In An Unworthy Manner

God's People Must Be United and Growing in Holiness

1 Corinthians 11:17-34^[1]

As preached at Rolling Hills Church on Sunday, June 3^rd, 2012

These next few passages, through chapter 14 deal with Christians gathering in public to worship Jesus Christ, "When you come together". I would ask you to read ahead through chapter 14, for there are challenging truths to learn together, beginning with today's study of the Lord's Supper, and the admonition not to take it "In An Unworthy Manner". Let's read…

17 But in the following instructions I do not commend you, because when you come together it is not for the better but for the worse.

18 For, in the first place, when you come together as a church, I hear that there are divisions among you. And I believe it in part,

19 for there must be factions among you in order that those who are genuine among you may be recognized.

20 When you come together, it is not the Lord's supper that you eat.

21 For in eating, each one goes ahead with his own meal. One goes hungry, another gets drunk.

22 What! Do you not have houses to eat and drink in? Or do you despise the church of God and humiliate those who have nothing? What shall I say to you? Shall I commend you in this? No, I will not.

23 For I received from the Lord what I also delivered to you, that the Lord Jesus on the night when he was betrayed took bread,

24 and when he had given thanks, he broke it, and said, "This is my body which is for you. Do this in remembrance of me."

25 In the same way also he took the cup, after supper, saying, "This cup is the new covenant in my blood. Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me."

26 For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord's death until he comes.

27 Whoever, therefore, eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty concerning the body and blood of the Lord.

28 Let a person examine himself, then, and so eat of the bread and drink of the cup.

29 For anyone who eats and drinks without discerning the body eats and drinks judgment on himself.

30 That is why many of you are weak and ill, and some have died.

31 But if we judged ourselves truly, we would not be judged.

32 But when we are judged by the Lord, we are disciplined so that we may not be condemned along with the world.

33 So then, my brothers, when you come together to eat, wait for one another--

34 if anyone is hungry, let him eat at home--so that when you come together it will not be for judgment. About the other things I will give directions when I come.

There is a wrong way to approach the Lord's Supper and there is a right way to approach the Lord's Supper. Let us learn the right way, and diligently pursue it.

V 17-22, 27, 29-32, The wrong way. This way degrades others, exalts self, belittles the very Son of God, and brings judgment on those who take it. This is taking the bread and the cup in an unworthy manner.

Degrades others. For, in the first place, when you come together as a church, I hear that there are divisions among you. There were divisions in this church – we learned that early on. They were divided over what leaders they held fast to (1 Cor 1:11-13), and it was a serious schism. There were also moral failures that some felt were no big deal, while others mourned over them (1 Cor 5). Now we learn that they were divided in yet another way – the 'haves' and the 'have not's. A very grievous division, this one! Jesus takes this all too seriously for us to trifle with it (Matt 25). James took time to strongly address this (James 2:1-13), and summarizes his warning this way: "13 For judgment is without mercy to one who has shown no mercy. Mercy triumphs over judgment." Church, we are no better when wealthy than we are when poor. We come with the same sin to repent of, leaning on the same grace from the same Lord who is merciful to the humble, the poor – and who steadfastly warns the wealthy not to trust in riches, and certainly to be generous to share. This should be the first place on earth where the poor can joyfully eat of the bounty with those who have excess without shame or guilt or condemnation!

Exalts self. For in eating, each one goes ahead with his own meal. One goes hungry, another gets drunk. Are we better than anyone because we have plenty? Does self-exaltation ever bless God or His people? Actually it brings judgment from God when we exalt ourselves at the expense of others, for whom Christ died.

Belittles the Very Son of God. When you come together, it is not the Lord's supper that you eat… 26 For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord's death until he comes. He who was poor and who willingly laid down His life is not honored, church family, when schisms exist where some are blessed and have plenty and others are in need, embarrassed, and ignored. He is the least of these, and His death on the cross has paid the complete, full price for all who would repent, rich or poor. We are all brothers in Christ now. I say again, He died for all who believe in Him; regardless of skin color, affiliation, wealth, education, local status among the unbelievers, or any other measure. Here is our measure; sinful yet saved. Common ground, is it not? Saved by grace alone through faith alone in Christ alone through the Scriptures alone to the glory of God alone.

Brings judgment on those who take it in an unworthy manner. Paul says "For anyone who eats and drinks without discerning the body eats and drinks judgment on himself. That is why many of you are weak and ill, and some have died. But if we judged ourselves truly, we would not be judged. But when we are judged by the Lord, we are disciplined so that we may not be condemned along with the world." When we take the bread and the cup in an unworthy manner we are bringing the loving, correcting judgment of God down on our heads. Even to death at times, Paul says. Sickness and death in the church because of taking the Lord's Supper in an unworthy manner. Let us hear this, church. Let us consider.

V 23-26, 28, 31-34, The right way. This way promotes unity, commends self-examination, honors the Son of God, and avoids judgment by those who take it.

Promotes Unity. 33 So then, my brothers, when you come together to eat, wait for one another--

34 if anyone is hungry, let him eat at home--so that when you come together it will not be for judgment. We see that we are one in Christ. All the blessings of His death, burial, and resurrection – pardon for sin, escape from God's wrath, adoption, redemption, justification, sanctification, a place in the body of Christ, eternal life with Him in heaven – we have these in common, and we celebrate that when we take communion together. From every tongue tribe, language, and nation – we come to the table as one in Christ. On a local level we come as one in this church, unified in our faith in Christ, brothers and sisters regardless of what trail we took to get here.

Commends self-examination. But if we judged ourselves truly, we would not be judged. Is it ever a bad thing to pause, examine ourselves, confess our sin to God and, if necessary, to others, to repent from loving anything more than Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior? No! Here the context is that we examine ourselves to see that we are humbly united in good standing with the body of Christ, washing away arrogance and selfishness. Consider others above us. This little piece of bread and little cup of juice represents the most precious sacrifice ever made – for undeserving sinners like us!

Honors the Son of God.

"Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me." For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord's death until he comes.

We are taught to rightly remember His death on the cross, and to proclaim it until He comes again. This is a witness, a reminder, a celebration, and this is worship. It is obedience to one of the two ordinances Christ established for His church.  He is ever to be made much of by His bride, and nowhere more than at the Lord's Table.

There is a wrong way to approach the Lord's Supper and there is a right way to approach the Lord's Supper. Let us learn the right way, and diligently pursue it.

Now perhaps that brings a question to mind…

Should you always take it? There are some times when people should not take the Lord's Supper.

·      If you are not a believer, and have yet to be saved and confess Christ as your Lord and Savior. This is a memorial service for those who have trusted Christ for eternal life. Come, learn, consider, watch, listen – but this is for Christ-followers who have publicly proclaimed their faith in Him through baptism.

·      When you are in willful sin. If you have sin in your hearts toward God or others, and you are willfully refusing to repent. This passage plainly speaks of being unkind and inconsiderate toward the other believers; yet I would strongly recommend us to forego the elements if we are justifying any sin.

·      When you are under church discipline for willful sin. If your home church has called you to repentance for willful public sin and you have ignored their loving correction, it is not wise to go to another church and take the bread and cup as if you were right with God's people – you are not. Even if in your home church – pass on it. Go home to your church, repent, submit yourself to your leaders, and worship Christ in truth and in Spirit.

So we examine ourselves. This is why we ask God to examine us, convict us, and forgive us. We humble ourselves, and we consider Christ and His body.

As we take the Lord's Supper we worship Jesus, and we celebrate the unity of salvation we have as part of the body of 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.

Authority, Honor, and Hair

God's People Must Be United and Growing in Holiness

1 Corinthians 11:2-16^[1] 

As preached at Rolling Hills Church on Sunday, May 27^th, 2012

The military has what it calls a 'chain of command'; it's rather simple. It begins at the bottom and goes to the top, considering both rank and position/office held.  Responsibility begins at the top and goes to the bottom. A good officer will, when an action of his unit reflects positively on him, give him men and women the credit. That good officer will also take all the responsibility when things do not reflect positively on his unit.

While the world does not operate on a 'chain of command', there is authority and order throughout the universe; there has been from the beginning and there will be until the end. We will see why in the text in a moment. When any society is functioning in a healthy manner, there will be clear authority and honor in that society.

Scriptures

2 Now I commend you because you remember me in everything and maintain the traditions even as I delivered them to you.

3 But I want you to understand that the head of every man is Christ, the head of a wife is her husband, and the head of Christ is God.

4 Every man who prays or prophesies with his head covered dishonors his head,

5 but every wife who prays or prophesies with her head uncovered dishonors her head, since it is the same as if her head were shaven.

6 For if a wife will not cover her head, then she should cut her hair short. But since it is disgraceful for a wife to cut off her hair or shave her head, let her cover her head.

7 For a man ought not to cover his head, since he is the image and glory of God, but woman is the glory of man.

8 For man was not made from woman, but woman from man.

9 Neither was man created for woman, but woman for man.

10 That is why a wife ought to have a symbol of authority on her head, because of the angels.

11 Nevertheless, in the Lord woman is not independent of man nor man of woman;

12 for as woman was made from man, so man is now born of woman. And all things are from God.

13 Judge for yourselves: is it proper for a wife to pray to God with her head uncovered?

14 Does not nature itself teach you that if a man wears long hair it is a disgrace for him,

15 but if a woman has long hair, it is her glory? For her hair is given to her for a covering.

16 If anyone is inclined to be contentious, we have no such practice, nor do the churches of God.

Outline/Message: Let us dress and live in such a way as to honor authority in marriage and in the church. We are in Christ, and part of the body of Christ.

Verse 3: Concerning Headship and Order. If you are strongly feminist in an American sense and find this text offensive – whether you are male or female – please humble yourself to remember that Christ, being equal with the Father, humbled Himself and subjected Himself willingly to the Father – even by going to His own death on the cross. We see it plainly laid out here – God is over Christ; Christ is over man; man is over woman. He addresses this because the authority and honor of husbands was apparently being disdained by the dress of wives in the church. This is about marriage, and how it is lived out in the church. It is no more proper for a wife to dishonor her husband than for a man to dishonor his Lord, Jesus Christ. Let's read the establishment of this order again to refresh ourselves, shall we?

Gen 2:7-8 then the LORD God formed the man of dust from the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living creature. And the LORD God planted a garden in Eden, in the east, and there he put the man whom he had formed.

Gen 2:18-23 Then the LORD God said, "It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him a helper fit for him." Now out of the ground the LORD God had formed every beast of the field and every bird of the heavens and brought them to the man to see what he would call them. And whatever the man called every living creature, that was its name. The man gave names to all livestock and to the birds of the heavens and to every beast of the field. But for Adam there was not found a helper fit for him. So the LORD God caused a deep sleep to fall upon the man, and while he slept took one of his ribs and closed up its place with flesh. And the rib that the LORD God had taken from the man he made into a woman and brought her to the man. Then the man said, "This at last is bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh; she shall be called Woman, because she was taken out of Man."

This is the creative order; God made man for Himself, and made woman for man, to complement him. This holds true today in any culture, in the home and in the church. God made man to lead in the home. He made woman for man. Man also has leadership in the church. Those who hold to this view are called "Complementarian". Those who believe that the New Testament calls for an end to such roles – despite all the Scriptural evidence to the contrary – are called "Egalitarian". Let me show you two verses that is based on…

Gal 3:28 There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.

1 Pet 3:7 Likewise, husbands, live with your wives in an understanding way, showing honor to the woman as the weaker vessel, since they are heirs with you of the grace of life, so that your prayers may not be hindered.

We celebrate the equality of men and women. Grace is free as God chose both to be saved. And while these verses obviously speak to the equality of men and women in salvation, they don't negate the roles God established from the beginning. They weren't written to offset or negate the texts throughout the Bible that lay out God's order in the home and in the church. Men lead and men are responsible for their homes. Nowhere it is clearer than 1 Corinthians 11:3.

 We must remember this: authority in the Bible is founded on love, not tyranny. It is a holy, willful subordination that neither risks nor degrades personhood, worth, skills, or capabilities. Are some more spiritual than some of those they willingly submit themselves to? Yes; and if they're spiritual, they will be submitted from the heart. Some wives know more Scripture than their husbands; some are better educated than their small group leaders or pastors. But don't we see children go off and become better educated than their parents? Does that mean they are now the authority? By no means! Order in the home and church isn't based on degrees, skills, talents, or will power; it is based on God's Word.

It was obviously 'disgraceful' for women to have a shaved head in Corinth in 60 AD. Some say it was associated with gender rebellion (feminism), prostitution or adultery[2]. Paul's point with hair is that a woman would no more pray/prophesy with her head uncovered than you would shave her head. It would dishonor her husband and disdain the marriage vows made to him. That's the principle Paul is teaching; headship and order. Fleshed out…

V 4-5 Prayer and Prophesying. Men are to pray and prophesy with their heads uncovered; women with their heads covered. Men in Greek/Roman cults often covered their heads when bowing to their false god; Paul wanted no such association with Christians at all.

Can women pray and prophesy in the church It sounds like it here; but not according to 1 Corinthians 14:34 the women should keep silent in the churches. For they are not permitted to speak, but should be in submission, as the Law also says.

While this could be confusing, I don't believe it has to be. It does make us read, think, and pray; that's not bad! I believe we find consistency when we take 14:34 to mean in the formal worship service only: otherwise they have freedom with respect to authority. In a very basic sense, prayer is talking to God about man, and prophecy is talking to man about God[3]. Women are free to do this in the home, marketplace, and church gatherings other than the formal worship setting. It puts no limits on women teaching other women and children as well. It simply limits women teaching and exercising authority over men in the church – a role for pastor/elders, according to 1 Tim 3:2, "able to teach". and in the home. It is an issue of creative order.

V 6-10 Creation, Glory, and Angels. The foundation for this isn't in Paul's male chauvinist opinion; it is in God's creative order. Man was made for God and His glory, woman was made for man and for his glory (in a reflective, honoring sense). Paul's reminder is specifically meant to humble proud, rebellious people who disdained God's order of things.

Angels were at creation. Angels are at our worship services. Angels understand authority and submission to God and to His way of things. They are watching, and should see us, when worshipping Almighty God through Jesus Christ, see us doing so properly.

V 11-12 Mutual dependence, respect, and wedding rings. "Nevertheless, in the Lord woman is not independent of man nor man of woman; for as woman was made from man, so man is now born of woman. And all things are from God." Despite the roles, mutual dependence and respect are to be lived out in the home and church. HERE is the place for Galatians 3 and 1 Peter 3.

V 13-16 Summary and Reminder: Part of the Body of Christ.

Judge for yourselves, Paul writes. This is natural, right, and "Proper." He wanted propriety in the church. That's a good word, propriety! It comes from "proper". It is that which is decent, appropriate, respectable, correct, and orderly.

Part of the Body of Christ:

1 Cor 1:2 To the church of God that is in Corinth, to those csanctified in Christ Jesus, dcalled to be saints together with all those who in every place ecall upon the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, both their Lord and ours:

4:17 That is why oI sent1 you Timothy, pmy beloved and faithful child in the Lord, to remind you of my ways in Christ,2 qas I teach them everywhere in every church.

7:17 Only let each person lead the life1 lthat the Lord has assigned to him, and to which God has called him. mThis is my rule in nall the churches.

14:33 For God is not a God of xconfusion but of peace. As in yall the churches of the saints,

Church family, Let us dress and live in such a way as to honor authority in marriage and in the church.

 

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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] On page 257 in John A. MacArthur's New Testament Commentary, 1 Corinthians. Copyright © 1984 by the Moody Bible Institute of Chicago. All rights reserved.

[3] ibid. 

For the Glory of God and the Good of Others – Eat!

God's People Must Be United and Growing in Holiness

1 Corinthians 10:23-33^[1] 

As preached at Rolling Hills Church on Sunday, May 20^th, 2012

When you buy food at the grocery store, do you think about other people?

Do you think about God?

And what does food you eat have to do with other people anyway?

Eating is not complicated; but eating should be considerate. Let's read our text…

23 "All things are lawful," but not all things are helpful. "All things are lawful," but not all things build up.

24 Let no one seek his own good, but the good of his neighbor.

25 Eat whatever is sold in the meat market without raising any question on the ground of conscience.

26 For "the earth is the Lord's, and the fullness thereof."

27 If one of the unbelievers invites you to dinner and you are disposed to go, eat whatever is set before you without raising any question on the ground of conscience.

28 But if someone says to you, "This has been offered in sacrifice," then do not eat it, for the sake of the one who informed you, and for the sake of conscience--

29 I do not mean your conscience, but his. For why should my liberty be determined by someone else's conscience?

30 If I partake with thankfulness, why am I denounced because of that for which I give thanks?

31 So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.

32 Give no offense to Jews or to Greeks or to the church of God,

33 just as I try to please everyone in everything I do, not seeking my own advantage, but that of many, that they may be saved.

4:1 Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ.

Message for today: Use your Christian liberty with food to strengthen the church, win the lost, and glorify God.

To strengthen the church.

We are to think in terms of helping brothers and sisters grow in their faith, and not putting stumbling blocks in their path. Words used in this line of thinking are, 'profitable', 'build up', 'good',  'please', and 'for their sake'.

To win the lost to Christ.

When interacting with those who don't know Christ yet, we are, as a believer, to be aware of their preferences/idolatries and we are to do what we do with the hope of their conversion prominently in our thinking!

To give glory to God.

Giving glory to God when eating or drinking, or whatever you do. Maybe we don't think of God's glory when we're eating a meal, but Paul did, and he was led by the Holy Spirit to teach the church this truth – which means that God is concerned about His glory through our eating choices.

Verse 31 is pretty central to this text as a summary of this portion of Scripture and also of this conversation from 8:1-11:1. " So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God." The word 'glory' means, "Something that is worthy of praise or exaltation; brilliance; beauty; renown." God's glory has two aspects. First is His inherent or intrinsic glory that simply radiates from His being. No one gives Him this; it is His, and His alone, and always will be. But the second aspect is ascribed glory.  Ascribe to the LORD, O heavenly beings, ascribe to the LORD glory and strength. Ascribe to the LORD the glory due his name; worship the LORD in the splendor of holiness. (Ps 29:1-2) In this second category anything we do that rightly reflects His character and commands points to Him in a good way. Our obedience gives Him glory; our humility gives God glory. So does our evangelism, thanksgiving, fruit bearing, trusting Him, suffering for Christ, being content, praying, and confessing sin. And here we learn even our eating and drinking should glorify God![2]

As believers, we are free to enjoy all foods. As believers who are concerned about God's glory, the good of other believers, and the salvation of lost people facing God's eternal wrath, we do well to use that freedom wisely.

There are four general principles about food here and from related Scriptures to help us learn how to live this out…

1. God gave us all things to enjoy. V 26 (Ps 24:1), Acts 10, 1 Timothy 4:1-5, - all things. Not just things that you view as healthy or pleasing, but all things. This has to do more with Jewish separatism than dietary preferences, I think – but it was both to Peter. Jews couldn't stand to think of eating what Gentiles ate; the OT 'kosher' diet was one of the things that set them apart from the rest of the world, those who weren't God's people. Then God told Peter to not let this dietary uniqueness separate him from Gentiles any longer – eat with them, and take the gospel to them. Paul taught that some ascetics (people who think they're made righteous because of strict limitations they place on themselves) would teach that marriage and eating certain foods was evil – and he called those 'teachings of demons'!

2. Food isn't to be used to harm another person's conscience. 28-29 But if someone says to you, "This has been offered in sacrifice," then do not eat it, for the sake of the one who informed you, and for the sake of conscience-- I do not mean your conscience, but his.

If it is just about what kind of meat, eat what you enjoy. If it become about what kind of idol or false god this food was offered to, then it becomes unwise and inconsiderate to eat it. While we don't have to face this too much these days, it still can become an issue on certain mission fields, and we pray that God raises up more missionaries and sends them around the world from this church. I will include drink here as well, since Paul does in v 31; but this isn't about alcohol and drunkenness, it's more about idolatry.

3. Food isn't to be avoided because of other people's legalism. For why should my liberty be determined by someone else's conscience?

If someone in your small group thinks it is nasty or even unholy to eat certain foods, you could graciously refrain from bringing that food to their house, or having it when you host your small group because you know some of them find it very distasteful. But if you want to eat that food at your home and with friends who enjoy it – eat it! There is no sin. And you should not be driven to eat or not to eat because others have too sensitive a conscience. The other part of being considerate is to help believers mature in their knowledge of God's Word so that they're not continually or easily offended by others' freedom.

4. Enjoy all that God gives you to eat with gratitude toward God. 30 If I partake with thankfulness, why am I denounced because of that for which I give thanks? This is why we give thanks, and why we, 'say the blessing' before we eat. We are simply acknowledging God's good provision with thanksgiving, and we're asking His blessing on the food we are about to eat. [Tim Hawkins gets some mileage out of people about to eat chips, pop, and candy bars praying, "Lord, please bless this food to the nourishment of my body". He says that would be a miracle.] Church, gratitude is a constant drum beat throughout the song of the Scriptures. Let us get that beat in our heads for good.

 

So when you go to the grocery store or when you eat with others, think of these things… Other than our nourishment and joy, Use your Christian liberty with food to strengthen the church, win the lost, and glorify God.

Paul says, 'Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ.' Before that he tells us, 'I try to please everyone in everything I do, not seeking my own advantage, but that of many, that they may be saved.'

Eating is not complicated; but eating should be considerate.

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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] Some of these insights found in John A. MacArthur's New Testament Commentary, 1 Corinthians. Copyright © 1984 by the Moody Bible Institute of Chicago. All rights reserved.

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