Church attendance in western culture has shifted toward a consumer model: people want inspiration, community, and moral reinforcement without reciprocal obligation.
Surveys from Barna and Pew consistently show that active involvement (serving in ministries, financial giving beyond easy amounts, discipleship) hovers below 20% in most congregations. So around 1 in 5 people in the church are actively involved and growing.
This pattern reflects a deliberate preference for low-pressure environments. People gravitate toward churches that minimize demands on time, energy, and resources, creating a feedback loop where leaders, fearing decline, reduce expectations to retain attendance. The result is a complacent church that prioritizes comfort over transformation.
Scripture offers us helpful insights. In Matthew 25:14–30, the parable of the talents illustrates stewardship as non-negotiable. The servant who buries his talent is not condemned for incompetence but for inaction rooted in fear and misunderstanding of the master’s character (v. 25). In the same way, modern complacency often stems from a distorted view of grace, treating it as permission to coast instead of power to grow.
Paul counters this in Ephesians 2:8–10: salvation is “not by works,” yet Christian’s are “created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand.” The text puts grace before works, but never severs them. Involvement is not additive to faith; it is its evidence!
James 2:14–17 provides more clarity: faith without action is “dead,” not deficient, but non-existent in functional terms. A body without movement is a corpse. Complacent churches foster spiritual necrosis: members gather, sing, and leave unchanged. The pressure to engage, whether through serving, giving, or accountability, is not manipulative; it is medicinal.
Hebrews 10:24 uses the verb paroxysmon (“spur” or “provoke”), a term elsewhere negative (Acts 15:39), here used to describe mutual exhortation. Healthy tension is intrinsic to growth.
Psychologically, avoidance of pressure is (what people smarter than me call) “loss-aversion bias.” This is where the perceived cost of involvement outweighs anticipated benefits.
Theologically, it reveals a failure to grasp the church’s identity. The church is not a service provider but a body (1 Corinthians 12:12–27), where each member’s function is non-optional. Passive behavior disrupts organic unity and destroys our ability to live out the mission Jesus left us (Matt. 28:18-20).
This article isn’t about putting down the church, but a call to disciplined obedience. Leaders must model and teach expectation without compulsion; members must embrace responsibility without resentment. The goal is not busyness but faithfulness. Complacency, however lovingly cloaked, dishonors the cost of redemption and delays the kingdom’s advance. Grace equips; it does not excuse.
The question isn’t whether pressure belongs in church, but whether the church belongs to Christ.
In Catholic tradition, the seven deadly sins, pride, envy, gluttony, lust, anger, greed, and laziness, are well-known, but they were formalized by Pope Gregory the Great in the sixth century and while they are rooted in Scripture, that list was put together by man. Yet, while we strive to avoid them, Proverbs 6:16-19 reveals another list of seven things a loving God explicitly hates.
Carl Pollard
In Catholic tradition, the seven deadly sins, pride, envy, gluttony, lust, anger, greed, and laziness, are well-known, but they were formalized by Pope Gregory the Great in the sixth century and while they are rooted in Scripture, that list was put together by man. Yet, while we strive to avoid them, Proverbs 6:16-19 reveals another list of seven things a loving God explicitly hates. These aren’t mere dislikes, they evoke divine disgust and anger, offending His holiness and fracturing His design for human living. Even in the church, we wrestle with these sins. But through Jesus Christ, forgiveness and victory are ours. Let’s examine Proverbs 6:16-19, and learn what our loving God hates.
The Sin of Pride
Proverbs 6:17 starts with “haughty eyes” a look of arrogance exalting self above others and God. This is pride, an inflated self-worth forgetting that “anything good in us is the result of Christ living in us” (Galatians 2:20). Philippians 2:3 commands humility: “Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves.” The Pharisees’ self-righteousness blinded them to grace (Luke 18:9-14), and Paul received a “thorn in the flesh” to curb pride (2 Corinthians 12:7). Pride precedes destruction (Proverbs 16:18). Humble yourself; James 4:10 promises exaltation from God. Confess and glorify Christ.
The Sin of Deceit
God hates “a lying tongue” (Proverbs 6:17), as He is truth (John 14:6). Lies deceive, ruin reputations, or flatter falsely, the devil’s domain (John 8:44). Ananias and Sapphira died for deceit (Acts 5:1-11). Do we twist truth for gain? Keep lips from deceit (Psalm 34:13). Speak truth in love (Ephesians 4:15) and seek God’s purity in words.
The Sin of Murder
“Hands that shed innocent blood” (Proverbs 6:17) violate life in God’s image (Genesis 1:27). Jesus equates anger and hatred with murder (Matthew 5:21-24; 1 John 3:15). Cain exemplifies its sin (Genesis 4:8). Harbor no hatred. Live peaceably (Romans 12:18) and pursue reconciliation.
The Sin of Evil Intent
A “heart that devises wicked plans” (Proverbs 6:18) plots harm for gain, like David’s scheme against Uriah (2 Samuel 11). The heart is deceitful (Jeremiah 17:9). Entertain no revenge. Pray for a clean heart (Psalm 51:10) and surrender to Christ.
The Sin of Eagerness for Wrongdoing
“Feet that are quick to rush into evil” (Proverbs 6:18) yield without resistance. Eve instantly grasped the forbidden fruit (Genesis 3:6), unlike Jesus resisting Satan (Matthew 4:1-11). Do we chase gossip or temptation? Resist the devil (James 4:7) and offer yourselves to God (Romans 6:12-13).
The Sin of Perjury
A “false witness who pours out lies” (Proverbs 6:19) perverts justice, as Jezebel did to Naboth (1 Kings 21:8-14), breaking the ninth commandment. As new creations, reflect truth (2 Corinthians 5:17; Colossians 3:9-10). Put away falsehood (Ephesians 4:25) and honor God honestly.
The Sin of Division
One who “stirs up dissension among brothers” (Proverbs 6:19) shatters unity (Psalm 133:1). Absalom rebelled selfishly (2 Samuel 15). Jesus prayed for oneness (John 17:21); peacemakers are blessed (Matthew 5:9). Love one another (1 Thessalonians 4:9) and build the body of Christ.
These sins, haughty eyes, lying tongue, hands shedding innocent blood, wicked-planning heart, feet rushing to evil, false witness, and dissension-sower defy God’s holiness and love. Yet, no sin exceeds His grace. “The wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 6:23). Jesus bore our penalty, offering redemption (Ephesians 1:7).
Examine your heart: Which sin lingers? Repent, seek accountability, and pursue holiness through Gods Word. Church, live as redeemed, reflecting Christ’s love in a broken world.
There are too many horror stories about dysfunctional relationships between preachers and elders. The church hurts and is hurt when there is friction, disunity, and rivalry between these two vital roles. There may be many reasons for why such exists, instances where there is blame on one side or the other or on both sides.
Neal Pollard
There are too many horror stories about dysfunctional relationships between preachers and elders. The church hurts and is hurt when there is friction, disunity, and rivalry between these two vital roles. There may be many reasons for why such exists, instances where there is blame on one side or the other or on both sides. But, stating the obvious, an adversarial attitude should not exist. To the contrary, there should be great love and unity between them.
The best New Testament example we have of the elder-preacher relationship is Acts 20:17-38, between Paul and the Ephesian elders. Paul was their local preacher for at least three years (31). Luke records what that relationship looked like. What words describe their relationship together?
TIME (18). Paul and these elders were together. Relationships require time. What will happen when elders and preachers never collaborate, work together, and engage in fellowship and social time together? Paul said he was with them “the whole time.”
HUMILITY (18). Pride and ego are damaging, destructive, and devastating qualities. “A man wrapped up in himself makes a very small package.” There is no place for pride in healthy leadership. There must be an ability to admit wrong and an attitude of putting others above self (cf. Phil. 2:3-4). Elders must desire the flock to follow the Chief Shepherd, not themselves (29-30). Preachers must be found “serving the Lord with all humility” (19).
EMOTION (19, 37-38). This is beautiful. Luke notes the tears of the preacher (19) and the elders (37). If there is ever a time when a man should shed tears, it ought to be over spiritual things. Relationships are forged when elders and preachers expend emotion over their mutual work.
HONESTY (20,27-28). Relationships are undermined by dishonesty, aren’t they? Honesty is about more than merely telling the truth. It’s about not withholding, in proper spirit and attitude, what the other really needs to hear. In a healthy relationship, where each is assured of the love and confidence of the other, that honesty can exist. Paul did not “shrink back from declaring to [them] anything that was profitable” (20). He did not shrink back from declaring to them the whole purpose of God (27). There must be an atmosphere of trust, where neither side is afraid to speak with kind frankness.
INTEGRITY (20-21,28,33-35). Akin to honesty is integrity. This speaks to character and principle. It drove Paul to work hard in ministry. It drove the elders to guard and shepherd the flock (28). It drove Paul to avoid covetousness and materialism (33). It drove a desire to prefer giving to receiving (35). Godly leaders are men of character!
COURAGE (22-28). Neither shepherding nor preaching is for sissies! Timidity and lack of conviction greatly damages the church. Paul relegated his own life to second position to the gospel (22,24). Faithful shepherding required the same (28).
COMMENDATION (32,38). This is crucial! Balancing with the occasional need to confront each other with care is the need for each to generously, genuinely, and publicly praise and commend one another. Nothing demonstrates unity in a congregation more than elders praising the preachers behind their backs, and preachers praising the elders behind their backs. Certainly, it’s good for each to overhear the other, too. The word “commend” in verse 32 means to place before, give or provide. Paul’s commending them to the grace of God was committing them to it. But, the general tone of the relationship was one of praise for the other’s work.
Notice how they part company. It’s beautiful and it should typify the elder-preacher relationship today. “When he had said these things, he knelt down and prayed with them all. And they began to weep aloud and embraced Paul, and repeatedly kissed him, grieving especially over the word which he had spoken, that they would not see his face again. And they were accompanying him to the ship” (36-38). They prayed together. They were unashamedly affectionate. They loved one another and liked one another. They hated to part company. Does that seem strange or foreign to you? I hope not! It’s our best New Testament pattern for what that relationship should look like! May it characterize this relationship in every congregation today!
Prayer is a divine weapon, a sacred act that Satan dreads when wielded by faithful Christians. In the church, prayer is God’s design to weave us into a tight-knit community, binding us closer than proximity ever could. James 5:16 says, “The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.” Intercessory prayer, lifting others before God’s throne, is a duty and privilege that transforms both the pray-er and the prayed-for.
Carl Pollard
Prayer is a divine weapon, a sacred act that Satan dreads when wielded by faithful Christians. In the church, prayer is God’s design to weave us into a tight-knit community, binding us closer than proximity ever could. James 5:16 says, “The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.” Intercessory prayer, lifting others before God’s throne, is a duty and privilege that transforms both the pray-er and the prayed-for.
Why pray for each other? Scripture commands it. Matthew 5:44 urges us to pray even for enemies, fulfilling the call to “love your neighbor as yourself” (Matthew 22:39). Pray for others the way you’d pray for yourself! Colossians 1:9 Paul models ceaseless prayer for others’ spiritual growth, while Galatians 6:2 frames intercession as bearing one another’s burdens, fulfilling Christ’s law. Hebrews 10:24–25 reminds us that prayer knits the church together, spurring love and good deeds. Yet, how often do our prayers default to vague “bless them” pleas or focus solely on physical needs? Intentional intercession digs deeper, aligning with God’s will.
Biblical heroes show us this. Abraham pleaded for Sodom’s salvation (Genesis 18:22–33), mirroring God’s heart for the wicked to turn and live (Ezekiel 33:11). Moses stood in the gap for idolatrous Israel, offering his life to secure their forgiveness (Exodus 32:11–14, 31–32; Psalm 106:23). Jesus, in His High Priestly Prayer (John 17:1–26), interceded for His disciples’ protection, sanctification, and unity, modeling prayers for eternal impact. Paul’s prayers for the churches (Ephesians 1:15–23; Colossians 1:9–12) prioritized spiritual wisdom and strength over physical circumstances.
To pray intentionally, embrace three keys. First, keep God’s bigger story in mind. While praying for safety or healing is valid, God often uses trials to shape us into Christ’s image (Romans 8:28–29; James 1:2–4). Like Jesus in Luke 22:42, balance requests for relief with surrender to God’s will, praying for faithfulness through suffering. Second, use biblical models to form your prayers. The Lord’s Prayer (Matthew 6:9–13) prioritizes God’s will and provision, while Paul’s prayers (Ephesians 3:16–17) seek spiritual depth. Third, pray specifically and with persistence, as 1 John 5:14–15 assures that prayers aligned with God’s will are heard.
Intercessory prayer is a sacrificial act of love, a call to stand in the gap for others, as Moses did, or to plead for unity, as Jesus did. It’s a rebellion against Satan’s schemes, a bridge to connect our church, and a path to spiritual maturity. So, who are you praying for today? Let’s commit to intentional, fervent intercession, trusting God to work mightily through our prayers.
We’ll keep this really simple. Let’s start with a few facts about joy and then dive into seven ways to find joy when we lack it.
1. Joy is not a feeling, it’s a godly perspective.
2. A Christian’s hardships aren’t pointless, they’re productive.
“Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.”
– James 1.2-3
“Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.”
—Romans 12:12
Seven Ways To Pursue Joy
God’s direction brings joy (Ps. 94.19)
The Resurrection brings joy (Matt. 28.8)
Unity of mind and sharing the same love brings joy (Phil. 2.2)
The story is told of a father and son stepping off a rickety stagecoach in a dusty western town, looking for an uncle they’ve never met. Across the town square, a man strides away, and the father says, “That’s him!” The son, puzzled, asks, “How do you know? You’ve never seen him!” With a grin, the father replies, “Son, he walks just like my dad.” That’s the thing about a walk—it gives you away. As Christians, our lives should shout that we’ve been with Jesus, even to those who’ve never seen Him. Like Peter, spotted as a disciple by a servant girl despite his fear (Luke 22:56-57), our walk should tell the world who we follow.
We’ve all felt that tug to live for something bigger, haven’t we? To wonder if our faith is making a difference or if we’re really following Jesus the way He meant. I’ve wrestled with that myself, wanting my life to count in a world that’s starving for hope. Jesus’ Great Commission in Matthew 28:18-20 isn’t just a pep talk—it’s a command: “Go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them… teaching them to obey everything I’ve commanded.” Paul backs this up in Colossians 1:28-29, pushing us to proclaim Christ and work hard to help others grow in Him. This isn’t about just showing up to church or believing quietly—it’s about being all-in, living as disciples who reflect Jesus through our words, love, and actions.
What’s a Disciple?
The Greek word for “disciple,” mathetes, means someone who learns by imitating their teacher. Jesus put it plainly in Luke 6:40: a disciple, when fully trained, becomes like their teacher. God’s plan is to shape us into Christ’s image (Romans 8:29). A woman once asked a preacher, “What’s discipleship in one word?” He held up a blank piece of paper and said, “It’s signing your name at the bottom and letting God fill in the rest.” That’s it—handing over your life, like Peter or Mary Magdalene did, leaving everything to follow Jesus. Are you ready to give God the signed blank paper?
How do I know I’m walking the walk?
Jesus gave us three clear signs of a true disciple. First, stick to His Word. John 8:31 says, “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples.” This means diving into Scripture and living it out, like the Bereans who studied daily (Acts 17:11). It’s not just reading—it’s letting God’s truth change how you live. Second, love each other. Jesus said in John 13:35, “By this everyone will know you are my disciples, if you love one another.” The early church shared everything, and their love drew thousands to faith (Acts 2:44-45). Are you forgiving, serving, or lifting up your brothers and sisters? Third, bear fruit that lasts. John 15:8 says God is glorified when we produce “much fruit.” This isn’t a one-off good deed but a life of impact that points to Jesus. Is your life showing His work?
Following Jesus isn’t cheap. He said in Luke 14:26 that He comes before family, friends, even your own desires. It might mean sacrifice or persecution (Luke 14:27). Polycarp, facing death in 156 AD, said, “Eighty-six years I’ve served Him, and He’s never done me wrong.” What do you need to let go of—pride, plans, fears? But here’s the good news: you don’t do it alone. Colossians 1:29 talks about God’s power working mightily in us. That same power turned the Roman Empire upside down through ordinary disciples. It can help you share your faith, mentor someone, or stand firm today.
At the end of the day, discipleship isn’t about what you get but what you give—how you love, serve, and sacrifice. The rewards? Eternal life free from pain (Revelation 21:1-8), plus peace, joy, and a spiritual family right now (John 14:27; Mark 10:28-30). It starts with baptism, uniting you with Christ’s death and resurrection (Romans 6:3-4), and continues with a life of learning and obeying His commands (Matthew 28:20).
Jesus calls us to live as His disciples—loving deeply, bearing fruit, and surrendering fully. Let your walk show the world you’ve been with Him. Sign that blank page, let God fill it, and pass your faith on. He promises, “I am with you always” (Matthew 28:20). So, share your faith with a neighbor, encourage a new believer, or let go of what’s holding you back. The world needs disciples who shine with Christ’s light. Are you ready to walk the walk?
There is no greater achievement than to embody the believers we read about in Acts 4. How did they act, and what did they do? While they were not perfect, they were shaped under the guidance and leadership of inspired apostles. What we need today is to become the church of the past in the present.
If people truly understood the Church, no one would ever leave it. Many today express valid concerns about those who have departed and continue to leave. It appears there is a significant lack of appreciation for the Lord’s church. I believe this stems from misunderstanding. If people grasped what the Lord’s church represents and recognized God’s work within it, we would cultivate a much deeper love for the church.
The longer I spend among the body of Christ, the more I recognize the church as essential to my life. As you know, the church isn’t merely a building or an institution; it is the living, breathing body of Christ, designed by God to fulfill His eternal purpose. Unfortunately, many misunderstand or undervalue the church’s role.
The church was not conceived in the mind of man; it is God’s spiritual body, composed of those who have obeyed the gospel of Jesus. Christ reigns as the head of that body. 1 Peter 2 describes the church as a temple, a nation, and a royal priesthood—this is the Lord’s Church.
One term used to describe the church signifies the universal body of believers. From the beginning, the church has been part of God’s grand design. It is not a human invention but a divine institution established by Christ Himself. In Matthew 16:18, Jesus states, “I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not prevail against it.” Here, we learn from the Son of God that the church is a divine creation, birthed from Christ’s authority and sacrifice.
The family we join through baptism originated in the mind of God. We need the one true church—not a cheap imitation. This family began with God’s vision, was fulfilled by the sacrifice of His Son, and was established in Acts 2 through Peter’s preaching. We need THAT church!
This family consists of all kinds of people; it is a melting pot, as God designed it to be. Within the church, Satan attempts to isolate and polarize individuals based on these differences. Paul reminds us in Galatians 3:28 that, in the one true church, distinctions such as male or female, slave or free, Jew or Gentile do not matter. We are all ONE in Christ. What some may view as a weakness is, in fact, our strength—if we can embrace it.
Acts 4:32 states, “Now the full number of those who believed were of one heart and soul, and no one said that any of the things that belonged to him was his own, but they had everything in common.” They were unified in purpose, prayer, and perseverance. They shared the same goals, prayed for the same needs, and faced challenges together.
When confronted with threats and opposition, the early church responded with fervent prayer, coming together to seek God’s strength and guidance. They prayed for resilience in their faith—an essential prayer for us all to share TOGETHER. The early church exemplified unity, and our goal as a body of believers today should be to cultivate that same unity now and in the future.
A “satan” (σαταν) is an enemy or an obstacle of some kind. A “devil” (διαβολος) is one who puts down another person’s character or accuses them. Both describe a similar goal: to make someone less favorable in the eyes of another and prevent their acceptance. Our enemies did this in God’s presence (cf. Job 1 & 2 and at least one non-canonical source), but this is no longer the case thanks to Jesus’s sacrifice! He defeated them for good (Col 1 and 2), so “who is there to condemn when God is the one who justifies?” (Rom 8.33-34).
My point is this: there is one leader of the satans, but there are many who accuse and put down. Perhaps this is why we’re told to avoid even entertaining an accusation against elders if there aren’t multiple witnesses (I Tim 5.19). We often absolutely deserve these accusations — we’re human, we fail all the time. That’s not the way God sees our relationship with him, though! Look at Rom 8.1ff, Jn 3.18, I Jn 1.9, and all of Hb 8. Provided we believe in him and aim higher than our physical bodies, he gives life and not condemnation.
I’m writing this shortly after noon on Election Day 2024. I’ve not kept up with the details of the presidential race, and have mostly unplugged from the rhetoric. This is not out of self-righteousness or some other holier-than-thou attitude. To put it bluntly, I don’t need another reason to view others in a negative light! It’s way too easy to become a satan/devil when all I choose to be exposed to is the weakness of others. Everyone sins, everyone fails to live up to God’s intrinsic perfection (Rom 3.23). Even we who believe have to fight our sinful selves for as long as we’re in our current bodies (cf. Rom 7-8). I have to think that those who shove only the evil of other humans down our throats 24/7 are motivated by the same spirit as those who accuse(d) us before God. It’s much harder (for me anyways) to be “perfected in love” if all I see is the worst of humanity.
In a roundabout way, this article is about how we decide to live after God puts a leader in charge of this country (cf. Dan 2.21). We all have a sense — rightfully so — that this election will determine the viability of our great country in the short and long term. We will likely either lose our national identity and freedoms and security, or we’ll push that decline further into the future. Will we get who we deserve or will God spare us for a few more years? I don’t know. But we beg God to give us the power to love other people and live like Jesus — whether he gives us Trump or Harris, economic prosperity or decline, national security or devastation, freedom of speech or censorship, etc.
“When the assembly of the godly will appear and sinners will be judged for their sins and driven from the face of the Earth, when the Righteous One will appear before the eyes of the righteous whose chosen works hang on the Lord of armies, light will appear to the righteous and chosen who live on the Earth. Where will the sinners live then? Where will those who denied the Lord of armies find shelter? It would be better for them if they had not been born: when the secrets of the righteous will be revealed, the sinners are judged, and the godless are driven from the presence of the righteous and chosen, those who possess the Earth will no longer be powerful and exalted. They will be unable to see the faces of the holy ones because the Lord of armies will cause his light to appear on the faces of the holy, righteous, and chosen. Then the kings and the mighty will perish and will be given into the hands of the righteous and holy. None of them will seek mercy for themselves from the Lord of armies, for their lives will have ended”(I En 38; non-canonical book, for comparison).
Praise God’s name forever and ever! Power and wisdom belong to him. He changes the times and seasons. He gives power to kings, and he takes their power away (Dan 2).
Lord, you are a great and awesome God. You keep your agreement of love and kindness with people who love you. You keep your agreement with the people who obey your commands. But we have sinned. We have done wrong, we have done evil things. We turned against you. We turned away from your commands and good decisions. The prophets were your servants. They spoke for you to our kings, our leaders, our fathers, and to the common people of this country. But we did not listen to them. Lord, you are innocent, and the shame belongs to us, even now. Shame belongs to the people from Judah and Jerusalem, and to the people of Israel, and to everyone who lives near and far in many nations across the Earth. They should all be ashamed because of the evil things they did against you. Lord, we should all be ashamed. All of our kings and leaders should be ashamed. Our ancestors should be ashamed, because we sinned against you. But Lord our God, you are kind and forgiving, even though we rebelled against you. … All of these terrible things have happened to us, … but we still have not asked the Lord our God for help. We still have not stopped sinning. We still do not pay attention to your truth, Lord. … Now, our God, hear your servant’s prayer. Listen to my prayer for mercy. For your own sake, do good things for your holy place. My God, listen to me! Open your eyes and see all the terrible things that have happened to us. See what has happened to the city that is called by your name. I am not saying that we are good people. That is not why I am asking these things. I am asking these things because I know you are kind. Lord, listen to me! Forgive us! Lord, pay attention, and then do something! Don’t wait! Do something now! Do it for your own good! My God, do something now for your city and your people who are called by your name (Dan 9.4-19).
Lord, I have heard the news about you. I am amazed, Lord, at the powerful things you did in the past. Now I pray that you will do great things in our time. Please make these things happen in our own days. But in your anger, remember to show mercy to us.
Figs may not grow on the fig tree, and grapes may not grow on the vine. Olives may not grow on the olive trees, and food might not grow in the fields. There might not be any sheep in the pens or cattle in the barns. But I will still be glad in the Lord and rejoice in God who saves me. The Lord God gives me my strength (Hab 3.1-2, 17-19).
Who can accuse the people God has chosen? No one! God is the one who makes them right. Who can say that God’s people are guilty? No one! Christ Jesus died for us, but that is not all. He was also raised from death. And now he is at God’s right side, speaking to him for us. Can anything separate us from his love? Can trouble or problems or persecution separate us from his love? If we have no food or clothes or face danger or even death, will that separate us from his love? … But through all of these troubles, we have complete victory through God who has shown his love for us. Yes, I am sure that nothing can separate us from God’s love — not death, life, angels, or ruling spirits. I am sure that nothing now, nothing in the future, no powers, nothing above us or nothing below us — nothing in the whole created world — will ever be able to separate us from the love God has shown us in Christ Jesus our master” (Rom 8.34-39).
Jesus is the one who says that all of this is true. Now he says, “Yes, I am coming soon.” I agree completely — come back to us, Jesus our master” (Rv 22.20).
Exercise your right and privilege as a citizen of this nation to cast your vote. But, if you are convicted such is morally wrong, you would sin to violate your conscience (Rom. 14:23).
Pray (for wisdom, for peace, for God’s will, for the future of your family, for our leaders)(1 Tim. 2:1-2).
Study the many issues and thoughtfully examine each candidate’s position, making a choice that honors God more than it honors background, family, tradition, or friendships (Mat. 6:33; 10:37).
Remember that your decision is private and does not have to be shared with anyone else; if asked, you can always change the subject or respectfully decline to answer.
Take comfort in the truth that God is in control and elections do not thwart or overtake His will, but they are the result of His sovereign will (Rom. 13:1ff; Dan. 2:21; 4:17,25).
Do not make politics more important than relationships in the church, discerning that the diversity of the spiritual family includes new and weak Christians who might stumble as you assert your rights (Rom. 14:19; 1 Cor. 8:13; 9:19-22).
Make sure any public and/or social media comments on politics (including memes, sharing posts and articles, etc.) pass the salt and light tests (Mat. 5:13-16) and the truth in love test (Eph. 4:15; being both truthful and loving).
Place your devotion and allegiance to Christ above your politics, being more passionate to proclaim Him than your candidate of choice (Mat. 6:33).
Never forget that, as Christians, our citizenship is in heaven (Phil. 3:20); we are citizens of heaven trying to make our way through earth rather than citizens of earth trying to make our way to heaven (2 Pet. 2:11).
Take all campaign promises with a grain of salt, realizing candidates may say just about anything to get elected (carefully study their positions over time to get a better idea of where they stand).
If you experience anger (associated with politics) before, during, or after this election, do not sin in that anger (Eph. 4:26).
Watch your tongue (keyboard)(Jas. 3:2-12).
Exercise righteous judgment when seeking to insert political statements and sentiments into the public worship of our God.
Never let politics (whether we perceive winds as fair or foul) eclipse your view of your true identity, mission, or destiny (1 Pet. 2:9; Mat. 28:18-20; Col. 3:1-4). Elections always have consequences, but so do our actions (Gal. 6:7-8).
For the past 3 or 4 years Harold Nicks, Jim Fuqua, Bob Raby & I have been playing golf most every week. During that time, there’s been no bad language, no nasty jokes and a minimal amount of gossiping. Occasionally, as my golfing partners advance in age, some health issues arise. Shoulder pain, knees going out or a pulled hammie. Then they have to go on the injured reserve list. No problem because we go straight to the bench and in comes Elder Jim Humphries to take his place. Still, there’s no bad language, no dirty jokes and a minimal amount of cheating.
Last Friday Jim and I were playing at Paul Walker and around the 6th hole noticed a couple of older men behind us and asked if they cared to join us. They agreed and one of them hit his ball in the woods and then into the creek. A few choice words followed. Then on the next hole he hit a window in a house and then more words followed, some of which Elder Jim had not heard since his Army days back in the ’60’s.
Jim and I were talking later how nice it was to be able to play weekly with a group of brothers that chose not to behave that way, even when the ball doesn’t always go where we want it to go and that we appreciate the fellowship of our brothers in Christ.
Fellowship with our Brothers and Sisters in Christ encourages and uplifts one another to be more Christ like and has a great influence on those around us, whether it be the Crew on Grub Night, the Young at Heart Ladies, or Tuesday’s Ladies Bible Class at Kathy’s, to maintain our spiritual growth.
Remember these words:
1 Corinthians 1:9: You were called into the fellowship of His Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.
1 John 1:3: That which we have seen and heard we proclaim also to you, so that you too may have fellowship with us.
Another one of the most commonly asked questions is, “What is humanity’s goal?” This seems to be a “purpose” question, but one that specifically asks if we’re pursuing some kind of unity. Many have tackled this question, and most of them are far more qualified to deal with it than I am. But the ancient writings God gave humanity have proved reliable for millennia, so I’ll lean on its principles in this abridged look at our unifying goal(s).
The concept of a “unity” has been explored for a very long time. It serves as the foundational principle for many world religions because we all have an intuitive sense that we’re connected somehow, or that we all come from a common source. We understand that all of us together are greater than any one person, so our destiny must be just as awesome!
The short answer (from a believer’s perspective) is: Humanity’s goal is to see God.
We believe that the Logos created our planet and made it habitable. The universe is the creative expression of his nature and power.
Humanity’s original goal was the explore the Earth and enjoy it (Gen 2.1-15).
We were in a state of perfect harmony with the Creator and his creation.
We lost that when we chose to pursue forbidden gnosis.
All of history (and what remains of our future) is a story — its unifying narrative is our journey back to that initial harmony. This story is only possible because the Creator sacrificed himself to change our inevitable destiny!
Our immediate goal is to emulate the Creator’s character as much as we can. This necessarily means we acknowledge his existence and primacy. He is light and love, so we try to be the same. Done properly, this benefits all people (especially people who struggle). Why voluntarily pursue other peoples’ needs over our own? Why struggle against the body’s impulses? Why view other people as more important than self? Why hold on so tightly to a belief in a God no one has seen? He promised us a return to perfection, an eternal life without any suffering, and a fully-repaired, personal relationship with the Creator (cf. II Pt 3.13; I Jn 3.1-3, Rv 21.1-2).
Now I am coming to you. I will not stay in the world, but these followers of mine are still in the world. Holy Father, keep them safe by the power of your name — the name you gave me. Then they will be one, just like you and I are one (Jn 17.11).
A person has only one body, but that body has many parts. Yes, there are many parts, but all those parts are still just one body. Christ is like that, too (I Cor 12.12).
There is one body and one spirit, and God chose you to have one hope. There is one master, one faith, and one baptism. There is one God and Father of us all, who rules over everyone. He works through all of us and in all of us (Eph 4.4-6).
It’s not hard in today’s world to find things that discourage us. There are plenty of things that can bring us down. At times it really does feel like wherever we go, whatever we do, or say, there is something ready to discourage us. Unfortunately, people can be those roadblocks as well. That’s far from what we as Christians are called to do.
It was important in the days of the early church to encourage one another. So important that God commands it. It was important to God then – its important now. Thankfully we have blessings such as the church and our church family to help us through those discouraging times. How do we go about finding ways to encourage each other? Is it the way we speak or how we live, or is it in our faith? Is it all the above? The fellowship we have with our friends, our family, along with worshipping and singing praises, and studying God’s Word are just a few. These are blessings that we receive when we meet together no doubt, but let’s not contain our encouragements just to the assembly. Our everyday lives are just as important and those around us everywhere need to feel encouraged regularly. I just want to share briefly a few examples of what the Bible says about encouraging others and ways we can do just that.
Encouraging others is important, it’s necessary, it’s a command. Paul was one, if not the, most influential apostles of the first century church. He was a great teacher, preacher, mentor, and guess what? He was great at encouraging people. At the beginning of most of his letters he would begin with words of praise and thanks. (1 Thess. 1:2-3,) (Phil. 1:3-8,) (1 Cor. 1:4-5) are a few examples. In (Romans 1:12) Paul writes that he longs to be with them so that they can encourage one another in the faith. These types of encouragements were part of his everyday life.
We can’t discuss encouragement without mentioning Barnabas, the “son of encouragement.” He is mentioned several times in the New Testament, but he wasn’t a main character like Paul – he played a smaller, but still very important role. Paul spent his early life persecuting Christians. The people of the first churches, as well as the disciples feared this man, and rightfully so. After he became a Christian, the disciples didn’t believe he was one of them, so what did Barnabas do? He encouraged Paul by standing up for him in Jerusalem (Acts 9:26-31). He was a fellow missionary with Paul, Mark, Titus, and others. He encouraged those in Antioch to remain faithful in the Lord with steadfast purpose, (Acts 11:23.) Paul and Barnabas visited these churches, they taught, and they lived out their teachings. They encouraged them in their works and through their faith. They instilled hope, strengthening the church’s faith. (1Thessalonians 5:11) – Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing. We can all benefit from their examples.
Let’s face it, life is hard at times. Certain situations bring us discouragement and can distort and change our thinking. Who wouldn’t want to be encouraged and uplifted in these hard times? It might not seem like a big deal to some, but kind words of encouragement and praise could make all the difference in the world. (Proverbs 16:24) – Gracious words are like a honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and health to the body. (Proverbs 12:25) -Anxiety in a man’s heart weighs him down, but a good word makes him glad. We shouldn’t be surprised that little things like sending a card or giving a compliment, sending a text message, phone call or email, could make a big difference. How underrated but so appreciated those things can be! It’s hard not to smile and be filled with some kind of encouragement if someone messages you to say they’ve missed you, and been thinking about you, been praying for you. Check in on those you haven’t seen recently – Invite someone new to dinner – someone not typically in your crowd or someone new to the church. Practice hospitality as it says in (Romans 12:13.) Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor, (Romans 12:10.)
When we encourage people we show our love, compassion, understanding, and we give them hope. It helps reset our minds, builds our confidence in each other, and allows us to see God more clearly. More than anything we are showing others how we live our faith just as Paul and Barnabas did. We show we want to be like Christ and people can see God through our actions towards them. Encouragement is powerful! Just remember that sometimes the smallest things can have the biggest impacts.
Community matters a lot to God. Let me tell you why. Paul writes about unity and community so much, there must be some significance. Church isn’t a place you go. It’s a body. We don’t visit church just to have personal time with God. Jesus didn’t come just so we could have a personal relationship with Him. He is building a temple, a family, a dwelling place for God (Eph. 2:22). If you read Ephesians 2:19-20, we join ourselves with the saints, apostles, prophets, and Christ Himself.
Community is hard. Maybe we don’t like the people, the church, songs, classes, preacher, or teacher. Then we disconnect. It is hard because it is mean to tie people together that normally wouldn’t get a long (Gal. 3:28). There was Matthew the tax collector and Simon the Zealot. Paul was intelligent and well-educated, and Peter was a fisherman. The point is that we find people who have experienced Jesus lukewarm us. We learn how to love.
Personally the biggest way I have grown is through difficult relationships and difficult times. We gain spiritual growth, also learning to ask for help from friends. With spiritual growth comes greater joy, peace, patience, hope, and life.
Think on this. When we keep things surface level we are robbing the body of Christ of mature believers. We cannot avoid the difficulties of community. We must learn to mature. Here are some challenges:
Challenge One: Pray for opportunities to connect with people at church or anywhere, workplace or neighborhood, that might be isolated.
Challenge Two: Invite the new person in church for coffee or food, or just write them an encouraging card. Connect with them in some way. Don’t fly see that person as a tool for the church. While we are tools and have a purpose, we are all human.
Think of the example in Mark 2:3-5. Four friends are holding on to the corners of a mat with their paralyzed friend in it. They break open the roof and lower him down. Imagine the emotional state of these friends. They had to be in some distress for their friend. Where did that lead them? Directly to the feet of Jesus. We all face the same giant of life. Hold on to one another! Lean into community!
For those who feel lonely or isolated, take a step. Be a safe place for someone else. Reach out. Be a friend. Sometimes you have to go first.
Why did Jesus die on the cross? Some say He paid the price for our sins. God loved the world. He who knew no sin was made sin for us (2 Cor. 5:21). These are very true, but He also died so that we could be unified in community.
At least in my lifetime, no period has been as uncertain and tense as the current one. We have no idea what will happen in the next few months. We’re not 100% confident that society will be at peace this time next year. Hatred, as defined in the New Testament, is already rearing its ugly head and will likely only grow exponentially in the coming months.
If you’re reading this article, you’re probably a believer. First and foremost, we are not citizens of any country in this world. We have to be peaceful, beneficial citizens in whichever country we live, but we’re non-resident aliens regardless. We’re visiting for one purpose: to show the world how Jesus loves.
John defines hatred and love very clearly in I John 3. Hatred (from μισει, misei) is not always defined as “harboring extreme resentment toward others”. Sometimes we catch ourselves before using the word “hate” to describe how we feel about someone, replacing it with “strongly dislike”. That’s still hatred, at least the way John uses the word. It seems to mean, in the context of I John, something like “not helping someone with their physical needs because of how we feel about them”. It means showing beneficial kindness to the brothers and sisters we like to the neglect of those we don’t.
BDAG uses Deuteronomy 21.15-16 as an example of how this word could be understood. In that passage, a man has two wives. He likes one wife more than the other one, and he has sons with both wives. The oldest son happens to be from the wife he doesn’t like as much. When it’s time to divide his assets among his children, he can’t give the rights of the firstborn to the son of the wife he likes more. Does this mean he “hates” his other wife? No — it just means he doesn’t like her as much as the other one, and he’s tempted to treat his firstborn with less favor because of it.
The first part of I John 3 is all about not sinning and not hating our fellow believers. The second part is about practicing love for each other. The last part is about belonging to the truth and living in God. Sandwiched between these concepts is the definition of love and hatred:
We understand what love is when we realize that Christ gave his life for us. That means we must give our lives for other believers. Now, suppose a person has enough to live on and notices another believer in need. How can God’s love be in that person if he doesn’t bother to help the other believer? Dear children, we must show love through actions that are sincere, not through empty words.
We don’t have to feel “strong dislike” for a believer to be considered hateful. We just have to neglect them because we don’t like them. Here’s the problem with that: Everyone who hates another believer is a murderer, and you know that no murderer has eternal life (3.15).
We don’t know what the next few months will do to us. But we cannot mistreat or neglect a fellow believer because of how we feel about them. If we practice love, we have eternal life. If we practice apathy or neglect, we’ll have eternal death. What happens to us in this life is not important. We’re just waiting for Jesus to come back. If we want to leave this earth with him, we can’t let something temporal keep us from showing beneficial kindness to our fellow believers.
After having dealt with the many witnesses to the resurrected Christ, the erroneous denial of His resurrection, and the connection of the resurrection to His second coming, Paul turns his focus not just to the impact of His resurrection on how we live but also to our own resurrection. Notice at least three more observations in the second half of this chapter, designed to unite these Christians around the truth of the resurrection.
THE IMPLICATIONS OF THE RESURRECTION (29-34)
Paul launches abruptly from the second coming to an odd argument in support of the resurrection–this enigmatic practice of being baptized for the dead (29). It has been said that there are about 40 different explanations for “the baptism for the dead.” I believe Paul is saying that some were motivated to be baptized out of their desire to be reunited with their saved loved ones after this life. I studied with and saw a man baptized (by Riley Keown and some firefighters) who was strongly motivated by a desire to be reunited with his Christian mother. That would be for nothing if the dead are not raised.
Furthermore, why would a Christian risk danger and death if there is no resurrection (30-31)? What keeps a Christian from “Epicureanism,” simply being devoted to indulging the senses through food and drink, if there is no resurrection (32)? Why strive to live morally and surround oneself with moral influences, if there is no resurrection (33-34)? At least four vital implications are covered by Paul, if the dead are not raised.
THE NATURE OF OUR RESURRECTION (35-49)
Now, Paul gets down to what our resurrection will be like in this section of his discussion. He addresses the question of how and what kind of body (35). Notice.
It will conform to God’s law of sowing and reaping (36-37, 42-44). Paul illustrates this with seed sowing in this life. You cannot reap what you do not sow. The body has to die before resurrection is possible. We will see this more in-depth, but what is raised is much better than what dies.
It will be a bodily resurrection (39-41). We cannot miss this fact. Paul refers to the “body” ten times from verses 35-49 ( in addition, “flesh and blood” is verse 50 is actually this same word, too). Our resurrection body will be of a different nature, but it will still be a body. It will be a body as God wished (38), a heavenly body (40), an imperishable body (42), a glorious body (43), and a spiritual body (44). Yes, that leaves some things unanswered, but whether or not our resurrection will be bodily is not unanswered. We will not be a disembodied spirit for eternity. We will have a new body, which Paul describes here.
It will be spiritual and heavenly (44-49). This body will be engineered to inhabit and live for eternity. Our spirits will continue to live; there is continuity. But, we will inhabit a new, spiritual and heavenly, body!
THE RESULTS OF THE RESURRECTION (50-58)
Paul lays down an order of operations or procedure here. We will be changed in an instant when the trumpet of God sounds (50-52). We will assume an imperishable, changed body (53-54). Death will die (54). It will be powerless over the saved and resurrected child of God (54-57).
There is so much richness and depth to this discussion of the resurrection, but Paul gives us enough to favorably receive his final charge. He concludes, “Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your toil is not in vain in the Lord” (58). Persevere because living the Christian life is worth it! You are not wasting your time. Obey Him! Wait and see. Because Christ was raised, we will be raised! As the song suggests, “What a day, glorious day, that shall be!”
A church prone to division will suffer symptoms in just about every way such can be measured. Corinth seemed to take pride in all the wrong things–who baptized them, how much knowledge they had, what spiritual gifts they possessed, how much money they had, and, apparently, who, by gender, was in charge or had responsibility for church leadership. So, Paul has to take the time to share God’s will on the matter.
THE OVERARCHING PRINCIPLE OF HEADSHIP
This section of Scripture has proven difficult for many Bible students. While we will address the “head covering” below, often we miss the point of the paragraph. Paul leads out with it: “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” (3). Everything that follows serves as an illustration of that truth. Paul will apply this truth to the assemblies in chapter 14. Paul gives some reasons why God has decided to order things as He has. Man was not made from woman, but woman from man (8). Man was not created for woman, but woman was made for man (9). One might not understand or like that principle, but that does not change the truth of it. By following this principle faithfully, a congregation can eliminate this as a divisive issue.
THE MUTUAL DEPENDENCE OF BOTH GENDERS
Before we get to the head covering, Paul clarifies an important point. Perhaps anticipating this as a reason for boasting or resentment, he reminds men and women in Christ of how equally they depend upon each other (11). He says, “for as woman was made from man, so man is now born of woman. And all things are from God” (12). As other passages demonstrate, this is not a matter of superiority and inferiority. God assigns different roles and responsibilities within the body. An elder is not inherently smarter or more important because he is an elder. He just has a different role, one that carries oversight and superintendence. So it is with man’s role in home and church leadership.
THE CULTURAL EXAMPLE OF SUBMISSION
A couple of points should be made about Paul’s illustration of headship and submission. When Paul refers to a woman artificially covering her head, the word “cover” means ” To cover with a veil or something which hangs down” (Zodhiates, np). Arndt and the others, in the BDAG lexicon, appeals to contemporary secular writing for what this veil was like, saying, “The covering of the clothes on the head is of such a kind that the whole face seems to be covered as with a mask (517). So, this would more resemble a burka than a doily. Second, Paul makes clear that such a covering is not commanded nor should it be divisive. He summarizes the discussion, saying, “If anyone is inclined to be contentious, we have no such practice, nor do the churches of God” (16). We know this is true because the hair of the women in the congregation at Ephesus was visible (1 Tim. 2:9), as was the hair of the women of the congregations in the five regions Peter wrote to (1 Pet. 3:3). Significantly, the context of 1 Timothy 2 deals with a worship and assembly context, as does 1 Corinthians 11.
My friend, Denny Petrillo, is a formidable Greek scholar and he helps clarify a lot of the confusion this has caused some in understanding this section of Scripture. In answering whether or not this passage requires women to wear head coverings in the assemblies today, he says “no” for the following reasons:
1) It is not commanded here or elsewhere in Scripture. 2) The practice of wearing veils was not found in other locations 3) Proponents of the veil have had difficulty explaining verse 15 4) The impact of the teaching is no longer relevant for today. 5) The practice was not universal in the New Testament 6) The practice was not found in the early church. 7) It might be successfully argued that the context of 1 Corinthians 11 is the misuse of spiritual gifts by these women. 8) Inconsistency in application (holy kiss, foot washing). 9) Is there any relevance for single women or widows?
(Each of these nine points is substantiated with lengthy, persuasive argument; Contact me if you would like his entire document on this)
The question is not whether it is acceptable for a woman to cover her head when she comes to worship today. It is a legitimate conviction and may be a matter of conscience for some today, and they should not be ostracized or judged for so doing. However, it is not something which should be made a test of fellowship, either, nor something which should divide God’s people today.
Paul is seeking to root out division wherever it reared its ugly head. When a congregation is prone to have strife, it can affect every area of life. We must maintain our view of Christ’s bigger picture and strive to be united by honoring our individual roles and responsibilities.
Unity is not instinctive, or else we would not have so much instruction about it in the Bible. Paul clarifies why he is and is not writing this letter to them. He says it is not to shame them, but rather to admonish them (14). Admonish means to provide instruction in order to correct a behavior or belief (to provide instruction as to correct behavior and belief (Louw-Nida 414). It also carries with it the idea of counseling against improper actions. That sounds pretty negative unless you see how Paul does it. He writes like a father (15) to his beloved children (14). I don’t know about you, but I can endure quite a bit of correction from someone who I am convinced is doing so out of genuine love and interest in my soul.
Paul was in a unique position among other voices of influence, in that he had actually been the one to teach many of them the gospel and help bring about their salvation (15). A “tudor” in New Testament times was more a person who led a student to and from school, who also supervised the student’s conduct (BDAG 748). Paul contrasts himself with that, and you can see a huge difference between someone hired to look over your shoulder as opposed to a loving parent who had a vested interest in your success.
Paul’s interest in their spiritual success is further proven by the measures he takes to see to it these Christians were reminded of what he taught them. First, Paul sends one whom he has taught and trained (Acts 16:1ff) and who actually worked with Paul among them at the beginning of the church’s existence (Acts 18:5ff). Timothy was going to do follow up study with them to help remind them of the apostle’s inspired instruction (17). For Christians to have their best shot at success, they will need to hear the same subjects from “the whole purpose of God” (Acts 20:27) on many occasions.
Peter will write to another audience and say, “Therefore, I will always be ready to remind you of these things, even though you already know them, and have been established in the truth which is present with you” (2 Pet. 1:12). He goes on to say “I am writing to you” for the purpose of “stirring up your sincere mind by way of reminder” (2 Pet. 3:1). Why preach and teach about worship, gender roles, sexual morality, baptism, marriage, self-control, attitude, evangelism, and the like year after year? Simply because we forget, new Christians are added to the kingdom, young people come of age and need to learn what we already know, and external pressures and rival teaching can tempt us to abandon the truth. Paul, knowing this, was ready to personally and through other teachers make this effort to help Corinth, like Colosse, “continue in the faith firmly established and steadfast, and not move away from the hope of the gospel” (Col. 1:23).
Biblical instruction is also key to provide attitude adjustment. Arrogance had shown its ugly head at Corinth (6,18-19). Do you know who Paul says has to really work at fighting arrogance? Those who have knowledge, especially knowledge without love (8:1; 13:2). Paul understood the true nature of God’s kingdom (20), and this motivated him to do whatever was necessary to further their knowledge but also their application of their knowledge (21). Look ahead in chapter five at what Paul is about to write the Corinthians. They are arrogantly embracing someone who was living in egregious sin (5:1-2). They knew better, but they were not doing better!
Instruction is about way more than Bible stories, facts, and memory verses. It is about letting the word live in your heart, keeping it in your heart, and living it in your life. How does God get that done? Through continued teaching, over and over again. What does God accomplish through it? Among the many personal benefits it yields an individual, it also helps produce and preserve unity in truth! May we never buy into the idea that growth requires abandoning God’s pattern and plan in order to appease people’s fleshly desires.
The late George Bailey was known for saying, “A man wrapped up in himself makes a pretty small package.” Truly, there is a little “i” in Christ! Paul exemplifies the way a servant of Christ and steward of the gospel (4:1) behaves. How can we humbly serve Christ and, through such, contribute to unity in His body?
Do Not Deceive Yourself (3:18-23)
Paul draws on his contrast between wisdom and foolishness back at the beginning of the letter. The wisdom of this world is foolishness before God (3:19). Why does Paul say that here? In part, it is to drive home the point that they should not boast in men (like himself, Apollos, and Peter). But it is also to remind them that their glory and worth are tied to their being in Christ and belonging to Him. We wrestle so much with pride in our earthly accomplishments and attributes, but none of those things, of themselves, get us into heaven or bring about unity. Paul drives the point home by quoting from Job and Psalms. Worldly wisdom is a dead-end street.
Be A Faithful Steward Of The Mysteries Of God (4:1-2)
Instead of being spiritual heroes to be idolized, Paul says that he and other church leaders were servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God (1). The mysteries of God are the testimony of God (2:1), God’s once-hidden mystery (2:7) now revealed in the preaching of the gospel (see Rom. 16:25; Eph. 3:1ff). Paul wanted to be seen as a trustworthy steward (manager) of that unparalleled message (cf. 3:11-15). Here’s the point. Paul knew he had only so much time, energy, and other resources to spend on accomplishing his purpose, and he wanted to be the most effective worker for Jesus that he could be. If that’s how we see ourselves, our purpose and work, it will keep us from focusing on who we are and what we have done.
Remember Who Is Examining Your Work (4:3-5)
The previous point is made more powerful by the fact that not only should we not think more highly of ourselves than we ought, but we need to remember God is examining us. Ignore the idle critic or the armchair quarterback. Don’t spend a lot of time polishing your trophies and reading your “press clippings.” “Wait until the Lord comes” (4:5) and let Him acknowledge you and reward you. He will reveal all the secrets and He will disclose men’s motives. In other words, do the right things for the right reason and you will be richly rewarded by Christ in the end. God will praise you at The Judgment.
Follow Good Examples Of Humility (4:6-13)
Paul and Apollos did not view each other as rivals, measuring who was more successful, more loved, or more influential among the Corinthians. He urges them to look at their example, and let God’s Word be the measuring stick of success and failure. The end result would be preventing arrogance and rivalry. These servants of Christ had been doing their service to Him at great personal cost–they were a spectacle to the world (4:9), fools for Christ’s sake (4:10), weak (4:10), without honor (4:10), physically deprived (4:11), reviled, persecuted, and slandered (4:12-13), and, in summary, “we have become as the scum of the world, the dregs of all things, even until now” (4:13b). Doesn’t sound like a condition to brag about, does it? Paul is not trying to portray himself as some spiritual superhero. Neither is he whining or complaining. He is trying to get the Corinthians to understand what matters. It’s not about jockeying for the top spot in the kingdom. It’s about being a faithful steward of the gospel and servant of the Christ. Focus so hard on that goal that you can ignore the praise and the persecution, and let Jesus exalt you at the end. A mindset like that kills division and disunity.
Having been given the mind of Christ through the Spirit-inspired word, we have the instruction book for unity. But, as we all know, taking the information and making proper application is the bigger challenge. It’s more than knowing better; It’s doing better. Paul urges individual spiritual growth so that the message of the cross could take root in their lives and produce good fruit. To emphasize this, Paul gives a series of analogies. But the purpose of each of them is the same, to exhort us to spiritual maturity. The result will be unity in Christ.
SPIRITUAL FOOD AND DRINK (1-2)
Paul said that he wished to go deeper in his message, but they were still fleshly. That was not an idle accusation. Paul based this on their actions, the jealousy and strife (3). It made them men of flesh rather than spiritual men (1). We may claim to be spiritually mature, but such rings hollow if we exhibit behavior that shows our flesh rather than the Spirit ruling our lives.
SPIRITUAL PLANTING AND WATERING (3-9)
Paul strikes at the sectarian spirit (4) he first mentions in chapter one. To help Corinth see the silliness of their divisiveness, he shows them who he and Apollos are. They are tools in the Master’s hand, each playing a role in their salvation and development. Paul planted (6; Acts 18:1ff) and Apollos watered (6; Acts 19:1). Which is more important? Exactly! What is most vital is God who causes the growth (6). Each of them is rewarded for doing their part, but God is the true force behind the results. Isn’t that a helpful reminder as we think about the work of the church today? Which of us is most important, who is doing the most or biggest work, who is more indispensable, or any similar question misses the point–“God causes the growth” (7). We each are rewarded based on what we do, but we do it as God’s fellow workers in God’s field (9).
SPIRITUAL BUILDING AND WORKING (10-17)
In the middle of verse 9, Paul switches analogies from farming to construction. He again seems to allude to the beginning of the church in Corinth (10). Now, others were having to take up the work he started and each, like he had done, had to carefully build. But, the only lasting foundation is Christ (11). If they are God’s building, then they are the materials like Paul mentions in 12-15. In the process of time, temptation, and trials, they would either endure the fire of such challenges or they would be lost. Wise building helps, but ultimately each one won to Christ would either stand or fall based on their freewill. Paul is writing to these folks of such varied “materials,” but to encourage their endurance he tells them just what kind of building they are. They are a temple of God with the Spirit of God having residence among them. That makes division doubly deadly! It does individual harm but it also harms the entire church. And one who divides the body of Christ faces the prospect of being destroyed by God (17).
So how can that help us as we strive to live today and every day as a Christian? First, I need to analyze my own level of spiritual maturity. What rules my life–my flesh or God’s Spirit? Second, I need to analyze my involvement in spiritual work. Am I planting and watering or uprooting and trampling? Am I building up and working spiritually, or am I tearing down? Am I beautifying and honoring God’s temple? If each of us seriously considers these questions, we will find ourselves forces for unity and never striving dividers.
When I was in elementary school, we had a teacher who taught us how to properly write a letter. Miss Crews, my fourth grade teacher, told us it included the heading, greeting, body, complimentary closing, and signature. Isn’t it interesting what we retain (or fail to retain) from childhood?
Applying that basic analysis to the New Testament epistles, we are greatly helped. In addition to reading who it is from (1:1) and who it is to (1:2), we have a heading (helped by the information in verse 2), greeting (1:3), body (1:4-16:18), complimentary closing (16:19-20, 22-24), and signature (16:21). It is also in this first section of the letter (1:1-17) that we find the purpose of the letter. Notice some key aspects of these first several verses.
PAUL REMINDS THEM OF WHO THEY ARE (1:2-3)
In the daily grind, I can be apt to forget exactly who I am and who God has called me to be. It seems this had happened to the entire congregation at Corinth. Paul starts out this letter by reminding them they belong to God, set apart, and recipients of grace and peace.
PAUL TELLS THEM WHAT GOD HAS DONE FOR THEM (1:4-9)
Except for Galatians, Paul begins his letters with a prayer, blessing, or thanksgiving. Here, Paul reminds them of how blessed they are–with grace (1:4), riches (1:5), confirmation (1:6), various blessings (1:7), hope (1:8), and fellowship with the Father and Son (1:9). I don’t know about you, but I often need to be reminded of how mindful the Lord has been of me. I need to reflect on my blessings so I won’t obsess over my problems. Paul is going to be addressing a serious problem in their lives, but he starts by centering their focus on their spiritual treasures.
PAUL URGES SOMETHING OF THEM (1:10-17)
One of the ways a New Testament writer indicated the purpose of his writing is through petition verbs. While Paul actually uses a petition verb three times in this letter (1:10, 4:16, and 16:15), there’s no doubt that his first usage sets the tone for the rest of the letter. They have a big problem at Corinth: division. We will see this in greater detail as we walk through the letter, but their division was seen in their allegiances to men instead of Christ, in their worship services, in their exercise of spiritual gifts, in their exercise of their Christian liberties, in their view on various sins, and more. So, Paul brings them into focus here.
He urges them to be complete, by being of the same mind and judgment (1:10).
He urges them to see the true nature of Christ (1:11-13).
He urges them to focus on the gospel and the cross (1:14-17).
Keep in mind, as we read through this letter, that God had something He wanted Corinth and all subsequent churches and Christians facing the same general struggle to understand. It requires us to keep sight of our identity, blessings, and purpose. Otherwise, we open the door to division which can be the gateway to “disorder and every evil thing” (Jas. 3:16).
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