Take up your Cross

Prelude

As people run headlong into a world going nowhere, escaping reality in their hedonistic lifestyles, are we ashamed of Jesus and His words? Are we ashamed of suffering as Christians?

Purpose

Let’s see the value of taking up our cross and denying ourselves.

Plan

Let’s look at Jesus’ countercultural instructions in Mark 8:31-38.

Background

Mark 8:18 Having eyes, do you not see? And having ears, do you not hear? And do you not remember?

We too can be like the disciples, blind to some things. The next encounter is relevant.

Mark 8:22-26 Then He came to Bethsaida; and they brought a blind man to Him, and begged Him to touch him. 23 So He took the blind man by the hand and led him out of the town. And when He had spit on his eyes and put His hands on him, He asked him if he saw anything. 24 And he looked up and said, “I see men like trees, walking.” 25 Then He put His hands on his eyes again and made him look up. And he was restored and saw everyone clearly. 26 Then He sent him away to his house, saying, “Neither go into the town, nor tell anyone in the town.”

The partial healing can be symbolic that we like the disciples may only see in part. Do we need Jesus’ touch a second time? Peter’s confession revealed that he partially understood, but his rebuke of Jesus revealed his blindness. Many Christians believe that Jesus is the Christ, but don’t fully understand that the cross is our way of life.

Mark 8:27-30 Now Jesus and His disciples went out to the towns of Caesarea Philippi; and on the road He asked His disciples, saying to them, “Who do men say that I am?” 28 So they answered, “John the Baptist; but some say, Elijah; and others, one of the prophets.” 29 He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” Peter answered and said to Him, “You are the Christ.” 30 Then He strictly warned them that they should tell no one about Him.

Just like many Christians, we may confess that Jesus is the Christ, but do we follow Him and take up our cross?

Today's Text

Mark 8:31 And He began to teach them that the Son of Man must suffer many things, and be rejected by the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and after three days rise again.

Time to see something better. Jesus teaches about His suffering and rejection. Nobody relishes bad news. Pastors comfort but prophets discomfort. Are we much different than Israel? ‘They tell the seers, "Stop seeing visions!" They tell the prophets, "Don't tell us what is right. Tell us nice things. Tell us lies.’ (Isaiah 30:10 NLT) And the most popular preachers today do just that, because we still can’t handle the truth.

Mark 8:32 He spoke this word openly. Then Peter took Him aside and began to rebuke Him.

Many of us would also rebuke Jesus, because we want to protect Him or perhaps naively don’t think that real Christianity ought to include suffering. It’s natural for us to hear God’s will and complain like ancient Israel. Peter was no different and neither are we.

Mark 8:33 But when He had turned around and looked at His disciples, He rebuked Peter, saying, “Get behind Me, Satan! For you are not mindful of the things of God, but the things of men.”

Jesus’ rebuke was sometimes quite blunt. Let’s remember the instruction: “My son, do not despise the chastening of the LORD, Nor be discouraged when you are rebuked by Him; For whom the LORD loves He chastens, And scourges every son whom He receives.” (Hebrews 12:5-6 NKJV // Proverbs 3:11-12; Revelation 3:19)

Mark 8:34 When He had called the people to Himself, with His disciples also, He said to them, “Whoever desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me.”

How many would become Christians if they were told to deny self rather than experience “your best life now?” Selfishness sells; self-denial does not. In a moment of weakness, Peter later denied Jesus utterly, but he eventually learned to deny himself. Taking up our cross means to accept the will of God for our lives, no matter how painful.

Mark 8:35 For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake and the gospel’s will save it.

A blessed eternity after losing our lives for Christ is far better than all the riches that a sinful world can only offer for a very short lifespan.

Mark 8:36 For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul [breath of life]?

Literally this refers to forfeiting our own life (psyche), that is, for eternity. Gaining the whole world would only last a short lifetime, but eternal life in heavenly bliss is priceless.

Mark 8:37 Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul [life’s breath]?

Better said, “Is anything worth more than your soul?” (NLT) Short-sighted as we are, we too often choose the temporary pleasure of sin, damaging our souls and risking our eternity.

Mark 8:38 For whoever is ashamed of Me and My words in this adulterous and sinful generation, of him the Son of Man also will be ashamed when He comes in the glory of His Father with the holy angels.”

How many times in everyday conversation, do we hide the fact that we are Christians, because we are ashamed? Let us never be ashamed of our faith in Jesus. Like Paul, let us say, “For I am not ashamed of the gospel” (Romans 1:16).

Postlude

We live in a hedonistic world where people live without any other purpose in life than eat-work-play-sleep-repeat. Are we ashamed of Jesus? Are we embarrassed to mention Him, knowing that whatever we suffer now, will be transformed into a wonderful eternity?

New King James Version (NKJV) Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

Genesis 17:1-7, 15-16 “I will establish My covenant between Me and you and your descendants after you in their generations, for an everlasting covenant, to be God to you and your descendants after you.”

Psalm 22:23-31 “My praise shall be of You in the great assembly; I will pay My vows before those who fear Him.”

Romans 4:13-25 “For the promise that he would be the heir of the world was not to Abraham or to his seed through the law, but through the righteousness of faith.”

Lent, Time Apart

Prelude

Why should we take time apart before Easter? What is the purpose of Lent?

Purpose

Let’s see the value of quiet times apart for prayer, fasting, meditation and reflection.

Plan

Let’s look briefly at Jesus’ wilderness experience before beginning His ministry, in Mark 1:9-15.

The Dove

Mark 1:9-11 It came to pass in those days that Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee, and was baptized by John in the Jordan. 10 And immediately, coming up from the water, He saw the heavens parting and the Spirit descending upon Him like a dove. 11 Then a voice came from heaven, “You are My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.”

Why is the Holy Spirit pictured as a dove? It could mean any columbine, a dove or pigeon. Noah sent a dove to see if it was safe (Genesis 8:8-12). Similarly the Holy Spirit tells us if things are safe for us. Spiritually, we fly away on the wings of a dove to find rest (Psalm 55:6). Marital love is undefiled like a dove (Song 5:2; 6:9) and God sends His love to us in the Holy Spirit. A dove is harmless (Matthew 10:16) and the Holy Spirit brings us no harm. Where will He lead us?

Wilderness Experiences

Mark 1:12 Immediately the Spirit drove Him into the wilderness.

Are wilderness times good? The Holy Spirit leads us into solitary places to rest and prepare us for greater events to come. Does Jesus’ wilderness experience in the Judean outback teach us about down times? It’s time to slow down and wait for the mighty hand of God. As God was with the Patriarchs and Jesus let’s relax and await His revelation for the next step. What did Jesus do in His wilderness experience?

Mark 1:13 And He was there in the wilderness forty days, tempted by Satan, and was with the wild beasts; and the angels ministered to Him.

Compare this to Noah’s forty days of rain, Israel’s forty years of wandering, Moses’ forty days on Sinai, forty days of scouting the Land, forty years of peace under several righteous judges, forty days of mocking by Goliath, Elijah’s forty days in the wilderness, and forty days between Jesus’ Resurrection and Ascension. Many Christians follow Isaiah’s admonitions during Lent (Isaiah 58).

At Hand

Mark 1:14 Now after John was put in prison, Jesus came to Galilee, preaching the gospel of the kingdom of God, 15 and saying, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand. Repent, and believe in the gospel.”

What does “at hand” mean? The kingdom of God is both future and now, both here and almost here. We allow God to change our hearts and trust His sovereignty. We become citizens of heaven before we get there, as we submit to His loving authority. How do we complete the journey home? Jesus is the way. When entering a new country of this world, we go through an immigration gate. Jesus is our gateway.

Repent

What did Jesus mean by repentance? Repent of immorality (Revelation 2:21), repent of impurity (2 Corinthians 12:21), repent and be baptized (Acts 2:38), repent and turn to God (Acts 3:19), repent of wickedness (Acts 8:22), be zealous and repent (Revelation 3:19), demonstrate repentance by our deeds (Acts 26:20), repent and believe (Mark 1:15), repent at the preaching (Matthew 12:41; Luke 11:32), repent of our deeds (Revelation 16:11), repent and give God glory (Revelation 16:9).

Believe

Laws cannot make us free. They make us slaves (Galatians 4:21-31). Moses' law makes us sinners (Romans 5:20-21). Human law controls evil (1 Timothy 1:8-11) but fails to change hearts. Laws cannot cover every loophole. Where law fails, only a change of heart (repentance) and a belief in the Gospel of Jesus Christ can grant us freedom.

Postlude

As Jesus took 40 days for time apart to prepare for His earthly mission, let us take the forty days of Lent to rededicate our lives to God. Let quiet times apart for meditation, fasting and reflection bring us closer to God preparing us for the mission set before us this year.

Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

Why Ash Wednesday

Prelude

Ash Wednesday begins Lent, 40 days of fasting before Easter. Does Lent serve any purpose for a Protestant?

Purpose

Let’s look at several reasons for a Christian to fast and pray.

Plan

We’ll look at the topic of fasting in Joel 2, Psalm 51, 2 Corinthians 5-6 and Matthew 6.

Joel 2:1-2, 12-17

Joel 2:1 Blow the trumpet in Zion, And sound an alarm in My holy mountain! Let all the inhabitants of the land tremble; For the day of the Lord is coming, For it is at hand:

In ancient times trumpets were blown as a warning that war was coming. This time the warning is of God’s judgment coming. For them it meant a day when God would punish a rebellious nation. For us it pictures the final judgment day.

Joel 2:2 A day of darkness and gloominess, A day of clouds and thick darkness, Like the morning clouds spread over the mountains. A people come, great and strong, The like of whom has never been; Nor will there ever be any such after them, Even for many successive generations.

For them this signifies the approaching Chaldaean army. For us this pictures the final battle when Jesus returns.

Joel 2:12 “Now, therefore,” says the Lord, “Turn to Me with all your heart, With fasting, with weeping, and with mourning.”

“Turn to me” is the positive side of repentance. A genuine change of heart is pictured here in fasting and genuine grief.

Joel 2:13 So rend your heart, and not your garments; Return to the Lord your God, For He is gracious and merciful, Slow to anger, and of great kindness; And He relents from doing harm.

Outward expressions such as ashes at Lent and the ancient custom of tearing the clothing are okay, but the most important thing is a positive change of heart. God’s great desire is to be kind to us, but like any loving parent, He will not do so in a manner that encourages continued harm to ourselves and others.

Joel 2:14 Who knows if He will turn and relent, And leave a blessing behind Him—A grain offering and a drink offering For the Lord your God?

Of the five major classifications of offering (Deuteronomy 1-5), these were a communal meal shared by God and man, also pictured in Christian communion.

Joel 2:15 Blow the trumpet in Zion, Consecrate a fast, Call a sacred assembly;

Another purpose of trumpets was to announce a holy day. Atonement was such a fast day, but this seems to be a special fast day, including a sacred assembly. The word “church” comes from a Greek community assembly, a gathering of citizens called out from their homes into a public place. For Christians it means that we are called out from the world to a heavenly assembly.

Joel 2:16 Gather the people, Sanctify the congregation, Assemble the elders, Gather the children and nursing babes; Let the bridegroom go out from his chamber, And the bride from her dressing room.

This is an urgent assembly. Even weddings must be put on hold.

Joel 2:17 Let the priests, who minister to the Lord, Weep between the porch and the altar; Let them say, “Spare Your people, O Lord, And do not give Your heritage to reproach, That the nations should rule over them. Why should they say among the peoples, ‘Where is their God?’ ”

Today’s church is in the same position as ancient Israel. We have sinned against God and should likewise weep and repent.

Psalm 51:1-17

Psalm 51:1-2 To the Chief Musician. A Psalm of David when Nathan the prophet went to him, after he had gone in to Bathsheba. Have mercy upon me, O God, According to Your lovingkindness; According to the multitude of Your tender mercies, Blot out my transgressions. Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity, And cleanse me from my sin.

David mentions three aspects of sin: transgression, iniquity and sin itself or rebellion, guilt and wrong.

Psalm 51:3 For I acknowledge my transgressions, And my sin is always before me.

To acknowledge our wrongs takes a big man. Notice how many in business and politics are just small men, claiming as some have, that they have nothing to repent of.

Psalm 51:4 Against You, You only, have I sinned, And done this evil in Your sight—That You may be found just when You speak, And blameless when You judge.

There seem to be three steps involved: 1) change of heart, the meaning of repentance in Greek, 2) confession to God, and 3) proof/fruits of repentance, a changed life, sanctification, becoming holy.

Psalm 51:5 Behold, I was brought forth in iniquity, And in sin my mother conceived me.

We are all born into a sinful environment. Whether or not we are born with a sin nature is a disputed topic.

Psalm 51:6 Behold, You desire truth in the inward parts, And in the hidden part You will make me to know wisdom.

God desires a change of heart more than a mere outward show like ashes and torn clothing.

Psalm 51:7 Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean; Wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.

Hyssop was an ancient plant used as an ingredient in antibacterial soaps.

Psalm 51:8 Make me hear joy and gladness, That the bones You have broken may rejoice.

The crushing weight of sin feels like it will break our bones and pictures the brokenness of spirit that is the only cure.

Psalm 51:9 Hide Your face from my sins, And blot out all my iniquities.

May God look away from our sins and forget that they ever existed.

Psalm 51:10 Create in me a clean heart, O God, And renew a steadfast spirit within me.

As in the beginning God created all things from nothing, David prays for a new heart using the same word, meaning created out of nothing.

Psalm 51:11 Do not cast me away from Your presence, And do not take Your Holy Spirit from me.

Living in God’s presence is our happy eternity. To be cast away is a description of hell.

Psalm 51:12 Restore to me the joy of Your salvation, And uphold me by Your generous Spirit.

Salvation is true joy.

Psalm 51:13 Then I will teach transgressors Your ways, And sinners shall be converted to You.

A purpose of being saved is to save others.

Psalm 51:14 Deliver me from the guilt of bloodshed, O God, The God of my salvation, And my tongue shall sing aloud of Your righteousness.

David had been the cause of Uriah’s death and who knows how many others. But, how many die around the world today because of our use of poisonous chemicals, careless attitude towards goods manufactured by slaves in other nations, cancers caused by bad agricultural practices or other selfish indifference?

Psalm 51:15 O Lord, open my lips, And my mouth shall show forth Your praise.

His mouth is shut with shame. His prayer is that of every faithful preacher or teacher, that God’s Word would fill his mouth and not his own.

Psalm 51:16 For You do not desire sacrifice, or else I would give it; You do not delight in burnt offering.

Offerings are not wrong, but they are not what really counts.

Psalm 51:17 The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit, A broken and a contrite heart—These, O God, You will not despise.

A broken spirit and a broken and contrite heart are the exact opposite of what is commonplace in political, celebrity and industry bragging. At their root, the world’s problems are mostly spiritual in nature, and the solutions are spiritual, of the heart.

2 Corinthians 5:20b-6:10

2 Corinthians 5:20b … we implore you on Christ’s behalf, be reconciled to God.

Even a Christian can go astray and needs to seek reconciliation with God.

2 Corinthians 5:21 For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.

How do we become this righteousness? Not on our own, but in Him.

2 Corinthians 6:1 We then, as workers together with Him also plead with you not to receive the grace of God in vain.

Can we receive the grace of God in vain? Does this go against the idea of once saved always saved? Why begin in the Spirit and end in the flesh?

2 Corinthians 6:2 For He says: “In an acceptable time I have heard you, And in the day of salvation I have helped you.” Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.

Now is entirely acceptable as the opportunity may never come again. This very day is the day of salvation.

2 Corinthians 6:3 We give no offense in anything, that our ministry may not be blamed.

Giving “no offense” here means not cause or temptation for others to sin.

2 Corinthians 6:4 But in all things we commend ourselves as ministers of God: in much patience, in tribulations, in needs, in distresses, 5 in stripes, in imprisonments, in tumults, in labors, in sleeplessness, in fastings; 6 by purity, by knowledge, by longsuffering, by kindness, by the Holy Spirit, by sincere love, 7 by the word of truth, by the power of God, by the armor of righteousness on the right hand and on the left, 8 by honor and dishonor, by evil report and good report; as deceivers, and yet true; 9 as unknown, and yet well known; as dying, and behold we live; as chastened, and yet not killed; 10 as sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing, and yet possessing all things.

True ministry is not an ego trip or a way to get rich, but a life of suffering. It requires a continual running to the comfort of God’s loving embrace.

Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21

Matthew 6:1 “Be careful not to practice your righteousness in front of others to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven.

Giving, prayer and fasting are to be done in secret, especially if we have a motive to show off. Jesus gave thanks in public when feeding the 5,000 and the 4,000. He even prayed from the cross for God the Father to forgive them. Yet, Jesus’ prayers even in public were not to show off or be seen by men but that the hearer might believe.

Matthew 6:16-18 “When you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do, for they disfigure their faces to show others they are fasting. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. 17 But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, 18 so that it will not be obvious to others that you are fasting, but only to your Father, who is unseen; and your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.

One reason that fasting is such a secret in the Christian community is that we are encouraged to keep it a secret when we fast.

Postlude

You may wish to also look at Isaiah 58 for personal study at home. Fasting and prayer have been the habit of the faithful since the beginning. The purpose of this has always been to turn further from the ways of this world, and with a sincere heart turn to God.

Transfiguration (Mark 9)

What wonderful things can happen in small groups? Who do we listen to and obey? Can we glimpse eternity in a small group? Let’s examine these questions by looking at Mark 9:2-9.

The Transformation

What can happen when only a very few are gathered together?

Mark 9:2 Now after six days Jesus took Peter, James, and John, and led them up on a high mountain apart by themselves; and He was transfigured before them.

This occurred with just Peter, James and John, not the other disciples. Transfigured means changing form, like a metamorphosis. How did this look?

Mark 9:3 His clothes became shining, exceedingly white, like snow, such as no launderer on earth can whiten them.

This is a vision of our future bodies. We will be like Him (1 John 3:2).

The Chat

Mark 9:4 And Elijah appeared to them with Moses, and they were talking with Jesus.

Was this a vision of Elijah and Moses in the future or their present reality (2 Kings 2:11; Deuteronomy 34:6)? Luke fills in (Luke 9:31) that their conversation was of Jesus’ then future decease, not as if they were speaking of the past in a distant future.

This is a vision of Elijah’s and Moses’ timeless eternity in heavenly reality. We who are trapped in time cannot possibly explain timeless eternity. Moses represented the law and Elijah the prophets, a summary of the entire Old Testament, which pointed to Jesus' appointment on the cross.

Mark 9:5 Then Peter answered and said to Jesus, “Rabbi, it is good for us to be here; and let us make three tabernacles: one for You, one for Moses, and one for Elijah”—

As was his habit, Peter wanted to do something in the situation.

Mark 9:6 because he did not know what to say, for they were greatly afraid.

We can all relate, not knowing what to say, and saying something irrelevant. That’s life! This also adds to the reliability of the testimony, because it does not cover up Peter’s impetuosity, nor gloss over a seemingly trivial comment.

The Voice

What happened next?

Mark 9:7 And a cloud came and overshadowed them; and a voice came out of the cloud, saying, “This is My beloved Son. Hear Him!”

Does God love Jesus? “This is my dearly loved Son” (NLT), “This is my Son, and I love him.” (CEV) “This is my Son, whom I love.” (NIV) To which of these should Christians listen? “Listen to Him and obey Him!” (AMP) It means to hear and obey. Who?

Mark 9:8 Suddenly, when they had looked around, they saw no one anymore, but only Jesus with themselves.

Moses, brought the old covenant and Elijah, restored it. Both visitors from timeless eternity have gone, symbolic of their service which is now completed in Jesus and the cross. Could the three disciples share this experience?

Mark 9:9 Now as they came down from the mountain, He commanded them that they should tell no one the things they had seen, till the Son of Man had risen from the dead.

Not every epiphany or vision is to be broadcast immediately. We need to pray and ask God what He wants us to do with any revelation. What can we take home from this event?

The Application

First, who despises the day of small things (Zechariah 4:10)? For instance, when attendance at an activity is low or our accomplishments are too small, we may get discouraged, yet remember that events attended by only a few disciples may be very significant. Miracles may happen and God may provide wonderful revelations to us in our small things.

Secondly, let’s learn that Jesus is our primary teacher (Matthew 28:20). We certainly listen to others like Moses, Elijah, Paul and Peter, but Jesus has the last word.

Third, we have a glimpse of our transfiguration at the resurrection. “It is sown a natural body, it is raised a spiritual body… And as we have borne the image of the man of dust, we shall also bear the image of the heavenly Man.” (1 Corinthians 15:35-49)

Postlude: Let’s not be discouraged when few attend a meeting or our strength is small. God may be preparing a special blessing. Let’s listen to Jesus and look forward to that day when our bodies will also be transformed in eternity.

New King James Version (NKJV) Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

Readings:

2 Kings 2:1-12 “a chariot of fire appeared with horses of fire, and separated the two of them; and Elijah went up by a whirlwind into heaven”

Psalm 50:1-6 “The Mighty One, God the Lord, Has spoken and called the earth From the rising of the sun to its going down.”

2 Corinthians 4:3-6 “we do not preach ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord”

Gospel in Rhyme:

Jesus took Peter, James, and John
And led them up on a mountain
Before them He was transfigured
And shining white His clothes appeared
-
There was Moses and Elijah
Both talking with the Messiah
Peter wanted to build three tents
What do you say with such events?
-
And a cloud overshadowed them
A voice said, “Hear My much loved Son!”
Suddenly, when they looked around
Only Jesus was to be found
-
As they came down from the mountain
He told them not to go spouting
To tell no one what had just been
Till the resurrection foreseen

1 Corinthians 2 Hidden Wisdom

In Corinth, what kind of preaching was Paul inspired to use as the most effective?

1 Corinthians 2:1

And I, brethren, when I came to you, came not with excellency of speech or of wisdom, declaring unto you the testimony of God.

Many would be tempted to try and electrify a new crowd with “lofty words and impressive wisdom” (NLT), but not Paul. He “didn’t use big words or try to sound wise.” (CEV) What was he determined to give in his presentations?

1 Corinthians 2:2

For I determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified.

Paul’s focus was on the content of his preaching, Jesus Christ, rather than on himself and any oratory technique. As a result of this focus, how did he approach a sermon?

1 Corinthians 2:3

And I was with you in weakness, and in fear, and in much trembling.

The Holy Spirit wants us to know that if we are not self-aware of the reality of our own human weakness, and the enormity of the responsibility of preaching, we will fail. Paul’s fear and trembling reveal a person who is very mindful of the enormity of the preacher’s task. What did Paul rely upon to fulfill his burden?

1 Corinthians 2:4

And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man's wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power:

Rather than rely upon the insincere rhetorical devices of side-show hawkers and traveling salesmen, so often seen in modern pulpits, Paul wanted only to be led by the Holy Spirit. What was his motive?

1 Corinthians 2:5

That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God.

Paul’s greatest desire was not building his own empire, but the kingdom of God. What happens when preachers rely on the silver-tongued wisdom of this world?

Hidden Wisdom

1 Corinthians 2:6

Howbeit we speak wisdom among them that are perfect: yet not the wisdom of this world, nor of the princes of this world, that come to nought:

Preaching the Gospel ought to be very different to the flamboyant and meaningless verbiage of the worldly wise “who are coming to nothing” (NIV). What is the missing ingredient?

1 Corinthians 2:7

But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom, which God ordained before the world unto our glory:

This hidden mystery can only be known by divine revelation. Jesus prayed to the Father, "O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, thank you for hiding these things from those who think themselves wise and clever, and for revealing them to the childlike.” (Matthew 11:25 NLT)

 
1 Corinthians 2:8

Which none of the princes of this world knew: for had they known it, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory.

This world’s leadership is often a cause of pain to all, rather than a blessing. Roman and Jewish politics caused the crucifixion.

1 Corinthians 2:9

But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.

Here again we find Paul paraphrasing an Old Testament text (Isaiah 64:4). Paraphrasing is allowed. God has prepared wonderful present and future blessings for those who love Him. Yet they were revealed. How?

1 Corinthians 2:10

But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God.

There is knowledge (science) that is not revealed by physical means alone. What do we know by the Spirit of God?

1 Corinthians 2:11

For what man knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in him? even so the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God.

The physical sciences are limited to physical knowledge. Theology, the study of God, was once called the queen of the sciences by people who understood that some things are ONLY knowable by the Spirit of God. Who can know these things?

1 Corinthians 2:12

Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God.

This hidden spiritual knowledge is free to us. Who teaches us this knowledge?

1 Corinthians 2:13

Which things also we speak, not in the words which man's wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual.

Comparing the Hebrew Scriptures with New Testament truths is important. This last clause is also understood as, “using the Spirit's words to explain spiritual truths” (NLT) or “explaining spiritual realities with Spirit-taught words” NIV). Why can’t the natural, unconverted mind understand these things?

1 Corinthians 2:14

But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.

Science is knowledge, but as someone without special equipment cannot see DNA, there is some science that cannot be discovered without spiritual discernment. “The person without the Spirit does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God” (NIV). What can such spiritual discernment judge?

1 Corinthians 2:15

But he that is spiritual judgeth all things, yet he himself is judged of no man.

What? Didn’t Jesus tell us not to judge (Matthew 7)? Yes, but he also told us not to cast our pearls before swine and beware of false prophets, so we must judge or discern who those people are. Jesus condemns judgmentalism (a critical spirit) but not righteous judgment (discernment).

The spiritual person has an ability to judge things that the natural person cannot, nor can the natural person make a judgment as to what the spiritual person is doing. What mind does the spiritual person have?

1 Corinthians 2:16

For who hath known the mind of the Lord, that he may instruct him? but we have the mind of Christ.

At least in part, we have an understanding of the mind of Christ, as the Holy Spirit teaches us. This is something completely alien to the person without the Spirit.

Paul was totally disinterested in trying to electrify a crowd with “lofty words and impressive (human) wisdom” because he understood that something else was far more powerful and important, “the things of the Spirit of God.”

Healing all Things (Mark 1)

Prelude: Where are we going in our spiritual lives? Do we trust Jesus to lead the way? Purpose: Let’s learn to follow Jesus wherever he leads. Plan: Let’s look at Jesus healing Peter’s mother-in-law in Mark 1:29-39.

 
Mark 1:29-31 Simon’s M-i-L

Now as soon as they had come out of the synagogue, they entered the house of Simon and Andrew, with James and John. 30 But Simon’s wife’s mother lay sick with a fever, and they told Him about her at once. 31 So He came and took her by the hand and lifted her up, and immediately the fever left her. And she served them.

Simon’s mother in law was completely healed. She did not need to recuperate, but rather jumped right in to serve her guests. It was deemed an honor and privilege to serve guests. Jesus also showed the role of a servant by washing the disciples’ feet and dying on the cross.

The healing of Simon’s mother-in-law and her service are a metaphor for God’s plan. It is a message filling the whole Bible. God heals to free us from the physical and spiritual consequences of a sinful world so that we might join him in service to heal the whole world.

Sin causes fear, failure, despair and doubt. God’s promises are not for us alone. Do we go to church and home without one thought of sharing God’s healing with a hurting world? Do we see God’s healing as an opportunity to also free others from hunger, discrimination, sickness, and sin?

Mark 1:32-39 Healing all Things

At evening, when the sun had set, they brought to Him all who were sick and those who were demon-possessed. 33 And the whole city was gathered together at the door. 34 Then He healed many who were sick with various diseases, and cast out many demons; and He did not allow the demons to speak, because they knew Him. 35 Now in the morning, having risen a long while before daylight, He went out and departed to a solitary place; and there He prayed. 36 And Simon and those who were with Him searched for Him. 37 When they found Him, they said to Him, “Everyone is looking for You.” 38 But He said to them, “Let us go into the next towns, that I may preach there also, because for this purpose I have come forth.” 39 And He was preaching in their synagogues throughout all Galilee, and casting out demons.

The healing offered by God encompasses all things, broken hearts, mental problems, national healing, healing racial and ethnic divides, healing agricultural land and healing families. Every aspect of our lives is reachable with God’s healing. We need healing nationally, individually, communities, business practices, crime, churches, politics, families, marriages, and children.

Jesus often just helped someone to their feet and they were healed (Mark 1:29-39). The disciples anointed people with oil (Mark 6:13). Jesus once used mud (John 9:6-11). We are taught to use oil (James 5:14-16). Elder in its historical context referred to local church leaders.

After healing, Jesus told His disciples, Let’s go to a different place! Jesus assembles us for the healing of our souls. Then we are dismissed to a different place. Our journey of faith is from a place where Jesus healed us to a place where we join Him healing others.

Postlude: Jesus comes to heal our souls, our lives, our soil, our nation, our community, our families, and our hearts. We go to a different place spiritually where we spread His healing joy to others.

Readings

Isaiah 40:21-31 The everlasting God, the Lord, The Creator of the ends of the earth, Neither faints nor is weary.

Psalm 147:1-11, 20c The Lord takes pleasure in those who fear Him, In those who hope in His mercy.

1 Corinthians 9:16-23 woe is me if I do not preach the gospel!

1 Corinthians 1 Unity & Humility

Can the division and boasting in Corinth be a lesson for our local church? What about Paul would make us want to study this letter?

1 Cor 1:1-9 To Saints

1 Corinthians 1:1 Paul called to be an apostle of Jesus Christ through the will of God, and Sosthenes our brother,

Paul’s calling was as any minister of the Gospel ought to be, “chosen by the will of God” (NLT). The letter was co-written by Sosthenes, probably as Paul dictated it. He was probably the same Sosthenes who was earlier beaten up by a crowd of religious bigots (Acts 18:17).

What is a generic description of those who Paul wrote to? How did he use the word saint differently than is commonly used today? Was this letter also written to us?

1 Corinthians 1:2 Unto the church of God which is at Corinth, to them that are sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints, with all that in every place call upon the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, both their's and our's:

We find the generic description church or churches of God a dozen times in the New Testament (Acts 20:28; 1 Corinthians 1:2; 1 Corinthians 10:32; 1 Corinthians 11:16; 1 Corinthians 11:22; 1 Corinthians 15:9; 2 Corinthians 1:1; Galatians 1:13; 1 Thessalonians 2:14; 2 Thessalonians 1:4; 1 Timothy 3:5; 1 Timothy 3:15).

All true Christians are “called to be saints,” holy to God. Paul never uses the word saints in the narrow sense, applying it to only a select group of super Christians. He uses the word “saints” for all Christians.

The lessons addressed in Corinth are for “all who in every place call on the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, their Lord and ours” (NASB)

What are Paul’s greatest wishes for these saints and us?

1 Corinthians 1:3 Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ.

Grace and peace are not just throw away lines used as a flippant greeting, but central to our Christian faith. “For by grace you have been saved through faith” (Ephesians 2:8-9 NKJV) and Jesus said, “in Me you may have peace.” (John 16:33 NKJV) Where does the grace we have received come from?

1 Corinthians 1:4 I thank my God always on your behalf, for the grace of God which is given you by Jesus Christ;

A great gift is God’s favor, given by Jesus Christ. How does God’s grace enrich these Christians?

1 Corinthians 1:5 That in every thing ye are enriched by him, in all utterance, and in all knowledge;

Their church services must have been rich with gifted teachers, in logically speaking (logos) the knowledge of doctrine (gnósis). What was also demonstrated in them?

1 Corinthians 1:6 Even as the testimony of Christ was confirmed in you:

Their rich spiritual gifts were a demonstration of Paul’s testimony concerning Jesus Christ in them. Did they lack any gift? What was their attitude towards the Second Coming?

1 Corinthians 1:7 So that ye come behind in no gift; waiting for the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ:

They were not “lacking” (ESV, NASB) in what God had given. The difference between a true and false Christian is whether they expectantly await or fearfully dread the Lord’s return. Could they be confident in God sustaining them to the very end? Could they be confident of not being blamed in judgment?

1 Corinthians 1:8 Who shall also confirm you unto the end, that ye may be blameless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ.

None of us can claim to have sinless perfection, but we can plead the blood of the Lamb, that covers all our sins. How does that play out in reality?

1 Corinthians 1:9 God is faithful, by whom ye were called unto the fellowship of his Son Jesus Christ our Lord.

Fellowship is a sharing of all things, a joint participation. His is not an unshared inheritance, whereby one gets all and other siblings are left out. Jesus shares everything with us. What kind of unity is that?

1 Cor 1:10-16 Schisms

1 Corinthians 1:10 Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment.

The divisions or schisms of Christian history have mostly been over unnecessary things not demanded by Christ or the Apostles. Calling ourselves by our denominational name is not speaking the same thing, but calling ourselves Christians is speaking the same thing. Certainly, liberal and legalistic heresies should be avoided, but the apostolic core of our faith unites all true Christians. What about contentions?

1 Corinthians 1:11 For it hath been declared unto me of you, my brethren, by them which are of the house of Chloe, that there are contentions among you.

Quarrels in churches make spreading the good news difficult. Why should we invite new people to a family argument?

We certainly ought to be divided by Christian essentials from the ways of the world. “If you belonged to the world, its people would love you. But you don’t belong to the world. I have chosen you to leave the world behind, and that is why its people hate you.” (John 15:19 CEV) “Therefore, come out from among unbelievers, and separate yourselves from them, says the Lord. Don’t touch their filthy things, and I will welcome you.” (2 Corinthians 6:17 NLT)

We also avoid those in our midst who are heretical or apostate. “Now I urge you, brethren, note those who cause divisions and offenses, contrary to the doctrine which you learned, and avoid them.” (Romans 16:17 NKJV) False teachers are spots in our church feasts, and often “speak great swelling words of emptiness” (2 Peter 2). It takes time to learn the difference between essentials and non-essentials. Does Paul explain one thing that is a non-essential?

1 Corinthians 1:12 Now this I say, that every one of you saith, I am of Paul; and I of Apollos; and I of Cephas [Peter]; and I of Christ.

It is a great shame when Christians argue over worldly issues, such as politics, placing one part of this world’s Babylon over the other. It is even worse when we divide over non-essentials of Christian doctrine. The Christian faith is founded upon the birth, ministry, death, burial, resurrection, ascension and conquering return of Jesus. We must admit that this essential can be found among Catholics, Orthodox and Protestants. Oh, yes we quibble over authority, icons, traditions and many other things, but does our lack of unity on such issues negate faith in Jesus?

It’s quite clear that causing division over human personalities is wrong. In the western church, quarrels over the “primacy” of Peter have gone on far too long. In the Nicene Creed, the word “catholic” is connected with all the apostles. The confession “one holy catholic and apostolic church” does not mean a “one apostle” church, but a church of all the apostles.

The western church has divided internally into various religious orders named after people, like Franciscans, Benedictines, Augustinians, Marists, and so on. Eastern Christians are divided by worldly national borders, in effect perpetuating the nationalistic spiritual division of the Old Testament. Like their Catholic forebears, Protestants also became divided by people’s names like Lutherans, Calvinists, and Wesleyans. Would Paul call division over personalities an essential or non-essential issue?

1 Corinthians 1:13 Is Christ divided? was Paul crucified for you? or were ye baptized in the name of Paul?

Paul did not want to be the center of people’s faith. To be fair, neither Calvin, Wesley nor Luther would have approved calling their followers by their name either. We are called to “contend earnestly for the faith which was once for all handed down to the saints.” (Jude 3 NASB) That faith is taught by Jesus and the Apostles in the New Testament. We don’t single out one apostle nor call ourselves after any subsequent church leader. Did Paul demand that he be the center of church life?

1 Corinthians 1:14 I thank God that I baptized none of you, but Crispus and Gaius;

Some church overseers demand that they do all the baptisms, but not Paul. He set a humble example. What was Paul’s motive for not performing all the baptisms in the church?

1 Corinthians 1:15 Lest any should say that I had baptized in mine own name.

Paul was not here to promote himself, but reminds us that the job of a Christian leader is to point to Jesus, not self or denomination. When people are baptized into this or that church, church leaders have hijacked the ceremony for their own human purposes. We are authorized by Jesus to baptize “in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit” (Matthew 28:19 NIV, ESV) and no other name. Didn’t Paul have to baptize the first converts?

1 Corinthians 1:16 And I baptized also the household of Stephanas: besides, I know not whether I baptized any other.

Why did he mention Stephanas? We learn later that “the household of Stephanas were the first converts in Achaia” (1 Corinthians 16:15). What was Paul’s main mission if not to baptize? Is this also the main purpose that any overseer of a congregation should pursue?

1 Cor 1:17-25 Foolishness

1 Corinthians 1:17 For Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel: not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of none effect.

After the first converts are baptized, it was Paul’s practice to delegate later baptisms. This is a good practice which we can learn from. Bishops or other church elders that insist that all baptisms be performed by them, seem to ignore this inspired Scripture.

Paul also reminds us that great preaching has little to do with extraordinary oratory or being a skilled wordsmith, but more with emphasizing the cross of Christ. Let’s remember this next time we are tempted to describe enthusiasm, showmanship or crowd-pleasing eloquence as great preaching.

Better is a preacher with bad grammar and poor vocabulary who preaches the cross, than the world’s greatest sermonizer who only tickles peoples’ ears with smooth things and deceits (Isaiah 30:10). Yet, some think that preaching the cross is foolish. Why?

1 Corinthians 1:18 For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God.

Perhaps some are perishing. Do they deny the power of God in the cross? We should not be surprised that those outside the faith consider us and our beliefs to be foolish. It is more tragic to witness this inside the Christian community. What can we do about it?

1 Corinthians 1:19 For it is written, I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and will bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent.

Leave their so-called wisdom and understanding alone. It will eventually be destroyed in God’s good time. What does God say about worldly wisdom?

1 Corinthians 1:20 Where is the wise? where is the scribe? where is the disputer of this world? hath not God made foolish the wisdom of this world?

Mature Christians will recognize the foolishness of much so-called wisdom of ever-changing scientific theories, idolatrous political partisanship, news commentary, advertising hype and other popular opinions. Are we who deliver homilies humble enough to acknowledge Paul’s description of preaching?

1 Corinthians 1:21 For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe.

Many scientists and philosophers arrogantly ignore the forensic evidence all around us that points to an intelligent designer. Preachers also must learn to be humble, knowing that our rhetoric is also foolish. God miraculously uses our weakness as speakers to save believers. What does popular culture require?

1 Corinthians 1:22 For the Jews require a sign, and the Greeks seek after wisdom:

Compare this with what our modern cultures require. Some preachers pander to culture, allowing the world to bully them into submission and dominate their messages. Yet others faithfully preach what?

1 Corinthians 1:23 But we preach Christ crucified, unto the Jews a stumblingblock, and unto the Greeks foolishness;

Faithful preachers are not frightened into capitulation to popular opinions, but faithfully preach the Bible focusing on Christ crucified. What does this message mean to those who are called?

1 Corinthians 1:24 But unto them which are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God.

What unites all who are called (whether Jewish Christians, Greek, Protestant, Orthodox or Roman) is the Gospel. Paul summarized it in these words: “Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God.” How do we view human wisdom and strength?

1 Corinthians 1:25 Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men; and the weakness of God is stronger than men.

Christians understand God's so-called foolishness and the seeming weakness of the cross to be great wisdom and strength. It took the strength of incredible love, for Christ to remain on the cross and die for us instead of exercising His power and escape. Do we understand how weak we are?

1 Cor 1:26-31 Not Many Wise

1 Corinthians 1:26 For ye see your calling, brethren, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called:

This ought to overcome any arrogance that we may be tempted to feel. Why if we are not so wise, mighty or noble, why did God choose us?

1 Corinthians 1:27 But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty;

Pride is excluded from the Christian life. Paul later wrote in his second letter to the Corinthians, “I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.” (2 Corinthians 12:9) He also wrote to the Galatians, “God forbid that I should boast except in the cross” (Galatians 6:14). What is the purpose of God choosing from among the weak of the world?

1 Corinthians 1:28 And base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen, yea, and things which are not, to bring to nought things that are:

Let’s not get vain about ourselves. God chose the lowly, despised nothings. Why? God chose the “nobodies” of the world to bring those who think they are “somebodies” to nothing, to a reality check. True humility is not pretense, but honestly facing the reality of our human condition. We are but dust.

The most self-deceived believers in all Christendom are those with a Laodicean attitude. Rich in material things, God exposes their spiritual reality as “wretched and miserable and poor and blind and naked” (Revelation 3:17 NLT, NASB). This is the reality of the human condition. Should any of us glory in the things of the flesh?

1 Corinthians 1:29 That no flesh should glory in his presence.

This is the world of advertising, politics, and celebrities that God hates because it is fake. “These six things the Lord hates, Yes, seven are an abomination to Him: A proud look, A lying tongue, Hands that shed innocent blood, A heart that devises wicked plans, Feet that are swift in running to evil, A false witness who speaks lies, And one who sows discord among brethren.” (Proverbs 6:16-19 NKJV) Is there any hope for us?

1 Corinthians 1:30 But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption:

We, the weak of the world, are in Jesus and He is our wisdom, righteousness, sanctification and redemption. We can boast then, but not in ourselves, in whom?

1 Corinthians 1:31 That, according as it is written, He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord.

We may rightly boast in the Lord. Is a paraphrase of the Bible okay? Paul was inspired to paraphrase a verse from the Old Testament (Jeremiah 9:23-24).

Clearly, quarreling over human personalities is a time-wasting non-essential. Christians of all stripes are just as guilty of this sin as the Corinthians were. Sinless perfection is impossible. Therefore all preaching by faulty human beings is foolishness. Because preaching the cross is miraculously used by God for divine purposes, He gets the glory, and no man.