What an encouraging time of worship, instruction, and community we experienced on Sunday! God’s grace and faithfulness were clearly evidenced in our time together. If you missed the morning teaching, it is now available via our website.
This week we continue in our study of the book of 1 Corinthians. Specifically, we’ll be unpacking chapters 12 and 13, which contain some amazing and challenging truth. Please take a look at these chapters this week, study their content, write down your thoughts and questions, and come Sunday ready to learn and worship!
We decided to take a peek back at some earlier chapters in 1 Corinthians in attempt to gain a little momentum coming into chapters 12 and 13. We're so glad we did. Check out Paul’s words in chapter 10, verses 23-24:
23 “‘Everything is permissible’—but not everything is beneficial. ‘Everything is permissible’—but not everything is constructive. 24 Nobody should seek his own good, but the good of others.” (1 Corinthians 10:23-24, NIV)
Paul continues in this manner with the closing words of chapter 10:
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. (1 Corinthians 10:31-33)
In these verses, a key theme jumps out at us. It is one that runs through the book of 1 Corinthians and provides some critical context as we look ahead to chapters 12 and 13. That key theme is one of looking to the “good of others”, rather than to the good of “me”. The apostle Paul is communicating to the Corinthians that the question should not be, “what about me?” Rather, the question should be, “what about them?” Paul is calling the Corinthians away from a “me” mentality, to glorify God and look outside of themselves for the benefit of others.
This truth also reflects the theme of unity that Paul so clearly communicates throughout the book. How much easier is it for us to be unified when we are continually laying down selfishness and picking up selflessness? This “common good” (1 Cor. 12:7) is something Paul touches on early in chapter 12 as he outlines spiritual gifts and carries it over throughout his illustration of the human body. He then transitions to the “more excellent way” (1 Cor. 12:31), teaching the Corinthians about love and its role as the foundation of the spiritual gifts.
As we look to the week ahead and prepare for the study of 1 Corinthians 12-13, let us set the stage by living “to the glory of God” and “the good of others”. Have a great week, everyone!
Brent and Chris
Pastor Brent,
ReplyDeleteI have been attending ONC a.m service for the past 4 Sundays. I come from a Pentacostal background, infact I still belong to a A/G church. I'd like to comment on the incedent that occurred on May 30th. I don't think you could have handled that situation any better. You are a wise man of God and I was so impressed with your poise and Godly authority. I do believe in the gift of tongues but scripture is very clear about order and the manner in which this gift should be utilized. You are truly a man of God and I want to commend you and your staff for the great work that you are doing at ONC.
- Ron
I too want to commend the leadership for the proper handling of this situation. I was a long-time member (prior to coming to ONC - been here now over 3 years) of another Baptist church who allowed many things not consistent with our church doctrinal statement (and most important the Bible) to take place in our worship services. I personally felt it created confusion in the body. It was very refreshing to hear you take the opportunity to teach us using the example of the early church who also struggled with such things so that people know where to go when they need to validate what any one teaches them. IT MUST LINE UP WITH THE BIBLE, which is our measuring rod (why we call it the canon).
ReplyDeleteI have been praying for our youth (I have a college aged daughter and one in middle school). My college aged daughter was in service 6/7 and this allowed great opportunities for us to discuss soundoctrine as it relates to worship and ministry.
Thank you for providing opportunities for parents to be the spiritual leaders that we should be to our children. It is no more the responisbility of the local church only to teach our children spiritual things, as it is the school system to solely teach our kids academically.
I am glad God uses such things to build the body!
Thanks for the feedback!
ReplyDelete