I CORINTHIANS SERMONS – Mircheal Jones

Writer: Paul
Purpose: Correct Church Conduct and Answer Church Questions
Intro.- 1:1-9
I. Conditions within 1:10-6:20
A) Problem of Contention 1:10-17
B) Problem of Conceit 1:18-2:13
C) Problem of Carnality 2:14-3:4
D) Problem of Co-operation 3:5-4:21
E) Problem of Corruption 5:1-13
F) Problem of Conflicts 6:1-11
G) Problem of Cleanliness 6:9-20
II. Questions from the Church 7:1-15:58
A) Concerning Marriage 7:1-40
B) Concerning Meat Offered to Idols 8:1-13
C) Concerning Ministers 9:1-27
D) Concerning Misuse of Christian Liberty 10:1-33
E) Concerning Misconduct in the Lord’s House 11:1-34
F) Concerning Ministry of Gifts 12:1-14:40
G) Concerning Message of Resurrection 15:1-58
Closing Remarks 16:1-24

I CORINTHIANS Chapter 1

INTRO- Corinth is located at the southern end of Greece where two bays meet. In Paul’s day it was one of the major centers of commerce-and corruption. The Greeks had built many “Religious” Temples where the corruption of lust was worshiped and indulged in. The people who were saved to begin the Corinthian Church were saved from this way of life. There was an earlier letter written by Paul (5:9) and this one was sent to correct wrong impressions of that one; plus answer some questions the Church had (7:1), and to tend to some problems that had cropped up with different Pastors.
The beginning of the Corinthian Church is found in Acts 18:1-18.
I. THE CONFIRMATION 1:1-9
vs 1 God’s Man
vs 2 God’s Church- Christ is LORD. Ministers are servants. vs 3 God’s Grace- Unmerited Favor brings unending peace
vs 4 Thanks to God- For Grace given by Jesus Christ
vs 5 Enriched by God- in speech and knowledge
vs 6 Confirmed by testimony of God- You received what you received from us because of what GOD did for us.
vs 7 Gifted by God- It was God who gave the gifts to the Church to enable us to wait right for Jesus to come again.
vs 8 Kept by God- Praise the Lord!
vs 9 God’s Faithfulness- not mine
II. THE CONFUSION 1:10-16
A) The Reason for Unity- Name of our Lord Jesus Christ
B) The Revealing of the source of information- to show it’s not just gossip.
C) The Reason for Division- men! Paul- rude speech, Apollos- polished, pleasing to ear, Cephas (Peter)- Original Disciple
D) The Reaction to Division
1. There is only one Christ
2. Even good things can be misused if they take Christ’s place- Baptism
III. THE CROSS vs 17-18 God’s Answer to Pride
A) Doesn’t make “sense” to man because it does away with all self effort and leaves us with nothing to cling to except God’s Word. B) The Power of God unto Salvation to all who believe.
Notice how Paul does this. First he shows that everything they are and have hinges on God. Then he points out the problem, showing the source to be men. Then he brings in the Cross which does away with men’s effort. How this must have pricked the hearts of people who looked to the man instead of the message.
What do you look for in a Preacher?? A Pleasing Personality- or a heart tuned to God so he can deliver God’s message! What do you look for in Salvation? Something to promote our sinful pride in own our self effort; or a cross to die to self?

1Cor 1:1-18 SPLIT SAINTS

Intro: Corinth was a wealthy commercial center, situated on the coast of Greece. Its commercial trade helped make it a center of religious and sinful activities. It was so wicked until the name Corinth became synonymous with sinful activity. It was from Corinth that Paul wrote his letter to the Romans in which he stressed the sinful depravity of man and the need of Christian sanctification.
The history of the Corinthian church is found in Acts 18:1-18. Paul journeyed to Corinth from Athens (site of his only defeat) and join with Aquilla and Priscilla in making tents by day and preaching Christ at the synagogue on the Sabbath. When he proclaimed Christ as Messiah there arose much opposition and Paul was forced to leave the synagogue and set up church in a home next door. The Lord Blesses his efforts and the Synagogue leader is saved and many others also. Evidently Paul is faced with many pressures because God appears to him in a vision and tells him To take heart and he continues for 18 months. Then a number of people call Paul before the chief judge who throws the case out and the people turn on Sosthenes, the new synagogue ruler, and beat him. Evidently this has some effect because this is thought to be the same man Paul identifies himself with in first Corinthians 1:1
Paul has written a previous letter to the Corinthians that was evidently lost and when he heard reliable reports about church problems and received a letter asking about specific Church problems he writes this letter. It deals with church problems and purposes and is one of the most basic books of the Bible about how the Church and Christians should function.
PROLOGUE:
1: God’s Man: Called to be an apostle of Jesus Christ through the will of God.
2. God’s people: the Church of God, sanctified in Christ Jesus, call to be Saints, (part of the body of Christ) with all that in every place call upon the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, both theirs and ours.
3. God’s Grace: Grace and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ
I. A DESCRIPTION OF SAINTS 1-9
A) Given Grace of God (Unmerited Favor) by Jesus
B) Enriched by Him in everything
1. All Utterance- Spoken Word (Faith is by hearing)
2. All Knowledge- So why do you glory in one man’s great speaking or another man’s great knowledge?
C) The testimony of (about) Jesus Christ brought results in your life- Salvation
D) God’s various gifts are evident
E) Waiting for the coming of the Lord Jesus Christ.
F) God continues to bring results in your life and will do so in order for you may be blameless when you stand before Christ.
Remember this, God is Faith (Steady) by whom ye are called unto the fellowship of His Son, Jesus Christ, Our Lord (God does not change because Preachers or Circumstances change).
II. SAINTS DIVIDED 10-13
A) What they should do:
1. speak the same thing
2. let there be no divisions
3. be perfectly joined together in the same mind and judgment
B) What they actually were doing:
1. Quarrels among you (When the net is broken then the “fish” escape”)
2. Because of different MEN: (Men’s Methods should not defer us from GOD’S MESSAGE)
a> Paul, the Founder
b> Apollos, the great speaker
c> Cephas (Peter), An original one, more law oriented, more down to earth
d> Christ, I am not going to listen to any earthly preacher (So heavenly minded until no earthly good)
Is Christ divided, Was Paul crucified for you? Were you baptized in the name of Paul?
III. THE MAIN MESSAGE 14-18
A) Not to baptize in my own name (Build my OWN Kingdom)
B) To preach the Gospel not with men’s wisdom (ability) but with the power of God. God’s man giving God’s Message getting God’s results.
C) The Preaching of the Cross- deny self, die to the world, follow Christ.
1. To the World, foolishness
2. To the Saved, The Power of God
When you go to church are your eyes on the Man, the Method, or the Message from God?

1Cor 01:19-31 2:1-13 God Deals With Conceit

INTRO: Paul has been dealing with confusion brought about by people uplifting different men. He stresses in today’s lesson that it is not the men or their ability that God uses but the message of the Cross. How this ought to deal the death blow to our pride in our ability. For after all “what hast thou that thou didst not receive?…” (I Cor 4:7). On the other hand, this lesson should teach us that GOD CAN USE ANYONE HE WANTS TO DO ANYTHING HE WANTS DONE- If we just make ourselves available! [I know people who have used a shoe to hammer a nail- Because it was available!]
I. GOD’S METHOD vs 19-21 PREACHING (Proclaiming God’s message- Preaching OF the Cross, to save them that BELIEVE).
A) To bring man to the knowledge of his inadequacy to find or to please God.
B) What man could not earn or learn God reveals thru Preaching.
1. This makes it available to all!
2. This puts the responsibility on all Christians- “For how shall they hear without a preacher” (Rom 10:24)
II. GOD’S MESSAGE vs 22-25 CHRIST CRUCIFIED – The only way! [God’s foolishness is wiser than men. God’s weakness is stronger than men].
A) Not what men expect or look for- it leaves man’s Pride and self-righteousness broken at the foot of the Cross (Which is why men aren’t saved. They want to be saved but refuse to accept God’s Way. Example of Man who drowned because he would not let go of his money belt and grab the rope)
B) The Power of God and the Wisdom of God. See I Cor 2:1-13. This is the MANNER of preaching the Gospel and is of utmost importance- It reveals to us the fact that THE GOSPEL IS EFFECTIVE NOT BECAUSE OF THE PREACHER BUT BECAUSE OF THE SPIRIT OF GOD THAT WORKS IN THE PREACHER.
III. GOD’S MESSENGERS vs 26-31 (See Jer 9:23-24)
A) Their Qualifications Disciples were ignorant and unlearned fishermen
1. Foolish- Moron (Billy Sunday, “I am a fool for Christ. Whose fool are you?”)
2. Weak- sickly II Cor 12:10
3. Base- Wrong side of track (Gideon)
4. Despised- Hated (David / Goliath) “You shall be hated of all men for my name’s sake”
5. Things that are not- nobodies (Mike Jones)
B) The Application
1. Rebuke to our Pride vs 29 no flesh glory
2. Reckoning of our Power vs 30 Jesus Christ
3. Responds by Glorifying God vs 31
IV. GOD’S MEANS- THE HOLY SPIRIT
NOTE: 1. Does not say not ANY mighty but Not Many (saved by “M”)
2. Doesn’t say God will Bless Laziness. Use what you have: David had a sling, Boy had 2 fish and 5 loaves of bread.
3. God takes ordinary people and uses them in extraordinary ways.

1Cor 02:9-10 THINGS YOU ALREADY HAVE IN HEAVEN

I am in God’s House, as God’s man, come for the Worship of, and proclamation about, God so today I am going to tell you some things you need to know about God!
God should be First in your LIFE– Thou shalt have no other gods before me (Exodus 20:3).
First in your LOVE– This is the first and great commandment. Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind (Matthew 22:37-38).
First in your LONG TERM PLANNING– But I will forewarn you whom ye shall fear: Fear him, which after he hath killed hath power to cast into hell; yea, I say unto you, Fear him (Luke 12:5).
One of the most misused Scriptures is (1 Corinthians 2:9-10) But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him. But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God. Sadly, because it is misused so much people are led to believe that we cannot know the wonderful things God has prepared for His people so many people prefer staying in this sin cursed world rather than looking forward to that wonderful land of eternal joy and bliss where our Father and our Blessed Savior dwell.
Wall of Heaven is 400 Feet High but the City is 1000 miles High! No Church (Temple) in Heaven. No Animals mentioned in Heaven (on New Earth). No night there even though trees brings forth fruit each month!
Today, I want us to look at 7 things Christians already have in Heaven and realize how important what we do now is as it concerns our future joy.
I. Our Praise of God’s Blessings are in a Book in Heaven– Then they that feared the LORD spake often one to another: and the LORD hearkened, and heard it, and a book of remembrance was written before him for them that feared the LORD, and that thought upon his name (Malachi 3:16). This Praise came from the fact that these People:
a. Feared (Respected) the Lord
b. Meditated (Thought) upon the Name (authority) of God
II. Our Prayers to God are Bottled up in Heaven– And when he had taken the book, the four beasts and four and twenty elders fell down before the Lamb, having every one of them harps, and golden vials full of odours, which are the prayers of saints (Revelation 5:8).
III. Our Treasures should be in the Bank of Heaven– Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: (Matthew 6:19-20). Mission Support, Care for Others.
IV. Our Relatives should be Awaiting us in Heaven– And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house (Acts 16:31).
V. Our Rewards should be growing in Heaven– Look to yourselves, that we lose not those things which we have wrought, but that we receive a full reward (2 John 1:8).
Our God given talents and abilities will determine our Reigning Rewards during the Millennium Kingdom- Parable of Pounds in Luke 19. If you DO NOT USE what God gives you then it will be given to others and you will not be given authority in the Kingdom! And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be (Revelation 22:12).
JUDGMENT SEAT OF CHRIST: For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad (2 Corinthians 5:10).
VI. Our Reputation is Discussed in Heaven–
a. JOB: Now there was a day when the sons of God came to present themselves before the LORD, and Satan came also among them. And the LORD said unto Satan, Whence comest thou? Then Satan answered the LORD, and said, From going to and fro in the earth, and from walking up and down in it. And the LORD said unto Satan, Hast thou considered my servant Job, that there is none like him in the earth, a perfect and an upright man, one that feareth God, and escheweth evil? (Job 1:6-8)
b. JESUS: And, behold, there talked with him two men, which were Moses and Elias: Who appeared in glory, and spake of his decease which he should accomplish at Jerusalem (Luke 9:30-31)
VII. Our NAME should be Written in Heaven–
a. God chose to choose us before the foundation of the World- The beast that thou sawest was, and is not; and shall ascend out of the bottomless pit, and go into perdition: and they that dwell on the earth shall wonder, whose names were not written in the book of life from the foundation of the world, when they behold the beast that was, and is not, and yet is (Revelation 17:8)
But ye are come unto mount Sion, and unto the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to an innumerable company of angels, To the general assembly and church of the firstborn, which are written in heaven, and to God the Judge of all, and to the spirits of just men made perfect, (Hebrews 12:22-23)
b. Your Name can be Blotted Out of this Book- He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment; and I will not blot out his name out of the book of life, but I will confess his name before my Father, and before his angels (Rev 3:5).
For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith (1 John 5:4).
If you are unsaved your works are written in Heaven’s Books– And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works. And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them: and they were judged every man according to their works. And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death. And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire (Revelation 20:12-15) (Tomb stone in Mississippi with the name “Wages”. Are you ready to face your “wages” when you die?)

1Cor 02:9-10 THINGS YOU ALREADY HAVE IN HEAVEN2

One of the most misused Scriptures is (1 Corinthians 2:9-10) But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him. But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God. Sadly, because it is misused so much people are led to believe that we cannot know the wonderful things God has prepared for His people. As a result, many people prefer staying in this sin cursed world rather than looking forward to that wonderful land of eternal joy and Blessed bliss where our Father and our Precious Savior dwell.
The Bible tells us about 4 Hells (Sheol, Hades, Gehenna (lake of Fire), Tartarus(Prison of fallen angels) and 3 Heavens (Atmospheric, Celestial (nearly 1 billion Galaxies have been counted- each with as many as 100, 000 million stars!), and The Third Heaven- Abode of God
And the city lieth foursquare, and the length is as large as the breadth: and he measured the city with the reed, twelve thousand furlongs. The length and the breadth and the height of it are equal. And he measured the wall thereof, an hundred and forty and four cubits, according to the measure of a man, that is, of the angel (Revelation 21:16-17). This makes the wall of the City 216 Feet high and the city 1500 Miles square (Wall would be like the curb in front of the empire state building).
No Church (temple), No animals mentioned, No night there but In the midst of the street of it, and on either side of the river, was there the tree of life, which bare twelve manner of fruits, and yielded her fruit every month: and the leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations (Rev 22:2).
Today, I want us to realize SOME THINGS WE ALREADY HAVE IN HEAVEN:

Our Relatives should be Awaiting us in Heaven– And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house (Acts 16:31). And I say unto you, That many shall come from the east and west, and shall sit down with Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, in the kingdom of heaven (Matthew 8:11).
Our Reputation is discussed in Heaven–
1. JOB: Now there was a day when the sons of God came to present themselves before the LORD, and Satan came also among them. And the LORD said unto Satan, Whence comest thou? Then Satan answered the LORD, and said, From going to and fro in the earth, and from walking up and down in it. And the LORD said unto Satan, Hast thou considered my servant Job, that there is none like him in the earth, a perfect and an upright man, one that feareth God, and escheweth evil? (Job 1:6-8)
2. JESUS: And, behold, there talked with him two men, which were Moses and Elias: Who appeared in glory, and spake of his decease which he should accomplish at Jerusalem (Luke 9:30-31)
Our Prayers to God are Bottled up in Heaven– And when he had taken the book, the four beasts and four and twenty elders fell down before the Lamb, having every one of them harps, and golden vials full of odours, which are the prayers of saints (Revelation 5:8)
Our Treasures should be in the Bank of Heaven– Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: (Matthew 6:19-20)
Our Rewards should be accumulating in Heaven– Look to yourselves, that we lose not those things which we have wrought, but that we receive a full reward (2 John 1:8).
1. Our God given talents and abilities will determine our Reigning Rewards during the Millennium Kingdom- Parable of Pounds in Luke 19. If you DO NOT USE what God gives you then it will be given to others and you will not be given authority in the Kingdom! And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be (Revelation 22:12)
2. JUDGMENT SEAT OF CHRIST: For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad (2 Corinthians 5:10)

The Bible also lists several things Written in God’s Book in Heaven:

Our Praise for God’s Blessings are in a Book in Heaven– Then they that feared the LORD spake often one to another: and the LORD hearkened, and heard it, and a book of remembrance was written before him for them that feared the LORD, and that thought upon his name (Malachi 3:16).
Our Tears on life’s journey in in God’s Book– Thou tellest my wanderings: put thou my tears into thy bottle: are they not in thy book? (Psalms 56:8).
Our NAME should be Written in Heaven– But ye are come unto mount Sion, and unto the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to an innumerable company of angels, To the general assembly and church of the firstborn, which are written in heaven, and to God the Judge of all, and to the spirits of just men made perfect, (Hebrews 12:22-23)
If you are unsaved your works are written in Heaven’s Books– And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works. And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them: and they were judged every man according to their works. And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death. And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire (Revelation 20:12-15)

Name on Tombstone in Mississippi “Wages”. Are you ready to face your “wages” when you die? The transgression of the wicked saith within my heart, that there is no fear of God before his eyes (Psa 36:1).

1Cor 02:11-3:7 WHAT KIND OF PERSON ARE YOU??

(See also Heb 5:11-6:2)

INTRO- The “That’s good, that’s bad routine from plane: plane stalls, you jump, parachute fails but see haystack below, haystack has pitchfork, miss pitchfork but also missed haystack.” Which illustrates the point that there are generally 2 sides to every situation. Spiritually this means that you’re either saved or lost, if you’re lost you either will be saved or you won’t. If you’re saved you’re either a Carnal “milk” Christian or a Spiritual “meat” Christian. Let’s look at these and see what kind of person you are.
I. THE NATURAL MAN
A) Born that way, anyone can be one!! (Shaped in sin, in iniquity conceived)
B) Unable to receive or understand the things of God. The Bible doesn’t make sense, Church and spiritual things are dull and uninteresting, many times have really tried to live right and study the Bible and go to Church but it seems like trying to learn French- a different language is spoken.
Must be Born again, takes a miracle of God, only happens when Faith replaces mental understanding.
II. THE CARNAL CHRISTIAN
A) There is a Baby stage of Christianity- it is not wrong to be a baby and need the milk of the word- I Pet 2:1-2 Wherefore laying aside all malice and all guile, and hypocrisies, and envies, and all evil speaking, as newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word that ye may grow thereby.
It is not wrong to be a baby- it is wrong to stay a baby You are YET Carnal I Cor 3:3
B) Signs of a Carnal Christian
1. They follow men instead of the God they proclaim- I Cor 3:3a This causes envy, strife, and division which is manifested in:
a. Preacher Religion- playing one preacher against another, dropping out of church when a new pastor comes. [Some follow pastor]
b. Preacher/Deacon conflict- leaders ought to love one another [Some follow Deacon]
c. “Grouping in the Church- a man or a family will gather their own little group and question others that don’t do exactly as they do. [Some follow men.]
2. They walk as men- I Cor 3:3b
a. A number of people on our Church rolls show signs of living worst lives than the average sinner of our community.
b. The only recognizable difference between some Church and the other people in our community is that the Church members attend Church every so often- there is no real difference in the day to day walk (IF your Christianity does not work on Saturday night or Monday morning then it is not of much value on Sunday.) Dress like, walk like, talk like world!!
3. They are dull of hearing (No Push) Heb 5:11
a. over 1/3 of the members of this church have not attended service in the 4 months I’ve been here
b. Over 1/2 of the members of this church do not attend CTS, Sunday Night Service, or Wed. Night Service
c. Because of this “hearing: problem they are “unskilled in the word of righteous” (Heb 5:13) and end up hindering instead of helping the work of God
1. Can’t teach- must be taught
2. Can’t witness- so lost perish (How horrible that hundreds stand around and watch a man die because they don’t know what to do.
3. Bring shame instead of Glory to God’s Name.
III. THE SPIRITUAL CHRISTIAN
A) Has the mind of Christ because of the indwelling Holy Spirit
This means he looks at things from the Spiritual instead of Physical viewpoint
1. Like Abraham- He has hope when there is no hope
2. Like Daniel- He recognizes a power beyond any on earth
3. Like Job- trials life his eyes to God instead of turning in self pity. He looks foolish to the world.
B) Because of use he is able to distinguish between good and evil- and is therefore not mislead by fads and gimmicks that bring so much trouble to the world. He knows which path to follow- life has a purpose and a plan now and a future to look forward to. This discernment is a result of Continued Growth in relationship to the Spirit- But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil (Hebrews 5:14).
We are not talking about talent but the use of spiritual wisdom- Ex. of dad, 3rd grade education but mature man – Cp to man with 6 years of college but had to work in drug store.
CONCLUSION Illustrations:
Are you a Natural man puzzled by the things of God- be born again (Puzzle))
Are you a Carnal Christian still on the bottle? (Use bottle of milk)
Are you a Spiritual Christian who eats the meat? (Use steak biscuit)

1Cor 02:14-3:15 THE PROBLEM OF CARNALITY

INTRO.-Paul has just dwelt with the Problem of conceit and he now begins to show the Corinthians how foolish it is for them to think themselves overly wise when they were so unwise in the Basic things of God. The Problem of Carnality that Paul deals with in today’s lesson is one that has continued to plague the Church throughout history. May God help us to learn some valuable lessons from it.
1. THE PEOPLE 2:14-3:4 Paul lists three types of people in these verses:
A) Natural Man (vs 14) Unregenerate, Lost. Cannot understand the things of the Spirit of God (Remember that! You can’t convince a dead man he needs life. Life must come from God!)
B) Spiritual Man (vs 15) Able to judge (discern) all things because he has the mind of Christ (Lives in submission to the Spirit.)
C) Carnal Man (3:1-4) Babes in Christ (Note- it is not wrong to be a Babe in Christ; but it is wrong to stay a Babe in Christ.)
1. Must have milk and not meat. See Heb 5:13-14 and I Pet 2:2
2. Follows men rather than the God they proclaim (Envy, strife, and divisions are marks of Babes in Christ. What a shame it is when the grown members of a Church allow themselves to be led astray by spoiled Babies crying for their way!)
3. Walk as men- that is, they walk like the unsaved (If some “Christians” didn’t keep telling you they were saved- YOU WOULDN’T KNOW IT!).
II. THE PASTORS 3:5-15
A) (vs 5) <Ministers (Servants) that God used.
B) (vs 6) Do different tasks but God does the Work.
C) (vs 7) 0+0 =0 GOD GIVES THE INCREASE.
D) vs 8) Have the same Goal and must answer to the same God!
E) (vs 9) Laborers together with God- WHAT A PRIVILEGE
F) (vs 10-15) Answerable to God for what is done- WHAT A Responsibility
Note in vs 12 that 3 of the works will stand the fire and three won’t. Also note that stubble burns almost instantly, hay takes a little longer, and wood even longer- BUT THEY ALL BURN.
vs 14 and 15 talk about loss of Rewards and not of Salvation (The Bible teaches that a saved person may deny the Faith and be lost but these verses are talking about Christians examining the works they are doing in the light of their being tried by God. Some may say, “Well, I don’t care if I get a reward as long as I get to Heaven.” HOW CAN ONE TRULY SAY HE LOVES GOD AND NOT WANT TO SERVE HIM?)

1Cor 03:1-7 FROM A BABY TO A BLESSING

And I, brethren, could not speak unto you as unto spiritual, but as unto carnal, even as unto babes in Christ. I have fed you with milk, and not with meat: for hitherto ye were not able to bear it, neither yet now are ye able. For ye are yet carnal: for whereas there is among you envying, and strife, and divisions, are ye not carnal, and walk as men? For while one saith, I am of Paul; and another, I am of Apollos; are ye not carnal? Who then is Paul, and who is Apollos, but ministers by whom ye believed, even as the Lord gave to every man? I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase. So then neither is he that planteth any thing, neither he that watereth; but God that giveth the increase (1 Corinthians 3:1-7).

A carnal Baby Christian:

Demands attention
Desires to be Served
Expects everyone’s world to revolve around them- These are the Church members who quit coming to church, and/or resign their office, and/or quit tithing when things do not go as they think they should in church.
Resists Change and Growth- These are the Church members who gossip, gripe, …

Christian Holiness is not denying who we are; it is allowing the Holy Spirit to Restore us to what God intended us to be-

A) Spirit Fruits: But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law (Galatians 5:22-23).

B) God Fruits

C) Righteousness Fruits by Jesus Christ. Holiness is the life of the Holy Spirit penetrating every part of the moral and spiritual being of the Christian. As we allow the Holy spirit to work in our life then He transforms us into the image of Christ who was Physically fit, financially stable, and spiritually healthy.

I am not asking you to change a thing. Faith in Christ will change your relationship with God. Yielding to the Holy Spirit will change your character. Walking with God will change your eternal destination. Not something you do; something God does in you: For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure (Philippians 2:13).

1Cor 3:9-15 BUILDING THE BODY

For we are labourers together with God: ye are God’s husbandry, ye are God’s building. According to the grace of God which is given unto me, as a wise masterbuilder, I have laid the foundation, and another buildeth thereon. But let every man take heed how he buildeth thereupon. For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ. Now if any man build upon this foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble; Every man’s work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man’s work of what sort it is. If any man’s work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward. If any man’s work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire (1 Cor 3:9-15).
I. IT IS GOD’S PROPERTY (Ye are God’s husbandry, ye are God’s building). Never forget who owns and designs the Property that belongs to HIM. He can plant any crop HE wants and use any design in the building HE desires.
II. ANY BUILDING BUILT ON GOD’S PROPERTY MUST MEET GOD’S SPECIFICATIONS
A) The PROPER Foundations must be used (I have laid the foundation, and another buildeth thereon. But let every man take heed how he buildeth thereupon).
B) The ONLY Foundation God approves is His Son (For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ).
III. BUILDINGS MUST MEET THE “BUILDING INSPECTORS” GUIDELINES
A) Some build with Precious Material (gold, silver, precious stones) but with different grades of ability (I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase 1 Corinthians 3:6).
B) Some only use “natural abilities” (wood, hay, stubble) and they many look great for awhile but they will not stand the test of Fire!
C) Each Builder will one day face Rewards and Regrets for what the work he did on GOD’S Building (If any man’s work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward. If any man’s work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire).
LESSONS TO REMEMBER:
1. The Church is GOD’S Property; not the property of the Pastor or certain people or church clichés.
2. The Building Materials used must pass inspection: That is why it is important what a Preacher preaches, teachers teach, and singers sing. The “building materials” used by EVERY member of the Body of Christ is important.
3. If you defile GOD’S Property you will be accountable: Physical care of the Church, Spiritual Care of the Church Body (Gossip, Dividers, Trash throwers, failing to give to support, etc)

1Cor 03:16-4:- GUIDELINES FOR PASTORS, PARENTS, AND PEOPLE

WE ARE TO REMEMBER WE ARE:
I. SERVANTS 3:16-23
A) God’s Work vs. 16-17 Working in GOD’S “Vineyard” – the Temple of God
1. Indwelt by the Holy Spirit
2. Defended by God
B) God’s Way vs 18-20 Must use God’s Methods- Wisdom of World foolishness with God.
C) God’s Glory vs 21-23 Must Work for God’s Glory and not our own.
II. STEWARDS 4:1-7 (“The Lowest Rower”) A Steward owned nothing; he was a slave who managed his master’s wealth.) (Purpose of Stewardship: To please God. After all the tools we work with were given of God and not of self- vs 7.)
A) Must be Faithful (The Books will be checked- See Luke 16)
B) Must understand Judgment
1. Judgment of men- “Don’t sweat”
2. Judgment of self- can’t (You’re too close to see)
3. Judgment of God- HE’S the one we’ll answer to!
III. SPECTACLES 4:8-17
A) vs 8-13 Example of Sufferings (You who claim to be so Spiritual- Where are your scars, and blisters??? Why do your enemies love you instead of hate you ???) NOTE what the apostles are considered- “the filth of the world, and the offscouring of all things- The trash and garbage of the world. Remember, Christ made himself of NO REPUTATION.
B) vs 14-17 Example in life (Though men call us fools for rejecting the world’s wealth and way!)
1. You are my children in the Gospel
2. Follow my example- For I follow Christ.
3. Others will tell you how I live.
IV. SPANKER 4:18-21
A) vs 18 Rebellion was known
B) vs 19-20 Results were sought
C) vs 21 Repentance was urged
Note “Puffed Up” in 4:6, 18,19- Paul is actually saying, “Full of Hot Air!”
Note in 4:21 that the Actions of the Child determine the attitude of the Parent.

1Cor 04:1 2 THE SAVIOR’S STEWARD

Let a man so account of us, as of the ministers of Christ, and stewards of the mysteries of God. Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful (1 Corinthians 4:1 2)
I. The Requirements of Stewards– Faithful, Steadfast, consistent. Everyone admires faithfulness and dislikes unfaithfulness: Spouse, Dog, clocks, cars,…
II. The Duties of Stewards– A Steward is a Manager of something entrusted to him. Paul declared here that it is the “Mysteries of God”.
Here are a few “Mysteries” talked about in Scripture:
1. God’s setting aside Israel to get a Gentile Bride– Ro 11:25 For I would not, brethren, that ye should be ignorant of this mystery, lest ye should be wise in your own conceits; that blindness in part is happened to Israel, until the fulness of the Gentiles be come in.
2. The Church as God’s Instrument during this age– Ro 16:25 Now to him that is of power to stablish you according to my gospel, and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery, which was kept secret since the world began,
3. The Rapture of the Church– 1Co 15:51 Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed,
4. Jesus as God’s Son coming in the flesh as a man for our salvation before He comes as a King-1Ti 3:16 And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh (Incarnation), justified in the Spirit (Redemption), seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles (Proclamation) , believed on in the world (Salvation), received up into glory (Resurrection).
III. The Faithfulness of the Steward: Be faithful in the small things and you will be given larger things (5 lbs turns into 5 cities). Be faithful unto death and I will give you a crown of life.
A) Must have Faith in the Man to entrust him with this great responsibility.
B) Must have Faith in his Message if lives are going to be changed-
1> The Pardon of God thru Faith in Christ
2> The Power of God to keep you
3> The Promises of God to look forward to.
IV. THE HINDRANCES TO FAITHFULNESS
A) Wrong Judgment (Remember that God will be the Judge and He will judge the motive as well as the methods and message)
1. of Others: “But with me it is a very small thing that I should be judged of you”
2. Of Self: You cannot judge yourself. You are too close to the situation. Your failure may be God’s success or your “success” may be a failure- that ye might learn in us not to think of men above that which is written, that no one of you be puffed up for one against another.
B) Wrong Understanding.
1. What you have you received of the Lord; you are the Lord’s Servant and your goal is to Serve HIM
2. Things are not always what they appear: the Persecution of the Apostles spread the Gospel. Paul put in Jail but Jailor saved. Daniel in Lion’s den witnessed to King.
The Work of God is hindered, not by lack of resources, organization, or buildings, but by unfaithfulness: Not all can be talented; but all can be faithful. Not all can be “super smart”; but all can be faithful. Not all can be wealthy; but all can be faithful. Faithful is what you do, with what you have, where you are.

1Cor 4:1-5 MANAGERS OF THE MYSTERY

(Preached 4-4-86 S C Quarterly Conference. First FWB Florence) The first time I spoke to the S C Conference I spoke on “Who will come help me shovel manure?” from Proverbs- Where no oxen are the crib is clean but much increase is by the strength of the ox. The next time I talked about “Is your sword bloody?” from Jer 48:10 Cursed is he that doeth the work of the Lord deceitfully (Half- hearted), and cursed be he that keepeth back his sword from blood. Tonight I want to look at how to be a “Manager of the Mystery”
The word “steward” in vs 1 is the word we use for “Manager” or “Overseer”. It is used to designate someone placed in a position of responsibility for someone else’s goods. In this case he is said to be put in charge of handling the “Mysteries of God” (A “Mystery” in the New Testament is a Truth previously hidden that is now revealed by God. The main New Testament “Mystery” is the establishment of the Church as the body of Christ (Ep 3:9-10)). This “Manager” therefore, is charged with the responsibility of “seeing after” God’s Church. According to these verses I think there are 2 main things a “Manager” must take into consideration 1) His Accountability and 2) His Judgment
I. His ACCOUNTABILITY is 2-fold: A) as the minister (servant) of Christ and B) as Stewards of the Mystery of God.
A) Servant of Christ- There has been a great deal of debate about the place of the Pastor in the Church in the past few years. Some place him beneath the feet of the members which is wrong. Others make him the head of the Church which is the position of Christ. I believe he is the “neck” of the Body. Not glamorous but very necessary. He LIFTS and SHOWS the Head, serves as a vital channel between the Head and the Body, and communicates for the body (The vocal cords are located in the neck. The sound originates there but it come out of the mouth!). Sadly, some Pastors seek to serve themselves or some special members instead of Christ.
B) Stewards of the Mystery of God- The first part involved what a man DID, this part involves what a man SAYS. Since we are talking about Pastors then this means he is accountable to God for his Sermons.(Hag 1:13 The LORD’S Messenger in the LORD’S message)
Sermons are normally about 4 different topics: (Not including “bike Safety”!)
1. Salvation– Rom 10:13-14 For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. How then shall they call on him in whom whey have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher? After the person is saved then the preacher’s message is 3 fold: I Cor 14:3 But he that prophesieth speaketh unto men to edification, and exhortation, and comfort.
2. Edification– To build up in the doctrines of God
3. Exhortation– Encourage to continue
4. Comfort– Enable to handle life’s problems
(A good Sermon is built from 3 vital ingredients: 1. Inspiration 2. Information 3. Perspiration)
II. HIS JUDGMENT
A) The basis of His judgment- His faithfulness
B) The “Bewares” of His judgment-
1. Don’t allow other’s judgment to sway you (Example of judging between Noah’s and Jonah’s ministry. One preached 1 day and saved a city; the other preached 120 years and saved only his family. But I like Noah’s attitude better!)
2. Don’t judge your own self- you’ll see yourself as too good or too bad. Do YOUR job in YOUR PLACE and remember- II Cor 10:12 For we dare not make ourselves of the number, or compare ourselves with some that commend themselves: but they measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise
As a “Manager of the Mystery” are you able to give a good account of your Ministry? Do you know what you are to be judged for and how you are to be judged? Beware of Pride, Expect Persecution, and realize you MUST have Power beyond your own ability.
I. Accountability. Not what you say but what you do.- You are a Minister and Manager of the Mystery of God (Mystery= A Spiritual truth taught by the Spirit to the Spiritual).
II. Judgment
A) The Basis of his Judgment- Faithfulness
B) The “Bewares” of His Judgment. Not by others or by self but by God- For who maketh thee to differ from another? and what hast thou that thou didst not receive? now if thou didst receive it, why dost thou glory, as if thou hadst not received it (As if it were not given to you instead of something you did)? (1 Corinthians 4:7).
1. Beware of comparing yourself with others. Paul described Apostles as “appointed to death, seen as actors in a theater, and as fools for Christ who were Defamed (Made of no reputation) and regarded as the filth of the world.
2. Beware of comparing yourself with yourself. No crown without a cross. Isaiah preached naked for 3 years. Jeremiah was told to cook his food with human dung and ordered to preach on the day his wife died! Do your job in the Place God has put YOU: For we dare not make ourselves of the number, or compare ourselves with some that commend themselves: but they measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise (2 Corinthians 10:12).
Is Christ allowing you to go thru the fire in order to burn off the dross and make you a vessel unto honor?

1Cor 4:8-21 JUDGING PREACHER SUCCESS

It is seldom that a Preacher gets to preach about Preachers but that is just what Paul did in today’s scripture. What makes a good Preacher? How do you know if he is successful?
I. PERSECUTED PREACHERS vs 8-13
A) Satisfied Churches (8) want to have their ears tickled; not their heart stirred. They say “we must be “good” because we are full, and rich, and reign as kings” (Remember the Laodicean Church- Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked Revelation 3:17).
Paul says he wishes they did indeed reign because that would mean it was the millennium and he would reign also!
B) The Spectacle Preachers (9-13). Fools for Christ’s sake, weak, despised, hunger, thirst, naked, buffeted, have no certain dwelling place, labor for a living, when reviled they bless, when persecuted they suffer it, when defamed (made of no reputation) we intreat (pray for). By some they are viewed as the off scouring of all things (discarded waste) even unto this day.
Is this what you expect from a dedicated Christian life? Or do you expect Blessings, Prosperity, and Praise? Remember “Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me” (Matthew 16:24). Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake (Matthew 5:11). And ye shall be hated of all men for my name’s sake: but he that endureth to the end shall be saved (Matthew 10:22).
And Paul remembered what was said when he became a Christian, “For I will shew him how great things he must suffer for my name’s sake” (Acts 9:16).
II. PATTERN PREACHERS vs 14-17
A) You are my Children in the Gospel- I need your Respect (Not for what I have accomplished but for what I am for you and to you). See vs 21 where the ACTIONS of the child determines the ATTITUDE of the Parent: “What will ye? shall I come unto you with a rod, or in love, and in the spirit of meekness?” (1 Corinthians 4:21).
B) Follow my Example- I have a Responsibility to you (Parents are building models for children to follow; a successful parent is one who raised his child in the nurture and admonition of the Lord).
C) Others will tell you about my Reputation of being faithful to Christ and the Gospel everywhere I go; and I count that success! Remember what was said about the early Disciples, Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were unlearned and ignorant men, they marvelled; and they took knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus (Acts 4:13).
III. PUFFED UP OR POWERFUL PREACHERS vs 18-21
A) Puffed Up (Full of Hot Air). Prideful in self accomplishments but unawares of how pitiful they really are (Note that later Paul said, “Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up” 1 Corinthians 13:4).
1. Pride in men’s abilities will Puff Up vs 6
2. Pride in Fine Speech will Puff Up vs 19
B) Power; not just in what we say but what we are (For the kingdom of God is not in word, but in power 1 Corinthians 4:20).
Leaders should never be “Puffed Up” by their “Fleshly Wisdom”- Intruding into those things which he hath not seen, vainly puffed up by his fleshly mind, (Colossians 2:18).

1Cor 05:- DISCIPLINE IN THE CHURCH

This Chapter deals with sin in the CHURCH. It involves Church Discipline. Principles of Personal Discipline are covered in Matt. 5:15-22 (You offended) and Matt. 18:21-26 (You were offended).
I. THE SIN vs 1-2
A) Of the Member- Fornication with Step-mother vs 1
B) Of the Church- Too “puffed up” to deal with the problem. vs 2 (Sin cannot be ignored! If the doctor says you have cancer, you may ignore it for awhile and go about your business but it’ll find you out eventually.) SEE NOTE 1
II. THE SENTENCE vs 3-5
A) The Sin was obvious enough to be sentenced without face to face meeting- “reported commonly” vs 3
B) Judgment was not in the name of a man but in the Name of Christ. vs 4
C) Deliver to Satan for destruction of flesh (for the purpose of) saving the soul (in other words, Don’t let this person think they can get by with sin. Make them realize that it must be dwelt with. YOU CANNOT TAKE GOD’S FORGIVENESS FOR GRANTED!!) SEE NOTES 2 & 3
III. THE SEPARATION vs 6-13
A) If sin is not dealt with it infects the whole Church vs 5
B) Dealing with Sin is never easy vs 7
C) This does not mean we isolate ourselves from the world vs9-10
) It does mean that THE CHURCH must purge out sin. Note the sins listed:
Fornication- Sexual Sins
Covetous- Greed
Idolater- Worshippers of anything other than God.
Railers- Slanders, Gossips
Drunkard- Drunkards
Extortioners- Swindler, robber
E) Don’t worry about Judging the world-God will do that! Clean up your own back yard.
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NOTES:
1. This was open, flagrant sin. The man had not been “overtaken in a fault” (Gal 6:1) but was doing a known sin, willfully.
2. This is not a case of “me judging you about what I THINK is right” but a matter of knowing it is wrong because GOD said so.
3. Delivering to Satan for the destruction of the flesh:
a. See I Cor 11:30 where many were weak and sickly and even died for not judging sin at the Lord’s Table.
b. See I Tim 1:20 where Two put away faith and were delivered unto Satan to learn not to blaspheme.

1Cor 05:5 FORGIVING OTHERS

God has given unto us the ministry of reconciliation and we are ambassadors for Christ so forgiveness for us is a way of life (II Corinthians 5:17-20). We must differentiate between Persecution (Drove Disciples from “Nest” of Jerusalem) vs Personality Clash. Remember a Physician (Healer) does not have the same goal as a Policeman (Law Keeper).
You DEAL WITH SIN FOR:
A. The Good of the Sinner- Shows them the need to repent
B. The Good of the Church- Shows it means business about Holiness
C. The Good of the World- Allow them to respect our Word and Work
I. THE PURPOSE OF CHURCH DISCIPLINE
A) To Preserve the honor of God’s Name (God is a Holy God!)
B) To assure the purity of the Church (Remember Achan’s sin and it’s result!)
C) To Reclaim and Reconcile the offender (“that the spirit may be saved” I Cor. 5:5) He evidently repented and is reclaimed in II Cor. 2:6-8). We are Physicians, not policemen!
Discipline is not supposed to be fun!!! It hurts the one giving it and the one getting it. It is never done to show how good one person is compared to another- it is to deal with sin and bring back into fellowship (Thought- Consider a committee acting in the behalf of the Church who meets with the person and then brings back a recommendation to the Church. Make the decision public).
PEOPLE NOT PERMITTED TO FELLOWSHIP IN THE LOCAL CHURCH:
1. People who will not settle personal differences (Matt 18:15-18)
2. An Openly Known Sinner (1 Cor 5:-)
3. Those who hold Wrong Doctrine (2John 9-11, 2Tim 2:16-18, 1Tim 1:19-20)
4. Those who Cause Division (Tit 3:9-11)
5. Those who Refuse to Work (2Thess 3:6-15- Withdrawing Fellowship at this time meant withdrawing Support with shared supplies)
Public Sins involve Public Restitution while Private Sins involve Private Restitution.
II. THE PLAN OF PERSONAL RECONCILIATION
A) If you are the Offender Mat 5:21-26 Ye have heard that it was said
1. Get it taken care of before you approach God.
2. Do it quickly! Don’t let it linger for even a night. It’s serious! Deal with it immediately.
B) If you were Offended Mat 18:15-22 Moreover if thy brother shall offend you
1. Go to the offender privately and try to bet it straight (This is not just one time. Good until convinced you can do no more.)
2. Take others with you to reconcile the difference- not to stand with you against him (They are witnesses of what the Bible has to say about your difference.)
3. Bring it before the Church that they may make a Biblical decision. If he still will not be reconciled then the Church breaks fellowship with him (Excommunication).
Excommunication is not just for the sin committed but for refusing to repent of it. Its purpose is to cause the offender to see the seriousness of sin and repent.
III. POWER FOR DISCIPLINE Matt 18:18-20
A) Power in Proclamation vs 18 To bind or loose
B) Power in Prayer vs 19 (If we can agree God will give it to us- ‘That’s why it’s so important that our fellowship is unbroken.)
C) Power in Presence vs 20 (When we discipline someone in the Name of Christ, it’s just like He was there doing it).
How often should my brother sin against me, and I forgive him??? “Until seventy times seven.” (Matt. 18:21-22)
Col 3:13 Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye. Phile 1:10 I beseech thee for my son Onesimus, whom I have begotten in my bonds: /Phile 1:18 If he hath wronged thee, or oweth thee ought, put that on mine account;

1Cor 05:6-7 AN UNHOLY CHURCH

I Cor 5:6-7 Your glorying is not good. Know ye not that a little leaven leaveneth the whole lump? Purge out therefore the old leaven, that ye man be a new lump, as ye are unleavened. For even Christ our passover is sacrificed for us:
I once asked someone where the best seafood in town was but I stopped eating there when several mice ran across the table as we were eating!!
I declined to eat at someone’s home once because when I entered thru the kitchen the cat was on the stove sampling supper!!
I once advised my sister-in-law not to eat a sandwich because when she lifted it up I saw a roach hanging on the back side!!
One of the few times I was sick at sea I tried to calm my stomach with some coke from the coke machine but I got worst instead of better. The next day when they were cleaning the machine and found the container of coke syrup was full of roaches explained the problem.
In each of these cases, something that should have been good and beneficial had lost its value because of contamination. I want us today to see that this same thing has happened in the Church; and then I want us to remember that If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness I John 1:9
We see this “trend” in the story of Jonah. God had to get the Prophet right before He could save a country! This same situation is facing America today. We are living in the age of the Lukewarm, non committed, ineffectual Church that is more interesting in Meeting than in mattering! In Society than in Salvation! If there is any hope for America it will be when the Church rediscovers its PURITY, its PURPOSE, and its PRIORITIES.
I. THE PURITY OF THE CHURCH– God’s Command is still Come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you, (II Cor 6:17). We are IN the World but we must never be OF the World- It’s alright for the boat to be in the water but we’re in trouble when the water gets in the boat! We live in a day when it’s impossible to tell the Church from the world in activities, attire, or affection:
A) Activities- Church people today do things and go places without a thought for testimony or moral pollution. It’s almost a case of anything goes as long as the law doesn’t catch me, forgetting that you’ll answer to the LORD as well as the Law!
B) Attire- Bikini, hip hugger bathing suits are found on Church people today as often as on the world. Christians are “walking Bill-boards” (With messages on their clothes) for anything the world offers. God’s command is Modest, practical attire to emphasis the man of the heart instead of the body of the person!
C) Affection- I John 2:15 Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. I know God must be sick to His stomach with people who say they love Him but talk only about the world and make every excuse imaginable to keep from coming to God’s house so they can go to the pigpens of the world! When you love someone or something you look for opportunities to be with them (You make a date, you go fishing or shopping, etc). When GOD is your FIRST LOVE then you seek ways to be WITH Him and Learn OF Him instead of seeking excuses to avoid Him.
A Natural Progression [WITHOUT FAIL] is that when you lose your Purity you lose your purpose- A dirty drinking glass is set aside.
II. THE PURPOSE OF THE CHURCH– Matt 28:19-20 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. The Purpose of the Church can be described in 2 simple Principles. It is to get people to:
A) KNOW CHRIST as their personal Savior.
B) SHOW CHRIST in their Changes life.
A Church in which people are not being Saved or are not being Developed as Christians is failing in its function and should either be Revived or Abandoned!!
The Reason the Church loses its Purpose and it’s Purity is because it forgets its Priorities- A child dressed for Church thinks it’s Purpose is to Play and Purity doesn’t matter; until it learns Mother’s Priorities!!
III. THE PRIORITIES OF THE CHURCH–
A) Love for God above all else-Rev 2:4 I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love. When we love the Praises of Men, the Pleasures of the World, or the Pursuit of “Fun” more than God God has to stop working THROUGH us and start working ON us. One reason God is not doing more today is because His “tools” are dull so God has to spend His time sharpening His tools instead of clearing up new ground!
B) Light for a Sin Darkened World- Ye are the light of the world. The world is like a little kid in a room full of toys; every new flashy thing that comes along attracts his attention but when he gets in trouble he wants “Mommy”. The world laughs at the Church a lot but it looks for it’s light when the skies grow dark. No matter how bright the light inside, if the “lamp shade” is covered with dirt the light can’t get to a sin darkened world!!
Has God “put you on the shelf” because of impurity?? Come take a “bath” at the altar and become the person God intended you to be.

1Cor 06:- THINGS YOU OUGHT TO KNOW

Christians have a responsibility to themselves, to the world, and to God. In this Chapter Paul challenges Christians to put their Christianity into practice in every area of their life.
After dealing with disciplining a Church Member in Chapter Five Paul now moves to show them how to handle problems among themselves; and to show their responsibility to live right for God and before the world. He does this by showing them that there are things we ought to know already.
I. KNOW HOW TO HANDLE PROBLEMS AMONG FELLOW BELIEVERS BECAUSE OF ITS LATER APPLICATION vs 1-8 Saints shall Judge:
A) The World- Do ye not know that the saints shall judge the world? and if the world shall be judged by you, are ye unworthy to judge the smallest matters? (1 Corinthians 6:2). They will Rule in various positions during the 1000 year reign of Christ (And I saw thrones, and they sat upon them, and judgment was given unto them: … and they lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years (Rev 20:4).
B) Angels- Know ye not that we shall judge angels? how much more things that pertain to this life? (1 Corinthians 6:3). These are the angels who rebelled with Satan. Saints will show them that the better way is to choose to serve Christ and Worship God.
If Christians will be counted worthy to judge in these matters then they should handle their own problems without going to the courts of this world. Some Guidelines:
1> Christians should not go to court against other Christians- Now therefore there is utterly a fault among you, because ye go to law one with another. Why do ye not rather take wrong? why do ye not rather suffer yourselves to be defrauded? (1 Corinthians 6:7).
2> The Least Saint is a better Judge than a lost man (Remember that the natural man cannot understand the things of the Spirit of God).
3> It is better to suffer wrong than to downgrade the work of Christ (And if any man will sue thee at the law, and take away thy coat, let him have thy cloke also (Matthew 5:40).
Christian Problems should be solved in the light of Christian Principles.
II. KNOW OUR RESPONSIBILITY TO LIVE RIGHT vs 9-12 Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind, (1 Corinthians 6:9).
Remember what You WERE (Unrighteous) and what You BECAME (And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God (1 Corinthians 6:11).
Christians are no longer restricted by the Law’s demands but by Love’s Care and the danger of Sin’s Control-All things are lawful unto me, but all things are not expedient [Profitable]: all things are lawful for me, but I will not be brought under the power of any (1 Corinthians 6:12).
III. KNOW YOUR OBLIGATION TO GOD IN REFERENCE TO THE BODY OF CHRIST vs 13-20
A) Our Bodies are members of the Body of Christ- Know ye not that your bodies are the members of Christ? shall I then take the members of Christ, and make them the members of an harlot? God forbid (1 Corinthians 6:15). For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also is Christ (1 Corinthians 12:12).
B) Things that impact one part of the Body impact the ENTIRE Body- What? know ye not that he which is joined to an harlot is one body? for two, saith he, shall be one flesh (1 Corinthians 6:16). If I told the Judge only my hand stole the money then the judge could sentence my hand to jail; and the rest of the body would have to follow or be separated from the hand!
C) Knowing Who Occupies the Body should show how to treat the Body- What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? (1 Corinthians 6:19). Do not Grieve or Quench the Holy Spirit by your actions or attitude.
Now that You Know What You Ought to Do:
Do you handle your problems with Christians as a Christian should?
Do you show the World the difference Christ has made in your life by the way you live your life?
Do you Glorify God in your Body and Spirit?

1Cor 06:1-20 OWNERSHIP

I. AMONG THE BRETHREN 1-8
A) Christians should not go to court against their brother.
B) Saints shall judge: 1. the world 2. the angels so surely they should be able to decide on smaller matters.
C) The least Saint would be a better judge than any lost man.
D) If Brother goes to Law against Brother they’re both wrong! and bring reproach to the Church.
E) It is better to suffer wrong than to downgrade the work of Christ! (Remember- God keeps Records. Rom. 12:18-21)
(This is a continuation of the thought begun in Chapter 5 about Discipline in the Church. If the brothers have a problem and Bible guidelines are followed it would result in the problem being solved in the Church and not in the world. If the problem is not solved it would result in the Church breaking fellowship- Then if necessary the brother could go to Law for the excommunicated is considered a heathen.)
II. OF THE BODY 9-14
A) THE PRINCIPLES 9-14
1. The Unrighteous shall not inherit the Kingdom of God (We used to be rotten sinners but now we’re Children of God! And the price of all these things has been paid for by Christ. This means we have responsibility to live like Children of the King. Remember that Christ said we would know the tree by the fruit that it bore.)
2. All things are lawful but all are not expedient (Profitable) (It would be lawful for me to have hogs in my yard-but the land belongs to the Church and they wouldn’t like me making a pig pen of the parsonage. And when it rained my neighbors surely wouldn’t like the smell! Even so my “rights” do not overrule my responsibility to God who owns me nor to my neighbor who must live with me.)
B) The Practice 15-20
1. What the Body does affect the Spirit (Example is given of fornication in which 2 become 1. No matter what the world claims today, it is much more than a “physical” thing- it affects a person’s being. Other good examples are habits like drink, drugs, laziness…)
Your talk can defile the Body: And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity: so is the tongue among our members, that it defileth the whole body, and setteth on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire of hell (James 3:6).
Your Normal manner of life should be a positive testimony: Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God (1 Corinthians 10:31).
2. God has bought our Body (I Cor 15:36-40) and Spirit. God Chose us, Christ paid for us, and the Holy Spirit indwells us. BE CAREFUL HOW YOU TREAT GOD’S PROPERTY (Remember when the Master entrusted property to his servants But his citizens hated him, and sent a message after him, saying, We will not have this man to reign over us (Luke 19:14). And then the Master said, But those mine enemies, which would not that I should reign over them, bring hither, and slay them before me (Luke 19:27).

1Cor 06:9-10 WHAT WILL DISQUALIFY YOU FROM HEAVEN?

The Church exists in order to Prepare people to enter the Kingdom of Heaven, to Promote the Worship of God., and to Provide a method of showing Gods love and character on Earth. It is that first purpose (the Main Thing) that I want to talk about today.
I. What Brought you to Church today?
> Parents- Many people cease attending Church when they leave home.
> Preacher- You like for him or your dislike for his quarreling about you not coming.
> Popular (Would have been a Muslim if you would have been born in Iraq?)
> Problems- Marriage, Money, Medical, Mind (depression)
II. Now that you are at Church we want you to know lifes important question– What will Disqualify you from Heaven?
– Basketball player who kicked an opponent who was lying on the floor- kicked out of that game and disqualified from next game.
– Football quarterback was kicked off the team permanently for consistent bad behavior.
– NASCAR driver who was banned for life because of testing positive for drugs several times.
A) BEHAVIOR: Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind, Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God (1 Corinthians 6:9‑10).
1) Sins of Lust-
> Fornicators, idolaters, adulterers- Marriage is honourable in all, and the bed undefiled: but whoremongers and adulterers God will judge (Hebrews 13:4).
> Homo/Lesbians- Effeminate, abusers of themselves with mankind. Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen. For this cause God gave them up unto vile affections: for even their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature: And likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another; men with men working that which is unseemly, and receiving in themselves that recompence of their error which was meet. And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient; (Romans 1:25‑28)
2) Sins of Character- Thieves (will a man rob God?), Covetous (Form of Idolatry), drunkards (anything that controls your life so that it cannot be used for God- Drink, Drugs, TV), Revilers (Foul mouth that blasphemes God and slanders men), Extortioners – a form of Hatred- If a man say, I love God, and hateth his brother, he is a liar: for he that loveth not his brother whom he hath seen, how can he love God whom he hath not seen? (1 John 4:20)
B) BELIEF: Belief determines Behavior- Man who valued remote plane over his soul. Sister who valued Society Order over her brothers soul. When you Give up too early- Man who was leading the race but went to victory lane one lap too early.
Faith in Jesus Christ is the entrance into Heaven. And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God (1 Corinthians 6:11).
Greatest Tragedy that could ever happen to you would be for you to stand before God and He said to you, Depart from me, you work of Iniquity. I never knew you. You are disqualified from entering into Heaven!!

1Cor 06:9 11 HELL SINS

1 Cor 6:9 11 (KJV) Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind, 10 Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God. 11 And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God.
1 Cor 6:9 11 (NIV) Do you not know that the wicked will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: Neither the sexually immoral nor idolaters nor adulterers nor male prostitutes nor homosexual offenders 10 nor thieves nor the greedy nor drunkards nor slanderers nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God. 11 And that is what some of you were. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God.
1 Cor 6:9-11 (AMP) Do you not know that the unrighteous and the wrongdoers will not inherit or have any share in the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived (misled); neither the impure and immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor those who participate in homosexuality,
10 Nor cheats swindlers and thieves; nor greedy graspers, nor drunkards, nor foulmouthed revilers and slanderers, nor extortioners and robbers will inherit or have any share in the kingdom of God.
11 And such some of you were (once). But you were washed clean [purified by a complete atonemcnt for sin and made free from the guilt of sin]; and you were consecrated (set apart, hallowed); and you were justified (pronounced righteous, by trust) in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and in the (Holy) Spirit of our God.

Rev 21:7 8(KJV) He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son. 8 But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.
Rev 21:7 8 (NIV) He who overcomes will inherit all this, and I will be his God and he will be my son. 8 But the cowardly, the unbelieving, the vile, the murderers, the sexually immoral, those who practice magic arts, the idolaters and all liars their place will be in the fiery lake of burning sulfur. This is the second death.”
Rev 21:7-8 (AMP) 7 He who is victorious shall inherit all these things, and I will be God to him and he shall be My son. 8 But as for the cowards and the ignoble and the contemptible and the cravenly lacking in courage and the cowardly submissive; and as for the unbelieving and faithless; and as for the depraved and defiled with abominations; and as for murderers and the lewd and adulterous and the practicers of magic arts and the idolaters [those who give supreme devotion to any one or anything other than God] and all liars [those who knowingly convey untruth by word or deed, all of these shall have] their part in the lake that blazes with fire and brimstone. This is the second death.

Gal 5:19 20 (KJV) Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, 20 Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies,
Gal 5:19 21 (NIV) The acts of the sinful nature are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; 20 idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions 21 and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God.
Gal 5:19-21 (AMP) 19 Now the doings (practices) of the flesh are clear obvious: they are immorality, impurity, indecency; 20 Idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, anger (ill temper), selfishness, divisions (dissensions), party spirit (factions, sects with peculiar opinions, heresies); 21 Envy, drunkenness, carousing, and the like. I warn you beforehand, just as I did previously, that those who do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.

1Cor 06:12 WHAT IS YOUR PRISON?

All things are lawful unto me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but I will not be brought under the power of any (1 Corinthians 6:12).
What has YOU under its Power Today?
Your Failures–
A) Debt
B) Doubt
Your Habits:
A) Pornography
B) Drink / Drugs
Life’s Circumstances–
A) Disease
B) Disasters
God’s Plan–
A) Joseph
B) Paul
PARTING WITH THE PAST
Paul’s Anti-Christian behavior: 1 Tim 1:12 14 And I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who hath enabled me, for that he counted me faithful, putting me into the ministry; 13 Who was before a blasphemer, and a persecutor, and injurious: but I obtained mercy, because I did it ignorantly in unbelief. 14 And the grace of our Lord was exceeding abundant with faith and love which is in Christ Jesus.
Peter’s Denial under Trial: Mark 16:7 But go your way, tell his disciples and Peter that he goeth before you into Galilee: there shall ye see him, as he said unto you.
Learn from successful failures. Ty Cobb was thrown out more times trying to steal than any other man in baseball history. Babe Ruth struck out more times than any man in baseball history. Hank Aaron, who broke Babe Ruth’s record, has struck out more times than 99% of the players who make it to the major leagues. Nobody – but nobody – considers them failures and few people even remember their failures. Virtually everyone remembers their successes. Enrico Caruso’s voice failed to carry the high notes so many times his voice teacher advised him to quit. He kept singing and was recognized as the greatest tenor in the world. Thomas Edison’s teacher called him a dunce and he later failed over 14,000 times in his efforts to perfect the incandescent light. Abraham Lincoln was well known for his failures but nobody considers him a failure. Albert Einstein and Werner von Braun both flunked courses in math. Henry Ford was broke at age 40. Vince Lombardi became the most revered coach since Knute Rockne, but at age 43 he was a line coach at Fordham University

1Cor 06:20 WHOSE BODY IS IT, ANYWAY??

What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s (1 Corinthians 6:19-20).
The cry today from people of every generation is This is my Body. I can do what I want with it. They use that argument to justify abortions, dependence on drugs, watching or participating in sexual activity, and a host of other wrongs. The question we must answer is Just whose body is it anyway?
I. THE PRICE THAT WAS PAID FOR IT– You are bought with a price. The Cost of an Object Reveals its Value. In that case, you are the most valuable object ever created because the greatest price possible was paid for you: “Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers; But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot” (1 Pet 1:18 19)
II. THE PERSON WE ARE ACCOUNTABLE TO– Which are God’s. Ownership determines Obligations-Twice Paul tells us in this book that we are brought with a Price, here and (1 Cor 7:23) Ye are bought with a price; be not ye the servants of men.
Paul is asking us this tremendous question- Dare any of you, having been bought at the tremendous cost of the cross of Calvary, think that you can use your body for selfish pleasures instead of for God’s Glory or as an instrument to please men instead of God? God the Father Created our Body; God the Son redeemed our Body; and God the Holy Spirit indwells our body and makes it the temple of God. You are not your own. You don’t have the right to do your own thing
Accountability is Serious: If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which temple ye are (1 Corinthians 3:17).
III. THE PURPOSE WE MUST STRIVE FOR– “Glorify God in you your Body and in your Spirit”. There are 3 main times in a person’s life that show how our obligation to God must control our body:
A) Birth- Children are a Reward from God, not a penalty for a momentary pleasure. They were given to YOU to care for because God knew YOUR abilities. In Practical terms this means: No sex outside Marriage (See vs 16), No Abortions (Before I formed thee in the Belly I knew thee), No rejection of Children, etc.
B) Life- (Rom 12:1 2) I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. This means you must be careful:
What you put IN your Body- Drugs, Drink, Food
What you put ON your Body- clothes, Tattoos
What you do WITH your Body- Sinful Actions
C) Death- Your Body is God’s Property. God should determine when He is through with it –Euthanasia, Suicide–When Job’s Wife, in the midst of death and destruction, said “Curse God and Die”. Job said she talked as a foolish woman. I know Periods of Prolonged sickness cause us to long for relief for ourselves or our loved ones. Over and over, however, I have seen that Sickness and Sorrow many times speaks louder than Sermons. And regardless of your circumstances, you must have faith in the never failing Love of God.

1Cor 07:1-5 CHRISTIAN AND SEX

Sexual Innuendoes are used to market almost everything in society today. Divorce because of Sexual infidelity is becoming increasingly common even among Christians. We need to understand what God has to say about this important Subject
I. SEXUAL REQUIREMENTS–
A) Relationships- Prov 5:15-23 Never right outside of marriage
1. Two are needed- don’t allow self abuse (Adam needed Eve for Fellowship, as a Help Mate, and to produce offspring. Animals, another man, and even God could not meet these requirements)
2. Love and not just Lust- Love seeks to serve another, Lust simply seeks self satisfaction. Christians don’t Use (or Abuse) others; They realize their responsibility to each other- I Cor 7:3-4 Let the husband render unto the wife due benevolence: and likewise also the wife unto the husband. The wife hath not power of her own body, but the husband: and likewise also the husband hath not power of his own body, but the wife.
B) Regularity- I Cor 7:5 Defraud ye not one the other, except it be with consent for a time, that ye may give yourselves to fasting and prayer; and come together again, that Satan tempt you not for your incontinency (The Sexual Relationship is not to Bribe or Bind but to Bless).
II. SEXUAL REGULATIONS– To disobey the rules brings:
A) Disgrace to God- I Cor 6:15-20 Know ye not that your bodies are the members of Christ? shall I then take the members of Christ, and make them the members of an harlot? God forbid (vs 15)
B) Dishonor- for you and for those around you But whoso committeth adultery with a woman lacketh understanding: he that doeth it destroyeth his own soul. A wound and dishonour shall he get; and his reproach shall not be wiped away. Prov 6:32-33
C) Disease- Prov 5:1-11 And thou mourn as the last, when thy flesh and thy body are consumed Prov 5:11 (VD, Aids, etc)
D) Death- Prov 6:24-33 Her house (the Adulterous Woman) is the way to hell, going down to the chambers of death.
III. SEXUAL RESPONSIBILITIES–
A) Aware of societies pressures to do wrong. Christians need to be constantly aware that the “World” is trying to mold us into its image instead of allowing us to be conformed to the image of Christ. It does so by trying to corrupt our mind, defile our bodies, and lead us into sin so that God has to cease His Work THRU us in order to work ON us to get us back into proper relationship.
B) Aware of need to teach. Paul commands the aged women to Teach the young women to be sober, to love their husbands, to love their children, to be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God be not blasphemed. Young people will (and should) learn about the requirements and responsibilities of being a sexual being.
Christians can allow Relationship Trainging to come in back alleys and thru humanistic school classes; or they can accept their responsibility to explain that God intended man to be sexual- a “Gift” that demands Discipline but has potential for great Delight; or tremendous Disaster. To disobey God’s Rules about Sex can lead to Disgrace, Dishonor, Disease, Divorce, and even Death.
And they were both naked, the man and his wife, and were not ashamed Genesis 2:25

1Cor 07:- QUESTIONS CONCERNING MARRIAGE

Paul dealt with Problems he heard about; Now he begins to try to answer some of the questions that the Church had asked.
I. THE SEX 1-5 (Sex Education belongs in the Home (and church); not from the World. There is much difference between making Love and having Sex.
A) Good for man not to touch a woman
B) To avoid temptation let every man have own wife
C) Love and respect are due each partner. Men seek Respect (“Obey your husbands”) and women seek a loving relationship (“Husbands, love your wife”).
D) Regularity is enjoined (We yield our “rights” one to another. We realize we have a responsibility to meet the emotional and physical needs of one another).
II. THE CELIBACY 6-9
A) The Gift of self-control comes from God (Cp Matt 19:10-12)
B) Celibacy is desirable
C) Those not having gift of self-control should marry
III. THE SEPARATION 10-16
A) If possible stay with partner
B) If separated-remain unmarried, attempt reconciliation
C) If one partner leaves the other is not held responsible
IV. THE SERVICE 17-24
A) Serve God where you’re saved
B) Remember real “Owner” is God
V. THE SPIRITUAL 25-40
A) In persecution better to be single
B) Still it’s not a sin to marry
C) Marriage tends to divide attention
D) It is good to have no need of marriage
*** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** ***
What about “by permission: (vs 6) “I, not the Lord” (vs 12) and such like statements? “Far from disclaiming inspiration, the apostle associates his teaching with the Lord’s. Cases had arisen, as the Gospel overflowed Jewish limitations, not comprehended in the words of Jesus which were an instruction, primarily, to Israel. These new conditions demanded authoritative settlement, and only the inspired words of an Apostle could give that” (Dr. Scofield)
It is well to remember that it was against the Law for Jews to marry Gentiles and a “mixed” marriage of this type was supposed to be annulled (Ezra 9:-10:-). This line of thought is what prompted this question.

1Cor 08:- QUESTIONABLE THINGS

Paul is now dealing with things that are not necessarily wrong but are viewed by different people in different ways. The immediate problem was meat offered to idols. This sacrificial meat was sold at a cheaper price than normal meant and therefore many people used it. Some thought that in doing so this made them promote Idolatry. Paul discussed this problem and then gives us some principles which help us live as a Christian and decide what is right.
I. THE PRIDE vs 1-3 (Consider your Attitude).
A) Knowledge Blows up- Love Builds up
B) The knowledge we have is not nearly as much as we are supposed to have. For a person to say, “I know everything” is like believing you could fill the ocean with your few tears!
C) God looks at our motive (One man plunges a knife into a man to kill him; another to cure him. The difference is the loving use of Knowledge). Is your Goal to Build Up or to Get By?
II. THE PERSONAL RESPONSIBILITY vs 4-8 (Consider your Brother’s Knowledge)
A) We realize that idols are nothing and there is but one true God but…[We are saved by Grace through Faith and there is absolutely no work we can do to be saved or stay saved. Keeping the Law does not save me or “unsave me” but in everyone there is not that knowledge. The Law’s debt was completely paid by Christ’s death. But remember, Faith without works is dead being alone and I am God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works].
B) Some have not this knowledge and to them it is SIN. Hast thou faith? have it to thyself before God. Happy is he that condemneth not himself in that thing which he alloweth. And he that doubteth is damned if he eat, because he eateth not of faith: for whatsoever is not of faith is sin (Romans 14:22-23). If I think it is wrong and then do it my “non-sin” becomes the sin of rebellion against God.
Our Job is to bring people from where they are to where God wants them to be.
III. THE PRACTICE vs 9-11 (Consider your Brother’s Conscience). I have the right to own pigs but I do not have the right to use the Parsonage Front yard as a pig pen! I have the right to swing my fist but that right ends at your jaw!
A) My liberty can become my brother’s stumbling block: My claiming “my rights” can lead another wrong (Not a person’s Preference but a person’s Principles- The fact that I like oysters and some do not is a personal Preference). As an older Christian I am setting an example. I must beware lest I lead someone into doing what THEY THINK is wrong.
1. By persuading a weak conscience to do wrong.
2. Thus leading him to sin.
B) My liberty/stumbling block then becomes sin against my brother and Christ.
C) IT IS BETTER TO FORSAKE A “RIGHT” THAN LEAD SOMEONE WRONG. This is a serious problem because we are talking about diminishing a person’s Faith! Which is more important; your Rights or your Brother’s soul?
IV. THE PRINCIPLES vs 12-13 (Consider Christ)
A) Of Consideration- Regard for a Brother’s Welfare. Rights bring Responsibilities! (I have the right to swing my hand that that right stops at your jaw!). Liberty must be regulated by love and limited when there is a danger of hindering a brother’s spiritual progress. I Cor 10:31 WHETHER THEREFORE YE EAT, OR DRINK, OR WHATSOEVER YE DO, DO ALL TO THE GLORY OF GOD.
B) Of Conscience- Conscience, I say, not thine own, but of the other: for why is my liberty judged of another man’s conscience? (1 Cor 10:29). I know, and am persuaded by the Lord Jesus, that there is nothing unclean of itself: but to him that esteemeth any thing to be unclean, to him it is unclean (Rom 14:14).
C) Of Consequences- But when ye sin so against the brethren, and wound their weak conscience, ye sin against Christ (1 Corinthians 8:12).
IS IT RIGHT??? Check by the rule of:
1. Expedience (I Cor 6:12) Is it profitable to my spiritual life?
2. Enslavement (I Cor 6:12) Will it control me?
3. Example (I Cor 8:9-10) Will it lead others wrong?
4. Edification (I Cor 10:23) Does it build up my Faith and the Church?
When a person is married they do not end their relationship at “I do”. The two of them become One; and yet, each of them retain their individual personality, preference, and practices. Their Love leads them to Build a relationship that works with their individual personalities.

1Cor 8:- QUESTIONABLE THINGS

1. Should a Christian Gamble? Play the Lottery? Raffle tickets to win rifles, cakes, etc.? (My rule of thumb is that if you pay money on the chance of winning something then that is gambling. It’s alright to take a chance to win a reward but not if you pay- We give out candy bars to the winner of Bingo at Church sometimes. It would be gambling if the people paid to take the chance of winning the candy.)
2. What about Games that use Dice or playing cards?
3. Should a Christian attend Movies? own a VCR and rent movies? Pay for cable to receive movies?
4. Should a Christian eat in a restaurant that serves liquor? buy from a grocery store that sells liquor?
Here are some Guidelines to help you determine what to do:
1. Desire to Do what God Wants- not just what you want
2. Compare Scriptures- don’t use just a portion of scripture out of context to justify what you want to do.
3. Pray for Wisdom
4. Heed the Holy Spirit’s leadership- listen to His voice
5. Can you do it in the name of Jesus?
6. Does it offend other Christians? [We’re not talking about PREFERENCES but CONVICTIONS (The Church busybody came up to the Preacher ·one time and said, “Your tie offends me”. The Pastor reached for a pair of scissors and told the woman to cut off that that offended her. After she cut off his tie and handed back the scissors the pastor then looked at her and said, “Your tongue offends me!”].
Check by:
1. The rule of .Expedience “All things are lawful unto me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me” (1 Corinthians 6:12). Will it profit my Spiritual life?
2. The Rule of Enslavement- 1 Cor 6:12b “but I will not be brought under the power of any” Will it ·control me?
3. The Rule of Example- “But take heed lest by any means this liberty of yours become a stumbling block to them that are weak. For if any man see thee which hast knowledge sit at meat in the idol’s temple, shall not the conscience of him which is weak be emboldened to eat those things which are offered to idols” (1 Corinthians 8:9-10). Will it lead others wrong?
4. The Rule of Edification- “All things are lawful for me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but all things edify not” (1 Corinthians 10:23).Does it build up me and the Church?
REMEMBER THIS: “THE VERY FACT THAT IT’S QUESTIONABLE MEANS YOU NEED TO PROCEED WITH CAUTION”

1Cor 08:5-6 SUCCESSFUL SERVICE

(Preached to Pastors in India on Prayer Day- Monday, April 12, 2010)
We work because we believe there is ONE TRUE GOD and He is the Judge of all the Earth- For though there be that are called gods, whether in heaven or in earth, (as there be gods many, and lords many,) But to us there is but one God, the Father, of whom are all things, and we in him; and one Lord Jesus Christ, by whom are all things, and we by him (1 Corinthians 8:5-6).
Ministers have the most high and holy calling of any men on earth. We serve because we care and we dare not fail- Knowing therefore the terror of the Lord, we persuade men; (2 Corinthians 5:11).
1) Obey Completely. The Last recorded words of Mary, the Mother of Jesus, were Whatsoever he saith unto you, do it (John 2:5). Surrendering is not about being willing to give up one thing. It is about being willing to do anything at any time as requested by God.
2) Abide Continuously– I am the true vine, and my Father is the husbandman. Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he taketh away: and every branch that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit. Now ye are clean through the word which I have spoken unto you. Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me (John 15:1-4).
a. Work for God but do not try to be God- I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase (1 Corinthians 3:6).
b. Recognize the benefits of Abiding:
i. Prayer is effective- If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you (John 15:7).
ii. Joy is Complete- These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full (John 15:11).
iii. Fruit will Last- Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you (John 15:16). Fruit fails in dry weather but now when you have living water!
3) Keep your Axe Sharp– If the iron be blunt, and he do not whet the edge, then must he put to more strength: but wisdom is profitable to direct (Ecclesiastes 10:10). {Do not get careless and lose your axe head-2 Kings 6:1-7.}
4) Run until the Race is Over– And say to Archippus, Take heed to the ministry which thou hast received in the Lord, that thou fulfil it (Colossians 4:17). I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: (2 Timothy 4:7).

1Cor 08:9 LIBERTY’S LIMITS

I have traveled over much of the world and I can tell you today that America is still the envy of the world. The world does not envy our crime or our corruption but they long for the Liberty that allows Americans greater privileges and pleasures than any other place on this earth. The freedom that Americans enjoy which allows us to travel as we please, to speak our minds (even as mindlessly as some speak!), and to pursue the “great American dream” of success is the constant “magnet” that draws people from all over the world to America.
The problems that have developed in America in recent years have mainly come from our failure to recognize that this great Liberty we enjoy comes with limitations.
Liberty must recognize its responsibility– 1 Cor 8:9 But take heed lest by any means this liberty of yours become a stumblingblock to them that are weak. In the same way that you can not playfully yell “fire” in a crowded theater, we must realize that Liberty comes with responsibilities. My Liberty to swing my arm ends where your nose begins.
Liberty must not be used as a pretext to cover wickedness– 1 Pet 2:16 As free, and not using your liberty for a cloak of maliciousness, but as the servants of God. Liberty is not a license to do wrong. You have the liberty to choose whatever bank you desire but you do not have the liberty to rob that bank. You have the liberty to reject Christianity but that should not mean you exclude Christianity from others.
Liberty must have a concern for others– Gal 5:13 14 For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another. For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this; Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.
Note how often God repeated this Guideline in Scripture- James 2:8 If ye fulfil the royal law according to the scripture, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself, ye do well:
Lev 19:18 Thou shalt not avenge, nor bear any grudge against the children of thy people, but thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself: I am the LORD.
Mark 12:31 And the second {great commandment} is like, namely this, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. There is none other commandment greater than these.
Rom 13:9 For this, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not kill, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness, Thou shalt not covet; and if there be any other commandment, it is briefly comprehended in this saying, namely, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.
Liberty must be Preserved– Gal 5:1 Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ has made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage. Satan is out to capture and control you. Jesus came to set the Captives free (Luke 4:18). The job of a Christian is to do their job until there is no longer a need for that job. That means doing whatever it takes to defend our liberty in Christ.
Satan became Satan because he rejected the limits to his liberty set by God. When you declare that Liberty has no limits then you declare you are god and nothing or no one should restrict you. What utter chaos would exist in the world if everyone lived as if Liberty had no limits. Can you see why the world is in such trouble today?

1Cor 09:- QUESTIONS CONCERNING MINISTERS

Paul gave some guidelines about Questionable Things in Chapter 8. Now he uses himself as a personal example of a person who has certain rights but refuses to use them in order to advance the Kingdom of God. Then he looks beyond his rights now to the place of final rewards where his denial will seem as nothing compared to his reward.
I. THE RIGHTS vs 1-11 Based on his relationship to the Corinthians vs 1-2.
A) He brought them the Gospel but he is a normal person with normal needs – v3-5 (eat, drink, family)
B) He has the right to be supported by the “harvest” 6-11. If we have sown unto you spiritual things, is it a great thing if we shall reap your carnal things? (1 Corinthians 9:11). Christ said to live off support from those you minister to- He did!
(Old Testament Priest took the hides from the burnt offering, all the flesh (except fat) from the sin offering and trespass offering, most of the meat offering, the breast and right shoulder of the peace offering, plus various “first fruit” gifts. They also received tithes and special offerings).
II. THE REJECTION vs 12-23
A) Lest the Gospel be hindered (By people thinking He was doing it for the money) 12
B) Lest the glorying be void 13-15. He gloried in God not in gold; and did not want to be controlled by the “rich” in the Church.
C) Lest he abuse his power in the Gospel 16-18 (Claim more than have a right to). ) A dispensation of the Gospel involved a discharge of the Gospel Responsibility.
D) In order to gain the more 19-22 Able to understand the struggles of Church Members better so he could relate to them better and “by all means save some”. He wanted to show others how to serve where God called and sacrifice as God asked.
E) That he might be “Partaker” with them in spreading the Gospel- because getting the Gospel to people is more important than any of my “rights” 23
V. THE REWARD vs 24-27
A) The One who RUNS the Race receives the reward, so run! 24
B) Temperance and Vision are required 25-26. You need a Goal to reach toward and Guidelines to insure you do not get off track
C) Dedication is needed lest you are hindered by the sacrifice instead of helped by the coming Reward 27 Paul says a Pastor has the right to expect his flock to support him. Paul did not use this right lest the people say he was ministering for money. He was in it for the Ministry; not the money.
How do you know if you are called to Preach? But I have used none of these things: neither have I written these things, that it should be so done unto me: for it were better for me to die, than that any man should make my glorying void. For though I preach the gospel, I have nothing to glory of: for necessity is laid upon me; yea, woe is unto me, if I preach not the gospel! For if I do this thing willingly, I have a reward: but if against my will, a dispensation of the gospel is committed unto me. What is my reward then? Verily that, when I preach the gospel, I may make the gospel of Christ without charge, that I abuse not my power in the gospel (1 Corinthians 9:15-18).
You Desire God’s Will above all (vs 15), You cannot get away from Preaching (vs 16), You have a Burden in your heart to proclaim God’s word (vs 17), and Your cannot get away from your responsibility to help lost humanity. You are willing to become a servant to get people saved (vs 18)
.

1Cor 09:24-27 RUNNERS INTO THE RACE

Paul had been giving some guidelines about questionable things in chapter 8 (Meat offered to idols. It was cheaper to buy but was it wrong to eat it?? Paul shows them their responsibility to God involved a responsibility to other people also). He now give himself and his rights as a minister as an example of giving up your rights for God’s Glory.
In doing this Paul gives the very heart of a minister and that’s what I want us to see today; in the hopes that God will give someone here that same kind of heart.
I. WE NEED SOME RUNNERS vs 24. Ezek 22:30 And I sought for a man among them, that should make up the hedge, and stand in the gap before me for the land, that I should not destroy it: but I found none. Matt 9:37-38 The harvest truely is plenteous, but the laborers are few; Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he will send forth laborers into the harvest. John 4:35 Lift up your eyes, and look on the fields; for they are white already to harvest. The harvest is perishing while multitudes lounge around the house discussing harvest methods!
II. WE NEED THEM TRAINED vs 25-26
A) vs 25 Give them Guidelines
1. Timothy- II Tim 1:13 Hold fast the form of sound words, which thou hast heard of me, in faith and love which is in Christ Jesus. II Tim 2:2 The things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful me, who shall be able to reach others also. vs 15 Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of God.
2. Joshua- Ex 33:11 And the Lord spake unto Moses face to face; as a man speaketh unto his friend. And he turned again into the camp: but his servant Joshua, the son of Nun, a young man, departed not out of the tabernacle.
3. Samuel- I Sam 3:21 And the Lord appeared again in Shiloh: for the Lord revealed himself to Samuel in Shiloh by the Word of the Lord.
B) Give them a Goal- vs 26 Point to Abundant Life in Christ. We proclaim a person, not a program. We are made all things to all men that we might by all means save some.
III. WE NEED THEM DEDICATED vs 27 Willing to make the needed sacrifices. It takes 12 years to dig a church out.
God is looking for Runners to enlist in the Race. Are you willing to join the ranks today??

1Cor 9:24-27 THE CHRISTIAN ATHLETE

America is a place where athletes are honored and paid extraordinary salaries when they reach success. It is not wrong for a Christian to enjoy sports and become involved but we need to look at Involvement from a Christian perspective.
I. Some Guidelines for the Athlete:
1. The rules must be obeyed. And if a man also strive for masteries, yet is he not crowned, except he strive lawfully (2 Timothy 2:5).
2. Everyone cannot be #1. Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain (1 Corinthians 9:24).
3. Sacrifice is necessary, And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible (1 Corinthians 9:25).
4. A goal is essential. I therefore so run, not as uncertainly; so fight I, not as one that beateth the air (1 Corinthians 9:26).
5. A proper for perspective is needed. But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway (1 Corinthians 9:27).
II. Some helps to find your place in sports
1. Commitment: Are you willing to devote yourself to practice. If not then don’t take up someone else’s place on the team. Can you devote the time to practice and play without harming your school work, home life, and church attendance?
2. Control: There is no worse place to lose your temper than in front of a crowd of spectators. If you can’t control your temper you need to spend your time in prayer instead of play Poor calls, improper judgments, and abuse by fans and opposing players are part of the game. Be a witness on the field
3 Cooperation: A player who cannot get along with his coach or teammates is a poor example for Christ. Christians are part of the body of Christ. As athletes they need to cooperate as of the team; realizing that each person has a special place.
4 Career: Sports is not the sum total of life. Keep your perspective in place. 400,000 young men will graduate from high school this year. From these 60 will make the NBA, 130 will make the major leagues of baseball, and 250 will make the NFL. That is one chance in 3,200.
Finally what is God’s will for your life in sports?

1Cor 10:- DELIVERED BUT DEFEATED

INTRO.- Paul has been talking about Christian Liberty in the past few chapters. In chapter 8 he laid down some ground rules so that Liberty would be governed by Love. In chapter 9 he gave a personal example of how this worked. Now he’s going to look at Liberty in relationship to the Lord.
I. THE EXPERIENCES vs 1-4 (Note All)
A) Spiritual Guidance “under the cloud” The cloud told them where to go and when to go. Ps. 16:11 He will show me the Path of Life (Do you know God’s guidance?)
B) Safety “Passed thru Sea: It looked as if God’s Guidance had led them into a trap but it turned out that God’s people were delivered and the enemy destroyed. YOU CAN TRUST GOD!!!
C) Substance “eat the same spiritual meat” Manna from Heaven- “Angel food” (Christ the Bread of Life)
D) Satisfaction “drank of that spiritual Rock” (Christ) In a dry and thirsty land they found the water of life!
With all of these Blessings and Benefits you would think that everything would have been great “But with many of them God was not well pleased: (vs 5). Notice that everything was a Gift given by God for their Pleasure and Profit. The Problem was that they abused what God gave them – Liberty became License and they that thought they stood fell– thus becoming our:
II. EXAMPLES vs 5-12 So we should not:
A) Lust after evil things- See Ps 78:32-33. Do you waste your life chasing “bubbles: that burst if touched? They were not satisfied with what God gave! Are YOU???
B) Be idolaters – See Ps 78:34-37 The Golden Calf was built because Moses was gone 40 days! The Just shall live by Faith- and Faith that is seen is not Faith. Do you have to have “Something: to lean on other than God??
C) Commit fornication – See Ps 78:38-40 They joined with Evil.
Balaam could not curse the People so He compromised them. The Word Fornicate comes from the Base Greek word-“To Sell”. Are you selling your soul for the fellowship of the world?
“What does it profit a man if he gain the whole world and lose his own soul?”
D) Tempt Christ- See Ps 78:41 “Yea, they turned back and tempted God, and limited the Holy One of Israel.” Sin causes the Holy Spirit to cease His work thru us and turn to working with us to get us to repent and renew fellowship. All this time we limit God’s Work because He can’t use us until fellowship is restored. Satan during this time is crying for God to give us what we deserve and destroy us.
What can Christ do? “As Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up; That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life” (Jn 3:14-15) Look and Live!!!
Do you tempt God to destroy you thru allowing sin to remain in your life?? If we confess it he is faithful and just to forgive us and cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
E) Murmur – Se Ps 78:42 They talked against God because He in Love had disciplined them. They forgot all His goodness. Do you expect God to always give you Sunshine and become Rebellious in the Rain???
All of this was written for our admonition. It is necessary that we examine our lives in relation to our liberty and constantly be on guard.
III. THE EXAMINING vs 13-22 These examples should teach us to Be cautious and concerned, beware of Pride in self, and to look to Christ for strength and help in trials, troubles, and temptations.
A) The Confidence – Not is self but in GOD’S provision (A way to escape is always provided. Liberty means walking out of a “cell” before the door closes.)
B) The commonness – If bread and wine represent body and blood of Christ then things offered to Idols have a meaning. “Happy is he that condemneth not himself in that thing which he alloweth” (Rom 14:22)
C) The Cup- Cannot drink the Lord’s and Devil’s WHOSE SIDE ARE YOU ON??
IV. THE EDIFYING vs 23-33
A) Seek no trouble
B) Shun known sin
C) Serve to save
Paul shows in this chapter that Christian Liberty must not be abused. Thru the Experiences of the Israelites he shows that all had an equal beginning but by the Examples he shows that many abused their liberty. Instead of examining themselves and seeking to Edify the brethren they sought only what pleased self. Christians should read this chapter OFTEN and BEWARE LEST YE FALL.

1Cor 10:1-4 4 REASONS TO FOLLOW CHRIST

Moreover, brethren, I would not that ye should be ignorant, how that all our fathers were under the cloud, and all passed through the sea; And were all baptized unto Moses in the cloud and in the sea; And did all eat the same spiritual meat; And did all drink the same spiritual drink: for they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them: and that Rock was Christ (1 Corinthians 10:1-4).
This happened AFTER applying the Blood and leaving Egypt. You cannot follow Christ until the Blood is applied- Which will enable you to leave the bondage of Egypt. Note “ALL”
I. SPIRITUAL GUIDANCE “Under the Cloud”. Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore (Psalms 16:11). Day and Night they saw God’s leadership. They were led into the desert in order to prepare them for the new life God had for them.
II. SAFETY “Passed through the sea” (Baptized unto Moses= put under the leadership of God’s chosen leader). Christ “Passed through the crowd” seeking to harm Him because it was not time yet (Luke 4:29-30). Paul was stoned but not killed til God said it was time.
III. SUBSTANCE “Did all eat of the same spiritual meat, and did all drink the same spiritual drink”. God game them manna from heaven. He gave Elijah food from a widow. Christ fed 5000 from boy’s lunch. God gives us daily bread.
IV. SATISFACTION “they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them: and that Rock was Christ”
The people were thirsty (world cannot satisfy). Moses told to smite the rock- Water did not flow until rock was smitten. Teachings and example of Christ are important but He must be smitten for our sins.
Ho, every one that thirsteth, come ye to the waters, and he that hath no money; come ye, buy, and eat; yea, come, buy wine and milk without money and without price (Isaiah 55:1).

1Cor 10:12 BOAST NOT

Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall (1 Cor 10:12).
Fools Gold. Looks like the real thing but has no value. Satan’s sin was Pride (A conceited sense of one’s superiority). Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall (Prov 16:18).
These are some THINGS WE SHOULD NOT PUT CONFIDENCE IN:
PHYSICAL STRENGTH: And the king of Israel answered and said, Tell him, Let not him that girdeth on his harness boast himself as he that putteth it off (1 Ki 20:11). Goliath was strong but not as strong as David’s Stone. Samson was strong but not as strong as Deliah’s wiles
FINANCES: They that trust in their wealth, and boast themselves in the multitude of their riches; None of them can by any means redeem his brother, nor give to God a ransom for him: (Psa 49:6-7) (See Isaiah 39:- where Hezekiah bragged of his riches to Babylon and God told him that Babylon would take his riches from him). The Bible says that Riches make themselves wings and fly away. Today’s riches may be tomorrow’s poverty. Nebuchadnezzar was king of Babylon one day and eating grass like an ox the next.
FALSE GIFT: Whoso boasteth himself of a false gift is like clouds and wind without rain (Prov 25:14).
Paul’s reasons for boasting about his religious heritage were counted as dung when it came to Christ. The Hypocrite’s Hope will fade before the pure gaze of a Holy God. You may fool everyone in this Church but you’ll never fool God.
FUTURE: Boast not thyself of to morrow; for thou knowest not what a day may bring forth (Prov 27:1).
Go to now, ye that say, To day or to morrow we will go into such a city, and continue there a year, and buy and sell, and get gain: Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away. For that ye ought to say, If the Lord will, we shall live, and do this, or that. But now ye rejoice in your boastings: all such rejoicing is evil (James 4:13-16). Today is the day of Salvation. The world can change with the crash of an assassin’s bullet. Your world can change in the twinkling of an eye when you leave here today.
IN SAVING YOURSELF– For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast (Eph 2:8-9). I hear people say, “I’ll get saved when I’m good and ready.” Multitudes in Hell today sang the same song!
The only thing you had better boast in is the Lord– My soul shall make her boast in the LORD: the humble shall hear thereof, and be glad (Psa 34:2).

1Cor 10:13 WANTING THE WAY

(1 Corinthians 10:13) There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.
The major problem Christians share about in living for God is facing and overcoming temptations. The main reason many lost people use for not becoming Christians is because they feel they “could not hold out” (They don’t think they could withstand the temptations they would have to face).
Several methods are used by people to overcome Temptations. Here are a couple:
A) The “Clenched Fist” strategy where you grit your teeth and determine you will win – until your strength gives out and your fall again! {The Bible does tell us- (James 4:7) Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Resisting Satan is one thing but resisting “Self” feels like running away from self to only find “self” when you arrive at your destination!}
B) The “Weeping Weakness” strategy where you tell God that you are too weak to deal with an area in your life so God must not hold it against you (Even though He does say it’s wrong for everyone else!)
Our Scripture verse declares that:
1) Temptations are Common to man. You are not alone in your weakness.
2) Temptations (for a Christian) are limited. God will not suffer (allow) you to be tempted above your abilities to cope with the temptation.
3) Temptations have a WAY out so you can withstand them even if you cannot escape them.
In order to TAKE the WAY out of sin you must:
A) SEE the WAY out. Satan tries to blind us so that we see falling into the temptation as the only way out. Like a person putting together a puzzle, we must see this piece as part of the entire picture.
B) Having seen the way we must now WANT the WAY. The flesh will want the gratification of the temptation more than it wants the way out of the temptation! So how can we get to the place we WANT THE WAY out of the temptation?
In the report of the task force on Pornography issued by the Attorney General several years ago Dr. Dobson made a statement that stuck with me- In describing the harmful results of pornography he revealed that Rape is always described as forcing a woman to do what she really wanted to do anyway- with the woman always thanking the man for his brutal act afterwards. Men who read this on a regular basis then believe that force is the way to get someone to “Love” you!
Sadly, some Christians think God ought to do the same thing. I once had a man tell me I had to preach against smoking every message because he was trying to quit smoking and he needed something to make him do right!
Wanting the Way means we desire the Way more than we desire the Wickedness. This comes from real love; not forced compliance. How do we Love God enough to want the Way out? This is a whole lot more important than you might think- (Matthew 24:12) And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold.
Tonight we will talk about reasons we love God but it is sufficient right now to simply declare- (1 John 4:19) We love him, because he first loved us. GOD PROVIDES THE WAY OUT AND THAT WAY LEADS TO HIS LOVING ARMS!!
There is another WAY you need to want today. If you are not a Child of God then Turning from Temptation will not do you any good except to make you a better moral person. You must turn from the way of Satan and get on God’s Highway- And there is only one door that leads to that way- (John 14:6) Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.

1Cor 10:13 HOW TO WIN OVER TEMPTATION

There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it (1 Corinthians 10:13)
Someone once told me, For years I was a success in my Christian life but a failure in my personal life. A besetting sin continual tricked and trapped me and robbed me of my victory and joy. It was not a “great” sin or a “disqualifying sin” but a sin is a sin and it robbed me of my confidence and victory as a Christian. What a great day it was when I learned how to win over Temptation so that I could really enjoy my life with God.
1) Temptation is a Common Problem– “Common to Man”.
2) Temptation is a Varying Problem– For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world (1 John 2:16). One Man’s Bait is another man’s worm. I never drank alcohol and have no desire to drink. My brother loves alcohol and must pray daily not to drink. You must learn YOUR temptation and be on Guard. Sometimes Satan will come to your door wearing a “blue dress” instead of a “red suit”.
Satan is described as an animal 5 times in the Word of God. These 5 “pictures” of Satan will help us to realize how he attacks us.
1) In Gen 3 Satan is a SNAKE that deceives God’s people
2) in Mark 4:15 Satan is a BIRD that steals the seed of the Gospel before it can take root in a person’s heart.
3) In John 10:12 Satan is a WOLF seeking to scatter God’s people
4) in I Peter 5:8 Satan is a LION who wants to eat God’s people
5) in Revelation 12 Satan is a DRAGON who persecutes God’s people.
No matter how Satan comes at you his goal is always to discourage, defile, defeat, or destroy you. He is never out to do you good. You need to GUARD AGAINST Temptation: Watch ye and pray, lest ye enter into temptation. The spirit truly is ready, but the flesh is weak (Mark 14:38)
How to Overcome Temptation:
1) Let other People help you- Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much (James 5:16). Avoid your “private place” of temptation- Ever notice how easy it is to avoid temptation when other people are around?
Find someone to whom you can be open and accountable about your problem. Seek their counsel, solicit their prayers, and support each other during weak times (Two are better than one; because they have a good reward for their labour. For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow: but woe to him that is alone when he falleth; for he hath not another to help him up. Ecclesiastes 4:9-10).
2) Look for God’s way of Escape- There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it (1 Corinthians 10:13). There must be a DESIRE to escape and then a willingness to DENY the pull of the temptation as you “go through” the “escape hatch” God has provided for you.
3) Put God’s Word in your heart- Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee (Psalms 119:11). Jesus “was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin” (Heb 4:15). The Bible’s illumination of this temptation showed Christ consistently answering Satan’s temptation appeal by applying the Word of God to the situation (Matt 4:1-11).
The greatest temptation some people face is the temptation to put off salvation to some more convenient season- How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation; which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed unto us by them that heard him; (Hebrews 2:3)
Today is the day of Salvation. Do not be tempted to wait unto tomorrow. It may never come.

WATCH AND WIN

This is something that may help you win over Temptations in your life. WATCH your:
W ords– Words can hurt YOU (Will give account for every idle word) and words can hurt OTHERS (Gossip destroys Reputation, Anger destroys Relationship) . [Say “I love you” and may not believe but say “I hate you” and believe instantly and forever]
A ctions– The Bad things you do (Even a child is know by actions) and the Good things you fail to do (To know to do good and do it not is a sin).
T oughts– As a man thinks in his heart so is he. Adultery, coveting, anger, idol worship all begin in the heart (Songs and TV commercials all seek to change our thoughts)
C ompanions– Enter not into the path of the wicked, and go not in the way of evil men. Avoid it, pass not by it, turn from it, and pass away (Proverbs 4:14-15). You talk and act like the people you are around. – Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful (Psalms 1:1).
H abits– Some things Control you- All things are lawful unto me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but I will not be brought under the power of any (1 Corinthians 6:12)
Some things Capture you- The man takes a drink, the drink takes a drink, the drink takes a man. Even a small thread can hold you if it is wrapped many time (Vine and tree in India where vine wraps around the tree and then kills tree because it must depend on tree’s sap to survive).

1Cor 10:31-33 HOW TO DESTROY EGO WITHOUT KILLING AMBITION

Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God. Give none offence, neither to the Jews, nor to the Gentiles, nor to the church of God: Even as I please all men in all things, not seeking mine own profit, but the profit of many, that they may be saved (1 Corinthians 10:31-33).
QUESTION:
What is your ambition while on earth? / ME- To Know and Do the Will of God in every area of my life.
What is your Ambition as a Christian- Not seeking my own profit but the profit of many that they may be saved.
What is the Difference between a Servant and a Slave? A Servant serves willingly while a Slave is compelled to do the bidding of the Master.
Ego Puts Self First, This is why we must have an Ambition that is guided by the Spirit
AMBITION IN NIV-Rom 15:20 It has always been my ambition to preach the gospel where Christ was not known, so that I would not be building on someone else’s foundation.
1 Th 4:11 Make it your ambition to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business and to work with your hands, just as we told you,
BEWARE OF SELF CENTERED AMBITION:
Gal 5:20 idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions
Phil 1:17 The former preach Christ out of selfish ambition, not sincerely, supposing that they can stir up trouble for me while I am in chains.
Phil 2:3 Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves.
James 3:14 But if you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth.
James 3:16 For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice.

1Cor 11:- QUESTIONS CONCERNING MISCONDUCT IN THE LORD’S HOUSE

INTRO- Paul is dealing with the ordinances in Chapter 11 (vs 1-2) but before he tells about the ordinances he deals with several problems that stem from the failure to submit to God’s Authority. For this reason the Fellowship Supper had become a “Fraction-ship” Supper and the real meaning of the ordinance was lost.
I. THE CUSTOMS VS 1-16
A) Based on Law
1. God’s line of Authority: God-Christ-Man-Woman
2. God and Christ were equal but Christ became submissive to God to satisfy the law.
3. Man and woman are equal abut woman becomes submissive to man because of the disorder of sin.
B) Bears on looks: Custom says woman must wear a covering to show her submission to man. Likewise man must not wear a covering for to do so dishonors his Head (Christ) (One of the silliest rules in the Navy says that you have to wear a hat when you’re outdoors.
Its main purpose is to teach you to submit to authority.) (vs 14,15 in Amplified Bible) “Does not (experience, common sense, reason, and) the native sense of propriety itself teach you that for a man to wear long hair is a dishonor (Humiliating and degrading) to him, But if a woman has long hair, it is her ornament and glory? For her hair is given to her for a covering.”
II. THE COMMUNION
A) The Division vs 17-34 Do we tend to “Group”? “I praise you not”
B) The Directions vs 23-34
1. The Symbols given by Christ
Bread-broken body
Cup- Blood of New Testament
Each time we have communion we shew the Lord’s death til he come
2. The Searching
a. A Backward Look vs 24-25 at what Christ has done.
b. A Forward Look vs 26 to His coming
c. An Inward Look vs 28 at how we’re serving.
Paul in this chapter shows that misconduct breeds misconduct. He begins by showing how a “small” infraction in dress leads to a greater infraction in personal relations and finally in Church conduct. “Little matches start big fires!!”
NOTES: There are 3 Ordinances- Baptism, Communion, & Feet Washing.
Covering- Some consider this to be a hat. This is why a woman wears a hat in Church and a man doesn’t. I don’t think it’s a hat for Paul talks of hair. Consider This. Women began cutting their hair with the advent of Women’s lib. And boys began allowing their hair to grow long with the publicity of homosexuals. Do you do things because that’s what God wants or what you want??

1Cor 11:19-34 MEANING OF THE LORD’S SUPPER

The only “forms” the Lord put into Christianity is what we call the Ordinances: Baptism, Lord’s Supper, Feet Washing. There are to be done by all Christians and serve as examples for the world to see.
As FWB we celebrate 3 Gospel Ordinances:
1. Baptism (Immersion in Water) which shows the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ. A WITNESS OF OUR SALVATION.
2. Communion (Eating Bread and Cup as SYMBOLS of the Broken Body and Shed Blood of Christ. A WITNESS OF THE SUFFERING (Broken Body) AND SACRIFICE (Shed Blood) OF CHRIST.
3. Washing of Saint’s Feet is A WITNESS OF SERVICE. Greatest of all is servant of all.
From Paul’s teachings we see that the Lord’s Supper is based on 3 different looks:
I. A BACKWARD LOOK. This do in remembrance of me
A) The Bread: “This is my body, which is broken for you”. Unleavened bread, free from sin
B) The Cup: The new testament in my blood to show the Lord’s death
II. A FORWARD LOOK. Til He come.
This will end one day when we will be with Christ and the form will turn into substance.
Til then it is a testimony of our faith in Christ and our Hope for His return
II. AN INWARD LOOK. Let a man examine himself
A) The need of daily cleansing- feet washing
B) The chastening of the Lord- Even in a Christian’s life
3 RULES PAUL LAID DOWN:
1. Order (19-22). Do not swim in the Baptismal Pool, come together for a Fellowship Supper or talk about ball games during Feet Washing. This is a form and meant to be worshipful.
2. Example (23-26) We do this in Public for all to see and any Christian to participate.
3. Examination (27-34). “What does hinder me from being Baptized? Let him examine himself and then eat. This keeps us “on course” as we remember whose we are. One of the greatest Christian weaknesses is forgetfulness of what we have in Christ. But he that lacketh these things is blind, and cannot see afar off, and hath forgotten that he was purged from his old sins (2 Peter 1:9).

1Cor 11:23 REMEMBRANCES

Yea, I think it meet, as long as I am in this tabernacle, to stir you up by putting you in remembrance; (2 Peter 1:13).
Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent (Rev 2:5).
It is good to look forward to the Future but it is also good to remember the past (They who forget the mistakes of the past are doomed to repeat them!).
Most of us have some sort of “Remembrance Book” [Diaries or Phot albums]. IT IS GOOD TO KNOW THAT GOD ALSO HAS WAYS TO REMEMBER:
1) A BOOK of our Testimonies about God’s Love and Care: Then they that feared the LORD spake often one to another: and the LORD hearkened, and heard it, and a book of remembrance was written before him for them that feared the LORD, and that thought upon his name. And they shall be mine, saith the LORD of hosts, in that day when I make up my jewels; and I will spare them, as a man spareth his own son that serveth him (Malachi 3:16-17).
2) A RAINBOW of God’s pledge of Mercy: I do set my bow in the cloud, and it shall be for a token of a covenant between me and the earth. And it shall come to pass, when I bring a cloud over the earth, that the bow shall be seen in the cloud: And I will remember my covenant, which is between me and you and every living creature of all flesh; and the waters shall no more become a flood to destroy all flesh (Genesis 9:13-15).
3) The PASSOVER CELEBRATION to celebrate those who Trusted in His Blood: And the blood shall be to you for a token upon the houses where ye are: and when I see the blood, I will pass over you, and the plague shall not be upon you to destroy you, when I smite the land of Egypt. And this day shall be unto you for a memorial; and ye shall keep it a feast to the LORD throughout your generations; ye shall keep it a feast by an ordinance for ever (Exodus 12:13-14).
God also established 3 Ways for us to Remember:
1. Baptism (Immersion in Water) which shows the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ. A REMEMBRANCE OF OUR SALVATION.
2. Communion (Eating Bread and Cup as SYMBOLS of the Broken Body and Shed Blood of Christ). A REMEMBRANCE OF THE SUFFERING (Broken Body) AND SACRIFICE (Shed Blood) OF CHRIST.
3. Washing of Saint’s Feet is A REMEMBRANCE OF OUR CALL TO SERVICE. Greatest of all is servant of all.
It is noteworthy to see that People in Hell also Remember their chance at Mercy: But Abraham said, Son, remember that thou in thy lifetime receivedst thy good things, and likewise Lazarus evil things: but now he is comforted, and thou art tormented (Luke 16:25).

1Cor 11:28 CHRISTIAN EXAMINATION

1Co 11:28 But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of that bread, and drink of that cup.
Godly Examination: Ps 26:2 Examine me, O LORD, and prove me; try my reins and my heart.
Self Examination: 2Co 13:5 Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates?
Let’s take the 1 John 5 Examinations and see about our standing with God:
1) We Love God and His People– By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God, and keep his commandments (1 John 5:2)
2) We Obey the Commandments of God– For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous (1 John 5:3)
3) We begin to live in victory over the influence and character of the World– For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith. Who is he that overcometh the world, but he that believeth that Jesus is the Son of God? (1 John 5:4-5)
4) We have God’s inward Peace– He that believeth on the Son of God hath the witness in himself: he that believeth not God hath made him a liar; because he believeth not the record that God gave of his Son (1 John 5:10)
5) We rest for assurance on our Faith in Christ– He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life. These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God (1 John 5:12-13)
Peter began “building the Church” (And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it Matthew 16:18). When Paul led in building the Church among the Gentiles he wanted those who came after him to Examine their work and make sure it continued to be built on THE ROCK: According to the grace of God which is given unto me, as a wise masterbuilder, I have laid the foundation, and another buildeth thereon. But let every man take heed how he buildeth thereupon. For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ. Now if any man build upon this foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble; Every man’s work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man’s work of what sort it is. If any man’s work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward. If any man’s work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire (1 Corinthians 3:10-15)

1Cor 12:- GIFTS

INTRO.- Christ’s Resurrection was the answer to man’s hopelessness and in the same way He had an answer to man’s helplessness when He went away to be at the Father’s right hand to mediate for us. He said He would not leave us comfortless. He sent the Holy Spirit to be with us and to be in us. Christ has a plan for what and how the Church should operate and the Holy Spirit is working that plan in the lives of believers. He does this thru Gifts that He gives to various members of the Body as He sees need.
I. vs 1-3 EVERY CHRISTIAN IS INDWELT BY THE HOLY SPIRIT WHEN THEY ARE SAVED (see Rom 8:9 and I John 4:2-4).
II. vs 4-11 EVERY CHRISTIAN HAS A GIFT GIVEN ACCORDING TO THE WILL OF THE SPIRIT (Given to profit all! vs 7).
III. vs 12-27 EVERY CHRISTIAN IS A PART OF THE BODY AND EVERY PART NEEDS THE OTHERS (Rom 12:4-5).
IV. vs 28-31 EVERY CHRISTIAN DOES NOT HAVE THE SAME GIFT.
NOTE 1. Do not belittle yourself vs 15-17
2. Do not belittle others. vs 20-24 (No member can say, “I have no need of you.”)
3. Acknowledge God’s appointment and oversight vs 18, 24
4. Be concerned and cooperative vs 25-26 (That there be no schism in the body.
HOW TO FIND YOUR PLACE IN THE BODY Rom 12:1-6
1. EVALUATION (Discover) vs 3 What are you??? Don’t think too high or too low of yourself (Ex. I’m a “neck”. You may be a “hand” – or a “toenail”!)
2. COORDINATION (Develop) vs 4,5 What is your place in the body?? Realize others depend on you and you depend on others- what good is an elbow without an arm, or an arm without an elbow? (Ex. as the “neck” my job is to left up the Head and be the bridge between the body and the Head.)
3. PARTICIPATION (Deploy) vs 6 Are you operating?? Or is your part of the Body “crippled” because you aren’t working? (Ex. If something “chokes” the neck all of the body suffers.)
4. DEDICATION vs 1,2 Are you submitted to your place??? (Necks are very glamorous- we try to hide them with neck- ties and necklaces- but a “neck” would look pretty silly trying to lift a fork or wear shoes!!)
Christianity is a wonderful life when you find your place and do your job. It is a misery when you have an empty place in your heart where you have either left God out or tried to put a square peg into a round hole.
A Gift is a Spirit given ability for Christian Services [If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God; [if any man minister, let him do it as of the ability which God giveth: that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be praise and dominion for ever and ever. Amen (1 Peter 4:11)]. The Holy Spirit gives gifts to men for service. Christ gives gifted men to the church in order to build His Body. God the Father controls the working of the Gifts and the gifted.
Talents have to do with techniques and methods; gifts have to do with spiritual abilities. Talents instruct, inspire, or entertain on a natural level. Gifts relate to birthing or building up believers [Example of Performer versus Pastor reading the 23^rd Psalm. One knew the Psalm, the other knew the Shepherd!].
God may use or magnify talents in the use of gifts but there will be a supernatural power available on the gift that is not present in the talent.
Spiritual Gifts are a “God Thing” administered in different ways by a Triune God in order to accomplish HIS Plan for HIS Work: I Pet 4:10 As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God. A ministry is not a gift, but an outlet for employment of a gift: teaching a class, Bible Study, Children’s Ministry.
Spiritual Gifts are Supernatural abilities given by the Holy Spirit for specific Christian Service (Not natural talents or attitudes, nor a place of service, and not a method of service- Cutting the Church grass in your own unique way is a service; the gift is the gift of helps).
Gifts have to do with service (Given from without); Fruit with character or converts (Developed from within).
Do not confuse:
1. THE Spiritual Gift- The Holy Spirit which ALL receive at Salvation. [Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his (Romans 8:9)].
2. Spiritual Gifts- Ministries to the Church through the Spirit (Not just natural abilities or talents) There are 4 “lists” of Spiritual Gifts: Rom 12:3-8; I Cor 12:8-10, 28-31; Ep 4:7-16
3. Spiritual Offices- Positions of trust in the Local Church as in I Pet 4:10; I Cor 12:28; Rom 12:4.
4. Spiritual Graces- Fruits of the Spirit (Gal 5:22-23; I Cor 13:4-7). Every Christian has the Spirit and as least one Spiritual Gift (12:7). Not all Christians have Spiritual Offices but all Christians should manifest the graces of the Spirit (Christian Conduct).
I. Spiritual Gifts are Supernatural Abilities given by God for His work (Not our glorification):

Apostleship- to show God’s plan while the Bible was being completed (Must have seen the resurrected Christ Acts 1:- 1Cor 9:1)
Prophecy- to receive and transmit a revelation from God, especially concerning the future.
Miracles- to perform events outside and beyond the realm of nature. 3 periods of outstanding miracles:
1. time of Moses and Joshua
2. Time of Elijah and Elisha
3. Time of Christ and Apostles
Healing- to cure human ills, whether physical, mental, or demonic (God’s present plan of healing is found in Ja 5:14-16)
Knowledge- to discern the Word of God (See I Cor 2:12-16)
Tongues- to speak other languages
Interpretation of tongues- to translate and clarify message spoken in other languages
Wisdom- to APPLY rightful Human and Divine Knowledge
Spiritual Discernment: To distinguish between demonic, human and Divine works.
Giving- to accumulate and give large sums of money to God’s Glory
Exhortation- to deliver challenging words
Helps- to render practical help in both physical and spiritual matter·
Mercy Showing- to minister to the sick and afflicted
Ruling (Administration)- to organize, administer, and promote either people or projects.
Faith- 3 kinds of faith
1. Saving Faith- given to all repenting sinners
2. Sanctifying Faith- available to all believers
3. Stewardship Faith- This is the Gift of Supernatural Ability to believe and expect great things from God
Teaching- to communicate and clarify the details of Word of God
Evangelism- to point sinners to Christ and to burden Christians about soul winning (ALL Christians are witnesses)
Pastor/Teacher- to preach and teach, the Word of God and to feed and lead the flock of God (All Pastors are called to Teach, but all Teachers are not called to Pastor!)

II. SERVICE Gifts of God for the WORK OF GOD: All Service Gifts are chosen by God and not earned by Mans Ability or Efforts- Acts 8:20 But Peter said unto him, Thy money perish with thee, because thou hast thought that the gift of God may be purchased with money. 1 Cor 12:11 But all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will.
A) Various Gifts-1 Cor 7:7 For I would that all men were even as I myself. But every man hath his proper gift of God, one after this manner, and another after that.
Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, whether prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of faith; Or ministry, let us wait on our ministering: or he that teacheth, on teaching; Or he that exhorteth, on exhortation: he that giveth, let him do it with simplicity; he that ruleth, with diligence; he that sheweth mercy, with cheerfulness. Let love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good. Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another; Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord; Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer; Distributing to the necessity of saints; given to hospitality. Bless them which persecute you: bless, and curse not. Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep. Be of the same mind one toward another. Mind not high things, but condescend to men of low estate. Be not wise in your own conceits. Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men. If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men. Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord. Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head. Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good (Romans 12:6‑21).
B) Special Gifts- 2 Tim 1:6 Wherefore I put thee in remembrance that thou stir up the gift of God, which is in thee by the putting on of my hands. Called to the Ministry, to Missions, to Serve. A place for everyone and everyone in his place.
1) Find what God has put in your heart and let it out. There is no greater joy than finding Gods path for your life and then walking that path. Funny example: The reason I know the Mormons are a cult is because they put me in their choir and told me I was a good singer. Anyone who will lie about that cannot be trusted in other areas!
2) Do not try to be what God has not gifted you to be – When a soldier goes to war he must be:
1) Fed- Cooks, Pie ministry, Home bound, etc.
2) Supplied- SS Superintendent gets literature, Deacons prepare Communion, etc.
3) Paid- Ushers, Treasurers
4) Doctored- Counselors, listeners, etc.
5) Assigned- Organizers, Office workers
6) Instructed- Teachers, Speakers
7) Communicated with- Secretaries, Phone workers, Letter writers, etc.

1Cor 13:- THE GREATEST THING IN THE WORLD

What is the greatest thing in the World?? Paul (I Cor 13:13); Peter (I Pet 4:8); and John (I John 2:8) all say LOVE. James calls Love the ROYAL LAW (James 2:8) and Paul says Love fulfills the Law (Rom 13:10). It was Love that brought Christ to the Cross and allows us to come to God (John 3:16). We should learn about and practice, Love; for Love is of God and God is Love.
I. LOVE’S VALUE vs 1-3 (Love is the “cement” that binds all other Spiritual gifts together. Love is needed to make them operative). Apart from Love all else is valueless; just like, apart from Christ, all our efforts and works are valueless. Love is the heart of God for God is Love and God “so loved”. It is what God requires (1- Love God above all. 2. Love Neighbor as self). It is our purpose for Holy Living (If you love me keep my commandments). It provides Stability for our Christian Walk, Work, and Wait: And the Lord make you to increase and abound in love one toward another, and toward all men, even as we do toward you: To the end he may stablish your hearts unblameable in holiness before God, even our Father, at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ with all his saints (1 Thessalonians 3:12-13).
Paul Contrasts Love against:
A) Special Speech- Eloquence. Though I have the tongues of men or angels, they are a sounding brass or tinkling cymbal without love.
B) Special Gifts- Prophecy (Preaching), Wisdom (understand all mysteries), Knowledge (have all knowledge), and Faith (to move mountains) are all NOTHING without Love.
C) Special Deeds-
of Charity: give all my goods to feed the poor.
of Sacrifice: Give my body to be burned.
Without Love it does not Profit anything- Actions cannot overcome Attitudes [Notice that all Bible Epistles begin with Doctrine (Attitude) and then go to Deeds (Actions)].
II. LOVE DEFINED BY VIRTUES vs 4-7 Love is:
A) Patient- Suffers Long
B) Kind- Considerate
C) Not Envious- Not Covetous
D) Humble- Does not Push its self-up or Puff it’s self-up.
E) Courteous- Does not behave in an unseemly manner.
F) Unselfish- Seeketh not its own only
G) Good Temper- is not easily provoked
H) Pure- Thinketh no evil
I) Sincere- Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in truth
J) Stable- Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things.
III. LOVE’S VICTORY It never Fails (ceases) vs 8-13
A) Prophecies, tongues, and knowledge all pass away
B) Love is a sign of maturity
C) Love will stand the test of time
HOW DO YOU RECEIVE LOVE?
1. Allow the Holy Spirit to Guide and Control your life- Rom 5:5 Love of God is shed abroad in our heart by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.
2. Realizing Whose you are and What He has done for you- I John 4:19 We love him because He first loved us. “Romantic” Love comes from shadows in the moonlight; REAL LOVE come in the brightness of light that allows you to see faults as well as “fancies” and still loves for WHO the Person is and WHAT the Person does. The Greatness of Love is that the more you give the more you receive!

1Cor 13:8-13 LOVE’S POWER

CHARITY IS GREATER THAN FAITH AND HOPE (And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity 1 Corinthians 13:13).That makes it pretty powerful!
Most people think of “love” as an emotion that makes us “feel” something for someone or something. Charity in the Greek means “true affection for God and man, growing out of God’s love for, and in, us”. This turns Love from an Emotion into an Expression that manifests itself in action.
Paul realized this when he prayed that the Philippian Church would go beyond emotional love and experience a real love which educated them, enlightened them, and filled them with the fruits of righteousness- And this I pray, that your love may abound yet more and more in knowledge and in all judgment; That ye may approve things that are excellent; that ye may be sincere and without offence till the day of Christ; Being filled with the fruits of righteousness, which are by Jesus Christ, unto the glory and praise of God (Philippians 1:9-11).
Today I want to look at HOW THIS “LOVE IN ACTION” IMPACTS A LIFE.
1. LOVE CARES FOR ME: For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life (John 3:16).
2. LOVE CALLS ME: I John 4:10 Herein in love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins. My fear of Hell turned me toward the Father but it was His open arms that brought me into His family.
3. LOVE COMFORTS ME: I John 4:18 There is no fear in Love; but perfect Love casteth out fear. I began serving God thinking He was some far away, perfection demanding, “Boss”. My work changed from Pressure to Pleasure, however, when I learned I serve a Loving Father who recognizes that I am a mistake prone human whom He is developing into the image of His Son.
It was this comforting Love of God that taught me the difference between a “Murderer and a Doctor”- One puts a knife into you to Harm you while the other puts the knife in you to Help you. One looks at you as a problem to get rid of while the other looks at you as a patient to heal and help. Now I KNOW that all things work together for good to them that love the Lord.
4. LOVE CONSTRAINS ME: Paul said in II Corinthians 5:14 (the love of Christ constraineth us) that the Love shown to him by Christ “drove” him to sacrifice and service. I would not work like I do for the salary of a baseball player without the Love of God; but I’d do it for nothing because of the Love of God.
5. LOVE CHANGES ME: If ye love me, keep my commandments (John 14:15). God’s Love Inspires me to be better and do right. Just as a person’s love for spouse or children drives them to lovingly sacrifice and serve so a Christian’s love for God will make them a “New Creature” in Christ.
6. LOVE CHASTENS ME: For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth (Hebrews 12:6). Some of my actions impede me, isolate me, imprison me, or even (horribly) insult the name or character of the God I represent and must be corrected for my good and His Glory.
7. LOVE CONTINUES FOR ME: Charity never faileth: but whether there be prophecies, they shall fail; whether there be tongues, they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away (1 Corinthians 13:8). Charity never “fails”. The Amplified Bible says the words “never fail” here mean never fades out, or becomes obsolete or comes to an end. The Enduring power of Love is amazing!
We are to Love the Lord, Love the Church (other Christians), and Love the Lost (What would you do if you knew your family or friends were lost and dying in a swamp?). This is not an Emotional “Feeling” that makes you tingle; it is God at work IN you, WITH you, and THROUGH you to change You and those around you.

1Cor 13:12 LIFE’S RIDDLE

For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known (1 Corinthians 13:12).
Paul has been dealing with the Spiritual Gift given by the Holy Spirit to the Church in order to carry on the work of God. Then he stresses that this can only be done if we adopt an attitude of Real Love. But sometimes Love is hard when life is hard and it is important to have faith even when we cannot see or understand the benefits of love.
I. THE RIDDLE: A “dark glass” and a “partial understanding”
A) Afflictions: I know, O LORD, that thy judgments are right, and that thou in faithfulness hast afflicted me (Psalms 119:75).
a> Chastisement: Whom the Lord Loveth He Chasteneth.
b> Continuous Problem: There was given me a thorn in the flesh to humble me
c> For God’s Glory: Man born blind for the Glory of God
B) Wrong Blessings. Many wicked are wealthy while many Christians are broke (Jesus died broke)
a> The way to gain is to lose (We are not of this world)
b> Christians are commanded to be generous (Ask for a coat given him your cloak also)
c> The accounts have not been settled yet- But Abraham said, Son, remember that thou in thy lifetime receivedst thy good things, and likewise Lazarus evil things: but now he is comforted, and thou art tormented (Luke 16:25).
C) Lukewarm living and undedicated service of Church Members.
II. THE REALIZATION OF INCOMPLETE COMPREHENSION
A) Knowledge is limited vs 9
B) Growth is required vs 11
C) Faith must extend to the Future vs 12
III. THE RESTING IN THINGS THAT ARE UNCHANGING
A) Faith in our Faith in God. Saving Faith, Servicing Faith, Sustaining Faith (Just shall live by Faith)
B) Hope in our Hope in God. Hope is not Seen: For we are saved by hope: but hope that is seen is not hope: for what a man seeth, why doth he yet hope for? But if we hope for that we see not, then do we with patience wait for it (Romans 8:24-25).
C) Love that NEVER FAILS. Christ does not HAVE the Answer; Christ IS the Answer and I can rest in His unfailing Love.
The Answer for
C haos of this world
H elplessness to change things in our strength
R ebellion against Authority by so many
I llness we do not understand and cannot heal
S in Abounding instead of Righteousness Ruling
T en thousand other things
The greatest Riddle for some is the easiest answer- How can I be saved and find Peace with God and the Peace of God? Faith in Christ’s Shed Blood. Confidence in His Promises. Trust in His Loving Care (John 3:16).

1Cor 14:- SPIRITUAL GIFTS IN USE

Spiritual Gift- Supernatural abilities given by the Holy Spirit for specific Christian Service (Not natural talents or attitudes, not a place of service and not a method of service-such as cutting the grass (The Gift is the gift of Helps. Cutting the grass is the exercise of that gift.))
FOUR lists of Gifts– I Cor 12, 14, Eph 4, and Rom 12
I. SPEAKING GIFTS (See I Pet 4:10-11, We’re God’s “Mouthpiece”!)
A) Personal
1. Prophecy (1) Foretell and (2) forthtell (Preach)
2. Teaching Ability to relate Word of God
3. Word of Exhortation Ability to give Spiritual Council
4. Wisdom Ability to determine true nature of things and give correct decision
5. Word of Knowledge Ability to discern the Word of God
6. Discerning of Spirits Ability to distinguish Sprit or Satan
B) Practice (Professional) For the perfecting, work, and edifying of SAINT
1. Apostles- one sent forth only 12 none today
2. Prophets- Able to stir a nation, not just a Church
3. Evangelist- One who proclaims Gospel with goal of winning lost
4. Pastor-Teacher- Called to a ministry of Teaching and leading flock of God.
II. SERVING GIFTS
1. Helps- enjoy lending a hand
2. Gifts of Liberality willing to give money and other things
3. Ruling (Governments) administration
4. Showing Mercy
5. Faith
6. Gifts of Healing (Does the “s” mean not just the body but the spirit and the mind???)
III. SIGN GIFTS
1. Miracles
2. Tongues
3. Interpretation of Tongues
THOUGHTS- The “Body” system works all the way thru- Husband is the Head, Wife is subject to Him, and Children to Them. In the Local Church each member has a part in the Body. Each Church (Meaning each member and each family) is a part of the Body of Christ and as such each local Church is to do its part. It is like a cell system that allows each member to be responsible While at the same time giving everyone someone to “lean” on.]. If people just realized this what a difference it would make in the Church and among the Churches!!!

1Cor 15:1-4 BETWEEN DEATH AND RESURRECTION

A woman with cancer was told that she only had a few months to live. She asked her Pastor to break the news to her 10 year old son. The Pastor took the boy outside and tried to find the right words. As they sat under the shade of a tree in the back yard the Pastor finally said, “Son, you know that your mother in very sick. We’ve done all we can do and it appears that by the time the leaves on this tree fall you mother will leave this life.”
The boy seemed to accept it well but the Pastor noticed that often when he would visit during the summer the boy could not be found. One day the Pastor asked the mother where the boy way. She replied, “I don’t know, Pastor. He spends a lot of time outside now.”
The Pastor went outside and called for the boy. Finally, he heard him answer from the top of the shade tree in the back yard. Walking over the Pastor asked him what he was doing up the tree. He replied, “I’m tying the leaves on this tree, Preacher, so they won’t ever fall!”
Many people wish they could “tie the leaves in the tree” when it comes to death but we can’t keep the leaves from falling. Death is an appointment we all must keep. Today I want us to look at what happened when Jesus kept His appointment with Death.
Notice first of all, WHAT DIDN’T HAPPEN TO JESUS WHEN HE DIED. There are 4 views of what happens when you die:
1) RUIN– We die like dogs and that ends it all. There is nothing beyond. Completely false. Man has an eternal spirit that never ceases to exist
2) RELEASE– Some call this spirit the good and beautiful part of our lives. They believe this spirit lingers after our death, influencing those who come after us; either mystically or as ghost.
3) REINCARNATION– Others believe that at death this spirit changes from one form into another in an endless cycle. It may inhabit a plant or an animal or a man; depending on the good works we did during our life.
The preceding three are false. What is true is that Jesus would eventually be
4) RESURRECTED– (He didn’t have “Soul Sleep” in which He ceased all activity and awareness). His Spirit was commended to the Father and accomplished many wonderful and needful activities until it was reunited with a Glorified body; which can never know death or corruption- (Psa 16:10) For thou wilt not leave my soul in hell; neither wilt thou suffer thine Holy One to see corruption.
WHAT DID JESUS DO BETWEEN FRIDAY AND SUNDAY?
1. DEFEATED DEATH AND CLAIMED THE KEYS TO HELL
A) Destroyed Death’s Hold on man- (Heb 2:14-15) Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil; {15} And deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage. Jesus was like the man who always went down into the mines before anyone else to check for dangers and gas leaks. He has explored the darkness of death for us and now we no longer need fear it.
B) Claimed Hell’s Keys- (Rev 1:18) I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death.
2. DESCENDED INTO THE PARADISE PART OF HELL– Remember that He told the repentant thief, “Today shall you be with me in Paradise”. Until the resurrection of Christ, Satan laid claim to all souls of men. God allowed him to keep them in the Paradise (Abraham’s Bosom- Luke 16) part of Hell until the redemption price was paid. When Jesus paid that price on the cross these captivities could now be taken to Heaven to dwell with the Father- (Eph 4:8-10) Wherefore he saith, When he ascended up on high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men. {9} (Now that he ascended, what is it but that he also descended first into the lower parts of the earth? {10} He that descended is the same also that ascended up far above all heavens, that he might fill all things.). [Many believe these were the graves that were opened at His crucifixion and from which saints arose after His resurrection- Matt 27:52-53].
3. HE MADE A PROCLAMATION TO THE CHAINED FALLEN ANGELS IN TARTARUS– (1 Pet 3:18-20) For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit: {19} By which also he went and preached unto the spirits in prison; {20} Which sometime were disobedient, when once the longsuffering of God waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was a preparing, wherein few, that is, eight souls were saved by water.
The UNCHAINED Angels rule in Satan’s Kingdoms today- (Eph 6:12) For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. They carry on Satan’s work and wickedness during this present time and must be withstood by the word of God and the armor of God. [Two interesting NOTES- These evil angels greatly fear being sent to the place of chains- (Luke 8:31) And they besought him that he would not command them to go out into the deep (Greek- Bottomless Pit). 2) God sometimes uses these angels as instruments of chastisement and correction- (Psa 78:49) He cast upon them the fierceness of his anger, wrath, and indignation, and trouble, by sending evil angels among them.]
The CHAINED Angels are chained in at least 3 different locations:
A) In Tartarus-(2 Pet 2:4) For if God spared not the angels that sinned, but cast them down to hell, and delivered them into chains of darkness, to be reserved unto judgment; (See Jude 5-7)- These fallen angels had gone in unto the daughters of men during the time before the flood attempting to defile the line of Christ and prevent his coming to earth to redeem mankind. Now Christ goes to Tartarus and proclaims that the victory has been won.
B) In the Bottomless Pit- (See Luke 8:31) (Rev 9:11) And they had a king over them, which is the angel of the bottomless pit, whose name in the Hebrew tongue is Abaddon, but in the Greek tongue hath his name Apollyon.
C) In the Euphrates River- (Rev 9:14) Saying to the sixth angel which had the trumpet, Loose the four angels which are bound in the great river Euphrates (Amazingly, this area of the Euphrates River (modern day Iraq) is where all Evil seems to Originate. Keep that in mind as the end approaches)
On this “Silent Saturday”, The Disciples hid and wondered what to do. Pilate partied and worried. Mary and the women cried and anxiously awaited the coming of the first day of the week so they could properly anoint Jesus’ body. And the Son of God lay buried in a borrowed tomb. But He did not go into Soul Sleep or cease to Exist. He provided a way so we would not have to try to tie leaves on trees.
Job asked, (14:14) If a man die, shall he live again. Jesus’ resounding answer is YES.

1Cor 12-20 THE RESULTS OF THE RESURRECTION

Today is VICTORY DAY! We celebrate the greatest event in the history of the world- The Resurrection of Jesus Christ. Why is it important and what does it mean?
I. THE REALITY OF THE RESURRECTION
A> The Human Factor
1. Disciples were willing to die for it. Not one decided to save his life by denying it.
2. The Enemies of Christ never repudiated it. No one ever produced the dead body or anyone who ever saw the dead body. The soldiers had to be bribed to make a false statement. All the Pharisees had to do was produce one person who had seen the dead body or the body itself and kill Christianity in its tracks. They never did.
3. The “Swoon Theory”. Some said that Jesus simply fainted on the cross and in the cool of the grave revived and escaped. Allow yourself to be beat 39 times with a cat-of-nine-tails; allow them to pluck out your beard and press a crown of thorns on your head; carry a cross outside the city and allow them to put spikes in your hands and feet and hang you in the sun for 6 hours; let a soldier put a spear into your heart til the blood and water rushes out (A soldier that is experienced in determining death declared him dead—knowing that his life was in the balance!!). Then see if you just fainted- or died!!!
B> The Divine Factor
1. His Symbols proclaimed it:
a. Jesus’ Baptism was a sign of His death burial and resurrection; as ours is! Rom 6:4 Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.
b. The ordinances of the “Lord’s Supper” represent his broken body and shed blood and we are to celebrate until He comes.
2. Jesus Predicted it: Matt 12:40 For as Jonas was three days and three nights in the whale’s belly; so shall the Son of man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth. Matt 16:21 From that time forth began .Jesus to shew unto his disciples, how that he must go into Jerusalem, and suffer- many things of the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and be raised again the third day. See also Matt 17:22-23; Matt 20:17-19; John 2:19 Jesus answered and said unto them, Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up. Jn 10:17-18 Therefore doth my Father love me, because I. lay down my life, that I might take it again. No man taketh it from me, but I lay it down of myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again.
3. Angels announced it: He is Risen!
4. Jesus appeared 10 times to over 500 people in a number of different circumstances (12 if you count Stephen and Paul’s Vision) (Some have said this was a case of people “seeing what they wanted to see”
-In the garden Mary thought he was the gardener and had to be convinced he was risen.
-The disciples wouldn’t believe the women–and Thomas would not believe the rest of the disciples!!
-He appeared in the morning in the garden, during the day on the road to Emmaus, at night in a closed room, by the seashore to his disciples, and on the mount of ascension to the disciples
II. THE RESULTS OF THE RESURRECTION:
A) Concerning God- Justification: payment of sin was accepted- Who was delivered for our offences, and was raised again for our justification (Romans 4:25). When Jesus came forth from the grave it was God’s big PAID IN FULL for our sin debt (Just as if I had never sinned! Forgiven, Forgotten, Forever!)
B) Concerning Men-
1. Help for today: Peace with God because my sins are forgiven. Partner with God thru the now indwelling Holy Spirit (Our Source of Comfort, Wisdom, and Power). Able to Pray to a Heavenly Father through a “torn Veil”; giving me access when Jesus is now our Mediator at the Father’s Right Hand.
2. Hope for Tomorrow: Death cannot hold me. We will have a new glorified body. The devil cannot defeat us because we know what happens “at the end of the book”
Do you believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God who died for YOUR sins?
Do you believe that Jesus came forth from the grave; conquering Sin, Death, and Hell
Are you willing to commit yourself to Him by Faith today?

1Cor 15:- VOID OF VALUE

The Word “Vain” means “Void of Value”, “Of no Effect, force, or power”. It is used 6 times in this chapter to show the importance of the Resurrection of Christ in our daily Christianity:
1. VAIN BELIEF: 1Co 15:2 By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in VAIN. Your Belief is “Void of Value” if you believe Jesus was a good man who died for you but He was not Resurrected, conquering Death, Hell, and the Grave.
2. VAIN GRACE: 1Co 15:10 But by the grace of God I am what I am: and his grace which was bestowed upon me was not in VAIN; but I laboured more abundantly than they all: yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me. The “unmerited favor” you received from God is “Void of Value” if you do not allow it to transform your life and your activities (If any man among you seem to be religious, and bridleth not his tongue, but deceiveth his own heart, this man’s religion is vain James 1:26).
3/4. VAIN PREACHING and VAIN FAITH: 1Co 15:14 And if Christ be not risen, then is our preaching VAIN, and your faith is also VAIN. It is “Void of Value” to Proclaim Christ and then urge people to put Faith for their eternal destiny in His Salvation claims if He was not resurrected.
5. VAIN FORGIVENESS: 1Co 15:17 And if Christ be not raised, your faith is VAIN; ye are yet in your sins. It is “Void of Value” to believe that you are prepared to meet God if you trust the Teachings and Truths of Jesus but do not believe He qualified for God’s big “Paid in Full” by being resurrected (I do not frustrate the grace of God: for if righteousness come by the law, then Christ is dead in vain Galatians 2:21).
6. VAIN LABOR: 1Co 15:58 Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in VAIN in the Lord. Thank God, the Work we do for a risen, coming Savior is not “Void of Value” but it has lasting value and eternal rewards!
And he said unto them, Set your hearts unto all the words which I testify among you this day, which ye shall command your children to observe to do, all the words of this law. For it is not a vain thing for you; because it is your life: and through this thing ye shall prolong your days in the land, whither ye go over Jordan to possess it (Deuteronomy 32:46-47).
Every person should want their Life and their Labor to not be “Void of Value” when they stand before God– Holding forth the word of life; that I may rejoice in the day of Christ, that I have not run in vain, neither laboured in vain (Philippians 2:16).

1Cor 15:12-58 EASTER EFFECTS

Easter brings New Clothes, Spring, Vacation Fever (School is out in 6 weeks!!)
Poem- The Way to God (Cross before Easter)
I. HOPE– To conquer any problem. “Please take me across the river on your back.” “You are crazy.” says the frog, “you would sting me and I would drown.” “It’s you who’s crazy says the scorpion. “If I stung you when you were taking me across the river on your back, I should drown too.” So the fiog is persuaded, and the scorpion climbs on his back and off they go. Halfway across the river, the scorpion stings the frog. As they are both drowning, sinking down to the river bed, the frog asks, “But why?” And the scorpion says, “Because it is my nature.” Easter conquers “Nature”.
Death
Disease
Discouragement
Disposition- Sinful tendency
Poem- “In God is Our Strength”
II. EMPOWERMENT– Holy Ghost Promised
HOW DO I KNOW?
How do I know that Christ is risen?
What proof have I to give?
He rescued me from sin’s dark prison
And I began to live.
How do I know He left the tomb
That Easter so long ago?
I met Him at the dawn’s fresh bloom
And life is all aglow.
How do I know he gained for me
Access to Heaven’s door?
Christ’s work in me is guarantee
Of life forevermore.
How do I know that Christ still lives
Rich Blessings to impart?
Abundant grace and peace He gives
And lives within my heart.
III. EVANGELIZATION– Commanded. Answer World’s needs
POEM- In God is Our Strength
IV. EXPECTATION– Of His Coming: Watch by being Pure and Prepared
Poem- “Eternal Spring”

1Cor 15:41 PERILS OF THE LESSER GLORY

There is one glory of the sun, and another glory of the moon, and another glory of the stars: for one star differeth from another star in glory (1 Corinthians 15:41).
The last days Church is not condemned because of the gross immorality or sinful practices going on in their midst- They are condemned because they settled for the “lesser glory” and became lukewarm.
Demas was a worker with Paul. He is not remembered for some act of adultery or thievery; He is remembered as a man who left his post because he began to love this present world- He settled for the “lesser glory”.
We settle for a “lesser glory” when we try to BE God instead of realizing we belong to God (For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s-1 Corinthians 6:20). Most people do not want to obey God; they want to command God. Like Eve in the Garden, we still want something that will make us gods.
We settle for a “lesser glory” when we refuse to believe God is smarter than we are (Even the Body is smarter than any one part of the body-All of us are smarter than any of us). Many people refuse to believe in God because God refuses to see the “reasonableness” of their prayers and desires. How many people do you know who have abandoned serving God because God did not answer their prayer for the healing of a parent of child? It is the glory of God to conceal a thing: but the honour of kings is to search out a matter (Proverbs 25:2).
You settle for a “lesser Glory” when you compromise with Satan about winning the world– And the devil said unto him, All this power will I give thee, and the glory of them: for that is delivered unto me; and to whomsoever I will I give it. If thou therefore wilt worship me, all shall be thine. And Jesus answered and said unto him, Get thee behind me, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve (Luke 4:6-8).
You settle for a “lesser Glory” when your life is more important than your witness for God– But he, being full of the Holy Ghost, looked up stedfastly into heaven, and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing on the right hand of God, (Acts 7:55).
Conclusion: But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord (2 Corinthians 3:18).

1Cor 15:51-57 RAPTURE READY

Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality. So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory. O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory? The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ (1 Corinthians 15:51-57).
I. THE SURPRISE OF HIS COMING: A “Mystery” that will happen “in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye”. Without warning Christians will simply “disappear” from this earth (Like the white-space in a film strip that the eye cannot see so Christians will be here one moment and be gone the next).
II. THE REASONS FOR HIS COMING:
A) Redeem our bodies‑ And not only they, but ourselves also, which have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption, to wit, the redemption of our body (Romans 8:23).! Death is swallowed up in victory. O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory? The “Fleshly” will become “Spiritual”. Pain and Sorrow have gone
B) Receive us into His Presence‑, Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord (1 Thessalonians 4:17). And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also (John 14:3). We will Be with HIM!!
C) Reward us- And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be (Revelation 22:12). Will Christ say, “Well Done” or “Not Done”?
The 5 crowns the Believer may receive are:
1. The Incorruptible Crown (Sacrificial Dedication) I Cor 9:25 Every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things, They do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible.
2. The Crown of Righteousness‑ (Practicing Righteous Living‑ See I Jn 3:2‑3) II Tim 4:8 Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day; and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.
3. The Crown of Life (Steadfastness Service). James 1:12 Blessed is the man that endureth temptation; for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord has promised to them that love him.
4. The Crown of Glory (For faithful Pastors) I Pet 5:4 And when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away.
5. The Crown of Rejoicing (Soul Winner’s Crown) I Thess 2:19 For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? are not even ye in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at his coming? Will there be any stars in your crown?
Are YOU Rapture Ready? Today is a warning before an event that will happen without warning!

1Cor 16:1-2 Give unto the Lord

HERE ARE SOME THINGS YOU SHOULD GIVE UNTO THE LORD:
I. OFFERING: Now concerning the collection for the saints, as I have given order to the churches of Galatia, even so do ye. Upon the first day of the week let every one of you lay by him in store, as God hath prospered him, that there be no gatherings when I come (1 Cor 16:1-2).
Will a man rob God? Yet ye have robbed me. But ye say, Wherein have we robbed thee? In tithes and offerings. Ye are cursed with a curse: for ye have robbed me, even this whole nation. Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the LORD of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it (Mal 3:8-10).
II. MUSIC: Sing unto him, sing psalms unto him, talk ye of all his wondrous works (1 Chr 16:9)
Sing unto the LORD, all the earth; show forth from day to day his salvation (1 Chr 16:23)
Sing praises to the LORD, which dwelleth in Zion: declare among the people his doings (Psa 9:11)
I will sing unto the LORD, because he hath dealt bountifully with me (Psa 13:6)
Sing unto the LORD, O ye saints of his, and give thanks at the remembrance of his holiness (Psa 30:4)
For God is the King of all the earth: sing ye praises with understanding (Psa 47:7)
III. PRAYER: Have respect therefore to the prayer of thy servant, and to his supplication, O LORD my God, to hearken unto the cry and the prayer which thy servant prayeth before thee: (2 Chr 6:19)
O thou that hearest prayer, unto thee shall all flesh come (Psa 65:2)
Blessed be God, which hath not turned away my prayer, nor his mercy from me (Psa 66:20)
Let my prayer be set forth before thee as incense; and the lifting up of my hands as the evening sacrifice (Psa 141:2). The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination to the LORD: but the prayer of the upright is his delight (Prov 15:8). And said unto them, It is written, My house shall be called the house of prayer; but ye have made it a den of thieves (Mat 21:13)
IV. WORSHIP: Give unto the LORD the glory due unto his name: bring an offering, and come before him: worship the LORD in the beauty of holiness (1 Chr) 16:29. Give unto the LORD the glory due unto his name; worship the LORD in the beauty of holiness (Psa 29:2).O come, let us worship and bow down: let us kneel before the LORD our maker (Psa 95:6)
V. ATTENDANCE: Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;) And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching (Heb 10:23-25).

1Cor 16:13-14 PRINCIPLES TO LIVE BY

CHRISTIAN LIVING
Whatever you think, both in joy and in woe,
Think nothing you would not want Jesus to Know.
Whatever you say in a whisper or clear,
Say nothing you would not want Jesus to hear.
Whatever you sing in the midst of your glee,
Sing nothing God’s listening ear would displease.
Whatever you write with haste or with heed,
Write nothing you would not want Jesus to read.
Whatever you read, though the page may allure,
Read nothing, unless you are perfectly sure
Consternation would not be seen in your look,
If Christ should say, solemnly, “Show me the book.”
Wherever you go, never go where you would fear
God’s question being asked you,
“What doest thou here?”
Paul gives the Corinthians 5 basis Principles to Live by which will be a big help to us also.
I. KEEP ALERT Watch ye
A) Watch out for “dirt that defiles” you as a Christian
B) Watch out for the Lord’s return- could be today
II. BE ESTABLISHED IN YOUR FAITH Stand fast in the Faith
A) Know it your SELF- I know whom I have believed and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto Him against that day II Tim 1:12
B) SHARE it with Others- Be ready always to give an answer to every man a reason of the hope that is in you.
III. HAVE PERSEVERANCE Quit ye like men Stick to it!!
A) Patiently Plant and wait on God’s time
B) Keep on keeping on
IV. CONTINUE TO GROW STRONGER Be Strong Be being strong
A) Grow in the Grace and Knowledge of Christ- He saved you, now learn of Him
B) Press toward the mark for the high calling of God in Christ- Have a goal and push toward it.
V. LET LOVE REGULATE– Let all things be done with charity
A) Can’t love God and not love your brother [concern]
B) Love as God loved you [forgiving].