Category: Sermon

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.

This is the third sermon from our preaching series titled “The Church: God’s Dwelling Place” based on the study of 1 Corinthians.

To recap, our goal in studying 1 Corinthians is to lead our hearts to love God and love people.

Last Sunday, Jinson preached a sermon called “Defining Church,” where he emphasized that “The Church is a People.” In today’s sermon, we will explore who these people called the Church are, as we examine the passage from 1 Corinthians 1:4-9.

To provide some context, Paul is writing this letter to a troubled church dealing with conflicts and problems. Soon, you will see him using strong language to correct their wrong behaviors and attitudes towards God and each other.

However, in his opening statements, he uses remarkably positive words to identify them in a way that I believe provides insights into the individuals he refers to as “church” in this letter.

I imagine that the letter was possibly read in a church where there was a mixed crowd listening to it. Therefore, the way in which Paul addressed the crowd with few specific indicators suggests that he was filtering out the people he actually wanted to talk to.

He could have simply said ‘the believers in Corinth,’ leaving room for speculation that he was addressing everyone attending service that morning or evening. However, he chose to specifically call out those he identified as true believers and followers of Christ.

This letter was not a mass communication intended for a large group of people, but a very specific letter written for a specific group of people. Jesus would do the same whenever he saw large crowds following him for the wrong reasons and motivations. He would say something off-putting, such as “unless you hate your mother, father, brother, wife, children, and even yourself, you cannot be my disciple.”

Friends, just as filtration was necessary in the past, it is equally important in our churches today. Unfortunately, for various reasons, many churches are afraid to speak the truth to people. These important indicators are either completely ignored or misinterpreted, which ultimately leads people astray for personal gain. I believe that such actions would not be approved by God.

These indicators help us identify and verify true believers for several reasons: spiritual accountability, fellowship and community, discipleship, church leadership, church discipline, unity and doctrine, worship and communion, and more. While we can delve into specific details on each of these aspects, today I want to focus on how they can enable believers to examine their hearts, affirm their faith in Jesus, and find encouragement. For those who are not yet believers, these indicators can help open their hearts to God, allowing Him to forgive, save, and welcome them into the wonderful family of God.

The first indicator we notice in Paul opening statement is that the people called church are the ones to whom…

1. Grace is granted in Christ & enriched in all speech and all knowledge

Let’s read 1 Corinthians 1:4-5

1 Corinthians 1:4-5 (ESV)

“I give thanks to my God always for you because of the grace of God that was given you in Christ Jesus, that in every way you were enriched in him in all speech and all knowledge.”

Of course the people called church are the ones who have received the saving grace of God that enabled them to repent of their sins and put their faith in Christ.

Let’s also read Ephesians 2:8-9 (ESV):

“For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.”

These verses from Ephesians highlight the foundational truth that salvation is a result of God’s grace, not our own efforts or works. It is through faith in Jesus Christ that we receive this gift of salvation. This aligns with Paul’s message in 1 Corinthians, where he emphasizes that the people called the Church have received the grace of God in Christ Jesus.

But Paul also goes on to say, “that in every way you were enriched in him in all speech and all knowledge.”

If you are wondering what that statement means, let me explain. In those days, the ability to speak clearly and express ideas about faith with clarity and articulation was highly valued in Greek and Roman culture.

Around 600 BC, a new way of thinking emerged in Greece, before Christ was born. Prior to that, people believed in various mythical stories to explain life and the natural events that occurred around them.

In the nomadic culture, they believed in Thor as the God, and it was believed that his hammer protected them from all evil. However, a group of people started questioning such stories and became curious to find the real truth. As a result, reasoning became quite popular.

Around 500 BC, a great philosopher named Socrates appeared on the scene in Athens, Greece. He would meet people and engage in reasoning with them, especially on the topic of faith, which eventually led to his death. His disciples, Plato and Aristotle, continued his legacy.

In this context, Paul is stating that believers not only receive saving grace in Christ Jesus but are also enriched in speech and knowledge, enabling them to articulate their faith to others.

The articulation of faith does not refer to the ability to deliver an eloquent speech, but rather to explain one’s understanding of the Gospel. This involves answering questions about who we are as sinful humans, unworthy of God’s love due to the disobedience of our forefathers in the garden of Eden. It also involves understanding who God is, a loving and gracious Father who loves the world so much that He sent His only begotten Son to die for us. Through repentance of our sins, putting our faith in Christ Jesus, we can be reconciled to God.

Just as it was important for people in the past, it is also important for us today. Imagine asking someone who regularly attends church about their faith and receiving vague responses such as “it feels good at church,” “the people are cool to hang out with,” or “I go because my parents or relatives go.” Would these answers be sufficient to confirm that the person is a true believer in Jesus? The answer is no.

Why? Because unless they can clearly explain their understanding of the Gospel, it is difficult to confirm or affirm them as a true believer in Jesus Christ. A true believer is someone who can express their faith through speech and knowledge. The second indicator which we see in Paul opening statement that helps us identify the people called church are the ones …

2. Confirmed & Approved by others

Look with me 1 Corinthians 1:6

1 Corinthians 1:6 (ESV):

“even as the testimony about Christ was confirmed among you”

In this verse, Paul mentions that the testimony about Christ was confirmed among the people he is addressing. This indicates that the people called the Church have received and affirmed the testimony of Christ and of the faith community.

Anyone can explain things in theory, but is it possible for a person to say all the right things and hold exactly opposite views? Yes, it is possible, not only in the past but also in the present. Therefore, the testimony of such a person needs to be confirmed and approved by others in order to consider him or her a true believer of Christ.

There are two ways in which we can do that. Firstly, by observing him walking in obedience, and the first step to that is the public profession of their faith through Water Baptism. The second way is through discipleship.

A true follower of Christ, the people called church are the ones who are confirmed and approved by others. The thirds way Paul mentions a true believer is that fact that he or she has been …

3. Gifted by the Spirit to Serve

Look with me at 1 Corinthians 1:7 and see what he writes

1 Corinthians 1:7 (ESV):

“So that you are not lacking in any gift, as you wait for the revealing of our Lord Jesus
Christ.”

In this verse, Paul assures the people called the Church that they are not lacking in any spiritual gift as they eagerly await the return of Jesus Christ. This indicates that believers are endowed with various spiritual gifts by the Holy Spirit to serve and build up the Church

Also look at 1 Corinthians 12:4-11

1 Corinthians 12:4-11 (ESV):

“Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; and there are varieties of service, but the same Lord; and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who empowers them all in everyone. To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good. For to one is given through the Spirit the utterance of wisdom, and to another the utterance of knowledge according to the same Spirit, to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by the one Spirit, to another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another the ability to distinguish between spirits, to another various kinds of tongues, to another the interpretation of tongues. All these are empowered by one and the same Spirit, who apportions to each one individually as he wills.”

The people called the church are those who are gifted by the Spirit to serve God and others.

Our act of service, regardless of the manner or scale, is an indication of the impact of the Gospel in our lives. A true believer can never claim to have no gift to offer and therefore should not remain idle and useless.

We should all use our God-given gifts to serve, edify, encourage, and motivate one another, bringing glory and honor to God.

The fourth and the final indications of true believers are that they are …

4. Sustained by God

Look with me at verse 1 Corinthians 1:8-9

1 Corinthians 1:8-9 (ESV):

“who will sustain you to the end, guiltless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is faithful, by whom you were called into the fellowship of his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.”

In these verses, Paul assures the believers that God will sustain them until the end, keeping them guiltless on the day of the Lord Jesus Christ. He emphasizes the faithfulness of God, who called them into the fellowship of His Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.

As true believers, we can find comfort and assurance in the fact that God is faithful and will provide the strength and support needed to remain faithful until the end. It is through His grace and faithfulness that we are called into a deep and intimate fellowship with Jesus Christ.

Isaiah 40:29 (ESV):
“He gives power to the faint, and to him who has no might he increases strength.”

A genuine follower of Christ will always cling to this truth and rely on God’s sustaining power as they continue their journey of faith.

When life becomes difficult and we encounter trials, temptations, wounds, and various forms of suffering that ultimately bring us closer to God, a false believer of Christ will quickly flee. However, a true believer will remain steadfast and hold onto Jesus, knowing and believing that it is God who sustains them.

Conclusion:

In light of what we learned today, I want to encourage you to be willing to do these two things, not just today, but for the rest of your lives:

• Acknowledge and appreciate God’s work in our lives through Christ.
• Fully surrender and commit to His will and purpose for our lives.

At the same time, be attentive to those around us who may be struggling in their faith. They might find it challenging to follow the guidance of the Holy Spirit in their lives, or they might be on the verge of taking the step of obedience through water baptism and confirmation by others. They could also be struggling to identify their spiritual gifts and utilize them for the glory of God, or they might be finding it difficult to completely trust God during challenging times. Offer them encouragement and support, helping them to grow closer to God on their journey of faith.

May God bless you.

Good morning church. Hope 2024 has been treating you alright so far. Just wanted to welcome everyone who has joined us today both in the hall and online.

We kickstarted a new sermon series from 1^st Corinthians last week titled The Church: God’s Dwelling Place and I’m really looking forward to seeing how God’s going to use His Word to shape us in this coming year.

I came across this article online which was referring to the state of churches in Europe. It said “across Europe, churches and other Christian religious buildings stand increasingly empty.

These empty churches are being repurposed. That means they are being changed into other things like hotels, sport climbing businesses, and even dance places.

Supporters say the changes remove the need for costly repairs and care of the buildings. But critics say such changes raise ethical concerns.”

Now the reason I brought this up is to make us pause & ponder on this question on “What is the church after all? How do we define “church”?” How we answer this question has deep practical implications for our lives.

So what we’ll try to do is answer this not from our felt experiences but from Scripture. In fact, this is one of the reasons why Paul begins the letter in v1 saying “Paul, called by the will of God to be an apostle of Christ Jesus”.  

As an “apostle” or an “ambassador” of Christ Jesus, he has a weighty responsibility that is on him to communicate what Jesus wants to say and not air his personal opinions on “church”. He is responsible to transmit and relay God’s Word through this letter.

How do we define “church” from this passage?

1. The church is a People (v2)

2 To the church of God that is in Corinth,

When we read V2, one thing that stands out to us immediately is that the word “church” doesn’t seem to be referring to a building but rather to a People.

Look at the way Paul addresses the church in v2 – he addresses them as “the church of God that is in Corinth”. In other words, “the church which meets in Corinth”. If Paul wrote a letter to us, he would refer to us as “the church which meets at DN Nagar”. The language is clear – the church is referring to a People and not a building!

And for many of us, that is a radical shift in mindset, right? Because we’re so used to saying things like “Let’s go to church” or “Come to church”. Sometimes we’ll say, “church is between 10am to 1pm Sunday”. So it’s usually defined in terms of a church building or a meeting time. And now to see this verse tell us that “The church is a People” is a radical shift in mindset and perspective.

Now take a minute to ponder on what this implies: it’s implying that God’s presence is no longer confined to a building or a meeting time but a People!!

That’s countercultural for us not just today but also for those who are aware of the Old Testament. In the past, God’s presence was in fact tied to a building. His presence was confined to the Temple – specifically to the “Most Holy Place” section within the Temple.

And that section wasn’t frequented or accessed by anyone and everyone. The High Priest would be allowed to enter the Most Holy Place once a year on the Day of Atonement to offer sacrifices to atone for the sins of the people so that God could continue to inhabit among His people. So God was around His people but with restricted access.

But with the coming of Jesus, it was a paradigm shift in understanding God’s presence. In fact, one of the names given to Jesus at His birth was “Emmanuel” which means “God is with us”.

And this idea of God’s presence being with us reached its culmination when Jesus died on the cross, because it says that “and behold, the curtain of the Temple was torn in two, from top to bottom” (Matt 27:51) symbolizing how the way was made for us to access God’s presence without any barrier or restriction.

Now no longer was God’s presence going to be confined to a building or a Place, but God’s presence was going to dwell among His people – His church!!

And the reason why that matters is not just to change our language or the way in which we refer to the church, but it has deep practical daily application.

If the church is no longer confined to a building or a meeting time, then we could be sitting together at a coffee shop or a restaurant or someone’s home or a movie theater and the church would be gathered there.

Now off course, we wouldn’t have a full-blown worship service in these spaces but make no mistake about it, the church is there and if the church is there then God’s presence is there as well.

And this radically changes the way we think and live our lives not just within the four corners of this hall but outside it as well.

This understanding means that I’m not only called to live a holy life not just on a Sunday Gathering or when I’m with my GC or DNA group but also from Monday to Saturday when I’m at the office or college or my neighborhood where I spend most of my awake hours.

This means that I’m called to live a holy life while I’m chilling socially with my friends who aren’t part of my church. This means that I’m called to live a holy life even when I’m alone no one else is with me.

This should remove that pressure to live two different kinds of lives. Moreover, in all these spaces which we generally refer as “secular”, the church has a calling to be “an open door” to invite others to be part of the church.

There are so many people in our lives and the city who aren’t part of the church – no problem. We’ll go to them – we’ll bring the church and God’s presence to them – because the church is not a building or a meeting time – the church is a People.   

2.The church is Global and Local

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

When we look at the last part of V2 where it says “those who in every place call upon the name of our Lord Jesus Christ” – it’s referring to the Global church or the universal church which consists of followers of Jesus from every corner of the earth.

But the first part of the verse refers to a local congregation – a specific group of people at Corinth which should tell us something – that although we all are part of the Global church of God the moment we become believers in Jesus, but yet it needs to have a local expression – we need to be connected to a local community of believers whom we know personally and also who knows us personally.

The importance of the local church has also been diminished especially in this age of internet where we can basically access the livestream of any church service across the globe.

There’s nothing wrong with watching or listening to sermons from other churches, but it’s important to make a distinction for ourselves that it’s not supposed to replace our membership or connect with a local church but just supplement it.

I might be listening to the best pastors in the world, but that can’t replace the need to be part of a church which has a loving family and pastors who know me and care for my spiritual life and also likewise where I’m able to also know and care for them.

Another argument is to realize that there are about 59 commands in the NT which we’re called to do in the context of a local church. Love one another, be devoted to one another, honor one another above yourselves, build up one another, admonish one another, care for one another, forgive one another, bear each other’s burdens, be patient with one another, teach one another, comfort one another, pray for one another….and many more.

It’s hard to ignore the point of these verses – which is that we need to be closely and intimately connected with a local church as a prerequisite to be able to obey these commands.

And I think this should also check our tendencies sometimes to keep moving from church to church (church hopping) because church hopping isn’t part of God’s design. How can we bear with each and build each other up without being committed to a local church. God intends for us to be committed long term to a local church unless it stops preaching the Gospel or unless God’s provides clear missional reason to move to another church.  

But not only is the church a People & not only is the Global and Local,

3.The church is a Redeemed People

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

Look at the way V2 identifies those who belong to the church – those sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints & call upon the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. Let’s break this down one by one.

i)Sanctified in Christ Jesus: Sanctify means “to purify” and “to be set apart for the Lord’s purposes”.

By using the word “sanctify / purify”, he is assuming that there’s something in us which needs purification. There is something impure which needs cleansing.

The Bible calls that as “sin” which is anything that we think, do or say against God’s character and will including our thoughts. Jesus said “everyone who looks at a woman with lustful intent has already committed adultery in his heart”.

And this is just one among the infinite number of sins we’ve committed in our lives. That’s why Romans 3:23 declares “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God”.

That’s our sinful condition and this has devastating consequences. Romans 6:23 “for the wages of sin is death”. So the problem with us is that we are extremely sinful and worse pronounced spiritually dead.

Which is why Jesus’ sacrifice is so precious. Because by His life, death on the cross and resurrection, He purified us from all that sin, restored our condition to being alive and now gave us a new purpose to be set apart for Him alone. Imagine a broken-down vessel at home which has been perfectly restored and beautified so that it can be used now.

ii)Called to be saints: This word “saint” stood for me as I read it.

Because when we read through the letter of 1st Corinthians, the problems and issues that they struggled with don’t necessarily align with being saints. This was a church that struggled with division, sexual immorality, idol worship and theological confusion.
It was an imperfect church like every other church but still they are called “saints”…how come? Is God just hiding their sins under carpet? How are they saints?
And then we realize the beauty of what Jesus did for us on the cross. He didn’t just cleanse us, He handed over His own righteousness to us so every time God looks at us – He doesn’t see sinners but “saints who resemble His Son Jesus”.

iii)Call upon the name of our Lord Jesus Christ: The third aspect of the church is that they are people who have made Jesus their Lord. He is not just their personal companion or friend, He is their Lord, Master and Owner.

Because if Jesus Christ is our Lord, Master and Owner, then I can’t hide any area of my life from him.
If Jesus Christ is our Lord, Master and Owner, then I can’t be still sitting on the throne of my life.

If Jesus Christ is our Lord, Master and Owner, then He determines how I need to live my life, what my goals and ambitions in life are, where I need to live, where do I work, where do I play and enjoy, whom I need to marry, how I respond to people…everything falls under the remit and authority of Jesus Christ.

And when we invite people to follow Jesus, we are inviting them not just to befriend Jesus but to come under the Lordship and authority of Jesus.

And as a church that’s what we need to constantly remind each other of – that He is your Lord – He is your Master – He is your Owner – you can’t be living lives on your own terms because you’ve given it to Him.

And here’s the thing – He knows how to run your life better than you because He is the One who created you. And also He is One who saved you. Don’t fight His authority…submit to Him!

In Mumbai you’ll find different kinds of fellowships – people who have a common interest and enjoy some hobby together – there’s football fellowship (for those who love football), there’s chess fellowship, there’s music fellowship, there’s hiking and trekking fellowship and so many others…so is the church any different than that?

What brings us together isn’t our common interests or our common background or common personalities…is that we are sanctified in Christ, we are called to be saints and we all call upon the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. That is our collective identity.

That’s why it doesn’t matter if we have a building to meet in or not. Tomorrow if rules change and we’re not able to meet in this hall, we would still alright because God’s church is a People, it is both Global with a local church expression and consists of Redeemed People who come together not on the pretext of a common hobby or not because we like listening to the same worship music – we are all sanctified and saints in Jesus and have Jesus as the Lord of our life.

This Sunday, we are starting a new series called “The Church: God’s Dwelling Place”, and we will be studying from 1 Corinthians.
Let me briefly share some of the academic reasons why 1 Corinthians is important for you and me:

1. Theological Insight:
   This epistle provides theological insight into various topics such as the nature of the church, the role of spiritual gifts, and the significance of resurrection.
2. Practical Guidance:
   It offers practical guidance on real-life issues, moral dilemmas, interpersonal conflicts, and questions about Christian living.
3. Cultural & Historical Context:
   It teaches us about the early development of Christianity in a different cultural and historical context.
4. Spiritual Growth:
   It teaches us what spiritual growth looks like and provides teachings on various human values.
5. Church Dynamics:
   It instructs us on how to handle disagreements within the church and emphasizes importance of diversity within the community.

There is a significant amount of academic knowledge, but there is a problem. Unfortunately, this academic knowledge has resulted in divisions within the church. Since 1 Corinthians covers a wide range of topics, people have developed different opinions and perspectives. However, instead of complementing and respecting each other’s views, some churches have drawn strong conclusions and created divisions among God’s children. This is not right and it should concern us. Therefore, as we begin studying 1 Corinthians at Gathering, we want to focus on different goals that I believe were also Paul’s original intentions when he wrote this letter to the Church in Corinth.

During that time, the church in Corinth was experiencing turmoil and chaos, with divisions among people regarding leadership, moral and ethical issues, and more. Paul’s purpose in writing this letter was to redirect their hearts towards God. He wanted to help them realize that above all else, they should prioritize loving God and loving people. Paul clearly articulates this in 1 Corinthians 13:1-3.

1 Corinthians 13:1-3 (ESV):
“If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. And if I have prophetic powers, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. If I give away all I have, and if I deliver up my body to be burned, but have not love, I gain nothing.”

These words carry great significance as Paul reminds us that loving God and loving people are of utmost importance.

Therefore, as we begin our study on 1 Corinthians, I urge you, brothers and sisters, to make the goal of our study to love God and love people. Continuously ask yourself how each truth is helping you love God and love people. If that is the goal, then I believe we will successfully meet the objective of this series.

Perhaps some of you may be thinking of approaching me and Jinson to hear our opinions on certain topics discussed in this book. I would like to encourage you to feel free to approach us and ask challenging questions, but please do so with love and for the sake of love. That is my only request.

Additionally, let us be open to respectfully disagreeing on certain matters, as it is possible that we may hold different views. At Gathering, we refer to these as openhanded issues and closed-handed issues. On open-handed issues, we can have differing opinions and still remain united. However, if certain issues are considered closed-handed, we should feel the freedom to take different paths while maintaining
mutual love and respect for one another.

By the way, the Love that we are talking about is the ‘Agape’ Love, the unconditional, selfless & divine love.

Since we will be focusing on loving God and loving people, in today’s sermon I want to talk bout the importance of love. I want to share 6 reasons why Love is important so we can keep in mind as we begin our studies on 1 Corinthians.

1. Reflects God’s Nature:

The Bible teaches that God is love (1 John 4:8).
“Anyone who does not love does not know God, because God is love.” Therefore, embodying love, which is an essential aspect of human nature, is widely regarded as a profound reflection of the divine nature and character of God. It signifies the deep connection between individuals and the divine, emphasizing the importance of love in our lives and its transformative power to bring us closer to the divine presence. The Gospel reflects God’s love in several ways:

1. Sacrificial Love: The Gospel demonstrates God’s sacrificial love for humanity, as seen in John 3:16: “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.” Through the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross, God showed His immense love for us, willing to give up His Son to save us from sin and offer us eternal life.
2. Redemption and Forgiveness: The Gospel reveals God’s love through the redemption and forgiveness it offers. Romans 5:8 states, “But God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” Despite our sinful nature, God’s love extends to us, providing a way for our sins to be forgiven and for us to be reconciled with Him.
3. Unconditional Love: The Gospel demonstrates God’s unconditional love for us. In Romans 8:38-39, it says, “For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.” God’s love is not based on our performance or worthiness, but it remains constant and unchanging.
4. Restoration and New Life: The Gospel shows God’s love by offering restoration and new life to those who believe. 2 Corinthians 5:17 says, “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.” God’s love brings transformation and the opportunity to experience a renewed relationship with Him, giving us hope and purpose. In summary, the Gospel reveals God’s love through sacrificial love, redemption, forgiveness, unconditional love, and the restoration of a new life in Christ. It is a
   powerful demonstration of God’s love for humanity, offering salvation and eternal hope.

2. Greatest Commandment:

Matthew 22:37-40 (ESV)
Jesus said to him, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the great and first commandment. And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. On these two commandments depend
all the Law and the Prophets.”

Jesus summarized all the commandments in the law as love for God and love for neighbor (Matthew 22:37-40). This means that love is not only a virtue, but also the guiding principle for all our actions and decisions. Love encompasses compassion, kindness, forgiveness, and selflessness. It is the driving force behind acts of charity, justice, and mercy.

3. Unites Believers:

Colossians 3:14 (ESV):
“And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony.”

Love is not only important but absolutely crucial for fostering and nurturing unity, peace, and a sense of togetherness within the Christian community. As stated in Colossians 3:14, love serves as the foundation upon which the entire community thrives, grows, and flourishes. It is the driving force that binds all believers together, creating a strong and unbreakable bond that withstands any challenges that may arise. Without love, the Christian community would be lacking the very essence that makes it a true representation of God’s love and grace. Therefore, it is imperative that every member of the community embraces and practices love in all aspects of their lives, ensuring a
vibrant and harmonious fellowship that brings glory to God and spreads His message of love to the world.

4. Evidence of Faith:

John 13:35 (ESV):
“By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.”

Love is widely regarded as a tangible and visible manifestation of one’s unwavering faith and devotion, serving as a clear indication of being a genuine and committed follower of Christ, as emphasized in the biblical verse from John 13:35. This profound concept highlights the significance and importance of love as a fundamental aspect of living a life that reflects the teachings and principles of Christianity, providing believers with a compelling and irrefutable testimony of their faith and dedication to their spiritual journey.

5. Transformative Power:

Love, with its profound and transformative nature, possesses the remarkable ability to bring about profound changes in both individuals and societies.

It serves as a catalyst for forgiveness, fostering a sense of understanding, empathy, and compassion. Love has the power to heal wounds, repair broken relationships, and promote reconciliation, enabling individuals and communities to move forward and embrace a harmonious coexistence. Moreover, love inspires selfless action, motivating individuals to contribute to the welfare of others, to engage in acts of kindness and generosity, and to create a positive impact on the world around them.

Through its boundless capacity to touch hearts and minds, love emerges as an extraordinary force capable of shaping the course of human existence, transcending barriers, and fostering a sense of unity and interconnectedness among all beings.

6. Eternal Value:

1 Corinthians 13:13 (ESV):
“So now faith, hope, and love abide, these three; but the greatest of these is love.”

While other gifts and achievements may cease or lose their significance, love is enduring and is portrayed as the greatest of the spiritual virtues (1 Corinthians 13:13). Love transcends time and space, connecting souls in a profound and everlasting bond. It is a force that knows no boundaries and has the power to heal, inspire, and transform.

Love is the essence of our existence, the fuel that drives us to be compassionate, kind, and selfless. It is through love that we find meaning and purpose in life, and it is through love that we can truly understand and appreciate the beauty of the world around us. Love is not just an emotion, but a state of being that encompasses empathy, forgiveness, and acceptance.

It is a beacon of hope in times of darkness, a guiding light that leads us towards unity and harmony. Love is the thread that weaves through the fabric of humanity, connecting us all in a tapestry of compassion and understanding. It is a gift that we can give and receive, a source of joy and fulfillment that enriches our lives in countless ways. So let us cherish and cultivate love in our hearts, for it is love that brings us closer to our true selves and to one another.

Conclusion:

As we conclude, let me encourage and urge you to keep in mind the significance of loving God and loving people as we study 1 Corinthians.