Paul the way of the cross.

Amen

That’s how he made him into the servant he needed to be to do the extraordinary things Jesus would accomplish through him. We are the sum of our experiences. Through hardships, through setbacks, trial and error, through health issues, and persecution--God used these things to keep Paul humble, and to train him in faith to rely on the power of the gospel and not his own tricks and human reason.

At times (like you do) Paul prayed to God and poured out his heart to Him about those things.

Now, it’s true, from a worldly, unbelieving perspective, Paul’s ministry must’ve looked weak, and even pathetic. “I’d be speaking like a fool to suggest anything different,” Paul said. “But permit me anyway,” he says. (v.21) “Whatever anyone else dares to boast about…I also dare to boast about...” In other words, “Yes, to some, it might look like I’m definitely on the wrong end of the success ladder and that my ministry was a failure,” —but Paul maintained, “My ministry wasn’t ever about worldly success and comfort. It was about Christ. If that’s foolish. If that ever looks like a failure because of the rejection and persecution I went through because of it, then so be it! I welcome that label, “failure.” (v.30) “If I must boast, I will boast of the things that show my weakness.”

() “But he said to me, “‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore,’ Paul said, ‘I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.’”

Christ led Paul the way of the cross.

Actually, when you back up and zoom out, in this entire chapter before us today Paul is defending the path of ministry Christ led him on in life. At the time Paul was writing this, some false teachers had infiltrated the Corinthian congregation. They were high-powered teachers and speakers—tongue in cheek, Paul refers to them as “super-apostles”—but that wasn’t because they did a super job of pointing the Corinthians to Christ. Just the opposite—they were false teachers who used smooth-talk and flattery to lead the Corinthians away from Christ and back to the work-righteous ways of the Jews.

Christ led Paul the way of the cross.

() “I am afraid,” Paul said, “that just as Eve was deceived by the serpent’s cunning, your minds may somehow be led astray from your sincere and pure devotion to Christ.”

That’s why Paul was defending his ministry to the Corinthians. It wasn’t bragging. It wasn’t Paul saying, “Look at all the stuff I went through and did for Christ and you and the gospel.” No, Paul said, (v.30) “If I must boast, I will boast of the things that show my weakness.” “Yes, to some, it might look like I was definitely on the wrong end of the success ladder and that my ministry was a failure,”—LOOK AT ALL THAT HAPPENED TO ME AND WERE DONE TO ME—THOSE THINGS DON’T HAPPEN TO “YES MEN” AND PEOPLE PLEASERS--Perhaps Paul could’ve settled down in a town if he wanted to, watered down his message and got lots of people gathered around him to build a mega-church, but Paul would say, “My ministry wasn’t ever about worldly success and comfort. It was about Christ. If that’s foolish. If that ever looks like a failure because of the rejection and persecution I went through because of it, then so be it! I welcome that label.”

As I look ahead on the road of ministry before me and you here at Grace, I don’t know what lies in store for us. What kind of obstacles and challenges will there be? What will be the results as we speak the truth in love to people—What will it cost us? What kind of crosses will Jesus call on us to bear? In what ways will he ask us to sacrifice and serve HIM for the sake of the gospel and winning souls?

I don’t know that, but I DO KNOW what will be first on my mind and yours as Pastor and people. It’s the same thing that was first on Paul’s mind during his ministry among the Corinthians.

Back in verse two Paul said, (11:2) “I am jealous for you with a godly jealousy. I promised you to one husband, to Christ, so that I might present you as a pure virgin to him.”

Gospel Ministry is all about bringing people closer to Christ

Gospel Ministry is all about leading people closer to Christ.

What a beautiful picture of the pastor’s ministry and preaching—it’s all about bringing people closer to Christ—so that you can be his bride! Regardless of your age or marital status--whether you’re single, or dating someone, engaged or married, widowed, or whatever your status--every believer in Jesus is married to Him by faith. That’s how he wants you to think about your relationship with Him! One of my teachers at Northwestern put it this way in his book of Christian doctrine:

“The picture is never one of a marriage that has grown old and tiresome or stale. It is always a picture of an engagement that waits eagerly for the wedding banquet to come in heaven when the church on earth will be joined with him perfectly there forever” (Deutschlander, “Grace Abounds: The Splendor of Christian Doctrine,” p.449).

What a marvel of his grace that Jesus makes the whole business of his kingdom, of his church, so intimate, so personal. And that’s why Paul was so adamant about not letting the Corinthians get taken in by the false teaching of the “super-apostles.” First and foremost, he cared about their faith.

So, here we are, looking down a road of ministry together today. Paul was looking back. We’re looking ahead. So, like him at the outset, we have no earthly idea what to expect. Just don’t expect that it will be easy.

Again, Jesus’ words: () “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me.”

Why do you think Paul was willing to go through all the things he went through for the sake of the gospel? It was the because of the joy that was his in Christ, and for the joy of saving lost souls. Paul was married to Jesus in faith and he was constantly going back to that blessing of that relationship with his Savior for encouragement and strength. Like we sang in the hymn earlier today:

“The love of Christ, who died for me is more than mind can know, His mercy measureless and free to meet the debt I owe. He came my sinful cause to plead; He laid His glories by, For me a homeless life to lead, A shameful death to die. (CWS #749:1)

His mercy measureless and free to meet the debt I owe.

He came my sinful cause to plead; He laid His glories by,

For me a homeless life to lead, A shameful death to die. (CWS #749:1)

I’m glad that Jesus set us on this delightful road together, here in this place, at this time. May the joy of knowing his saving sacrifice and service on the cross be your strength as you offer thankful sacrifice and service back to Him.

Amen.