1 Corinthians 12:12-30 Sermon Reflection

Discovery: Pat (our youth pastor) spoke this week from this passage. One thing that stood out in his message was regarding the two detrimental views of the make-up of the Body of Christ. In verses 15-16 we see one of these incorrect views: "If the foot should say, 'Because I am not a hand, I do not belong to the body,' it would not for that reason cease to be part of the body. And if the ear should say, 'Because I am not an eye, I do not belong to the body,' it would not for that reason cease to be part of the body." Having a "spiritual inferiority complex" is a very real problem in the Christian life. The other detrimental view is seen in verses 21-22: "The eye cannot say to the hand, 'I don't need you!' And the head cannot say to the feet, 'I don't need you!' On the contrary, those parts of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable..." Having a prideful or arrogant view of one's "superiority" is also very dangerous to the Body of Christ.

Application: One of the challenges as a pastor is trying to effectively lead and shepherd people towards a common goal. It can get a bit overwhelming because everyone is so unique and in different places in life. But at the end of the day, I keep coming back to the "bread and butter" of basic discipleship. One of the challenges from this passage is making sure to encourage those who are a bit out of sorts with their identity in Christ to redeem and reclaim their true identity in Christ. Having a "spiritual inferiority complex" is not from God and thus needs to be dealt with quickly. I know that I often find myself comparing myself or beating myself up for not living up to some standard that I set for myself. As I shared during our Soul Care time on Sunday Morning the question I often ask is "what's wrong with me?" I know that this is not from God and that everyone needs to counter the lies of the Enemy with the truth that is found here in 1 Corinthians. At the same time, it is also important to assume a posture of humility at all times and not allow judgement and self-righteousness to reign in our hearts. It is very easy to sit on the sidelines and critique others within the Church and the broader Body of Christ and not become a part of the solution. This too is not from God and needs to be repented of and removed from our lives.

Prayer: God help me to be an instrument of encouragement and edification as well as prophetic voice of truth and rebuke this week in all my dealings with people.

1 Corinthians 12:1-11 Sermon Reflection

"Spiritual Gifts for the Common Good"

Discovery: Paul continues in his teaching regarding public worship. In today's passage we see him addressing the issues of spiritual gifts. In my sermon this week, I discussed how the focus can either be too narcissistic (what are my spiritual gifts?) or too judgmental towards others (Are people who speak in tongues being unbiblical?). The key verse in this passage is verse 7, "Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good."

I was really struck by Craig L Blomberg's commentary on this section (The NIV Application Commentary). He said, "... a talent or ability becomes a charisma only when it is used by a believer for the "common good."

Application: I know that I can be very narcissistic as well as overly judgmental towards others when it comes to spiritual gifts. Especially early on in my Christian life, I enjoyed taking the spiritual gifts inventory because it gave me a sense of worth and value because I could quantify my spiritual gifts. At the same time, I can also be very critical and judgmental towards those who I see as legalistic or self-righteous when it comes to the exercising of spiritual gifts. My error is the same error that I preached on Sunday. I can either be too focused on myself or too focused on other people's behaviors.

I am really challenged by this notion that spiritual gifts are meant for the common good of the Body of Christ. I am challenged to check my ego at the door every Monday when I come to the office to begin a new ministry week. I am not here at church to feed my ego or self-esteem. My desire is to serve the church for the common good of everyone here. I need to exercise my gifts (and responsibilities) as a pastor for the common good for leading this church toward maturity: Christ-likeness. At the same time, I also need to repent and turn away from the natural temptation to judge others and to not let that be a distraction from the work that God has called me to here at MVCCC.

Prayer: Lord, help me think of the health of this church before my own desires. Lead me to make small but significant choices this week to build up Your church.

1 Corinthians 11:17-24 Sermon Reflection

"The Ties That Bind"

Intro: Food is a place of "common unity"

Context: Paul is addressing issues related to public worship. The beginning of Chap. 11 deals with issues of men and women (or more specifically husbands and wives). This passages deals with issues related to the Lord's Supper. Chap. 12 deals with issues related to spiritual gifts.

Discovery: Paul is clearly upset with the lack of focus regarding the true nature and spirit of the Lord's Supper. Rather than a time to celebrate the common unity of believers, it has become a time of continued divisions. Earlier in Chap. 1, we see divisions that formed around individual human leaders and schools of thought and now we see social-economic and class divisions. There is a clear divide between those who "have" versus those who "have not."

Application: Verse 17 cuts to the heart of the issue, "In the following directives I have no praise for you, for your meetings do more harm than good." Paul's word of rebuke in verse 27 is this: "Everyone ought to examine themselves before they eat of the bread of drink of the cup." I am trying to take to heart these two verses this week. Lord, are there ways that my fellowship with others is not constructive and edifying? Lord, are there ways that my focus is on "feeding myself" at my own private supper rather than the serving of others and building of the Kingdom? Lord, in what ways can I be more thoughtful when I come to sermon prep, daily devotions, small group times, meetings with individuals, and every other spiritual or interpersonal endeavor that I engage in this week? Ultimately, I want to be intentional about living with God's glory in view, as well as to striving to be encourage and edify everyone I come in contact with this week.

Prayer: Help me be thoughtful and prayerful in everything I do this week. Give me the boldness to approach each day with a desire to share all the good things that you have given me.