Category: Sermon

Good morning everyone, hope you all are well this morning. Just wanted to welcome everyone who has joined us in-person at the hall and those who have joined us online. Our prayer is that God would meet with us in a direct, personal way this morning. 

We began a new sermon series at the start of year from the letter of 1^st Corinthians. We’ve titled the series as “The Church: God’s Dwelling Place”. God’s choice dwelling place is not in a building (not a church building, not a religious building, not even in the hall where we’ve gathered) but God’s chosen dwelling place is among His own redeemed people. Isn’t it amazing? That out of all the wonderful places that God could have chosen to dwell in, His choice and select dwelling place is in us – He chose to dwell in you and me. 

And we’re slowly beginning to uncover what that means for us. Today we find ourselves in 1 Cor 3:1-9. 

If I were to ask us this question – how many of us would like to experience personal growth in our lives? Be it personal growth in terms of health, skills, career, finances etc. I think all of us would say that we would like to see and experience growth in each of these areas. And in the world today there’s enough and more books and material published on how to achieve personal growth in each of these areas. 

But what about spiritual growth? How does that take place? Does it happen by attending every single Christian conference that’s there in my vicinity? Does it happen by listening to every single Christian sermon published online? Does it happen by reading every single Christian book I can get hold of? How do we experience spiritual growth? In essence, the question we are asking is “what are the keys to spiritual growth?”

And today’s passage gives us at least a couple of keys to spiritual growth:

1. We need to understand the barriers to spiritual growth (v1-4)

But I, brothers,[a] could not address you as spiritual people, but as people of the flesh, as infants in Christ. 2 I fed you with milk, not solid food, for you were not ready for it. And even now you are not yet ready, 3 for you are still of the flesh. For while there is jealousy and strife among you, are you not of the flesh and behaving only in a human way? 4 For when one says, “I follow Paul,” and another, “I follow Apollos,” are you not being merely human?

Just to recap the passage that we read a couple of weeks back. In Chapter 2, Paul was contrasting a spiritual person (who has the Holy Spirit dwelling in him) and a natural person / unspiritual person (who doesn’t have the Holy Spirit) and hence isn’t able to spiritually discern the things of God. The natural person is blind and incapable of understanding the things of God. So, it’s a contrast between a spiritual and a natural person. Believer and unbeliever. And then in chapter 3, Paul tells the Corinthian church that he can’t address them as spiritual people but as people of the flesh. The immediate question that comes to mind is, is Paul calling them “unbelievers” by saying that?

Let’s look at v1 to find out. In V1, Paul addresses them as “brothers” which means siblings from the same family. He wouldn’t refer to them as brothers if he didn’t believe they were so. 

And then later on he addresses them as “infants in Christ”. They are in Christ. They have been saved by Jesus. They are born again believers but immature, underdeveloped believers. So Paul is not questioning their salvation, but he is questioning their maturity. He is questioning if they are growing in Christ. 

And then in V2, Paul tells them that he fed them with milk, not solid food because they were not ready for it. In fact, he tells them that even now they aren’t ready for it. 

Let’s remember that Paul was their spiritual father – he was the one who shared the Gospel with them. He was the one who led them to the Lord – so he’s seen their journey right from the time that they became believers for the first time and assessing their present spiritual health, he’s telling them that they are not ready to have spiritual solid food because they are still spiritual infants and haven’t yet grown. 

Our youngest daughter Lydia is 5 months now and we’re hoping to start her on solids from next month. But imagine if a year or two passes and she’s still only feeding on milk, we’d be concerned parents because it will mean that something is hindering her growth. Something is impeding her from progressing to the next development stage. Something is wrong. 

And that’s the concern that Paul has for the Corinthians. Quite sometime has passed since they became believers in Christ, but they are still living like infants in the faith. Something is hindering their spiritual growth. Something is impeding them from progressing to the next development stage. Something is becoming a barrier. And what is that?

V3: Paul says that they are of the flesh. In other words, they are being controlled by their bodily desires. They are living for themselves and their own selfish appetites. And how is that playing out in their lives? 

Through jealousy and strife. Though they were brothers and sisters in Christ, they were no longer seeing each other as family, they were seeing each other as threats. They were insecure of each other and would keep arguing. 

And these arguments and quarrels were no small tiff. It was an ongoing, long drawn battle which resulting in factions and divisions and splits in the church. And some of us have probably been part of churches where we’ve witnessed factions and divisions and splits first hand and that’s a very disturbing experience. It not only affects those who are involved, but also everyone else gets impacted by it. 

And what was their main issue of contention? In V4 Paul describes it. They split into factions based on certain church leaders that they identified closely with. Be it a Paul, or an Apollos, or a Peter or someone else in the church – they were more concerned about identifying themselves with a church leader than identifying themselves with the Lord Jesus Christ. 

It became a battle between different fan clubs within the church. Any thing that was said against their respected church leader, they would probably take it very personally and argue and fight over it. 

And Paul was basically telling them that “you think you’re spiritually mature, but when you argue like this – are you really spiritually mature?”

And so we can see here – that despite being born again believers for a while, they were underdeveloped and immature believers BECAUSE they were living for themselves. They were living for their own selfish appetites. They were impeding their spiritual growth by living for themselves.

And that’s the opposite of what the Lord Jesus wants from us. This is what Jesus said in Luke 9:23: “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.  

Self-denial, self-abandonment, dying to yourself and your desires. That is how we participate in God’s work of spiritual growth. We don’t make ourselves grow (we will come to that in the next point) but we participate and cooperate with God’s work of spiritual growth as we die to ourselves every single day. 

And God’s Word is central to this spiritual growth process. Because every time we interact with God’s Word – on a Sunday morning when it’s being preached, a GC or a DNA group where God’s Word is being broken down and discussed and also during our daily devotions – God is exposing our hearts to our selfishness and self-centredness and He is calling us to die to those desires and selfish appetites. God is not calling His children to become theologians; He is calling them to become like His Son Jesus as they participate and cooperate with Him by dying to themselves daily. 

I could be hearing the best sermon the world, but I’m not ready to die to my selfishness and my desires, I won’t be able to grow. I will still be stuck in spiritual infancy. 

Now there’s nothing wrong in being a spiritual in fact as long as you’re a brand-new believer. But if you and I have been believers for few months, few years, then being stuck in spiritual infancy is not a sign of health. It’s not a sign of growth. It’s not a sign of everything being okay and fine. Because we were born-again for growth and God intends to see us become fully mature like His perfect Son Jesus Christ. Until then, we need to participate and cooperate with Him daily by dying to ourselves.

But not only is it enough to understand the barriers to spiritual growth, but

2. We need to understand the source of spiritual growth (v5-9)

5 What then is Apollos? What is Paul? Servants through whom you believed, as the Lord assigned to each. 6 I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the growth. 7 So neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only God who gives the growth. 8 He who plants and he who waters are one, and each will receive his wages according to his labor. 9 For we are God’s fellow workers. You are God’s field, God’s building.

In these verses, Paul uses the analogy of plants to explain the source of spiritual growth to the Corinthians. And he’s basically telling them – “spoiler alert – neither me nor Apollos nor any other human can be responsible for spiritual growth – the credit only goes to God”. How does he break this down for us? 

Firstly by highlighting the insignificance of God’s servants: That word “servant” is actually translated as waiter; as an attendant; as a servant who is running errands for the master. 

And that’s a humbling picture for us. In the world today, pastors and people in ministry are heralded as celebrities and heroes in the church. God’s Word is always in the humbling business…it’s always humbling us to realize our place – anyone in ministry is basically like “waiting on tables, running an errand for our master”. It’s not something that deserves hero worship. 

On the hand there is the great significance of God in spiritual growth: V5 says that He is the one who assigns roles and responsibilities to his servants. Whatever ministry that we are called to do, is a consequence of what God has assigned to us. God is the one who gives us the offer letter in ministry, we aren’t self-appointed or self-made when it comes to ministry.

And then V6 and 7 are the most amazing verses – God makes us grow. God is the one responsible for spiritual growth. I’m no farming expert but I think if we were to go and ask a farmer, can you guarantee how tall a plant will grow and how many flowers and fruits it will bear? 

I’m pretty sure that the farmer will say “I don’t know. I prepare the soil, plant the seeds, water the soil…these are things under my control but to make the seed germinate and grow, that’s out of my scope of work. That’s something that only God can do”.  

And that’s why we said in the last point that by dying to ourselves daily we are only participating and cooperating with God’s work of spiritual growth. We are not primarily responsible for bringing about our spiritual growth. We are only participating and cooperating with God who is relentlessly working towards making His children grow up into Jesus. Which is why Paul could say with confidence to the Philippian church: And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ. If we are God’s children and not showing growth, it won’t be too long before which God does something or the other to shake up our lives and to bring us back on track. 

And then finally in v8-9, Paul is basically trying to tell the Corinthians that its pointless to build these fan clubs and fight with each other because ultimately both Paul and Apollos are together in this as a team. They are not competing with each other. They are not trying to outdo each other and come out on top. Why is the church fighting over them when they aren’t fighting with each other?

And then in V9 where Paul tells them that they are God’s field. They are God’s building. Not just because he created us but because He purchased us with the precious blood of His Son. When we were down and out in their sins, Jesus died for us on the cross and then 3 days later rose from the dead so that whoever would believe in Him would be counted as His own. We belong to Him. Why settle for an inferior identity in mere humans when we have a far more superior identity in Jesus Christ? 

You are God’s field. You are God’s building. Paul wasn’t point out what was wrong in the Corinthians to overwhelm them with guilt but to bring conviction so that they could repent. And God’s way of doing that is by affirming and reminding you of who you are in the light of the Gospel so that you can come back to Him in repentance. 

And that’s what I want us to remember today. If we are in a place where we look at our lives and have seen stunted spiritual growth, I just want you to know that God is not trying to shame you or put on guilt. He is a loving Father who earnestly wants us to repent and come back to Him. What should you do next? 

Examine your life to see which are those areas where you know that God is calling you to die to yourself and your desires but you’ve been passive or inactive or delayed or resistant in your response to God. 

Admit, Confess, Trust & Submit

1 John 1:8-9 ESV‬‬

[8] (Admit) If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. [9] (Confess) If we confess our sins, (Trust) he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 

(Submit) ‭‭2 Corinthians 5:14-15 ESV‬‬

[14] For the love of Christ controls us, because we have concluded this: that one has died for all, therefore all have died; [15] and he died for all, that those who live might no longer live for themselves but for him who for their sake died and was raised.

This Sunday, celebrating International Women’s Day, we will deliver a standalone sermon titled “She Matters.” This sermon will present a biblical perspective on women.

We elicited a variety of responses to International Women’s Day. In our nation, many city women celebrate in diverse ways, such as going out for meals, attending events, or sharing posts on social media. However, I believe that the majority of Indian women, particularly those in rural areas, may not even be aware of this day, let alone celebrate it.

Unfortunately, not every woman in our society feels valued, appreciated, or honored as they should. This is mainly due to the prevalent selfish and disrespectful attitudes.

Here’s a post I read yesterday by Ghazal Alagh, the Co-founder of Mamaearth. In it, she summarizes the difficulties she experiences in her context. This post was shared on her LinkedIn account.

This has been the case even during the time of Jesus.

During the time of Jesus in ancient Israel, societal norms were heavily influenced by patriarchal structures, and women’s roles were predominantly defined within the confines of home and family life. The treatment and status of women varied, but generally, they had limited rights compared to men and were often subject to strict social codes.

• Legal Status: Women’s legal rights were minimal. They could not serve as witnesses in court in most cases, reflecting their marginalized position in the legal system. Marriage contracts, divorces, and property rights typically favored men.
• Social and Religious Life: Women’s participation in religious and public life was restricted. In the synagogue, women were separated from men and had a more passive role in worship. Although women were responsible for maintaining religious practices at home, their access to formal religious education and leadership roles was severely limited.
• Marriage and Family: Women were typically married at a young age, and marriages were often arranged. A woman’s honor and value were closely tied to her role as a wife and mother, particularly in bearing sons. Virginity before marriage was highly valued, and women could be severely punished for sexual misconduct.
• Economic and Work Life: Most women’s work revolved around household duties, such as cooking, cleaning, and caring for children. While women from wealthier families had servants to help with these tasks, they were still confined to roles that were considered suitable for their gender. Some women, especially those from lower socio-economic backgrounds, worked outside the home in agriculture, textiles, or as merchants to support their families.
• Social Interaction: Women’s social interactions were closely monitored, and they were expected to avoid speaking with men outside their immediate family in public settings. This segregation was part of maintaining a woman’s honor and the family’s reputation.

In this context, Jesus’s interactions with women were revolutionary. He broke societal norms by speaking to women in public, including them among his followers, and addressing their needs and concerns. He treated women with respect and dignity, valuing their faith and contributions to his ministry. This approach was radical and highlighted the inclusive nature of Jesus’s message, offering a new perspective on women’s value and role in society and within the realm of faith.

In doing so, Jesus, as the Son of God, was communicating God’s heart and expressing the Father’s pain caused by sin and rebellion.

Look at the passage from Galatians 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.” – Galatians 3:28 (ESV)

Paul’s statement is profound, especially considering the social context of the time, which was deeply divided along lines of ethnicity (Jew vs. Greek), social status (slave vs. free), and gender (male vs. female). These divisions often dictated a person’s rights, responsibilities, and societal value.

By saying “there is no male and female,” Paul is not denying the physical or biological differences between genders or suggesting that the social realities of his day had vanished. Instead, he is emphasizing that in the realm of salvation and belonging to Christ, these distinctions do not confer any advantage or disadvantage. In Christ, all believers, regardless of their gender, are equal and united. They share equally in the
promises of God, have equal access to salvation, and are equally members of the body of Christ.

This principle of unity and equality is foundational to the Christian faith and challenges believers to transcend societal divisions and prejudices. It calls for a community where all are valued and can contribute freely, without the barriers imposed by gender or any other social categorization. Paul’s message in Galatians 3:28 is a powerful reminder of the transformative nature of the gospel, which creates a new identity and a new family that is defined not by earthly distinctions but by faith in Christ Jesus.

Here, I aim to share four accounts of Jesus interacting with different women in the Bible, along with the lessons we can derive from these interactions.

1. Her Honor Matters

The first story involves Jesus’s interaction with the woman caught in adultery, as described in John 8:1-11.

“But Jesus went to the Mount of Olives. Early in the morning he came again to the temple. All the people came to him, and he sat down and taught them. The scribes andthe Pharisees brought a woman who had been caught in adultery, and placing her in the midst they said to him, ‘Teacher, this woman has been caught in the act of adultery. Now in the Law, Moses commanded us to stone such women. So what do you say?’ This they said to test him, that they might have some charge to bring against him. Jesus bent down and wrote with his finger on the ground. And as they continued to ask
him, he stood up and said to them, ‘Let him who is without sin among you be the first to throw a stone at her.’ And once more he bent down and wrote on the ground. But when they heard it, they went away one by one, beginning with the older ones, and Jesus was left alone with the woman standing before him. Jesus stood up and said to her, ‘Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?’ She said, ‘No one, Lord.’ And Jesus said, ‘Neither do I condemn you; go, and from now on sin no more.'”

In the heart of the Gospel of John lies a narrative that not only challenges societal norms of its time but also offers profound insights into the essence of justice, mercy, and honor. The story of the woman caught in adultery, as narrated in John 8:3-11, unfolds in the bustling streets of Jerusalem, where Jesus Christ’s teachings are captivating many. Yet, it is in this setting that a woman’s story of dishonor and redemption emerges, revealing the depth of Jesus’s compassion and wisdom.

The account begins with scribes and Pharisees bringing a woman to Jesus, accusing her of adultery. They posed a challenge to Him, citing the law of Moses, which demanded such sins be punished by stoning. The accusers were not merely seeking justice; they aimed to entrap Jesus, forcing Him into a dilemma that would either compromise His teachings of mercy or defy the law.

However, Jesus’s response to this situation was neither of direct confrontation nor of submission to their demands. Instead, He stooped down and wrote on the ground, a gesture that has puzzled scholars and theologians for centuries. When pressed for an answer, Jesus stood and delivered a statement that would echo through the ages: “Let him who is without sin among you be the first to throw a stone at her.”

This simple yet profound directive shifted the focus from the woman’s sin to the universal human condition of imperfection. One by one, the accusers departed, leaving the woman alone with Jesus. In this moment, Jesus exemplified His revolutionary approach to justice and mercy. He did not condone her actions but extended grace, telling her, “Neither do I condemn you; go, and from now on sin no more.

The story of the woman caught in adultery is a testament to the dignity and honor that Jesus affords to each individual, regardless of their past. It challenges us to examine our own tendencies to judge and condemn, urging a posture of humility and compassion. Jesus’s actions in this narrative speak volumes about His respect for human dignity, offering redemption instead of condemnation.

Moreover, this account invites reflection on the role of community in dealing with transgressions. Instead of fostering an environment of shame and punishment, Jesus promotes a culture of forgiveness and new beginnings. It’s a call to communities to support the restoration of honor to those who have fallen, recognizing that everyone is capable of change and deserving of a second chance.

In the modern context, “Her Honor Matters” serves as a powerful reminder of the transformative power of mercy and the importance of upholding the dignity of every individual. It challenges societal norms that often seek to shame and ostracize, proposing instead a community built on understanding, forgiveness, and mutual respect.

As we reflect on this passage from John 8:3-11, let us remember the value of each person’s honor in the eyes of Jesus. May we be inspired to act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly, recognizing that in the face of human frailty, compassion is the most righteous path. In doing so, we honor not only the individuals we encounter but the very teachings of Christ, who showed us that indeed, her honor matters.

2 . Her Story Matters

The second story involves Jesus’s interaction with the woman at the well, as described in John 4:1-30,39.

“Now Jesus learned that the Pharisees had heard that he was gaining and baptizing more disciples than John— although in fact it was not Jesus who baptized, but his disciples. So he left Judea and went back once more to Galilee. Now he had to go through Samaria. So he came to a town in Samaria called Sychar, near the plot of ground Jacob had given to his son Joseph. Jacob’s well was there, and Jesus, tired as he was from the journey, sat down by the well. It was about noon. When a Samaritan woman came to draw water, Jesus said to her, ‘Will you give me a drink?’ (His disciples had gone into the town to buy food.) The Samaritan woman said to him, ‘You are a Jew and I am a Samaritan woman. How can you ask me for a drink?’ (For Jews do not associate with Samaritans.) Jesus answered her, ‘If you knew the gift of God and who it is that asks you for a drink, you would have asked him and he would have given you living water.’ ‘Sir,’ the woman said, ‘you have nothing to draw with and the well is deep. Where can you get this living water? Are you greater than our father Jacob, who gave us the well and drank from it himself, as did also his sons and his livestock?’ Jesus answered, ‘Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks the water I give them will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give them will become in them a spring of water welling up to eternal life.’ The woman said to him, ‘Sir, give me this water so that I won’t get thirsty and have to keep coming here to draw water.’ He told her, ‘Go, call your husband and come back.’ ‘I have no husband,’ she replied. Jesus said to her, ‘You are right when you say you have no husband. The fact is, you have had five husbands, and the man you now have is not your husband. What you have just said is quite true.’ ‘Sir,’ the woman said, ‘I can see that you are a prophet. Our ancestors worshiped on this mountain, but you Jews claim that the place where we must worship is in Jerusalem.’ ‘Woman,’ Jesus replied, ‘believe me, a time is coming when you will worship the Father neither on this mountain nor in Jerusalem. You Samaritans worship what you do not know; we worship what we do know, for salvation is from the Jews. Yet a time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship the Father in the Spirit and in truth, for they are the kind of worshipers the Father seeks. God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in the Spirit and in truth.’ The woman said, ‘I know that Messiah’ (called Christ) ‘is coming. When he comes, he will explain everything to us.’ Then Jesus declared, ‘I, the one speaking to you—I am he.’ Just then his disciples returned and were surprised to find him talking with a woman. But no one asked, ‘What do you want?’ or ‘Why are you talking with her?’ Then, leaving her water jar, the woman went back to the town and said to the people, ‘Come, see a man who told me everything I ever did. Could this be the Messiah?’ They came out of the town and made their way toward him. … Many of the Samaritans from that town believed in him because of the woman’s testimony, ‘He told me everything I ever did.'”

In a world where the voices of the marginalized and overlooked are often drowned out by the loudness of the powerful and privileged, the gospel of John chapter 4 verses 1 through 42 offers us a profound narrative. This is the story of the Samaritan woman at the well, a story that speaks volumes about Jesus’ revolutionary approach to societal norms and His deep care for the individual. Through this encounter, we learn an invaluable lesson: “Her story matters to God.”

Jesus, tired from His journey, stops by a well in Samaria. His disciples have gone into town, and He encounters a Samaritan woman coming to draw water. In this moment, Jesus does something radical. He speaks to her, a woman, which was culturally unexpected, especially since she was a Samaritan and Jews traditionally avoided Samaritans due to deep-rooted prejudices.

Jesus breaks down not just one but three significant barriers in this encounter: racial (Jew versus Samaritan), social (man versus woman), and moral (a rabbi versus a woman with a complicated personal life). By doing so, He communicates something powerful: no person is beyond the reach of His love and concern.

Jesus initiates a conversation about living water, leading to a deep theological and personal discussion. He reveals knowledge about her personal life – that she has had five husbands and the man she now has is not her husband. This revelation is not to shame her but to show that He sees her, knows her, and still offers her the gift of eternal life.

In Jesus’ revelation of her personal story, we see that God is intimately aware of our struggles, failures, and the secrets we keep hidden. Yet, His approach is one of grace and transformation. He offers her “living water,” symbolizing the eternal life and satisfaction only He can provide.

The woman’s response to Jesus is remarkable. She leaves her water jar behind, symbolizing her old life, and goes back to her town to tell everyone about Jesus. Her testimony leads many to believe in Him.

This transformation illustrates the power of an encounter with Jesus. The woman moves from shame to dignity, from isolation to becoming a witness. Her story emphasizes that no one’s past disqualifies them from playing a significant role in God’s kingdom.

Like the Samaritan woman, each of us has a story marked by failures, hurts, and perhaps secrets we think disqualify us from God’s love or use. Yet, this story teaches us that our backgrounds, mistakes, or societal labels do not define how God sees us. In Christ, we find someone who knows us completely and loves us unconditionally. He invites us to experience the living water and share our transformed stories with the world.

3. Her Needs Matter

The third story involves Jesus’s interaction with His mother at the cross, as described in John 19:26-27

“When Jesus saw his mother and the disciple whom he loved standing nearby, he said to his mother, ‘Woman, behold, your son!’ Then he said to the disciple, ‘Behold, your mother!’ And from that hour the disciple took her to his own home.”

In the hustle of our daily lives, amidst the pressing needs and concerns that we all carry, there’s a profound truth echoed in the Scriptures that brings comfort and challenge alike: “Her needs matter to God.” Today, we draw our attention to a moment of tender care and deep compassion, recorded in the Gospel of John, chapter 19, verses 26 to 27. As Jesus hung on the cross, in His final moments, He addressed the
needs of His mother, Mary, entrusting her to the care of His beloved disciple, John. This act, seemingly small in the grand scale of His mission, reveals the heart of God for the individual, especially for the needs of women in His care.

As Jesus hung on the cross, He saw His mother and the disciple He loved standing nearby. In the midst of His own agony, Jesus was not self-absorbed; instead, He was mindful of His mother’s needs. With few words, He said to her, “Woman, here is your son,” and to the disciple, “Here is your mother.” From that time on, the disciple took her into his home. In this moment, Jesus teaches us a powerful lesson about God’s care for our individual needs.

Even in His suffering, Jesus demonstrated God’s compassionate nature. He understood the practical, emotional, and social needs of His mother in the aftermath of His death. This act is a testament to the importance God places on our physical and emotional well-being.

Jesus ensured that Mary would be cared for after His death. In doing so, He models how we are to look after the vulnerable and needy among us. It’s a clear message that God is attentive to our needs and makes provisions for us, often through the hands and hearts of those within our community.

In a time and culture where women were often marginalized and overlooked, Jesus affirms the value and dignity of women. Mary’s needs mattered to God, just as the needs of all women do. This moment underscores that God sees, hears, and responds to the needs of women with care and action.

Jesus’ instructions to Mary and John also highlight the importance of community and mutual care. He creates a new family bond between them, showing that our relationships are meant to reflect God’s care for us. In the family of God, we are called to look after one another, ensuring that no need goes unnoticed or unmet.

“Her needs matter to God” is not just a comforting thought; it’s a call to action. As followers of Christ, we are called to mirror God’s compassion and care for the needy, especially for women who have been historically undervalued and overlooked. Let us leave today with a renewed commitment to be God’s hands and feet in the world, ensuring that through our actions, everyone around us knows that they matter to God.

4. Her Voice Matters

The fourth story involves Jesus’s interaction with Mary Magdalene after His resurrection, as described in John 20:11-18.

“But Mary stood weeping outside the tomb, and as she wept she stooped to look into the tomb. And she saw two angels in white, sitting where the body of Jesus had lain, one at the head and one at the feet. They said to her, ‘Woman, why are you weeping?’ She said to them, ‘They have taken away my Lord, and I do not know where they have laid him.’ Having said this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing, but she did not know that it was Jesus. Jesus said to her, ‘Woman, why are you weeping? Whom are you seeking?’ Supposing him to be the gardener, she said to him, ‘Sir, if you have carried him away, tell me where you have laid him, and I will take him away.’ Jesus said to her, ‘Mary.’ She turned and said to him in Aramaic, ‘Rabboni!’ (which means Teacher). Jesus said to her, ‘Do not cling to me, for I have not yet ascended to the Father; but go to my brothers and say to them, I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.’ Mary Magdalene went and announced to the disciples, ‘I have seen the Lord’—and that he had said these things to her.”

In a world where voices clamor for attention, where the marginalized often feel silenced, and where many struggle to be heard, the Gospel of John offers us a profound narrative that resonates with hope and affirmation. Today, we turn our hearts to John 20:11-18, a passage that beautifully illustrates how deeply “Her Voice Matters to God.” This passage recounts the encounter of Mary Magdalene with the resurrected
Jesus, marking a moment where a woman’s voice was not only heard but also honored and entrusted with a pivotal message.

Mary Magdalene stood weeping outside the tomb of Jesus. In her grief, she encountered two angels and, subsequently, Jesus Himself, though she did not recognize Him at first. When Jesus called her by name, “Mary,” she recognized Him and responded. Jesus entrusted her with a message for His disciples, making her the first to proclaim the news of His resurrection.

In her moment of profound grief and loss, Mary’s voice expressed her deep longing and love for Jesus. Her voice mattered to God, so much so that Jesus chose to reveal Himself to her first among all His followers. This encounter underscores the value God places on the voices of those who seek Him earnestly.

Jesus’s choice of Mary Magdalene as the first witness to His resurrection is significant. In a society where a woman’s testimony was often devalued, Jesus empowered Mary to be the bearer of the most crucial message in Christian faith: “I have seen the Lord.” Through this, Jesus demonstrates that every voice, regardless of gender or societal status, is valuable and capable of carrying His truth to the world.

Jesus’s interaction with Mary Magdalene sends a clear message that women’s voices are heard and honored by God. It is a divine affirmation that in the Kingdom of God, every voice, especially those often pushed to the margins, has immense value and purpose.

“Her Voice Matters to God” is not just a statement about Mary Magdalene; it’s a truth that applies to every one of us. In a world eager to silence the voices of the faithful, let us remember the example of Jesus, who listens, affirms, and empowers. May we be a community where every voice is valued, where every story of encounter with God is cherished, and where we all feel encouraged to declare, “I have seen the Lord.”

Application

These, I believe, are great lessons to learn and valuable information. But the question is, what do we do with it? Should we actively fight for women’s rights and try to change society?

Certainly, we should stand up for their rights when conflicts or issues arise. However, I believe the true battle is internal. These lessons should guide our hearts towards Christ, allowing us to find comfort in him. This way, we can live our Christian life with joy and purpose, instead of feeling disappointed, angry, and broken.

Women in today’s society can experience feelings of dishonor in various circumstances. This can occur when they are not respected or valued in their personal or professional lives, when they are subjected to gender-based discrimination or harassment, or when they are marginalized due to their gender. They may also feel dishonored when their voices are not heard or their contributions are not acknowledged.

In these circumstances, they can find comfort in Christ and the Gospel in several ways. The teachings of Jesus highlight the inherent value and worth of every individual, regardless of gender. Christ’s interactions with women, as depicted in the Bible, show that he acknowledged, respected, and valued them. This offers a powerful reminder that women are equally valued and loved by God.

Furthermore, the Gospel message is one of grace, acceptance, and redemption. This can offer comfort to those who feel dishonored, reminding them that their worth is not defined by societal norms or expectations, but by their identity as children of God.

Finally, finding comfort in Christ also involves being part of a faith community where they are loved, supported, and valued. This community can provide a space for women to share their experiences, receive encouragement, and be affirmed in their worth and dignity.

In essence, finding comfort in Christ and the Gospel means embracing the truth of their identity as valued and loved by God, seeking his peace and assurance, and finding support and affirmation in a community of believers.

Good morning church. Hope you’re well. Wanted to welcome you all in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. If you’ve been tracking with us, you’re probably aware that we began a new series this year titled “The Church : God’s Dwelling Place” from the letter of 1st Corinthians. And what we’ve already seen is that when the Bible uses the term “church”, it doesn’t mean a building but rather the rescued people of God in whom God dwells – it’s His chosen residence!

The background of this passage is where Paul is telling us that the Message, people who receive the message and and the Messenger are considered foolish in the eyes of the world. It’s contrary to what we expect from an inspirational Ted talk. It’s radically different from what we would normally expect from a successful influencer on a podcast.

In fact in the passage that we read a couple of weeks back, Paul tells us that he makes a conscious effort to not sound extra smart or clever in his preaching so that people’s faith might not rest on his human wisdom but on God’s wisdom. He did not want to stand in the way of people getting to know and be saved by Jesus.

So that brings us to this question – In reality, is the Gospel foolish?  Is the Gospel only meant for small children which we outgrow when we become adults? Is the Gospel meant for those who only go through a hard season in life? Is the Gospel something that doesn’t stimulate your mind and affections?

Well, it all depends if you’ve put on your spiritual glasses. I remember I was in grade 6 when I got my first pair of glasses. Watching too much television took a toll on my eyes and

I was having a hard time reading what my teacher’s wrote on the blackboard. I tried squinting to make sense of the words but it finally reached a point where I told my parents and they took me to an optician to get some glasses. While the optician did the eye examination to find out my power, I remember the first time he put a lens according to my power. It was such an amazing feeling because I could finally see objects and letters clearly.

And I wonder if the apostle Paul is trying to tell us a similar thing through this passage. He’s telling us that if we’ve put on our spiritual glasses, then we’d be able to see that the Gospel is not foolish but truly wise and filled with wisdom. Not just that, but we’d be able to see how much we need it every single day.

1. The Gospel can’t be understood by worldly wisdom (v6-8)

[6] Yet among the mature we do impart wisdom, although it is not a wisdom of this age or of the rulers of this age, who are doomed to pass away. [7] But we impart a secret and hidden wisdom of God, which God decreed before the ages for our glory. [8] None of the rulers of this age understood this, for if they had, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory.

Paul begins v6 by telling us that “among the mature they impart wisdom”. In other words, the Gospel contains wisdom not just meant for children or new believers but also for the spiritually mature. It’s telling us that we don’t ever outgrow our need for the Gospel irrespective of how many years or how mature we are in the faith.

And then he goes on to see that this wisdom is radically different from the wisdom of the world. And he is saying that both the wisdom of this world and the rulers of this age are doomed to pass away. In other words, the wisdom of the world and worldly leaders keeps on changing. It’s temporary wisdom that is tailor made for the culture and the desires of that era. Just to give an example – some of the songs or movies or references that we used to make in the 1990’s or 2000s would be considered culturally inappropriate or culturally insensitive today. 10-20 years down the line, some of the things that we enjoy today would be culturally inappropriate and insensitive tomorrow. And so this is the worldly wisdom which keeps changing and will eventually pass away.

In contrast, v7 tells us of a wisdom which is eternal and permanent in nature. It is a secret and hidden wisdom which God decreed before the ages for our glory. In eternity past, God had already ordained this wisdom – this Gospel for our glory.

‭‭Ephesians 1:4 tells us that God chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him.

God’s desire and intention to save us and make us His holy children was not an afterthought. It was not a stop gap arrangement. It was not God’s Plan B. It was God’s Plan A. It was planned all along. That’s the beauty of the Gospel message – God didn’t send Jesus to die for us because it was culturally relevant and appropriate for the time. God had planned that all along because He loves you and me.

And then in V8, Paul says that none of the rulers of Jesus’ time understood the Gospel or if they had they wouldn’t have crucified Jesus. Just take a minute to think through all the great rulers who were involved in Jesus’ crucifixion.

Pontius Pilate representing the Roman authority. King Herod who was the proxy king on behalf of Romans. The Jewish High Priest and council representing the religious Jewish community. And all of them with all their education, skills, qualifications and even their understanding of Scripture didn’t know why Jesus came and thought it was the best solution to kill him.

But here’s the thing – God used what they meant for evil, for our good and His glory. God used the terrible injustice on the cross to save helpless sinners like you and me. 2000 years back Jesus didn’t die because He sinned. Jesus died because you and I sinned. He paid the price. He took the punishment. He was made the scapegoat for you and me.

He died and was buried and then on that Resurrection Sunday morning rose again victoriously so that whoever may turn away from their sins and put their full trust on Jesus’ work on the cross would be saved and converted into God’s Holy children. And this is not God’s last minute plan. No, this was God’s plan right throughout which He planned in eternity past and has been patiently waiting for helpless sinners like you and I to come home like the Father in the parable of the Lost Son.

And this Gospel can’t be understood by worldly wisdom. This can’t be understood by simply being educated, skilled or qualified or by listening to multiple podcasts or Ted Talks (nothing wrong with. It’s good). None of that will bring you to understanding and receiving the Gospel. In order to understand the Gospel, we need help which brings us to the next point.

2. The Gospel can only be understood with the help of God’s Spirit (v9-14)

[9] But, as it is written, “What no eye has seen, nor ear heard, nor the heart of man imagined, what God has prepared for those who love him”— [10] these things God has revealed to us through the Spirit. For the Spirit searches everything, even the depths of God. [11] For who knows a person’s thoughts except the spirit of that person, which is in him? So also no one comprehends the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God. [12] Now we have received not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, that we might understand the things freely given us by God. [13] And we impart this in words not taught by human wisdom but taught by the Spirit, interpreting spiritual truths to those who are spiritual. [14] The natural person does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are folly to him, and he is not able to understand them because they are spiritually discerned.

Firstly, these verses tell us that we need God’s Spirit to help us understand God’s heart and plans for us.

V9 tells us that things that we have not seen with our spiritual eyes, things that we have not heard with our spiritual ears, things that we have not even imagined, that’s what God plans and desires to reveal to us through His Spirit.

And then in v10-12, Paul uses an illustration to explain how big a deal this is. He asks the question – Who knows the deepest thoughts inside a person? His own spirit. And so who knows the deepest thoughts and plans of God? His own Spirit and that’s the very One who He has sent to come and dwell in all His children so that we could understand God’s great plans and purposes for us.

One of the lines from the song “Speak O Lord” that always moves me as I sing goes this way

Speak, O Lord, and renew our minds

Help us grasp the heights of Your plans for us

Not just that, V12 says that the Spirit is given to help us understand all things freely given to us! Our God is a loving Father who wants to share all His thoughts and His plans with us.

• All the spiritual blessings and blood-bought promises we have access to
• How He wants us to live as His Holy children in a broken world and
• Also what the beautiful future looks like for us as His children

He doesn’t want to keep any secrets from His children and so He has graciously given us His own Spirit to help us understand and respond to His plans and purposes for us through the Gospel.

And then in V13, Paul says that he needs God’s Spirit to teach and explain Gospel truths to those who are spiritual. Some versions put it this way – Spirit taught truths to spiritual people.

And then in v14, Paul takes it one step further by saying that we need God’s Spirit to understand Gospel truths. In other words, if we don’t have God’s Spirit within us, we won’t be able to understand the Gospel! Which is why we could be coming to church for many years and may have heard repeated presentations of the Gospel, but still does nothing to us. Our hearts could still be hardened toward God. Our response to the Gospel could still be “I’ve heard this many times already, what’s new in this?”

The problem according to this verse is not just that we have hazy and blurry eyesight which needs to be corrected by putting on spiritual glasses. According to this verse, people are totally blind spiritually which is why we need God’s Spirit to open our eyes. It’s humbling to actually acknowledge that’s our condition and our state which is why we need to pray and ask for God’s Spirit to move over every Sunday Gathering, every Gospel Community meeting, every DNA group and also over every spiritual conversation that we have with our family, friends and coworkers who don’t yet know Jesus because unless God’s Spirit moves and melts their heart, they can’t even understand the Gospel. It will be like Greek to the hearers.

But not only is the Gospel not understood by worldly wisdom, not only can the Gospel be understood by God’s Spirit but also

3. The Gospel helps us understand ourselves and the world around us (v15-16)

[15] The spiritual person judges all things, but is himself to be judged by no one. [16] “For who has understood the mind of the Lord so as to instruct him?” But we have the mind of Christ.

If we read this verse without a context, we can easily misinterpret it. Paul is not saying that believers should think of themselves as more superior than others and not be subject to any correction or examination. In this context, Paul is saying that because believers have their spiritual eyes open, they can more accurately see and understand themselves and the world around them. Believers are able to have a spiritual eternity perspective to everything that happens in the world which won’t make sense to unbelievers.

Like when we see corruption and politics of the world, as believers we acknowledge that the problem is not that we don’t have a strong enough justice system but is that the human heart is corrupted and needs to be redeemed with the Gospel. When we see sexual abuse in society, as believers we don’t see illiteracy or lack of awareness as the problem, we acknowledge that the human heart is corrupted with lust and pride and needs to be redeemed with the Gospel. When we see our coworker at work do whatever needs to be done to get that promotion, we acknowledge that the problem is a heart that is looking for something in their job which only God through the Gospel can provide.

But do we get it right all the time? Are we able to view ourselves and the world accurately everytime? No, there are many times even the the last week where we’ve put pn our fleshy glasses but the encouragement is in v16.

The passage says “But we have the mind of Christ”. Which means that we have been given the capacity to think like Jesus Christ. Are all our thoughts and desires aligned to Jesus? Not yet, but it’s progressively being changed and transformed into the mind of our Lord Jesus. And so with the help of the Spirit based on the word ot God, our hearts and minds are being changed to think and see ourselves and the world around us just as Jesus see and thinks. And one day we will be able to do that perfectly – when our Savior Jesus returns. What a wonderful hope for people like us – who were once totally blind but now through the message of the Gospel and the work of the Spirit are able to see with clarity!

Good morning everyone! I hope you’re all doing well and also a warm welcome to those watching online. This Sunday we’re continuing with our sermon series in 1 Corinthians titled “The Church: God’s Dwelling Place”.

Last week when Saju preached we saw what kind of place and culture the people of Corinth were living in. Corinth was a rich city set up by the Greeks then later taken over by the Romans. So there was Greek and Roman influence in their culture, religion, governance, etc. And this is the place Paul came and preached the gospel in. After Paul spent a year and a half there, he left to continue his journey. But he heard bad reports about the church and as a result he wrote two letters to the Corinthians and even made a quick visit to them.

Two of the problems the Apostle Paul addressed were divisions among the church and the problem of people giving worldly wisdom too much of importance.

Last week we heard Paul challenging the so-called wise people there. He reminded them that the wisdom of the world is foolishness in God’s sight. And what seems like the folly of God is actually true wisdom.

And Paul reminded the Corinthians that they were not wise according to the world’s standards but God still chose them. Because of God, they were in Christ Jesus who became to them wisdom, righteousness, sanctification and redemption.

Now in 2:1-5, Paul is taking it further and saying that were saved not by lofty speech or plausible words of wisdom but by the foolish message of the crucifixion. He said he decided to know nothing but Jesus Christ and him crucified. Paul was no fool. He could have given the best sermons yet he took a firm decision to preach Christ crucified.

Why did Paul decide to only know Jesus Christ and Him crucified?

Because he knew that this was the message that saves. it was in this message that the Spirit of God actually works. Not through lofty speech or words of wisdom but through a simple yet too-good-to-be true story.

But remember, here’s he’s saying this because the Corinthians had a tendency to put their faith in eloquent speech or run after the sophisticated and learned people because it meant higher status for them.

That was the problem for them and the message they needed to hear when Paul first visited them and even when he was writing this letter.

If Paul was writing a letter to us today, do you think he would say anything different? Is there a message we need to hear other than the Lord Jesus Christ dying on the cross and rising after three days?

No, it wouldn’t be. We don’t need to hear a message about some interesting theological topic or some practical ways on how to be a good man or woman, and certainly we don’t need to hear false doctrines like doing good deeds to earn salvation or trusting God for greater wealth and possessions.

And also, we don’t need a message that just says what a portion of Scripture says and the history behind it and the Greek translation and some nice story connected to it.

What we need is the powerful, miraculous, saving message of the gospel. And we need it to hear it every day starting from Sunday till we meet again for service on Sunday.

Why do we need to hear this message every week?

1) Because it is the power of God (v4)

This is the power that saves you from you sin and keeps you going till your last day on this earth. Just to avoid any confusion, I want to make I want to categorically state the message I’m talking about. The message is this, we are helpless sinners who have offended a holy God. How have we offended? By lying, gossiping, hating, lusting, backbiting, grumbling, abusing, cheating and more. God is a just God who will punish sins. And He should punish you and me for the sins we’ve committed. But God being a merciful God did not punish you but punished His own Son, Jesus Christ. The Son of God became man to die a horrible death to cleanse us from sin and rise again three days later so that we could become sons and daughters of God. Now whoever believes in Jesus will not perish but have eternal life.

By coming back to this good news again and again you’ll experience the power of God in your life. The power to overcome sin, even that sin that you commit repeatedly, the power to have joy in the midst of painful circumstances, the power of peace when you’re in a difficult situation, the power to believe in the goodness of God even when the worst happens in your life.

2) And the second reason to hear this message is because of our tendency to put our faith in people or things other than God (v5).

For the Corinthians, it was lofty speech and words of wisdom. For us it could be different. The allure and safety we find in money, or the meaning we derive solely from our jobs, or the idea that finding love in a husband or wife or boyfriend or girlfriend is the pinnacle of life or the opposite where running away from marriage to keep the illusion of freedom and independence. It all boils down to the idea that we can handle our life alone and we not dependant on the Almighty, we don’t need God, we have money, spouses, children, friends, jobs, hobbies, entertainment, books, movies, music, everything is available at the tap of your phone. We are more prone to depend on these than we’d like to admit.

But Paul here and the Spirit of God is directing us to not put our faith in these things. But faith in the One who cares for you.

What was Paul’s stance when he was with the Corinthians? It says it was in weakness, in fear and trembling. Some commentaries say he was physically weak because of the missionary journey he undertook, going from city to city, sailing the seas, facing persecution and beatings. That is possible. But he was also in fear and trembling because of the seriousness of his work and the magnitude of his message. This is was not some news that peoples lives were going to get better but it was a message that the God of the universe cares and loves someone small like you that He sent someone to rescue you from your sin. The greatness of the message humbled him. And God worked through that.

One direct application here is whenever you get a chance to share the gospel with your friends or family, you should know that God can save them even if you don’t share it as well as you’d like. Because God’s power doesn’t rest on your strength but works through your weakness. If they do believe because you shared both you who shared and the one who heard can say that “only the Lord could do this”. Not that you should be incoherent. You should do your best to present the gospel message as clearly as possible along with how that affected you personally. Even if it doesn’t come out great, God will still use it.

Secondly, the weakness, fear and trembling that Paul adopted is a general way we should live our life. Not that we should be scared or be weak. But in the sight of God we should humble ourselves and throw our full dependence on Him and not on our own strength.

So if you’re feeling your sense of inadequacy at a peak today or recently, it’s time to run to God. You know what God does to people who humble themselves before Him? You know the story of the prodigal son? The father ran towards the younger son when he saw him from afar. it’s the same for you. If you come in humility and trust in Jesus, He will lovingly welcome you. Not that you were out of His sight. In Mathew 12:20 it says that Jesus will not break a bruised reed and a smoking flax He will not quench. This means that when people who are physically and morally weak come to Jesus He will heal and lift up. Those who recognise their sin and admit it before God will be forgiven and lifted.

Also, those who don’t realise that they’re broken will be humbled. Maybe you’re someone who’s not put your faith in Christ. Maybe you’re thinking all is well I don’t need God because I have my money, my brains, my hard work. But God is calling you today to not depend on the wisdom of man, or the things of the world, but Jesus Christ and Him crucified. Believe in Him today and you will be saved. Amen.

So, what you heard today is a message you need to hear everyday, i.e. Christ crucified for our sakes. Why do we need to hear this message? Because it is the power of God that saves and brings sweeping changes to our life. And secondly because of our tendency to trust in our own wisdom.

by Saju Joseph

The sermon is part of a series called “The Church: God’s Dwelling Place”, which focuses on studying the epistle 1 Corinthians.

In the previous sermon, we discussed church unity and recognized that the church in Corinth was far from perfect. There were clear divisions among its members, which Paul had to address and redirect their focus towards Christ. Not only were there internal conflicts, but there were also external influences confusing the people. In today’s passage, we see Paul addressing these issues. They were living under the influence of an ungodly culture that was constantly speaking to them and distracting them away from the Gospel as follows …

1. Jewish Religious Leaders and Thinkers: Within the Jewish community, the influence of the Pharisees and Sadducees, along with various rabbis and teachers of the Law, would have been significant. Figures such as Gamaliel, a respected Pharisee teacher mentioned in Acts 5:34-39 and under whom Paul studied (Acts 22:3), could have indirectly influenced the religious landscape. The teachings and traditions handed down by such leaders shaped the Jewish understanding of the Law, ethics, and the expectation of a Messiah.
2. Greek Philosophers: The teachings of Greek philosophers such as Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle continued to exert a profound influence on
   Corinthian society. Although these men lived before Paul’s time, their ideas on ethics, metaphysics, and the nature of the divine permeated Hellenistic culture. The Stoics and Epicureans, with their respective emphases on living in accordance with nature and the pursuit of pleasure as the highest good, were actively discussed in Paul’s era.
3. Pagan Priests and Religious Functionaries: The priests and priestesses of the various temples in Corinth, dedicated to gods like Aphrodite, Apollo, and Poseidon, played significant roles in the city’s religious practices. These individuals would have been central figures in performing rituals, sacrifices, and festivals integral to the Greco-Roman religion.
4. Mystery Cult Leaders: Mystery religions, which offered initiates secret knowledge and promises of personal salvation or immortality, were popular in this period. Cults dedicated to deities such as Isis, Mithras, and the Eleusinian mysteries centered around Demeter and Persephone had their own leaders and hierophants guiding initiates through the mysteries.
5. Itinerant Preachers and Philosophers: The first century saw various itinerant preachers, prophets, and philosophers traveling from city to city. These figures, some of whom might have claimed divine inspiration or wisdom, contributed to the eclectic spiritual milieu of the time, offering new religious ideas and practices.

If we observe closely, we will learn that our generation is not very different from today.

Similarly, religious leaders, new-age philosophers, cult leaders, and influencers constantly share their man-made wisdom, speaking into our lives and influencing our thoughts.

In this context, I believe Paul’s insight and encouragement are still quite relevant to us today. I want to share three lessons that we can learn from this passage.

1. Worldly Wisdom is Perishable Wisdom – 1 Corinthians 1:18-22

In his first letter to the Corinthians, the Apostle Paul delves deep into the contrast between human and divine wisdom, particularly in 1 Corinthians 1:1822. This passage serves as a profound reminder of the transient nature of worldly wisdom compared to God’s eternal and unchanging wisdom. By carefully examining these verses, we are invited to reconsider our understanding of true wisdom and its source.

Paul begins by highlighting the paradoxical nature of the gospel’s message: “For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God” (1 Corinthians 1:18, NIV). This stark contrast sets the stage for exploring the limitations of human intellect and the transformative power of divine wisdom.

The pursuit of wisdom, knowledge, and understanding is a noble endeavor. Yet, Paul cautions us that the wisdom of this world is ultimately perishable and limited. He argues that worldly wisdom, no matter how sophisticated or advanced it may seem, falls short of capturing the essence of God’s plan for salvation through Jesus Christ. This divine plan appears foolish to the worldly wise because it challenges the conventional metrics of power, success, and intelligence.

In verses 19 and 20, Paul quotes the prophet Isaiah, saying, “I will destroy the wisdom of the wise; the intelligence of the intelligent I will frustrate” (1 Corinthians 1:19, NIV). Here, Paul underscores the idea that God’s wisdom transcends human understanding and can overturn the established order of things. The rhetorical questions that follow, “Where is the wise person? Where is the teacher of the law? Where is the philosopher of this age?” (1 Corinthians1:20, NIV), serve to emphasize further the futility of relying solely on human wisdom for ultimate answers and meaning.

Paul’s message in 1 Corinthians 1:18-22 is not a dismissal of human wisdom but a call to recognize its limitations and place our ultimate trust in God’s wisdom. He invites us to see beyond the temporary and often misleading allure of worldly wisdom to embrace the eternal wisdom found in the gospel of Christ.

The passage serves as a potent reminder that while human wisdom may provide temporary solutions and partial understanding, God’s wisdom offers true salvation and eternal life. This divine wisdom, symbolized by the cross, may seem foolish, but it holds the key to our redemption and the ultimate truth about our existence.

In a world that often prioritizes knowledge, achievement, and intellectual prowess, Paul’s words in 1 Corinthians 1:18-22 challenge us to reevaluate our sources of wisdom. “Worldly Wisdom is Perishable Wisdom” serves as a poignant reflection on the enduring value of divine wisdom over this world’s fleeting and fallible wisdom.

2. Godly Wisdom is Wisdom with Power – 1 Corinthians 1:24-25

In the heart of his first letter to the Corinthians, the Apostle Paul presents a profound theological insight that challenges conventional notions of wisdom and power. Through 1 Corinthians 1:24-25, Paul articulates a transformative idea: the wisdom of God, as manifested in the crucifixion of Jesus Christ, is not only a different kind of wisdom but is indeed wisdom that comes with inherent power. This passage invites believers and seekers alike to rethink their understanding of true wisdom and its source of strength.

Paul writes, “But to those whom God has called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. For the foolishness of God is wiser than human wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than human strength” (1 Corinthians 1:24-25, NIV). These verses encapsulate the essence of Christian faith, revealing that what the world often dismisses as foolish or weak is, in reality, the embodiment of divine power and wisdom.

The Paradox of the Cross

At the core of Paul’s message is the cross—a symbol of shame and defeat turned into the ultimate expression of God’s power and wisdom. The
crucifixion, seen through worldly eyes, represents the utmost folly and weakness. Yet, Paul asserts that it is precisely in this apparent defeat that the infinite wisdom and invincible power of God are most clearly displayed. The cross, therefore, becomes a paradoxical sign that overturns worldly values and expectations.

Divine Wisdom as Transformative Power

God’s wisdom, as revealed through Christ and the cross, is not merely an abstract concept or a philosophical proposition. It is dynamic and
transformative, capable of changing lives and destinies. This wisdom goes beyond mere intellectual understanding; it is a living, breathing force that brings salvation, healing, and hope to a broken world. It is wisdom with power because it accomplishes what no human wisdom could ever achieve— reconciliation between God and humanity

The Strength in Divine “Foolishness” and “Weakness

Paul’s reference to the “foolishness” and “weakness” of God is a rhetorical strategy designed to highlight the vast difference between God’s ways and human ways. What humans perceive as foolishness in God’s plan (the sacrifice of His Son) is, in fact, a wisdom far surpassing the greatest human insights. Similarly, what appears as weakness (Christ’s suffering and death) is strength unparalleled, for it conquered sin and death itself. Thus, God’s wisdom and power are most profoundly known in what the world underestimates or overlooks.

A Call to Reorient Our Understanding

1 Corinthians 1:24-25 calls us to reorient our understanding of wisdom and power. In a world that often idolizes strength, success, and intellectual achievement, Paul invites us to find our ultimate trust and hope in the wisdom and power of God as revealed through Jesus Christ. This passage challenges believers to embrace a wisdom that may confound the wise and a strength that may baffle the strong, according to worldly standards.

The Implications for Believers

For believers, this understanding has practical implications. It means that in our weakness, we can find God’s strength. In our confusion, we can seek God’s wisdom. And in our trials, we can trust in the power of the cross. The wisdom and power of God are not abstract concepts but tangible realities that can guide, sustain, and empower us in our daily lives.

“God’s Wisdom is Wisdom with Power” is not just a theological assertion but a call to experience the transformative power of divine wisdom in our lives. Through 1 Corinthians 1:24-25, Paul reminds us that the ultimate measure of wisdom and strength is found not in human achievements but in the depth of God’s love demonstrated on the cross.

3. Evidence of God’s Wisdom is our Transformed Lives – 1 Corinthians 1:26-31

In his letter to the Corinthians, the Apostle Paul highlights a profound principle that underlies the Christian faith: the evidence of God’s wisdom is not seen in the grandeur of human achievements or the eloquence of our words but in the transformative power of our lives. Through 1 Corinthians 1:26-31, Paul invites us to reflect on the divine strategy that employs what the world considers foolish and weak to manifest His wisdom and power. This passage provides a compelling argument that the accurate measure of divine wisdom is the profound transformation it brings to individuals and communities.

The Divine Choice: The Foolish and the Weak

Paul begins by reminding the Corinthians of their own stories: “Brothers and sisters, think of what you were when you were called. Not many of you were wise by human standards; not many were influential; not many were of noble birth” (1 Corinthians 1:26, NIV). This is not merely a reflection on social status or intellectual capability but a profound commentary on God’s choice to use the ordinary, the overlooked, and the undervalued as primary vessels of His work. In doing so, God ensures that His wisdom and power are the focal points of transformation, not human merit or ability.

The Purpose of Divine Wisdom: To Confound the Wise

Paul explains that God’s strategy is to confound this world’s wise and the strong by choosing what they deem foolish and weak. This approach is not aimed at belittling human wisdom or achievements but at redefining the source and nature of true wisdom and power. The transformation of lives previously bound by sin, ignorance, or despair into testimonies of grace, knowledge, and hope is a powerful counter-narrative to the world’s definitions of success and significance.

The Outcome of Divine Wisdom: Transformation

The most striking evidence of God’s wisdom is the transformation it brings to individual lives and, by extension, to communities. When individuals who were once lost find purpose, when those who were broken find healing, and when those who were marginalized find a place of belonging in the body of Christ, the wisdom of God is vividly demonstrated. This transformation is not merely moral improvement but a fundamental reorientation of identity, value, and purpose.

The Basis of Boasting: In the Lord

Paul concludes this section with a powerful warning: “Therefore, as it is written: ‘Let the one who boasts boast in the Lord'” (1 Corinthians 1:31, NIV). This is the culmination of his argument that the actual evidence of God’s wisdom is not in human credentials or achievements but in the transformative work of God in our lives. Our boasting is not in our wisdom, strength, or status but in the Lord, who is the source of our transformation and true identity.

Practical Implications for Believers

This passage calls believers to a humility that recognizes the source of our transformation and to a confidence that rests not in our abilities but in God’s power. It challenges us to view our lives as testimonies of God’s wisdom and embrace our identity in Christ as the accurate measure of our worth. Furthermore, it encourages the church to be a community where the transformative power of God’s wisdom is evident and celebrated, a place where the stories of changed lives offer hope and inspiration to a world searching for meaning.

“Evidence of God’s Wisdom is Our Transformed Lives” is more than a theological assertion; it is a call to witness the remarkable ways in which the wisdom of God manifests in the everyday lives of believers. Through 1 Corinthians 1:26-31, Paul invites us to see our own stories as part of the broader narrative of God’s redemptive work. In this narrative, the most compelling evidence of divine wisdom is the transformation of lives once bound by the world’s limitations but now set free to embody the fullness of God’s grace and power.

Good morning church! Hope you all are doing okay and have been able to settle back into your rhythms after the retreat last weekend. I’ve always viewed retreats like these as mountain top experiences where we enjoy deep, enriching fellowship with God and each other. But once the weekend was done and we got back to the city and Monday arrived, I’m sure we were hit with the hard reality of life and all of its struggles.

And I’m not sure how each of us are coping with that, but I just want you to know that God desires to comfort and bring you rest through our Sunday Gathering. He does that as His Word is sung, read and preached this morning.

If you’ve been tracking with us, you’re probably aware that we began a new series this year titled “The Church : God’s Dwelling Place” from the letter of 1st Corinthians. And what we’ve already seen is that when the Bible uses the term “church”, it doesn’t mean a building but rather the rescued people of God in whom God dwells – it’s His chosen residence!

In today’s passage we will begin to see how God’s dwelling place, His chosen residence – His church isn’t as perfect as one would expect it to be. There are leaks, cracks and gaping holes in the life of the church which need repairs. What is to be done? Before we proceed, I’d love to pray for us.

Some years back there was an interesting survey that blew up on social media. A lot of church leaders and members of churches decided to talk about different fights and divisions that took place in their church. Some of them were quite silly and absurd:

• One church experienced conflict over the appropriate length of the worship pastor’s beard
• Another church had a 45-minute heated argument over the type of filing cabinet to purchase: black or brown; 2, 3, or 4 drawers
• Another church had a dispute because the Lord’s Supper had cran/grape juice instead of grape juice
• Another church had a fight over whether or not to sing “Happy Birthday” each week

And these are some of the silly reasons for fights but you and I who have been around churches know that for many other serious reasons, things can get quite nasty in the church. In fact, I’d go on to say that in some cases the kind of division, infighting and quarreling that takes place among the church members is probably not seen anywhere else. And it makes us wonder if this is the case, how is church unity going to be attained? Is church unity an unattainable dream? That’s precisely why we have God’s Word because it tells us that the church in Corinth was no different than our church as well. Today’s passage will give 3 different lessons on “church unity” from the Corinthian church:

1.The appeal for unity (v10)

[10] I appeal to you, brothers, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be united in the same mind and the same judgment.

The word “appeal” means “to ask someone urgently and fervently to do something”. Paul is pleading, earnestly asking the Corinthian church to do something. And what is he appealing them to do?

He is earnestly asking them to “agree with each other”. He’s asking them to not have “any divisions among them”. He’s asking them to be “united in the same mind and same judgment”. He is appealing for church unity!

And pay close attention – he’s not making this appeal to the Corinthians on his own authority. He’s making this appeal on behalf / as a representative of the Lord Jesus Christ.

This should tell us something. This should tell us that church unity wasn’t originally Paul’s idea. It wasn’t originally the early church’s idea. Church unity was always God’s idea. Paul was simply a mouthpiece echoing the earnest and desperate desire of the Lord Jesus Christ to see unity in His church. This was always God’s idea!

But what does church unity actually mean? What does it mean to have the same mind and same judgment? Is he telling them that they need to talk the same way, think the same way and behave exactly the same way in order to be united?

I don’t think Paul is telling them to be identical to each other inorder to achieve unity. If that were the case, then he wouldn’t later on speak so much on different people using their different spiritual gifts to build the church.

So then what is this unity? I think what he’s talking about is unity in identity and purpose. In other words, what Paul is trying to do is remind the Corinthian church about their common identity and common purpose. ‭‭When Paul writes his letter to the Ephesians, he elaborates on this theme of unity a little more. Look with me at

Ephesians‬ ‭4:1‭-6:

[1] I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, [2] with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, [3] eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. [4] There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call— [5] one Lord, one faith, one baptism, [6] one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.

There maybe a billion ways in which we are different from each other – from our personalities, to our cultural background, our upbringing, our age group, our stage in life, our giftings, our passions, and skills but yet because of the Gospel of Jesus and what it has done to us, we all have a common identity and common purpose. That is the uniting factor. That is the common denominator. That is the superglue that holds us all together.

One of the most helpful marriage advice that we’ve received is this – “that me and my wife are on the same team”. Many times when we get caught up in our own sinful, petty arguments, we often forget that we’re on the same team. So it’s been helpful for us as couple to give each other frequent reminders that we both are on the same team. And it helps us stop and ask ourselves this question – “does this argument make any sense if we’re on the same team?”

And as I was reading this passage, it almost felt like that it was the same thing which Paul was doing with the Corinthian church. Through his appeal, he’s basically telling them that “You’re on the same team.

You’ve got the same common identity. You’ve got the same common purpose. Do these divisions even make any sense?”

And so if we’re here today wondering why should we be concerned and work towards church unity – it’s because it’s God’s idea and it’s because we’ve got a common identity and purpose. We are on the same team.

But not only is there an appeal for unity but also there are

2.The barriers for unity (v11-12)

[11] For it has been reported to me by Chloe’s people that there is quarreling among you, my brothers. [12] What I mean is that each one of you says, “I follow Paul,” or “I follow Apollos,” or “I follow Cephas,” or “I follow Christ.”

V11 starts by Paul addressing the elephant in the room. There was quarreling happening within the church. In other words, this wasn’t a minor disagreement. This was a bitter, heated argument that the church was engaged in over a long period of time. Relational bridges were burnt for a long time.

But what were they quarreling over? They were quarreling over which spiritual leader’s camp they belonged to. Some said they belonged to Paul’s camp. Some others said they belonged to Apollo’s camp. Some others said they belonged to Peter’s camp. Some others said they belonged to Jesus’ camp.

And I was trying to imagine why would this be something that would cause such a big issue in the church. It probably started with them idolizing and making a hero out of these spiritual leaders. The next stage could have been where they are trying to see themselves as superior compared to others as a result of the camp that they’re in. The next stage after that could have been looking down on others and also insulting their “rival” camps. And so instead of spending their time growing in the Lord and being on mission for the Lord, they were preoccupied with this rivalry and infighting within the church.

I hope you’re able to see this by now. What’s evident from here is that their main barrier for unity was the sin barrier. It wasn’t a knowledge barrier. It’s not as though they didn’t know the theory of church unity. It wasn’t a communication barrier. It was not as though they didn’t know how to communicate with each other. Their main barrier was the sin barrier. 

Until and unless we call it out as “sin”, we’ll never be in a position to resolve disunity, conflict and division within the church. We have to admit that the root cause is a heart issue.

This is how ‭‭James puts it in James‬ ‭4:1‬

[1] What causes quarrels and what causes fights among you? Is it not this, that your passions are at war within you?

Jesus says this “out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaks”. (Luke 6:45)

One of the reasons we would rather chose to give it labels of “communication issues within the church” or “misunderstandings in the church” or “difference of opinion” than call it as “sin” is because the moment we call it as sin, we are in a way admitting our helplessness to dealing with sin. Why? Because from a biblical perspective, we know that sin can’t merely be managed on the surface. It needs to be uprooted.

Here’s the thing – calling it as sin and admitting our helplessness isn’t a bad thing at all. In fact it is a good thing because it brings us to the foot of the cross. That’s our last point.

Not only is there an appeal for unity and not only is there a barrier for unity, there’s also

3.The recipe for unity (v13-17)

[13] Is Christ divided? Was Paul crucified for you? Or were you baptized in the name of Paul? [14] I thank God that I baptized none of you except Crispus and Gaius, [15] so that no one may say that you were baptized in my name. [16] (I did baptize also the household of Stephanas. Beyond that, I do not know whether I baptized anyone else.) [17] For Christ did not send me to baptize but to preach the gospel, and not with words of eloquent wisdom, lest the cross of Christ be emptied of its power.

If you just read these few verses, you may wonder how can these verses be a recipe for unity. It just seems like Paul’s asking a few questions, talking about who he baptized and ends by stating his calling and purpose. It seems unrelated to the church division or conflict mentioned earlier.

But let me invite you to look at those verses again in context. In V13, Paul is asking the church a few rhetorical questions (questions meant to make a statement rather than investigate) to help them understand where they are going wrong and what is the solution.

First question: Is Christ divided? The answer is No. And if Christ isn’t divided, can His body (the church) be divided? Absolutely not.

Second question: Was Paul crucified for you? Obviously not. It was Jesus – God’s own Son who left His heavenly dwelling, emptied Himself and took the form of man and lived the perfect life that all of us needed to live unto God (perfect obedience). And then died the death that we all deserved to die in our place. He took the fall and thought of us while He was paying off the entire punishment and penalty for our sins. He died and was buried in a tomb and then on the Third Day rose from the dead because that was God’s stamp of approval stating that Jesus’ work was complete and now there’s nothing in the world that can stop anyone from coming to Him if they trust in Jesus.

Third question: Were you baptized in the name of Paul? One hundred percent No. They were baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. Their baptism was a declaration of their fidelity and loyalty to King Jesus who willingly and lovingly laid down His life for them. Last Sunday while we witnessed the baptism of Alaric, that’s what we saw. It was a declaration of his fidelity and loyalty to King Jesus who willingly and lovingly laid down His life for him.

So what was Paul trying to do by asking these rhetorical questions? He was trying to tell them “I’m not your hero. I’m not your Savior. I can’t even carry the burden to be your hero and Savior. Jesus is your hero and Savior.”

In fact in V17, as he restates his purpose to preach the gospel, he makes sure that he adds a disclaimer to say that he doesn’t use words of eloquent wisdom or that the cross of Christ be emptied of His power. In other words, Paul is saying that when he preaches to them, he intentionally and consciously tries to not sound “clever or over smart” but presents the gospel in the most simple, basic way so that people are able to experience the full power of the gospel without any contamination.

Paul is willing to move into the background and conscious to not steal the limelight. Why? Jesus is their Hero. Jesus is their Savior. Jesus is their King.

In all of the squabbling and quarreling, the Corinthian church had forgotten who their Savior is. And similarly I wonder if all conflicts and divisions we find in the church are somehow rooted in a forgetting who our Savior is.

If we go down to the root of all the conflict and division in the church, you’ll find the sin of pride and self centredness. It’s the quest of people trying to prove that they are right and to demand that they need to be served. It’s a quest of people trying to claim the position of a Savior for themselves. That’s why we need to tell each other the Gospel. We need to tell each other that Jesus already proved us right before Holy God (not because we are good and right) but by sacrificing Himself for us. And if our Savior took the humble position of a servant to save us, then shouldn’t it melt our hearts to want to serve each other just like how we were treated by Jesus?

As we remind each other of this every single day, God is uprooting the sin of pride and selfishness from our hearts. And one day He will completely eradicate your life from every hint and ounce of pride and selfishness when He returns.

He is your Hero. He is your Savior. He is your King. And He is the only recipe for unity.

Maybe you’re here today caught up in the middle of a conflict. Or maybe you know someone who is in the middle of a conflict. Or maybe you will get caught up in conflict soon. What do you need to do?

• Admit to the real barrier for unity which is sin in the heart. Don’t downplay or minimize it. Call it out as it is and admit to your helplessness in dealing with your sin.
• Repent and remember who your Savior is. Look at Jesus. He is your Hero. He is your Savior. He is your King. He is the only One who can help you address the sin issue which causes conflict.
• Pursue reconciliation knowing fully well that God desires unity and also that we all are part of the same team.