Text: 1 Cor. 1:1-9, Title: An Epistle from An Apostle, Date/Place: NRBC, 6/13/10, AM
A. Opening illustration: Abraham Lincoln’s secretary of war, Edwin Stanton, was angered by an army officer who accused him of favoritism. Stanton complained to Lincoln, who suggested that Stanton write the officer a sharp letter. Stanton did, and showed the strongly worded missive to the president. "What are you going to do with it?" Lincoln inquired. Surprised, Stanton replied, "Send it." Lincoln shook his head. "You don’t want to send that letter," he said. "Put it in the stove. That’s what I do when I have written a letter while I am angry. It’s a good letter and you had a good time writing it and feel better. Now burn it, and write another."
B. Background to passage: 1 Cor is the first of at least four letters that Paul wrote to the church in Corinth that he so dearly loved. Explain: one before 1 Cor, one after, but before 2 Cor. Paul spent 18 months in Corinth in about 51 AD. He had a deep love and concern for this “Troubled, Triumphant Church” and he showed it through the correspondence that we are about to begin a study on. This letter was probably written in early 55 AD from Ephesus, as he had gotten word to their situation.
C. Main thought: Today we will set the stage for the “Troubled, Triumphant Church”
A. Sender (v. 1)
1. Most of you know Paul’s history of persecution of the church that he now loves. Note that he is not the only former enemy of the gospel in this verse. Notice though his sense of calling. He says he is called to be an apostle according to the will of God. God chose Paul to be an apostle, a “sent” one, and he knew it. These were the ones who witnessed the resurrected Christ, and were sent on a foundational mission. The apostles were given to the church as gifts from God. And their calling was to found/plant the church. Their job was to preach, write, pastor, oversee, and disciple the early believers. When Paul and the 12 passed, the ministry of apostle was gone.
2. Acts 7:57-59, 9:1, 26:17-18, Philip 3:4-7, Rom 1:1, Gal 1:1, 1 Tim 1:1, 1Tim 2:7, Eph 4:11, 2:20
3. Illustration: In a cartoon some years ago a little guy was taking heat from his sister and friends for a newly found “calling”––patting little birds on the head. The distressed birds would approach, lower their little feathered pates to be patted, sigh deeply, and walk away satisfied. It brought him no end of fulfillment––in spite of the teasing he took from others. “What’s wrong with patting birds on the head?” he wanted to know. “What’s wrong with it?” his embarrassed friends replied. “No one else does it!”… If God made you a “patter,” then keep on patting to the glory of God. Philip Henry, brother of the well-known Puritan Matthew Henry, calling one day upon a tanner, found him so absorbed in tanning a hide, that he did not notice his pastor’s approach until he tapped him on the shoulder. In confusion the man said, “Sir, I am ashamed you found me thus.” “Nay,” replied Philip Henry. “May the Lord Jesus, when He comes, find me discharging with the same faithfulness, the duties of my calling.” Read of a church the other day that said it wasn’t unusual for a member to lead 70 people to Christ in a year’s time. the man in the white suit,
4. The gospel transforms sinners! Jesus didn’t come to save “good” men, but sinners. We must all fall at the feet of Jesus like Paul did in Acts 9, or else salvation will never come to us. Would to God that we all had that kind of a sense of calling. Do you understand the will of God for your life? We all have callings in our lives—to be a good father, to drive a truck, to serve our country, to love our parents. Some are more clear and permanent than others. But just because you may not be called to serve in this area or that, doesn’t in any way diminish the value of your calling. Viewing your occupation or daily life as a calling will help you find meaning and purpose and satisfaction, serving you Master, instead of drudgery. Remember, there is a sense in which we are all “sent” ones. Just because you haven’t been called to be an evangelist, apostle, or pastor/teacher, doesn’t mean that you are not sent out to carry the gospel. You are all missionaries to the place where you are called. We are all called/sent to take the gospel to others. And there may be some of you here today, that God is calling to the ministry, or to the overseas mission field.
B. Recipient (v. 2)
1. The bulk of NT letters are not addressed to individuals, or leaders, or pastors, or deacons, but to churches. There is a sense of all inclusiveness and a sense of corporate. This is one of the reasons that we believe in a congregational church government. Notice that this isn’t a building or location, but a group of people. And not just any people but a group of purchased people, a group of holy people, a group of praying people, a group of gifted people, and a group of called people. This church belongs “to God.” The best translation for sanctified is “having been sanctified.” Normally, we think about sanctification (making holy, or set apart) a long term process. But here Paul says that this divided, carnal, confused group of people have already been sanctified. Explain the theological underpinnings. He calls them “saints.”
2. Rom. 1:7; Eph. 4:1; 1 Thess. 2:12, Rom 8:1, 2 Pet 1:3,
3. Illustration: I love to hear of families worshipping together and praying together,
4. Variations in congregational government. This church does not belong to you, or me. And He can do what He wants to with it. And our duty is to operate it how He would have us to, not how we like it. You are saints! The bulk of the Christian life is becoming on the outside, what you already are inside. You are holy, so walk holy! There is no condemnation from God, it’s all paid for. We see the means of entrance into the kingdom (“calling on the name of the Lord Jesus Christ”) and the means of maintenance. The people of God are a praying people. The House of God is to be a house of prayer. And we have been given all the gifts that we need to witness, stand firm, and minister. This church has all the resources necessary to read our area. You have all the resources necessary for you to overcome that sin that is plaguing you. Paul says these Corinthians can stand “blameless” before the Lord. You were chosen before the foundation of the world and called into the fellowship of God and His Son.
C. Subject (v. 3)
1. Count the occurrences of Jesus Christ and God. This letter is about God. Even though Paul will address division in the church, judgment of believers, sexually immorality in the church, suing each other, marital faithfulness, Christian liberty, the Lord’s Supper, spiritual gifts, and the doctrine of the resurrection (just to name a few), this letter is really about God.
2. Rom 11:36, Col 1:15-18
3. Illustration:
4. In fact, everything in this life is really about God. Creation is about God. Humanity is about God. Biology is about God. Education is about God. Everything in our world draws its meaning from it’s relationship with God. And everything that ever existed or will exist will do so ultimately to bring God glory and honor and exaltation. This world is a God-centered world with a God-centered purpose, therefore we must strive to live a God-centered existence. Jesus is the center of our desires, not the American Dream, not that new car, not that college education, not that better job, not anything should occupy the central throne of our lives, other than Jesus. Marriage is about Jesus, food is about Jesus, your job is about Jesus, your kids and grandkids are about Jesus.
A. Closing illustration:
B. Recap
C. Invitation to commitment
Additional Notes
• Is Christ Exalted, Magnified, Honored, and Glorified?
