A Mock Parade

Prelude

Where does the solution to all our problems really come from? Does it come from here on earth? What does God have to do with national and personal deliverance from all our problems? Purpose: Let’s understand the political implications of Palm Sunday. Plan: Let’s look at Mark 11:1-11 and the only place to find true salvation.

Jesus’ Mock Parade

Imagine for a minute a grand parade. It might be one of those that celebrates military might with tanks and rockets. It might have brass bands, flags waving and marchers goose-stepping in rhythm, with a dictator either clapping from a grandstand or even at the head of the parade. Then imagine some time later a mock parade with a popular religious leader riding a donkey, and instead of flags, people waving palm branches. That’s what Palm Sunday is all about. It mocks and challenges this world’s pride and arrogance. We often think of Jesus riding a donkey as religious not political, but we forget the implications for Caesar, Pilate and Herod.

Mark 11:1-8 Politics

Mark 11:1-8 Now when they drew near Jerusalem, to Bethphage and Bethany, at the Mount of Olives, He sent two of His disciples; 2 and He said to them, “Go into the village opposite you; and as soon as you have entered it you will find a colt tied, on which no one has sat. Loose it and bring it. 3 And if anyone says to you, ‘Why are you doing this?’ say, ‘The Lord has need of it,’ and immediately he will send it here.” 4 So they went their way, and found the colt tied by the door outside on the street, and they loosed it. 5 But some of those who stood there said to them, “What are you doing, loosing the colt?” 6 And they spoke to them just as Jesus had commanded. So they let them go. 7 Then they brought the colt to Jesus and threw their clothes on it, and He sat on it. 8 And many spread their clothes on the road, and others cut down leafy branches from the trees and spread them on the road.”

Jesus was preparing a mock political parade. It is not the church’s job to tell us which side of politics to vote for. But, the Church does have a job in politics as prophet to all sides of power and sometimes prophets mock governments which puff themselves up and pretend to have the answers. Human efforts always fail. Behind the scenes is a hidden, spiritual kingdom with humanity’s only hope, true salvation.

Mark 11:9 Hosanna

Mark 11:9 Then those who went before and those who followed cried out, saying: “Hosanna! ‘Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!’ (cp. Psalm 118:26).

What is the meaning of hosanna? It’s a combination of two Hebrew words, yasha meaning “help” or “save,” a root of Jesus’ name, and na meaning “please” or “we pray” and the combination into the Hebrew expression Hoshia-na is both a plea and a praise. It is also a cheer. Unlike most world leaders who ride in expensive carriages and limousines, leaders of Israel were to ride a donkey symbolizing the humility that God expects of His leaders, much like the current pope who rides in a compact car.

Mark 11:10-11 In the Highest

In Mark 11:10-11 “Blessed is the kingdom of our father David That comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest!” 11 And Jesus went into Jerusalem and into the temple. So when He had looked around at all things, as the hour was already late, He went out to Bethany with the twelve.”

When Jesus rode into town on a colt, why did the crowds shout “Hosanna in the highest?” If hosanna means save us please or save we pray. Then, what does hosanna “in the highest” mean? It means in the highest regions, a superlative found often in Greek poetry meaning heaven, God. We look to the world to solve our problems. The whole world is run by very intelligent, highly educated people who are unable to solve our greatest world problems. Our problems are spiritual in nature and the solutions to our problems are spiritual. Christians call that solution salvation, which only comes from the highest of all, heaven.

A Better Kingdom

Bible Commentator Charles Campbell’s take on this passage is that it is “one of the wildest and most politically explosive acts of Jesus' ministry. The story is a reminder of the political challenge of Jesus' ministry, as well as the political character of Christian praise. The event should not be limited to an opening processional in which people smile at cute children waving palm branches.” [1] Jesus fulfilled the prophecy in Zechariah 9:9. Passover (our Easter) was a time when Israel remembered being freed from slavery in Egypt. Then along came Caesar as the new Pharaoh. Jesus’ entry mocks the failed leadership of this world and promises a new kingdom.

[1] Charles L. Campbell, Exegetical Perspective on Mark 11:1-11 for Palm Sunday, Year B. Feasting on the Word, Year B, Volume 2, WORDsearch Edition.

Postlude

“Hosanna in the highest” is a faith statement completely abandoning worldly cares. “Hosanna in the highest” means we don’t rely on the world, for salvation comes from heaven!

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

Isaiah 50:4-9

Psalm 118:1-2, 19-29

Philippians 2:5-11

Immorality Within (1 Corinthians 5)

Excusing iniquity within the church is nothing new. Here is a case study in how churches should handle immorality within. What was the situation?

1 Cor 5:1-8 Immorality Within

1 Corinthians 5:1 It is reported commonly that there is fornication among you, and such fornication as is not so much as named among the Gentiles, that one should have his father's wife.

Having sexual relations with your father’s wife was forbidden in the law (Leviticus 18:8) and deemed especially depraved even among other nations where sexual sins were frequently tolerated.

When church sins are widely reported the Gospel’s reputation is also damaged. What are some sins that have damaged the church’s reputation? What attitude can accompany condoning sexual sins? What attitude should we have?

1 Corinthians 5:2 And ye are puffed up, and have not rather mourned, that he that hath done this deed might be taken away from among you.

Are mourning and excommunication common remedies for immorality in churches today? Did Paul put this to a congregational vote or make a judgment?

1 Corinthians 5:3 For I verily, as absent in body, but present in spirit, have judged already, as though I were present, concerning him that hath so done this deed,

Many modern churches are also morally weak and cowardly in applying church discipline. Where are the leaders that refuse to promote the values of a corrupt society, and are not afraid to excommunicate grievous sinners? Where are the churches that will defrock leaders that condone sexual immorality? How did Paul want this to be handled?

1 Corinthians 5:4 In the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, when ye are gathered together, and my spirit, with the power of our Lord Jesus Christ,

What did Paul judge on this matter? In a litigious modern world, this may require some wisdom, but Paul’s advice is to disfellowship in a public announcement during church services. Such news of an excommunication, must use tactful words such as “for cause” without giving details and in no way be defamatory. We should also pray for repentance and reconciliation. What’s the most important consideration?

1 Corinthians 5:5 To deliver such an one unto Satan for the destruction of the flesh, that the spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus.

Temporarily removed from the realm of God to the realm of Satan, the church hopes that the disciplined member will soon return. Why was such a tough decision needed?

1 Corinthians 5:6 Your glorying is not good. Know ye not that a little leaven leaveneth the whole lump?

Similarly, some modern churches boast about “inclusiveness” in their tolerance of sexual sin. Do churches still brag about such detrimental worldly wisdom? What should churches do?

1 Corinthians 5:7 Purge out therefore the old leaven, that ye may be a new lump, as ye are unleavened. For even Christ our passover is sacrificed for us:

Are many modern churches weak in this area of church discipline? Do some even harass those who try to apply these biblical principles?

Purging leaven goes back to the Old Testament practice of preparing for Passover and the Days of Unleavened Bread, by ridding a home of all leavening for a week (Exodus 12:15). This symbolized purging a home of sin, and here Paul applies this to the sexual sin in question. How do Christians keep this particular law in spirit?

1 Corinthians 5:8 Therefore let us keep the feast, not with old leaven, neither with the leaven of malice and wickedness; but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth.

Because Christ is our Passover Lamb, can we now keep this feast all year long in spirit? Paul uses this situation to teach a broader Christian principle. We keep the spirit of this ancient feast, by ridding our lives of malice and wickedness, and holding fast to sincerity and truth. How does Paul apply the spirit of the law to this situation?

1 Cor 5:9-13 Excommunication

1 Corinthians 5:9 I wrote unto you in an epistle not to company with fornicators:

Though Christians must live and be lights in this world, do we make habitual sinners our best friends? We neither separate ourselves completely from the world, covering our light with a bushel basket (Matthew 5:14-16), nor mix too closely with those steeped in worldly immorality (John 17:14-16). Does that mean that Christians are to live like hermits or monks?

1 Corinthians 5:10 Yet not altogether with the fornicators of this world, or with the covetous, or extortioners, or with idolaters; for then must ye needs go out of the world.

We cannot avoid all contact with sinners of this world. Some are our family members, work colleagues, customers, and employers. Yet, how should we treat unrepentant, immoral church members?

1 Corinthians 5:11 But now I have written unto you not to keep company, if any man that is called a brother be a fornicator, or covetous, or an idolator, or a railer, or a drunkard, or an extortioner; with such an one no not to eat.

We are to avoid fellowship with church members who brazenly engage in things like sexual immorality, greed, idolatry, slander, drunkenness and swindling.

This may be dealt with in an official excommunication (disfellowshipping) until they repent. It may also in principle be an individual Christian’s private conduct, if church leaders have failed to carry out this duty. It may also apply in principle to how we deal with churches with apostate leaders promoting immorality, effectively excommunicating them by leaving. How many Christians totally ignore Paul’s instructions here? Is this judgmental?

1 Corinthians 5:12 For what have I to do to judge them also that are without? do not ye judge them that are within?

We have no authority to judge those outside the church, but we are responsible to decide between right and wrong inside the church. Who judges those outside the church? What should churches do with those within who are engaged in gross immorality without remorse or repentance?

1 Corinthians 5:13 But them that are without God judgeth. Therefore put away from among yourselves that wicked person.

In a world where “inclusion” of sinful practices is often boasted about, this is a chapter about exclusion. But, the sinner is excluded in hope that it is only temporary, that they may be led to repentance, and thus be quickly reincluded for all eternity.

Becoming Humble Churches

Paul suggests that though we don’t look to men, we ought to be humble, love and respect the faulty ministers over us in the Lord as we look to what God is doing.

1 Cor 4:1-5 Ministers of Christ

1 Corinthians 4:1 Let a man so account of us, as of the ministers of Christ, and stewards of the mysteries of God.

What are the ministers over us in the Lord? They are first of all, servants of Christ. Second, they are “in charge of explaining God’s mysteries.” (NLT) However, human ministers are helpless to do what only God can do, reveal God’s hidden things to the human heart.

Most pastors have an education in God’s secrets far beyond the average church member. We ought to realize that each member has specialized training in a trade or profession. So too, the overseers of the church. Their speciality is the mysteries of God, but unlike pagan mysteries which are kept secret, God’s mysteries are revealed to us through the teachers of the church and the action of the Holy Spirit.

The eastern concept of “mysteries” was later translated in the western church as “sacraments.” In one sense, we cannot limit the mysteries to just 2 or 7 sacraments, but see the sacramental nature of daily life, in that the world reveals the presence of God.

1 Corinthians 4:2 Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful.

Stewards manage God’s household. A doctor of theology who is a believer, is a great treasure trove of the secrets of God. But, better a lay person with bad grammar and rudimentary knowledge of the Bible who is faithful, than a thousand doctors who are unbelievers.

1 Corinthians 4:3 But with me it is a very small thing that I should be judged of you, or of man's judgment: yea, I judge not mine own self.

In many churches the Sunday roast is “roast pastor” as people criticize. Paul’s defense against this was no defense at all. He dismissed it as a small thing, not even wanting to judge himself. Paul realized that even after we have done our best, we all fall far short. He gave his short-comings to God.

1 Corinthians 4:4 For I know nothing by myself; yet am I not hereby justified: but he that judgeth me is the Lord.

A clear conscience does not justify us. We all have unknown sins. We are not justified by an unreliable conscience, but by Christ. We are not qualified to even judge ourselves.

1 Corinthians 4:5 Therefore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord come, who both will bring to light the hidden things of darkness, and will make manifest the counsels of the hearts: and then shall every man have praise of God.

Though we must discern who tramples pearls (Matthew 7:6) and false prophets (Matthew 7:15), we ought not develop a critical spirit (Matthew 7:1). Jesus sits in judgment not us (Revelation 20:11-15).

1 Cor 4:6-13 Arrogant Pride

1 Corinthians 4:6 And these things, brethren, I have in a figure transferred to myself and to Apollos for your sakes; that ye might learn in us not to think of men above that which is written, that no one of you be puffed up for one against another.

Clergy and laity alike are to be humble and not arrogant.

1 Corinthians 4:7 For who maketh thee to differ from another? and what hast thou that thou didst not receive? now if thou didst receive it, why dost thou glory, as if thou hadst not received it?

A modern translation makes this clear. “What do you have that God hasn't given you? And if everything you have is from God, why boast as though it were not a gift?” (NLT)

1 Corinthians 4:8 Now ye are full, now ye are rich, ye have reigned as kings without us: and I would to God ye did reign, that we also might reign with you.

These Christians deceived themselves. “You think you already have everything you need. You think you are already rich. You have begun to reign in God's kingdom without us!” (NLT) A true education teaches us how much we don’t know.

1 Corinthians 4:9 For I think that God hath set forth us the apostles last, as it were appointed to death: for we are made a spectacle unto the world, and to angels, and to men.

Faithful leadership means sacrifice of personal life, being mocked, attacked, becoming the dregs of society in people’s minds. It can mean family turning against you, as Aaron and Miriam turned against Moses. Paul likens church leaders to prisoners of war, condemned to death and dragged along as the last in a victory parade.

1 Corinthians 4:10 We are fools for Christ's sake, but ye are wise in Christ; we are weak, but ye are strong; ye are honourable, but we are despised.

Paul writes ironically. “Our dedication to Christ makes us look like fools, but you claim to be so wise in Christ! We are weak, but you are so powerful! You are honored, but we are ridiculed.” (NLT) Church leaders must be willing to follow Christ to a cross of contempt, rather than the popularity of preaching heresies. What extra special difficulties do missionaries face?

1 Corinthians 4:11 Even unto this present hour we both hunger, and thirst, and are naked, and are buffeted, and have no certain dwellingplace;

The word “naked” is more accurately rendered “poorly clothed.” This is the life of a missionary, a true hero of the faith. How do many missionaries raise funds?

1 Corinthians 4:12 And labour, working with our own hands: being reviled, we bless; being persecuted, we suffer it:

Paul often provided for his own ministry as a tentmaker, but sometimes with aid from a church such as Philippi (Acts 18:1-3; 20:33-35; Philippians 4:14-16).

Paul does not take vengeance on his mistreatment by church members, but rather blesses those who abuse him and resigns himself to being harrassed. What reputation do many missionaries endure?

1 Corinthians 4:13 Being defamed, we intreat: we are made as the filth of the world, and are the offscouring of all things unto this day.

Christians face severest persecution in North Korea, Afghanistan, Somalia, Libya, Pakistan, Eritrea, Yemen, Iran, Nigeria, and India. However, in the west it is more and more popular to use Christianity as a whipping boy in the press, and roasting a pastor is still the bad habit of many churches. All pastors must be willing to sacrifice their own egos and be as offscouring, refuse or wiped-off filth in order to serve the church. What did Paul want to say about this?

1 Cor 4:14-21 Admonishment

1 Corinthians 4:14 I write not these things to shame you, but as my beloved sons I warn you.

Paul’s motive was not vengeance for the shameful way he had been treated, but to gently admonish them. What title did Paul give himself?

1 Corinthians 4:15 For though ye have ten thousand instructors in Christ, yet have ye not many fathers: for in Christ Jesus I have begotten you through the gospel.

Paul and Abraham are called fathers in the Bible. This does not contradict Jesus’ hyperbolic instruction not to call anyone “father” or “teacher” (Matthew 23:9-11). Like “hating” our parents (Luke 14:26) in context means to love less by comparison, so too are our human fathers and teachers so much less than our heavenly Father by comparison. Then should we follow any man?

1 Corinthians 4:16 Wherefore I beseech you, be ye followers of me.

It is natural to follow somebody human, a hero. We do not put them ahead of God. How should we follow a man?

1 Corinthians 4:17 For this cause have I sent unto you Timotheus, who is my beloved son, and faithful in the Lord, who shall bring you into remembrance of my ways which be in Christ, as I teach every where in every church.

Ministers are to set an example to be followed, and where we see their way of life in Christ, we follow them. Are people in churches sometimes arrogant?

1 Corinthians 4:18 Now some are puffed up, as though I would not come to you.

Some grew insolent towards Paul, thinking that because he sent Timothy, he was afraid to come and face his detractors. Was he planning to come?

1 Corinthians 4:19 But I will come to you shortly, if the Lord will, and will know, not the speech of them which are puffed up, but the power.

Then Paul would “find out whether these arrogant people just give pretentious speeches or whether they really have God's power.” (NLT) How do we know Paul was speaking of God’s power?

1 Corinthians 4:20 For the kingdom of God is not in word, but in power.

The power of the kingdom of God is far greater than idle church parking lot talk. What happens beyond a preacher’s human words is the true power of God working in unseen spiritual ways. What kind of preaching do we want?

1 Corinthians 4:21 What will ye? shall I come unto you with a rod, or in love, and in the spirit of meekness?

If Corinth will listen, then Paul’s visit can be a pleasant one. It’s their choice. Every loving parent would prefer not to have to discipline a child.

Every church seems to have an unofficial parking lot committee of critics, who nitpick over trivia. If it were a serious sin that broke one of the Ten Commandments, such as an adulterous affair, or stealing church funds, that would be something important to bring to the church’s attention.

Most often though, it is trivial pursuit, a knowitall attitude of arrogance over matters too unimportant to mention. Instead of ripping each other apart with vicious words, or worrying about the foolishness of preaching, we Christians need to look beyond our common imperfect humanity to the power of God in our midst.

Condemned or Not

Prelude

What is the way to life? Why do some reject it? Is their motive logical or emotional? Purpose: Let’s understand the significance of faith in Christ. Plan: Let’s look at condemnation and salvation in John 3:14-21.

John 3:14 The Exalted Cross

As we read John 3:14 “as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of Man be lifted up,” our natural inclination is to think of suffering as one of life’s worst moments. This suggests the opposite. Lifted up on a cross, can also mean “exalted” on a cross. Jesus viewed his suffering with His creation as an exalted privilege. Prosperity preachers are popular because they do not preach suffering. But, to be truly exalted, we must follow Christ’s example. We can’t come to the light of the cross, by the dark and deceptive world of materialism. We too are exalted by sacrificing for others.

John 3:15 Problem, Cause, Solution

In John 3:15 we read, “that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life.” Problem: Ancient Israel complained. Cause: They lacked faith. On one occasion, God punished them by sending poisonous snakes into their midst (Numbers 21:4-9). The people regretted their whining and Moses prayed and following God’s instructions, made a bronze snake on a pole. Solution: Looking on the bronze snake that was lifted up, they lived. When we look to the cross and believe in Jesus, we too will live. The solution to a snake problem was a snake. The solution to the problems of man is the man who was lifted up on a cross.

John 3:16 How God Loved the World

John 3:16 is widely known, “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” “God so loved the world” means He loved the world "in this way," or "like this." He lifted up Jesus in the same manner that Moses lifted up the snake for the healing of Israel. The snake on the pole was meant to remind Israel to trust God for healing but it later became an idol and had to be destroyed. Church traditions can degenerate into idols. We too need to lift up Jesus, ahead of traditions and denominational pride.

John 3:17 Saving the World

A remarkable statement is this, “God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved.” Would we die for our enemies. Would we die for an adulterer, homosexual, divorcee or fornicator. Jesus did. Jesus neither condemned nor condoned sin. He did not condemn the woman caught in adultery, but told her to sin no more. If the liberal sin is to condone sin, then the conservative sin is to condemn sinners. Both extremes are a sin. Only Jesus has the right to condemn in the final judgment, but it’s not here yet. Are we here to condemn or save?

John 3:18 Believe in Him

John 3:18 says, “He who believes in Him is not condemned; but he who does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.” An attitude of disbelief towards Jesus condemns us before judgment day, unless we change. “He who does not believe, already has hell on his neck,” [1] The unbeliever is in a state of self-condemnation before the judgment day, because he cannot be saved by his good deeds. His only hope is repentance and belief in the Gospel. Instead, he prefers wickedness and willfully rejects any idea of Christ, the only way to salvation from death.

[1] Luther, Martin. Luther's Explanatory Notes on the Gospels. P. Anstadt. 1899. 292.

John 3:19 Emotion #1 Love Darkness

John 3:19 says, “And this is the condemnation, that the light has come into the world, and men loved [agapé] darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil.” The word for love is from the Greek word agapé and just means love or affection. It is false that agapé always means divine love. It does not. Like loving darkness, it depends on context. When we hear the story of Jesus, what motivates our conclusion. Intelligent, well-educated people sometimes decide not to believe, based on emotions like loving darkness, not logic. When we love darkness, we are motivated to invent reasons that illogically support our evil deeds.

John 3:20-21 Emotion #2 Hate Light

What motivates someone to accept God or not? John 3:20-21 teaches, “For everyone practicing evil hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his deeds should be exposed. But he who does the truth comes to the light, that his deeds may be clearly seen, that they have been done in God.” This reveals that it is not logic, but an emotion, hate of the truth. Aren’t atheists and agnostics supposed to be logical and scientific in their conclusions? That’s a myth. Scientific methods deliberately ignore God and forensic evidence for God is deliberately buried. Why? It’s an emotional decision, hatred of truth and light.

Postlude

God wants everyone to desire salvation, but it’s their choice. The way to life is Jesus Christ. Some reject Him, and their true motives are emotional not logical at all, 1) “men loved darkness rather than light” and 2) “everyone practicing evil hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his deeds should be exposed.” But, “He who believes in Him is not condemned” and “whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.”

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

Numbers 21:4-9 “So Moses made a bronze serpent, and put it on a pole; and so it was, if a serpent had bitten anyone, when he looked at the bronze serpent, he lived.”

Psalm 107:1-3, 17-22 “Oh, give thanks to the Lord, for He is good! For His mercy endures forever.”

Ephesians 2:1-10 “by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God”

Church Leaders (1 Corinthians 3)

Now comes that chapter that many congregations would not want to hear. Let’s not be like rebellious people, “Which say to the seers, See not; and to the prophets, Prophesy not unto us right things, speak unto us smooth things, prophesy deceits” (Isaiah 30:10 KJV). Let’s listen to what God’s minister has to preach to the Corinthians. Could it apply to us too?

1 Cor 3:1-4 Carnal Babes

1 Corinthians 3:1 And I, brethren, could not speak unto you as unto spiritual, but as unto carnal, even as unto babes in Christ.

An excellent modern translation is the following: “And I, brethren, could not speak to you as to spiritual men, but as to men of flesh, as to infants in Christ.” (NASB) Now those are meaty words for any church to swallow. Are we ready for meat, or can we only handle milk, spiritual baby food?

1 Corinthians 3:2 I have fed you with milk, and not with meat: for hitherto ye were not able to bear it, neither yet now are ye able.

Pastors often have to hold back from delivering meatier sermons because the congregation is not yet spiritually mature enough to receive it. That is a judgment call that must be approached with prayer and wisdom, knowing that to preach only “smooth things” (Isaiah 30:10) is also not right. Paul certainly cannot be accused of that here. What did he have to say?

1 Corinthians 3:3 For ye are yet carnal: for whereas there is among you envying, and strife, and divisions, are ye not carnal, and walk as men?

This church is still “fleshly” (NASB), that is, “not yet spiritual” (CEV). Why? It is because of envying, strife and divisions. Is there this kind of “jealousy and quarreling” (NIV) in our church? What were some of its causes in Corinth?

1 Corinthians 3:4 For while one saith, I am of Paul; and another, I am of Apollos; are ye not carnal?

Partisanship is frequent in worldly politics, but ought not be found in churches except in separating ourselves from heresy. God’s people ought to be unified in the truth. The word translated as carnal here was culturally a hint of human weakness, meaning “aren't you acting just like people of the world?” (NLT), and more literally, “aren't you fleshly?” (WEB). What can we learn from different leadership personalities?

1 Cor 3:5-17 The Increase

1 Corinthians 3:5 Who then is Paul, and who is Apollos, but ministers by whom ye believed, even as the Lord gave to every man?

Each of our human leaders can teach us different lessons, but orthodox church leaders are unified in one most important function: “Servants [ministers] through whom you believed” (ESV, NASB). What are some of the different gifts of our leaders?

1 Corinthians 3:6 I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase.

Church planters and waterers of churches often fall into the trap of thinking that growth is by human effort, even writing many books detailing human efforts that they claim will make a church grow.

The truth is that some churches have become very large preaching “smooth things” (Isaiah 30:10), using fleshly techniques and personality cults. Some churches may be the proverbial mile wide and only an inch deep, with large attendance and an impoverished spiritual diet. Some of the largest churches sadly teach a weak, watered-down gospel.

True spiritual increase in size and maturity comes from heaven. How might Paul summarize many bookshelves filled with worldly-minded church growth techniques?

1 Corinthians 3:7 So then neither is he that planteth any thing, neither he that watereth; but God that giveth the increase.

We need to get back to simple Christian humility, that we are not the great gurus of church growth that we pretend to be. Rather, it is God who gives the increase. What does the Bible say about humility?

“The Lord mocks the mockers but is gracious to the humble.” (Proverbs 3:34 NLT) “Therefore whoever humbles himself as this little child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.” (Matthew 18:4 NKJV)

Does this mean that churches should have ignored Paul and Apollos? “Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble.” (1 Peter 5:5 KJV) Humility involves working with those over us in the Lord. Are Church leaders with different gifts to be united?

1 Corinthians 3:8 Now he that planteth and he that watereth are one: and every man shall receive his own reward according to his own labour.

In the vegetable garden the planter and waterer are working for the same purpose. Likewise in the church. We need not be disappointed believing that God has no reward for us. If we welcome those who work for God, we receive the same reward as them.

“He who receives a prophet in the name of a prophet shall receive a prophet’s reward. And he who receives a righteous man in the name of a righteous man shall receive a righteous man’s reward.” (Matthew 10:41 NKJV) What wonderful thing does this mean?

1 Corinthians 3:9 For we are labourers together with God: ye are God's husbandry, ye are God's building.

True ministers work together as laborers with God. When the church welcomes the true ministers of God, we all become laborers together with God. We are God’s tilled field, His building. How do we build?

1 Corinthians 3:10 According to the grace of God which is given unto me, as a wise masterbuilder, I have laid the foundation, and another buildeth thereon. But let every man take heed how he buildeth thereupon.

Those who have gone on before have built our churches. Let us be wise in building upon their work. In today’s church some believe that our foundation is faulty, calling it patriarchalism, the word of men apart from God, or that Jesus was just a good man and not God in the flesh. If we don’t build on the foundation laid, we are building an entirely different structure and not the church of God.

1 Corinthians 3:11 For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ.

Yes, Jesus Christ IS our foundation. If we are building heresy, apostasy, or false gospels, we are building wood, hay and stubble, which will burn up. What are we building on the foundation?

1 Corinthians 3:12 Now if any man build upon this foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble;

Are some of these too ostentatious for the church of God? Are some too inferior? Do we have a test that our building materials must pass?

1 Corinthians 3:13 Every man's work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man's work of what sort it is.

What day is a day of fire? Days of trial are pictured as days of fire, and to a lesser extent, truth is revealed in trials. However, the ultimate revelation of our works will be on the day of judgment, the day of the Lord. Time and trial will reveal what we build, whether it is good or bad. In the end, we will all be judged on that day for how we built upon what Jesus and the Apostles laid down. Are we building what is temporary or eternal?

1 Corinthians 3:14 If any man's work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward.

Biblical orthodoxy which follows the teachings of Jesus, the prophets and apostles are precious metals and true gems. But heresy and worldly apostasy are hay and stubble that will perish in the fire. Which are we building?

1 Corinthians 3:15 If any man's work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire.

Can a foolish workman be saved? Perhaps so, because we are not saved by perfect theology but by faith.

Apostasy in the church will eventually come to nothing, burned up. But, gold, silver and precious stones will survive.

1 Corinthians 3:16 Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?

What is the temple being built with precious metals and jewelry? It is us, “ye” is plural. The wood, hay and stubble are an attempt to build the temporary works of this world on the foundation of Christ. The precious materials are building the Temple using the precious materials of heaven on the foundation.

We are not saved by good works, but for good works (Ephesians 2:9-10). This is the harmony of Catholic and Protestant theology on the topic of works. If the Holy Spirit lives in us, our faith is alive with good works.

1 Corinthians 3:17 If any man defile [destroy] the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which temple ye are.

To destroy the church, the people of God, is to destroy where God dwells. How do people destroy the church? Through false doctrine and sin. We are tempted, because every church is so imperfect, but must be careful how we treat each other, because God dwells among us.

1 Cor 3:18-23 Worldly Wisdom

1 Corinthians 3:18 Let no man deceive himself. If any man among you seemeth to be wise in this world, let him become a fool, that he may be wise.

Worldly wisdom calls godly wisdom foolish, but is really empty foolishness. So, Paul speaks ironically here, saying to the worldly wise to become a fool in the world’s eyes and gain the true wisdom of God.

1 Corinthians 3:19 For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God. For it is written, He taketh the wise in their own craftiness.

The world is run by highly intelligent, well educated people who cannot solve humanity's problems. The best wisdom of the world is, in God’s eyes, foolishness.

1 Corinthians 3:20 And again, The Lord knoweth the thoughts of the wise, that they are vain.

The best wisdom of the world is, in God’s eyes, useless. The wisdom of great philosophers, poets, scientists, educators, and statesmen is useless and ineffective compared to the wisdom of heaven.

1 Corinthians 3:21 Therefore let no man glory in men. For all things are your's;

Let’s not brag about following great church leaders like Augustine, Chrysostom, Francis, Luther, Wesley or any other. “So don't boast about following a particular human leader. For everything belongs to you” (NLT)

1 Corinthians 3:22 Whether Paul, or Apollos, or Cephas, or the world, or life, or death, or things present, or things to come; all are your's;

Sometimes a different translation makes things clearer: “whether Paul or Apollos or Cephas or the world or life or death or things present or things to come; all things belong to you” (NASB). We are all partakers together of the benefits of God’s kingdom. We even own death, because for us, "to live is Christ, and to die is gain" (Philippians 1:21 NIV, ESV, NASB, KJV).

1 Corinthians 3:23 And ye are Christ's; and Christ is God's.

While we learn much from great Christian leaders, rather than unbalanced loyalty to one, mature Christians will begin to broaden their faith, tapping great Christian teachers across the spectrum, especially those whose focus is obeying Jesus.

Next, Paul will encourage us to love some as spiritual fathers, yet in concluding this chapter, he reminds us that all faithful teachers point us to Christ, and Jesus points us to the Father.

Clear the Building

Prelude

What kind of worship do we have here? Is it just a cabaret with Christian songs? Is it easy worship without self-sacrifice, or is it real worship from the heart?

Purpose

Let’s look at the most important purpose for our church building.

Plan

Let’s learn Jesus’ reason for driving the merchants out of the temple court in John 2:13-25.

Human Authority

John 2:13 Now the Passover of the Jews was at hand, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem.

The Passover of the Christians was celebrated either at the same time as that of the Jews or a different time. The Christian feast has a different meaning than the Passover of the Jews, because Jesus has become our Passover Lamb. Christian Passover is called Easter in English.

John 2:14 And He found in the temple those who sold oxen and sheep and doves, and the money changers doing business.

Like many human ideas, this possibly seemed like a genuine service, but it had many problems. The commotion disturbed worship. Profit motives corrupted it. Heartfelt personal sacrifice of an animal loved since birth, cared for and transported all the way to the temple, was cheapened by the easy sacrifice of an unknown animal bought at the market. Such corruption caused the temple to be despised.

John 2:15 When He had made a whip of cords, He drove them all out of the temple, with the sheep and the oxen, and poured out the changers’ money and overturned the tables.

Was this an ancient fundraiser similar to Catholic indulgences that was a main cause of the Protestant Reformation? How would God react to some of our church practices? Would He also be angry with some things that we take for granted?

John 2:16 And He said to those who sold doves, “Take these things away! Do not make My Father’s house a house of merchandise!”

As “God with us” Jesus’ authority to do this is absolute. The buying and selling of goods and services is not sinful, as long as everything is done honestly. However, it is not for the worship space.

John 2:17 Then His disciples remembered that it was written, “Zeal for Your house has eaten Me up.”

Who does our church building belong to? Is our church just a money-making business or a place of worship from the heart? Would Jesus just talk to us calmly about church reformation, or use a whip and drive the money-changers out from among us? Do we have similar zeal for our house of worship?

Divine Authority

John 2:18 So the Jews answered and said to Him, “What sign do You show to us, since You do these things?”

Ours is an age of skepticism. A hallmark of Protestantism is to be skeptical of church authorities? Do we likewise demand a sign before we will believe? What sign do we demand to know that we are not just playing church, but that this is real, that Jesus is the Messiah come to save the whole world?

John 2:19 Jesus answered and said to them, “Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.”

Jesus gave an answer which would later prove His authority by His self resurrection after 3 days. Did they understand?

John 2:20 Then the Jews said, “It has taken forty-six years to build this temple, and will You raise it up in three days?”

As is so often the case with Bible readers not led by the Holy Spirit, these people completely miss the hidden, spiritual meaning. What was it?

John 2:21 But He was speaking of the temple of His body.

Like many who read prophecy from a literal standpoint, they were lost in the incongruity of their literal understanding of His words, raising the temple in 3 days after destroying it. For instance, some believe that a literal third temple must be built in Jerusalem; others believe that Jesus and the church fulfill most prophecies of the temple and the tabernacle (Isaiah 8:14; 1 Corinthians 3:16; 6:19; 2 Corinthians 6:16; Hebrews 8:2; Colossians 2:9).

John 2:22 Therefore, when He had risen from the dead, His disciples remembered that He had said this to them; and they believed the Scripture and the word which Jesus had said.

They now understood and believed a new spiritual depth to Old Testament scriptures and the words of Jesus.

John 2:23-25 Now when He was in Jerusalem at the Passover, during the feast, many believed in His name when they saw the signs which He did. 24 But Jesus did not commit Himself to them, because He knew all men, 25 and had no need that anyone should testify of man, for He knew what was in man.

Do we know what is in us? Do we know that we in the church are capable of the same tendency to spoil the worship of God? What are we going to do about it?

Postlude

This is all about how we do church today. Are we the one buying a cheap substitute sacrifice? Are we the one selling easy worship without self-sacrifice? Are we the priests defending vain traditions? Do we stand with Jesus to return God’s house to a house of prayer? What is our purpose as a church gathering, preservation of human ideas, Protestant forms of Catholic indulgences, or worship of the one true God?

Exodus 20:1-17 the Ten Commandments

Psalm 19 The heavens declare the glory of God

1 Corinthians 1:18-31 God has chosen the foolish things of the world to put to shame the wise, and God has chosen the weak things of the world to put to shame the things which are mighty