Since God Takes Idolatry Seriously, Shouldn't We?

God's People Must Be United and Growing in Holiness

1 Corinthians 10:1-22^[1] 

As preached at Rolling Hills Church on Sunday, May 13^th, 2012

Ever have those teachers or professors who drop hints like, "You'll wanna write this down", or, "You might wanna review this section of chapter 6"? I appreciate those who will be more blunt and say, "This will be on the test." Since God had written down for us how dealt with Israel in the wilderness, we were supposed to be watching. There will be a test, so please – remember this. Why do I say that? Well, the book of Exodus is inspired by God, and was written and reserved for each generation, including ours. In the subsequent historical books the stories of the Exodus come up again and again. In the Psalms we read of the Exodus in Psalms 95, 98, 105, 106, 135, and 136 remind us of God's faithfulness to Israel in Egypt and in the desert. The prophets continually refer back to it – even Stephen in Acts 7 gave the rundown again! When it's that big of a theme in the Old Testament, and when it's repeated that often, we should know – it will be on the test. Let me say that we should read the Old Testament to learn at least two things, basic things, and critical things: the character of God and the character of man. Neither has changed. God is faithful and man is unfaithful. God is holy and man is sinful. God initiates with grace and provision, man mostly disdains and ignores God's good grace. Then when God judges such sinful men, people read it as God being harsh, or mean.

Astounding.

Today we're going to see Paul take the Corinthian church back to the stories of the Old Testament and remind them this simple truth: "Since God Takes Idolatry Seriously, Shouldn't We?" We're going to read verses 1-22 a bit at a time and I'll talk my way through it. Before we do this, let's go to our Father in prayer.

V 1-5, Remember the Ratio: All/Most.

1 For I want you to know, brothers, that our fathers were all under the cloud, and all passed through the sea,

2 and all were baptized into Moses in the cloud and in the sea, [Ex 13-14]

3 and all ate the same spiritual food, [Ex 16]

4 and all drank the same spiritual drink. [Ex 17, Num 20] For they drank from the spiritual Rock that followed them, and the Rock was Christ.

5 Nevertheless, with most of them God was not pleased, for they were overthrown in the wilderness. [Num 14:22-23, 26:2, 64-65]

Couple of notes here: baptism is used in this context as a metaphor of identity: they were rescued by God and led by Moses. When Paul writes, "I want you to know", it's a focusing statement. Pay attention, listen – sit up and hear what I'm saying, Corinthians! He wrote to people who were arrogant, idolatrous, immoral, and touting their freedom over the consideration of other believers. So what did he want them to know? He wanted them to think about a people who had been arrogant, idolatrous, and inconsiderate of other believers, immoral, and idolatrous. These people had everything they needed (manna, quail, water), and yet constantly grumbled about what they did not have. So Paul says, "Remember the ratio: all came out of Egypt, not all went into the Promised Land." "All" is used five times, and "most" is used once.

All were identified as believers with Moses. Near God (cloud), baptized (identified as God's people).

All ate the manna that God miraculously provided food morning after morning.

All drank the water from the Rock. (Paul probably referred to a rabbinic tradition that the rock followed Israel) Paul calls the rock "Christ", showing that Jesus was providing for Israel even then!

Most died in the desert. Paul wanted them to consider that many who were called "Israel" did not see the Promised Land. It was because of their sin against God that they were "overthrown in the wilderness."

Let me put it this way; these people all had the same religious experiences, but many did not really believe in God for salvation; not with a faith that led to obedience. Should we not consider such truth today? I think we should!

V 6-12 Remember the Wrath: God destroys sinners.

6 Now these things took place as examples for us, that we might not desire evil as they did.

7 Do not be idolaters as some of them were; as it is written, "The people sat down to eat and drink and rose up to play."

8 We must not indulge in sexual immorality as some of them did, and twenty-three thousand fell in a single day.

9 We must not put Christ to the test, as some of them did and were destroyed by serpents,

10 nor grumble, as some of them did and were destroyed by the Destroyer.

11 Now these things happened to them as an example, but they were written down for our instruction, on whom the end of the ages has come.

12 Therefore let anyone who thinks that he stands take heed lest he fall.

It is a consistent human trait – a failed one, let me be clear – to think that we can get away with things. From watching children do silly things (eat forbidden cookies, put things in the toilet) to watching adults do profoundly ridiculous things, we generally think we won't pay for our sins. We can outsmart our parents, the cops, the IRS, our boss, our spouses, and God. God led them out and was with them the entire time – how preposterous to think that He wouldn't see, or seeing their folly, wouldn't act! But brothers and sisters, do we not completely replicate their stupidity? Yes! Paul focuses on four sins here; idolatry, sexual immorality, impatience, and complaining. Paul says, 'Corinth, read the first five books of the Bible – you didn't invent these sins, and you don't get away with them!' God is not blind and God is not deaf; God does not overlook sin, God destroys those who sin. I want you to know.

V 13 Remember the Way Out: God helps weaklings.

13 No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.

You're not the first to be tempted and you're not the first to need God's mercy and grace. Just as God provided a way out of bondage to Egypt, just as God provided what Israel needed when they needed it every time they needed it, so God can provide for you as well. This is a promise that isn't greatly harmed when taken out of context in a stand-alone way. "Even when Christians face morally confusing situations, they should never think that they have no options other than sinful ones. There will always be a morally right solution that does not require disobedience to any of God's moral laws."[2] This promise is an excellent reminder! We aren't uniquely tempted by such sin, and God is consistently faithful to help. So cry out to him – call for help!

V 14- 22 Remember the Holiness, and Run: from God to Christ.

14 Therefore, my beloved, flee from idolatry.

15 I speak as to sensible people; judge for yourselves what I say.

16 The cup of blessing that we bless, is it not a participation in the blood of Christ? The bread that we break, is it not a participation in the body of Christ?

17 Because there is one bread, we who are many are one body, for we all partake of the one bread.

18 Consider the people of Israel: are not those who eat the sacrifices participants in the altar? [Priests and those who brought the sacrifice].

19 What do I imply then? That food offered to idols is anything, or that an idol is anything?

20 No, I imply that what pagans sacrifice they offer to demons and not to God. I do not want you to be participants with demons.

21 You cannot drink the cup of the Lord and the cup of demons. You cannot partake of the table of the Lord and the table of demons.

22 Shall we provoke the Lord to jealousy? Are we stronger than he?

Paul comes back to the central thought of the conversation all the way back to 8:1; "14 Therefore, my beloved, flee from idolatry." Can we eat food sacrificed to idols? You can, but is it wise? Not really. God despises being identified with or compared to any other so-called god or idol. This is central to the Old Testament, to God's character. He is a jealous God: he wants our faithful, singular worship as the faithful, singular God of all. Folks, it's not God and other gods, Christianity and other ways. It is God through Christ or it is NOT. Can you fathom how God must hate hearing foolish, so-called believers say despicable things like, "Well, all roads lead to God", or, "Any representation of religion you choose to pursue is good – they're all the same god". Consider God's wrath against idolatry when you hear such statements.

Church family, - since God Takes Idolatry Seriously, Shouldn't We?

If we do, we will take the following steps.

Remember the Ratio: All/Most. All were there, most were slain in the wilderness.

Remember the wrath. Our God killed thousands at a time for idolatry, sexual immorality, impatience, and complaining.

Remember the way out. Look for it, seek it, and believe God provides it! He is indeed faithful, believers!

Remember the holiness. Run from God to Christ. God is never to be associated or compared with any idol or demon.

We will remember because we read.

We will remember because we consider as we read.

We will learn of God's character and of man's character.

We will fear the Lord and turn from evil (theme of all the wisdom literature).

And Lord willing, we will desire holiness more than freedom and rights.

Let's pray.

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[1] All Scriptures, unless otherwise noted, are taken from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version, (via E-Sword Software) © 2001 Crossway Publishing. All Rights Reserved. I paste them in red for distinction.

[2] Excellent line from the ESV Study Bible notes on 1 Cor 10:13

Eyes On The Prize

God's People Must Be United and Growing in Holiness

As preached at Rolling Hills Church on Sunday, May 6^th, 2012

1 Corinthians 9:24-27^[1]  

Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize? So run that you may obtain it. Every athlete exercises self-control in all things. They do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable. So I do not run aimlessly; I do not box as one beating the air. But I discipline my body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified.

Context is king. Paul was in a conversation about not eating food sacrificed to idols if it causes your weaker brother to stumble. 8:1 "Now concerning food offered to idols". Beginning in chapter 9 he lays out his example of living this way, which he makes plain in verse 15. "But I have made no use of any of these rights". You give up some things if necessary to advance the gospel. Now he is coming back around to the Corinthians' laying down of their rights and/or freedoms to advance the gospel and bless the weaker brothers and sisters in the church family.

This text isn't about being a godly athlete. If you wanna make that application as you play soccer you are free to, but know this – that's not the message of the passage.

This text isn't about 'taming the temple'. Paul wasn't writing this as a motivational tool to change how you look in the mirror, or to fight through the gravity pull of the 40s. Sure, self-discipline in eating and exercising are good, but that is not the point of the text. Running in such a way as to obtain the prize – Christ, gospel growth, and Christian love. That is the context of this passage. Let's walk through it by the key phrases today…

Do you not know? Rhetorical – they knew.

When Paul wrote these words to the Corinthian Christians, they all knew about the games. The Olympic games took place in Greece every four years without interruption from 776 BC until the Emperor Theodosius suppressed them in AD 393. That's 1,169 years. Everyone knew about the games[2]. Between those games were the biennial Isthmian Games, which took place there in Corinth, and had for centuries. He could talk games, running, boxing, and wrestling with these folks because it was a huge part of the culture.

So run that you may obtain it. This is the command to the Corinthian church from this passage – run in such a way that you obtain the prize. It's not enough to participate, not enough to just get a jersey and sit on the bench – you are in to win.

You need to discipline yourselves to advance gospel growth and Christian love. You lay down freedoms and rights here and now to gain rewards in heaven then.

I don't train for aimlessly; I have a purpose, a motive. He goes back to a personal example. Here is what Paul knew: there is a lasting reward! Paul had a prize in view in his mind – he ran toward something; he ran for something, not just to run. He ran to win, not just to participate – forget all that, 'how you play the game' mess, he wanted to be first on race day.

I discipline my body, he said. Those who compete in such games can't afford to let their body tell them what to do; they tell it what to do. When the body wants to stay up they go to sleep. When the body wants to stay in bed they get up. When the body wants ice cream and donuts they feed it a balanced, healthy meal. An athlete has to lead his body, not follow it.[3] They body must be subject to the will in order to win. Paul said, in context…

"I discipline my body" to become a slave to all out of love for all to bring the gospel to all to see God save some and to share in the benefit of it with them.

"I discipline my body" to walk hundreds of miles to tell people about Christ and start churches because hell is ferociously, eternally real.

"I discipline my body" by keeping my eyes on the prize, not on the discipline.

"I discipline my body" because what I want is worth more than what I have.

"I discipline my body" because it represents the indwelling sin that wants to destroy our love for Christ and lock our eyes on temporal earthy prizes alone.

"I discipline my body" to serve Christ who disciplined his body to suffer and die for rebellious ingrates like me.

"I discipline my body" to look to Christ and His glory, just as He looked beyond the cross to His glory as the prize – and sustained Himself through His suffering.

"I discipline my body" to become a slave to all out of love for all to bring the gospel to all to see God save some and to share in the benefit of it with them.

Lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified. I believe the context would show that Paul doesn't mean disqualified from eternal life, but from the rewards given for faithful, selfless service to Christ. Disqualified for salvation isn't really a possibility – because no one has ever been qualified! The KJV uses the word 'castaway' here, and that's a terrible translation. The word is qualified or approved with a prefix making it a negative. In the context of his illustration one would be unable to race because one didn't follow the rules of the contest. Let me show you some other thoughts on rewards from the same book that supports my contention…

1 Cor 3:12-15 Now if anyone builds on the foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw—each one's work will become manifest, for the Day will disclose it, because it will be revealed by fire, and the fire will test what sort of work each one has done. If the work that anyone has built on the foundation survives, he will receive a reward. If anyone's work is burned up, he will suffer loss, though he himself will be saved, but only as through fire.

Paul simply acknowledges the fight we all face. Many believers begin their walk with zeal and fervor, but unfortunately settle into a life of lazy Christianity. They have what it takes, but they no longer want to pay the price required to be fruitful for Christ.

That is not to say that we shouldn't examine ourselves (2 Cor 13:5) to verify that our faith is genuine – we all should! And we should fight not to let the disobedience, sin, or failures of other believers pull us away from faith in Christ. Their sin, just like yours, only proves the gospel true – we are wrecked, and need a Savior! Also, we can't let the wisdom of God in answering our prayers – as HE knows best – discourage us from faith; we must trust His wisdom, and hold fast to His goodness.

How about you, believer – is your fervor for Christ failing? Are you more focused on the temporal wreath than the eternal prize?

So 1 Corinthians 9 asks us this:

·      Would you lay down your rights in order to serve and sanctify those around you?

·      Would you change your life to reach others with the gospel?

·      Will you discipline yourself to obtain the prize – gospel growth and Christian love?

Brothers and sisters, are you running in such a way as to obtain the prize – Christ, gospel growth, and Christian love?

You will if you keep your eyes on the prize – the eternal reward of Jesus and His glory.
Let's pray that the Holy Spirit will mercifully convict us of specific sin, and direct us to obedience in Christ.

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[1] All Scriptures, unless otherwise noted, are taken from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version, (via E-Sword Software) © 2001 Crossway Publishing. All Rights Reserved. I paste them in red for distinction.

[2] From John Piper's sermon on 1 Cor 9:24-27, Olympic Spirituality, Part 1. Accessed via www.desiringgod.org/resourcelibrary/sermons, available for free.

[3] Great thought from John MacArthur in his New Testament Commentary: 1 Corinthians. Published by Moody Press, Chicago. Copyright © 1984 The Moody Bible Institute of Chicago. All Rights Reserved.

What Will You Do for the Sake of the Gospel?

God's People Must Be United and Growing in Holiness

As preached at Rolling Hills Church on Sunday, April 29^th, 2012

1 Corinthians 9:19-23^[1]  

Last week I was making the point that the poor give more than the rich. This is proven in several studies. UC Berkeley in 2010 found that poor gave more[2]. Independent Sector, a nonprofit organization focused on charitable giving, found that households earning less than $25,000 a year gave away an average of 4.2 percent of their incomes; those with earnings of more than $75,000 gave away 2.7 percent[3].

But my story of a rich man who left the church and did not affect the giving was unbalanced. I left it sounding like they didn't give at all; that is not true. They didn't evidently give regularly to the church, but they gave generously to people in other ways. I left it sounding like 'wealthy people don't give regularly'. Many wealthy people do give faithfully to God. It was an unbalanced illustration, and I apologize for that, and trust you'll forgive me.

Today we're back in 1 Corinthians 9, and your bulletin says we'll cover verses 19-27, but my notes say we'll only get through verse 23 today. Let's read that passage…

1 Corinthians 9:19-23

19 For though I am free from all, I have made myself a servant to all, that I might win more of them.

20 To the Jews I became as a Jew, in order to win Jews. To those under the law I became as one under the law (though not being myself under the law) that I might win those under the law.

21 To those outside the law I became as one outside the law (not being outside the law of God but under the law of Christ) that I might win those outside the law.

22 To the weak I became weak, that I might win the weak. I have become all things to all people, that by all means I might save some.

23 I do it all for the sake of the gospel, that I may share with them in its blessings.

(Prayer)

What Will You Do for the Sake of the Gospel? What will love drive you to do in order to save others?

1 Corinthians 9 is in the middle of three chapters Paul writes about food offered to idols, and causing your brother to stumble. This entire chapter is a 'take me, for instance'.

Verses 19-23 Describes Paul's call and motive to cross-cultural missions. He set out to reach those who weren't like him. To become: to begin to be, come into existence, to receive being. Also: to arise, to appear in history. To become like them meant to, as John Piper put it, "adapt as much as he can in non-sinful ways".[4] When you go to the Wano tribe you learn their language and their customs in order to translate the Bible and share the gospel with them. You don't kill women whose families got sick because you think she might have a demon. When you go to the people of Guinea you learn their language and customs and you fit in as much as possible so as to not un-necessarily give offense to them. If they play soccer, you play soccer and cheer with them for their team. But you don't dress immodestly just because they do. When Paul writes, "I have become all things to all men" he doesn't mean that he transgressed God's holiness to do God's work. You adapt as much as possible in non-sinful ways.

Now in Paul's 'becoming' or adapting, the law was mentioned three times…

He became like those under the law. It is likely he wore his Pharisee robes into synagogues.

He became like those not under the law. He ate with Gentiles without asking was it pork. We know he ate with them from Galatians 2. We know he discoursed with Jews in Athens in their style of public discourse.

He was under the law of Christ. Here is what guided and even motivated his 'becoming' – the law of Christ. What law is that, you ask? It is a good question. Let's call it a command…

John 13:34-35 A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another."

Gal 5:13-14 For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another. For the whole law is fulfilled in one word: "You shall love your neighbor as yourself." Gal 6:2 Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.

The law of Christ is love. Love for your fellow man moves you to adapt in order to reach. So in the context of the subject, Paul was free from all to become a slave to all out of love for all to bring the gospel to all. Love for his fellow man was the first motive implied. The second motive was clear… "23 I do it all for the sake of the gospel, that I may share with them in its blessings."

He adapted to win and to save. Win them to what, or to who? To Christ, the Messiah, Anointed One! To God who alone is Love, and who gives grace, pardon, adoption, and redemption through His Son Jesus! To win them to God and from sin!

Save them from what? Let's read what he wrote in other places…

Rom 5:9. Since, therefore, we have now been justified by his blood, much more shall we be saved by him from the wrath of God.

1 Thess 1:9b-10 how you turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God, and to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead, Jesus who delivers us from the wrath to come.

Let me say again today – have you considered the wrath of God, the punishment of eternal penalty of hell? Paul went to people because he firmly believed in God's wrath, His righteous indignation against the insolent rebellion of man.

He adapted to share in gospel blessings. He did it 'all for the sake of the gospel'. He was motivated by love for them, love for the gospel, and a strong desire to persevere to the end of his obedience to Christ. In 2 Tim 2:10 he wrote, "Therefore I endure everything for the sake of the elect, that they also may obtain the salvation that is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory." Paul was free from all to become a slave to all out of love for all to bring the gospel to all to see God save some and to share in the benefit of it with them.

My brothers and sisters, What Will You Do for the Sake of the Gospel? What will love drive you to do in order to save others?

Love has driven some in this church to leave their comfort and go to unreached people with the gospel. Todd Hansen is in Mongolia right now sharing Christ with fellow teachers and students. The Von Ruedens are in Guinea to translate the Bible for a people group. Are you using your gift to build up the body? Are your freedoms being laid down to serve others? Christ certainly laid His freedom down to give you life. Let us pray.

 

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[1] All Scriptures, unless otherwise noted, are taken from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version, (via E-Sword Software) © 2001 Crossway Publishing. All Rights Reserved. I paste them in red for distinction.

[2] http://greatergood.berkeley.edu/article/item/the_poor_give_more

[3] http://www.nytimes.com/2010/08/22/magazine/22FOB-wwln-t.html?_r=1

[4] A phrase John Piper used in his 1996 sermon on 1 Cor 9:19-23. Accessed at www.desiringgod.org

The Right to Lay Down Rights

God's People Must Be United and Growing in Holiness

As preached at Rolling Hills Church on Sunday, April 22^nd, 2012

1 Corinthians 9:1-18^[1] 

1 Corinthians 8-10 is one subject that the Apostle addresses in response to the request of someone in the Corinthian church; "Now concerning food offered to idols". Last week we read 1 Corinthians 8 and we learned this: When love for our brothers and sisters is ignored for our knowledge and rights, knowledge is not enough. Love leads a Christian to lay down his rights. This same conversation continues from the end of chapter 8, so let me read that last verse. "13 Therefore, if food makes my brother stumble, I will never eat meat, lest I make my brother stumble." Love led Paul to lay down his rights. We move on today and we find yet another reason to lay down one's rights…

1 Am I not free? Am I not an apostle? Have I not seen Jesus our Lord? Are not you my workmanship in the Lord?

2 If to others I am not an apostle, at least I am to you, for you are the seal of my apostleship in the Lord.

3 This is my defense to those who would examine me.

4 Do we not have the right to eat and drink?

5 Do we not have the right to take along a believing wife, as do the other apostles and the brothers of the Lord and Cephas?

6 Or is it only Barnabas and I who have no right to refrain from working for a living?

7 Who serves as a soldier at his own expense? Who plants a vineyard without eating any of its fruit? Or who tends a flock without getting some of the milk?

8 Do I say these things on human authority? Does not the Law say the same?

9 For it is written in the Law of Moses, "You shall not muzzle an ox when it treads out the grain." Is it for oxen that God is concerned?

10 Does he not speak entirely for our sake? It was written for our sake, because the plowman should plow in hope and the thresher thresh in hope of sharing in the crop.

11 If we have sown spiritual things among you, is it too much if we reap material things from you?

12 If others share this rightful claim on you, do not we even more? Nevertheless, we have not made use of this right, but we endure anything rather than put an obstacle in the way of the gospel of Christ.

13 Do you not know that those who are employed in the temple service get their food from the temple, and those who serve at the altar share in the sacrificial offerings?

14 In the same way, the Lord commanded that those who proclaim the gospel should get their living by the gospel.

15 But I have made no use of any of these rights, nor am I writing these things to secure any such provision. For I would rather die than have anyone deprive me of my ground for boasting.

16 For if I preach the gospel, that gives me no ground for boasting. For necessity is laid upon me. Woe to me if I do not preach the gospel!

17 For if I do this of my own will, I have a reward, but if not of my own will, I am still entrusted with a stewardship.

18 What then is my reward? That in my preaching I may present the gospel free of charge, so as not to make full use of my right in the gospel.

We'll tackle this chapter in two messages; this week I think we can grasp this truth from chapter 9… You have the right to lay down your rights. Future reward can lead a believer to lay down present rights.

Let's look at Paul's rights. "Rights" (exousia, eks-ü-sē'-ä) would be defined as his 'power, power of choice; leave, or permission'[2].

Paul has the right of respect due to an apostle of Jesus (v 1-2). To the church of Corinth, which he had started, and many of whom he had likely led to believe in Christ. They were the seal of his apostleship. In Paul's day the wax seal on the outside of a scroll or letter verified the authenticity and integrity of the scroll – it had not been tampered with. The very fact that they had believed the gospel under his preaching HAD to mean something to them! In other words – you of all people ought to know my calling.

Paul has the right to expect provision for and from his gospel labor (v 3-4.) He was correct to be able to expect compensation for his labor of preaching and teaching the gospel to people as he had opportunity, praying for the church, and making disciples.

Paul has the right to expect provision for a wife to travel with him (v 5-6). It is not good for a pastor, preacher, apostle, or an evangelist to be gone from his wife and family for too long. If the children are old enough and the wife is thus freed up from her responsibilities in the home, it is a good thing for those benefitting from the ministry of Christian leaders to fund the travels of the wife as well. Peter and the other apostles used this right, as did most other visiting gospel ministers of the day.

What is the source of these rights?

The law of Moses (v 8-10, 13). Deut 25:4 says very simply, "You shall not muzzle an ox when it is treading out the grain." The priests and temple workers from the Old Testament were given food from the sacrifices offered (v 13). These verses are not quoted as authoritative law for the church but as a principle the law models that Jesus acknowledges. Yet when an apostle brings OT principles into NT writing, it is now NT truth for the church.

The command of Christ (v 14). The Lord sent the apostles out with this thought: "And remain in the same house, eating and drinking what they provide, for the laborer deserves his wages." (Luke 10:7). Paul refers to this when he is teaching the church.

Common courtesy and cultural norms also offer such rights (v 7, 10-12). As Paul points out, soldiers, farmers, and shepherds rightly expect to get paid for their labor, and not have to work a job on the side in order to self-fund their work. There is not time or energy for such! Note this in verse 12 – they paid other pastors or preachers for their labor in the church! Paul wanted Corinthian church to see this; he willingly laid down these rights for their sake! How could they refuse to lay down rights for the sake of others!

Paul's great pride was that he laid down these rights. He refused to seek pay for gospel work among un-reached peoples. He was supported by established churches or else he worked with his hands. This is an example chapter, but there are other things we see here…

Let us hold Scripture over tradition. Peter, as primary figure for the Roman Catholic Church, took a wife with him. He also had a mother-in-law that Jesus healed. And Jesus had brothers. Any and all parts of Christianity should hold fast to God's Word over man's opinions. Pastors and leaders should marry; it avoids many troubles.

Let us meet the needs of gospel ministers. 1 Tim 5:8 But if anyone does not provide for his relatives, and especially for members of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.

This verse tells pastors to provide for their families. No options. My responsibility.

1 Tim 6:10-11 For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evils. It is through this craving that some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many pangs. But as for you, O man of God, flee these things. Pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, steadfastness, gentleness.

OK so in 5:8 pastors must provide for their families. In 6:10-11 they can't focus on, demand, or love money – it can't be the sole motivation for ministry. How then do we live? Answer… 1 Tim 5:17-18 Let the elders who rule well be considered worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in preaching and teaching. For the Scripture says, "You shall not muzzle an ox when it treads out the grain," and, "The laborer deserves his wages."

In other words, it is on you to meet the needs of gospel ministers to the church. The weight on the pastor is to trust God and make his needs known and/or work if those needs can't be met. But this isn't about needs, it is about rights – and laying those down. So we close…

Let gospel ministers forego those needs and reach the lost with the gospel! We give to send, and we send men who will work to pay their way – both are God's plan of spreading the good news about Christ horrible death and beautiful resurrection. How can they repent if they don't learn of their consuming, burning, God-defying sin? How can God's grace wash them unless they believe in Christ? How can they believe unless they hear?

Someone needs to look to their future rewards. You have the right to lay down your rights. Future reward can lead a believer to lay down present rights.

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[1] All Scriptures, unless otherwise noted, are taken from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version, (via E-Sword Software) © 2001 Crossway Publishing. All Rights Reserved. I paste them in red for distinction.

[2] http://www.blueletterbible.org/lang/lexicon/lexicon.cfm?Strongs=G1849&t=ESV

When Knowledge Isn't Enough

God's People Must Be United and Growing in Holiness

As preached at Rolling Hills Church on Sunday, April 15^th, 2012

1 Corinthians 8:1-13^[1]

Knowledge is good. There is a very good reason that I am continually encouraging us to read, study, listen to, and pray through the Word of God – these words are life! Knowledge of God's will is good. Ps 119:11 I have stored up your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you. Knowledge is good.

Freedom is good. God gave us To choose my own freedom out of sound knowledge is fine; it is good. There is so much legalism abounding today, with people adding to what God's Word says, etc., that I want to continually commend the freedom with have in Christ, church family. Gal 5:1 For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery. Freedom is good.

Love is good. God is love. Christ loved us. We are to love one another. Love covers a multitude of sins. 1 Cor 13:13 So now faith, hope, and love abide, these three; but the greatest of these is love. Love is good.

Knowledge is good. Freedom is good. Love is good.

In 1 Corinthians 8 Paul raises a serious question about these three things – how do I decide when freedom, knowledge, or love should be the trump card?

Let's read the text, humble ourselves in prayer, then let God's Spirit help us learn this truth from Paul's teaching today.

1 Now concerning food offered to idols: we know that "all of us possess knowledge." This "knowledge" puffs up, but love builds up.

2 If anyone imagines that he knows something, he does not yet know as he ought to know.

3 But if anyone loves God, he is known by God.

4 Therefore, as to the eating of food offered to idols, we know that "an idol has no real existence," and that "there is no God but one."

5 For although there may be so-called gods in heaven or on earth--as indeed there are many "gods" and many "lords"--

6 yet for us there is one God, the Father, from whom are all things and for whom we exist, and one Lord, Jesus Christ, through whom are all things and through whom we exist.

7 However, not all possess this knowledge. But some, through former association with idols, eat food as really offered to an idol, and their conscience, being weak, is defiled.

8 Food will not commend us to God. We are no worse off if we do not eat, and no better off if we do.

9 But take care that this right of yours does not somehow become a stumbling block to the weak.

10 For if anyone sees you who have knowledge eating in an idol's temple, will he not be encouraged, if his conscience is weak, to eat food offered to idols?

11 And so by your knowledge this weak person is destroyed, the brother for whom Christ died.

12 Thus, sinning against your brothers and wounding their conscience when it is weak, you sin against Christ.

13 Therefore, if food makes my brother stumble, I will never eat meat, lest I make my brother stumble.

This is the second question Paul answers in this letter. 7:1 Now concerning the matters about which you wrote: "It is good for a man not to have sexual relations with a woman.", and now,  "8:1 Now concerning food offered to idols:".

Here is what God begins to show us today in this passage, church family:

When love for our brothers and sisters is ignored for our knowledge and rights, knowledge is not enough. Love leads a Christian to lay down his rights.

Here was the setting in Corinth: Temples to idols often doubled as meat-markets and restaurants. Like furniture stores and funeral homes used to here. Sacrifices had spread from the Garden to many cultures  - but to idols, not to Jehovah God out of faith. Some believers were very confident in their knowledge that idols didn't exist, so they were free in their minds to eat there. Knowledge and freedom.

First, let's see what it is that Paul about knowledge…

What we know...

"All of us possess knowledge". Knowledge puffs up. Arrogance. He said, "an idol has no real existence", and, "There is no God but one". Now Paul again incorporates some sarcasm here, but folks - These are good things to know! We have knowledge, that there are really no false gods, no idols – they don't exist. And God DOES exist: there is only one God, Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior. If you're confused about that because of the proliferation of religions in the world, let Paul set your mind at ease – there is only One God.

What we should know...

Not all possess this knowledge. Some who were idolaters will defile their conscience if they eat meat sacrificed to idols in a temple. You have the right to eat meat; food doesn't commend you to God.

Take care. Don't sin against Christ by causing a weaker brother to wound their conscience and stumble in their faith.

Command: Use Caution!

Take care that this 'right' of yours doesn't cause a weaker brother to stumble. Why? Because you sin against Christ when you sin against as weaker brother by causing them to re-engage in idolatry.

Therefore, Paul applies this inferred command to himself - "If food cause my brother to stumble [into idolatry], I will never eat meat, lest I cause him to stumble." What is so serious about causing a brother to stumble – shouldn't they just grow up?

Matt 18:6 but whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him to have a great millstone fastened around his neck and to be drowned in the depth of the sea.

It is serious because God loves these people, enough to give His Son for them.

Here was the dilemma - a brother with freedom and knowledge seen eating in an idol's temple by a brother with a background in idolatry and a weak conscience. Who should give, flex, or be willing to lay down their right? For us… Alcohol. Bars with restaurants. Music. Movies. Sports or other entertainment things that others might have had hugely ugly past experiences with.

Guiding principle we learn here is this: When love for our brothers and sisters is ignored for our knowledge and rights, knowledge is not enough. Love leads a Christian to lay down his rights. We exist through Jesus Christ and for God the Father. Let that ownership, purpose that we enjoy guide us; that and love for the body.

 

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[1] All Scriptures, unless otherwise noted, are taken from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version, (via E-Sword Software) © 2001 Crossway Publishing. All Rights Reserved. I paste them in red for distinction.

Fully Devoted to The Lord

God's People Must Be United and Growing in Holiness

As preached at Rolling Hills Church on Sunday, March 18^th, 2012

1 Corinthians 7:25-40^[1]

25 Now concerning the betrothed, I have no command from the Lord, but I give my judgment as one who by the Lord's mercy is trustworthy. (1 Tim 1:12)

26 I think that in view of the present distress it is good for a person to remain as he is.

27 Are you bound to a wife? Do not seek to be free. Are you free from a wife? Do not seek a wife.

28 But if you do marry, you have not sinned, and if a betrothed woman marries, she has not sinned. Yet those who marry will have worldly troubles, and I would spare you that.

29 This is what I mean, brothers: the appointed time has grown very short. From now on, let those who have wives live as though they had none,

30 and those who mourn as though they were not mourning, and those who rejoice as though they were not rejoicing, and those who buy as though they had no goods,

31 and those who deal with the world as though they had no dealings with it. For the present form of this world is passing away.

32 I want you to be free from anxieties. The unmarried man is anxious about the things of the Lord, how to please the Lord.

33 But the married man is anxious about worldly things, how to please his wife,

34 and his interests are divided. And the unmarried or betrothed woman is anxious about the things of the Lord, how to be holy in body and spirit. But the married woman is anxious about worldly things, how to please her husband.

35 I say this for your own benefit, not to lay any restraint upon you, but to promote good order and to secure your undivided devotion to the Lord.

36 If anyone thinks that he is not behaving properly toward his betrothed, if his passions are strong, and it has to be, let him do as he wishes: let them marry--it is no sin.

37 But whoever is firmly established in his heart, being under no necessity but having his desire under control, and has determined this in his heart, to keep her as his betrothed, he will do well.

38 So then he who marries his betrothed does well, and he who refrains from marriage will do even better.

39 A wife is bound to her husband as long as he lives. But if her husband dies, she is free to be married to whom she wishes, only in the Lord.

40 Yet in my judgment she is happier if she remains as she is. And I think that I too have the Spirit of God.

Here is the message for this week: We are instructed to manage our lives during stressful times in such a way as to stay fully devoted to the Lord.

Paul's authority to teach: this is indeed from God, and inspired by God. He was sent by Christ, 1 Timothy 1:12 I thank him who has given me strength, Christ Jesus our Lord, because he judged me faithful, appointing me to his service,

Paul's instruction is to young betrothed (engaged), and to widows.

Paul's purpose in this instruction: to secure our undivided devotion to the Lord, in a difficult time for the church.

"In view of the present distress", and "the appointed time has grown short". Is the apostle telling them to sell their goods, share the gospel and wait outside for the return of Christ? No, not exactly; there is too much instruction in this book which involves continuing on in life here – on marriage, morality, collections for the poor, travel plans, what to eat at dinner, etc[2]. Not any more than Jesus taught against having children…

V 26, "in view of this present distress" Matt 24:19 And alas for women who are pregnant and for those who are nursing infants in those days!   Luke 23:28-29 But turning to them Jesus said, "Daughters of Jerusalem, do not weep for me, but weep for yourselves and for your children. For behold, the days are coming when they will say, 'Blessed are the barren and the wombs that never bore and the breasts that never nursed!' Jesus is not saying having children is against God's will; He is warning Israel that during Titus' destruction of Jerusalem it will be very, very difficult.

What Paul evidently saw was a time of persecution then, or soon coming to the church in Corinth, and he wanted them to consider life in light of such things. Did he believe the Lord was returning soon? Yes! So did Peter and John.

Present form of this world: this world is ever changing, and it is not generally improving. We are wise, as believers, to remember that. Eternal things trump temporal things. Always. Hold in your hands loosely the things of this world, lest they get too firm a place in our hearts. These hearts must be set on things above.

This is addressed to potential husbands, not fathers of potential brides. Betrothed are young couples who have been set apart to one another, and Paul speaks to the young man. He is not speaking to the fathers. Here's why:

-       The context of this section is marriage, not parenting

-       The immediate context is to those who either marry or remain single, and

-       The concession to marry if you can't exercise self-control would only apply to potential husbands, not fathers

-       The logic of giving your daughter away now that she is past the flower of her youth doesn't make sense; it would make sense if it were she were TO the flower of her youth

Therefore the phrase (word, hyperakmos) in verse 36 which is translated in some versions, "if she is past the flower of her youth" is better translated as, "if his passions are strong".

HOWEVER: if it was to fathers, the same teaching applies; in light of this present distress, we must secure undivided devotion to the Lord.

Paul is consistent in his teaching to the church that it is easier, during times of distress, to serve Christ single than married. He commends singleness but also acknowledges that few have that gift, and most should marry.

What is taught about singleness? It is easier to serve Christ and live sacrificial when single.

What is inferred about marriage? That you must seek to please and care for the one you are married to. This is not an ungodly distraction; it can be done 'as unto the Lord', as Paul teaches in other places. It is good to be married! Let me share this story to help you understand how Paul is thinking…

On January 25^th, 1544, James Rauleson, along with three other men and his wife, were accused by friars in Scotland of heresy against the church deserving death. They were brought before Archbishop David Beaton. Rauleson was accused of mocking the cardinal's hat; he had built a house and on the fourth stair he had carved a three-crowned diadem of Peter. His wife, Helen Stark, was accused of not calling on the Virgin Mary during childbirth; she had only called to God through Jesus Christ. They were also accused of eating goose on all-hallows-eve.

The men were bound and beaten, with Helen begging to be bound and beaten with them; she was not allowed. She cried out to James, "Husband rejoice, for we have lived together many joyful days; but this day we must die should be most joyful to us both, because we must have joy together forever… in the Kingdom of God." Then men were taken to the place of execution and, while calling upon the Lord and encouraging one another that they would join the Lord for supper in His kingdom, they were killed, with Helen begging to be killed alongside her husband.

After the men died, the friars took Helen to be drowned, with a baby nursing at her breast. When they arrived at the water she commended her children to good people in the town, she sealed up the truth by her death.[3]

How hard it must be to watch your spouse suffer for his or her faith! And yet, God gives grace for such – when it comes, not before.

What is taught to widows?

First that marriage among believers (v 10) is to the death.

Second is that they could stay single and serve Christ; but in every passage Paul reiterates – marriage is fine, it is good. He gives the bottom line…

We are instructed to manage our lives during stressful times in such a way as to stay fully devoted to the Lord.

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[1] All Scriptures, unless otherwise noted, are taken from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version, (via E-Sword Software) © 2001 Crossway Publishing. All Rights Reserved. I paste them in red for distinction.

[2] From footnotes in The ESV Study Bible, Copyright © 2001-2012 Crossway. All rights reserved.

[3] From chapter 10, "The Martyrs of Scotland", in Foxe's Book of Martyrs, published by Whitaker House, Springdale, PA. Copyright © Whitaker House 1981.