Sermon20120205

1Corinthians 13:1-13

The Excellence of Love

1 If I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but do not have love, I have become a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal.
2 If I have the gift of prophecy, and know all mysteries and all knowledge; and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing.
3 And if I give all my possessions to feed the poor, and if I surrender my body to be burned, but do not have love, it profits me nothing.
4 Love is patient, love is kind and is not jealous; love does not brag and is not arrogant,
5 does not act unbecomingly; it does not seek its own, is not provoked, does not take into account a wrong suffered,
6 does not rejoice in unrighteousness, but rejoices with the truth;
7 bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.
8 Love never fails; but if there are gifts of prophecy, they will be done away; if there are tongues, they will cease; if there is knowledge, it will be done away.
9 For we know in part and we prophesy in part;
10 but when the perfect comes, the partial will be done away.
11 When I was a child, I used to speak like a child, think like a child, reason like a child; when I became a man, I did away with childish things.
12 For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face; now I know in part, but then I will know fully just as I also have been fully known.
13 But now faith, hope, love, abide these three; but the greatest of these is love.

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Sermon20120129

1Corinthians 13:1-13

The Excellence of Love

1 If I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but do not have love, I have become a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal.
2 If I have the gift of prophecy, and know all mysteries and all knowledge; and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing.
3 And if I give all my possessions to feed the poor, and if I surrender my body to be burned, but do not have love, it profits me nothing.
4 Love is patient, love is kind and is not jealous; love does not brag and is not arrogant,
5 does not act unbecomingly; it does not seek its own, is not provoked, does not take into account a wrong suffered,
6 does not rejoice in unrighteousness, but rejoices with the truth;
7 bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.
8 Love never fails; but if there are gifts of prophecy, they will be done away; if there are tongues, they will cease; if there is knowledge, it will be done away.
9 For we know in part and we prophesy in part;
10 but when the perfect comes, the partial will be done away.
11 When I was a child, I used to speak like a child, think like a child, reason like a child; when I became a man, I did away with childish things.
12 For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face; now I know in part, but then I will know fully just as I also have been fully known.
13 But now faith, hope, love, abide these three; but the greatest of these is love.

Theme: three reasons why spiritual gifts are inferior to Christian love so you will never lose sight of keeping it in the center of your ministries.

I. The gifts are temporary in their duration vv.8-10
(11) THE MINISTRY AND SPIRITUAL GIFTS
a. We believe that God is sovereign in the bestowment of all His gifts; and, that he gifts of evangelists, pastors and teachers are sufficient for the perfecting of the saints today; and, that speaking tongues and the working of sign miracles gradually ceased as the New Testament Scriptures were completed and their authority became established ( 1Cor 12:4-11; 2Cor 12:12; Eph4:7-12).

A. Gifts were intended to be temporary in the life of the church vs.8
B. Gifts were partial in their contribution to the life of the church vs.9
C. Gifts would be done away with at the arrival of the perfectvs.10

II. The gifts belong to a less developed stage of church history vv.11-12
A. The illustration of childhood progressing to adult confirms this vs.11
B. The completion of knowledge confirms this v.12
1. The mirror analogy
2. Full knowledge

III. The gifts do not continue into eternity vs. 13

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Sermon20120122

CHAPTER 13

The Excellence of Love

1 If I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but do not have love, I have become a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal.
2 If I have the gift of prophecy, and know all mysteries and all knowledge; and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing.
3 And if I give all my possessions to feed the poor, and if I surrender my body to be burned, but do not have love, it profits me nothing.
4 Love is patient, love is kind and is not jealous; love does not brag and is not arrogant,
5 does not act unbecomingly; it does not seek its own, is not provoked, does not take into account a wrong suffered,
6 does not rejoice in unrighteousness, but rejoices with the truth;
7 bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.
8 Love never fails; but if there are gifts of prophecy, they will be done away; if there are tongues, they will cease; if there is knowledge, it will be done away.
9 For we know in part and we prophesy in part;
10 but when the perfect comes, the partial will be done away.
11 When I was a child, I used to speak like a child, think like a child, reason like a child; when I became a man, I did away with childish things.
12 For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face; now I know in part, but then I will know fully just as I also have been fully known.
13 But now faith, hope, love, abide these three; but the greatest of these is love.

“…love (agape) denotes above all a stance or attitude which shows itself in acts of will as regard, respect, and concern for the welfare of the other .” ( Anthony Thisselton: The First Epistle to the Corinthians, 1035)

Review:
1. Some ministries take priority in the church vv. 27-28
2. All ministries are limited in the church vv. 29-30
3. Love must accompany all ministries in the church vv. 31-13:3

A. the Corinthians needed to be shown the more excellent way vs. 31
B. the more excellent way is the presence of love in the exercise of the gifts vv.1-3
1. In speaking foreign languages
2. In prophesy, knowledge and faith
3. In sacrificial giving

The Sixteen Qualities of Love:
Two virtues love is
Patient
Kind

Eight sins love avoids
Being jealous
Bragging
Being arrogant
Acting unbecomingly
Seeking its own
Being provoked
Taking into account a wrong
Rejoicing in unrighteousness

Five Actions love takes
Rejoices with the truth
Bears all things
Believes all things
Hopes all things
Endures all things

One final word on love
It never fails.

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1 Corinthians 12:12-26

12 For even as the body is one and yet has many members, and all the members of the body, though they are many, are one body, so also is Christ.
13 For by one Spirit we were all baptized into one body, whether Jews or Greeks, whether slaves or free, and we were all made to drink of one Spirit.
14 For the body is not one member, but many.
15 If the foot says, “Because I am not a hand, I am not a part of the body,” it is not for this reason any the less a part of the body.
16 And if the ear says, “Because I am not an eye, I am not a part of the body,” it is not for this reason any the less a part of the body.
17 If the whole body were an eye, where would the hearing be? If the whole were hearing, where would the sense of smell be?
18 But now God has placed the members, each one of them, in the body, just as He desired.
19 If they were all one member, where would the body be?
20 But now there are many members, but one body.
21 And the eye cannot say to the hand, “I have no need of you”; or again the head to the feet, “I have no need of you.”
22 On the contrary, it is much truer that the members of the body which seem to be weaker are necessary;
23 and those members of the body which we deem less honorable, on these we bestow more abundant honor, and our less presentable members become much more presentable,
24 whereas our more presentable members have no need of it. But God has so composed the body, giving more abundant honor to that member which lacked,
25 so that there may be no division in the body, but that the members may have the same care for one another.
26 And if one member suffers, all the members suffer with it; if one member is honored, all the members rejoice with it.

Theme: Four characteristics of how God designed the church to function so you will embrace your ministry in it.

I. The church is a singular, spiritual entity made up of many members vv.12-14,20
A. The church is like the human bodkin terms of it’s unity. vv12,20.
B. the church is also like the human body in terms of its many members vs.14
C. The church is entered into through baptism by the Spirit vs.13

II. The church is designed to be interdependent vv.15-19
A. You are a necessary part of the church vv.15-17
B. God placed you in His church as He wished vv.18-19

III. The church members are all necessary in terms of usefulness and honor vv.21-24
A. No ministry in the church is unnecessary vv. 21-22
B. regardless of your ministry, you are appreciated vs. 23
C. Up front ministries need no additional honor vs. 24a
D. God levels the playing field of honor vs. 24b

IV. Three reasons are given for why God has composed the body so that all the members receive honor vv. 25-26
A. Reason #1: To avoid division in the body
B. Reason #2: To promote the same care for one another.
C. Reason #3: To experience life together

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Sermon20120101

Matthew 6:19-21

19 Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal.
20 But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys, and where thieves do not break in or steal;
21 for where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

Introduction: How are we Christians dealing about money? If it weren’t for the money we wouldn’t do our jobs. Money is responsible for buying, saving, loaning. How often have you argued over money with your spouse? That’s why Jesus taught quite a bit about money. Jesus knew that for the Israelites where their money was, their heart was there also. Jesus talked about money and how to deal with it

Theme: Two lessons regarding your own heart and money so you can accurately where you have placed your hope.

1.Do not put your trust in money. Vs.19

2.Do put your trust in Heavenly treasures vs.20

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Sermon20111225

John 3:16
16 “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life.

Theme : Five aspects of God’s Christmas gift, Jesus Christ, which make Him the greatest gift ever given.

I. The Giver of the gift is God

II. The Motive for the gift is pure, unadulterated, love.

III. The Recipient of the gift is the world.

IV. The Gift is Jesus, God’s only begotten Son.

V. The Relevance of the Gift is the Eternal Salvation of Man.

Three Right Responses:

A. Accept God’s gift through believing in His Son – John 1:12
B. Love Him with all your being.
1. Love Him above all others – Matt. 10:37
2. Obey His commands – John 14:15, 21
3. Worship and serve Him as your God – Matthew 2:11; 14:33; 28:17; Revelation 5:14
C. Share the good news of His birth, life and especially His death and resurrection – Luke 2:18; Matthew 28:19

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Theme: six reasons why Jesus had to be born so we would marvel at God’s glory and gift to mankind.

I. To fulfill prophecy

A. Mary would conceive and bear a Son – Matt.1:21; Luke1:31
B. The virgin shall be with child – Matt 1:22-23 (Isaiah 7:14); Luke 1:34
C. The birthplace would be Bethlehem – Matt 2:5-6
D. He would be called out of Egypt – Matt 2:15
E. Weeping and mourning over the slaughter of babies in Bethlehem – Matt 2:16-18
F. He would be called a Nazarene – Matt 2:23
G. He will be great – Luke 1:32a
H. He will be called the Son of the Most High – Luke 1:32b, 35b
I. He will be the eternal ruler of Israel – Luke 1:32c-33; Matthew 2:6
J. The Holy Spirit will impregnate Mary – Luke 1:35a
K.The baby will be wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger – Luke 2:12

II. To be the King and Ruler over Israel

A. The announcement to Mary – Luke 1:32b-33 (cf. 2Sam 7:12-15)
B. The arrival of the wisemen – Matthew 2:1-6

III. To personally reveal himself to us.

A. His name Immanuel – Matt 1:23 (Isaiah 7:14; 8:10)
B. His title Son of the Most High – Matt 1:23; Luke 1:32, 35

IV. To be Savior of his people (and all men)

A. His name, Jesus – Matt 1:21; Luke 1:31
B. His title, Christ – Matt 2:4; Luke 2:11

V. Fullness of time had come – Galatians 4:4

A. God sent His Son -
B. He was born of a woman -
C. He was born under the law -

VI. To draw men to worship.

A. Worship of Christ – Matt 2:2,11
B. Worship of God – Luke 2:14, 20

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Sermon20111211

1Corinthians CHAPTER 12 The Use of Spiritual Gifts 1 Now concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I do not want you to be unaware. 2 You know that when you were pagans, you were led astray to the mute idols, however you were led. 3 Therefore I make known to you that no one speaking by the Spirit of God says, “Jesus is accursed”; and no one can say, “Jesus is Lord,” except by the Holy Spirit. 4 Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit. 5 And there are varieties of ministries, and the same Lord. 6 There are varieties of effects, but the same God who works all things in all persons. 7 But to each one is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good. 8 For to one is given the word of wisdom through the Spirit, and to another the word of knowledge according to the same Spirit; 9 to another faith by the same Spirit, and to another gifts of healing by the one Spirit, 10 and to another the effecting of miracles, and to another prophecy, and to another the distinguishing of spirits, to another various kinds of tongues, and to another the interpretation of tongues. 11 But one and the same Spirit works all these things, distributing to each one individually just as He wills. 12 For even as the body is one and yet has many members, and all the members of the body, though they are many, are one body, so also is Christ. 13 For by one Spirit we were all baptized into one body, whether Jews or Greeks, whether slaves or free, and we were all made to drink of one Spirit. 14 For the body is not one member, but many. 15 If the foot says, “Because I am not a hand, I am not a part of the body,” it is not for this reason any the less a part of the body. 16 And if the ear says, “Because I am not an eye, I am not a part of the body,” it is not for this reason any the less a part of the body. 17 If the whole body were an eye, where would the hearing be? If the whole were hearing, where would the sense of smell be? 18 But now God has placed the members, each one of them, in the body, just as He desired. 19 If they were all one member, where would the body be? 20 But now there are many members, but one body. 21 And the eye cannot say to the hand, “I have no need of you”; or again the head to the feet, “I have no need of you.” 22 On the contrary, it is much truer that the members of the body which seem to be weaker are necessary; 23 and those members of the body which we deem less honorable, on these we bestow more abundant honor, and our less presentable members become much more presentable, 24 whereas our more presentable members have no need of it. But God has so composed the body, giving more abundant honor to that member which lacked, 25 so that there may be no division in the body, but that the members may have the same care for one another. 26 And if one member suffers, all the members suffer with it; if one member is honored, all the members rejoice with it. 27 Now you are Christ’s body, and individually members of it. 28 And God has appointed in the church, first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, administrations, various kinds of tongues. 29 All are not apostles, are they? All are not prophets, are they? All are not teachers, are they? All are not workers of miracles, are they? 30 All do not have gifts of healings, do they? All do not speak with tongues, do they? All do not interpret, do they? 31 But earnestly desire the greater gifts. And I show you a still more excellent way. Introduction: Three Broad Guidelines: 1. Chapter 12: The exercise of these gifts must be for the

common good

of the body of Christ (vs.7) 2. Chapter 13: The exercise of these gifts must be conducted is manner of Biblical

love

(vv.1-3) 3. Chapter 14: The exercise of these gifts must be for the

edification

of the church (vv.3-13) Theme: Three characteristics of your ministry in the church so you can begin to serve Christ more purposefully. I. Your ministry will be different from others in the church vv.4-6 In kind In scope In impact II. Every Christian has been given a ministry in the church vs.7 Your ministry is given to you for the common good of the church III. Your ministry in the church will be limited to what the Spirit continues to give today for building up the church. vv.8-10 The revelatory and confirmatory gifts are no longer necessary in the church today. The Gifts Explained: 1. word of wisdom (revelatory) – speech, unique, method of delivery, uttered 2. word of knowledge (revelatory) – speech, unique, method of delivery, uttered 3. faith (confirmatory) – 4. gifts of healing (confirmatory) – confirms the messenger is from God 5. effecting of miracles (confirmatory) – confirms the messenger is from God 6. prophecy (revelatory/confirmatory) – 7. distinguishing of spirits (confirmatory) – 8. kinds of tongues (revelatory) – revelatory speech, unique, method of delivery, uttered 9. interpretation of tongues (revelatory) – revelatory speech, unique, method of delivery, uttered Summary Statement vs.11

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1Corinthians
CHAPTER 12

The Use of Spiritual Gifts

1 Now concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I do not want you to be unaware.
2 You know that when you were pagans, you were led astray to the mute idols, however you were led.
3 Therefore I make known to you that no one speaking by the Spirit of God says, “Jesus is accursed”; and no one can say, “Jesus is Lord,” except by the Holy Spirit.
4 Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit.
5 And there are varieties of ministries, and the same Lord.
6 There are varieties of effects, but the same God who works all things in all persons.
7 But to each one is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good.
8 For to one is given the word of wisdom through the Spirit, and to another the word of knowledge according to the same Spirit;
9 to another faith by the same Spirit, and to another gifts of healing by the one Spirit,
10 and to another the effecting of miracles, and to another prophecy, and to another the distinguishing of spirits, to another various kinds of tongues, and to another the interpretation of tongues.
11 But one and the same Spirit works all these things, distributing to each one individually just as He wills.
12 For even as the body is one and yet has many members, and all the members of the body, though they are many, are one body, so also is Christ.
13 For by one Spirit we were all baptized into one body, whether Jews or Greeks, whether slaves or free, and we were all made to drink of one Spirit.
14 For the body is not one member, but many.
15 If the foot says, “Because I am not a hand, I am not a part of the body,” it is not for this reason any the less a part of the body.
16 And if the ear says, “Because I am not an eye, I am not a part of the body,” it is not for this reason any the less a part of the body.
17 If the whole body were an eye, where would the hearing be? If the whole were hearing, where would the sense of smell be?
18 But now God has placed the members, each one of them, in the body, just as He desired.
19 If they were all one member, where would the body be?
20 But now there are many members, but one body.
21 And the eye cannot say to the hand, “I have no need of you”; or again the head to the feet, “I have no need of you.”
22 On the contrary, it is much truer that the members of the body which seem to be weaker are necessary;
23 and those members of the body which we deem less honorable, on these we bestow more abundant honor, and our less presentable members become much more presentable,
24 whereas our more presentable members have no need of it. But God has so composed the body, giving more abundant honor to that member which lacked,
25 so that there may be no division in the body, but that the members may have the same care for one another.
26 And if one member suffers, all the members suffer with it; if one member is honored, all the members rejoice with it.
27 Now you are Christ’s body, and individually members of it.
28 And God has appointed in the church, first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, administrations, various kinds of tongues.
29 All are not apostles, are they? All are not prophets, are they? All are not teachers, are they? All are not workers of miracles, are they?
30 All do not have gifts of healings, do they? All do not speak with tongues, do they? All do not interpret, do they?
31 But earnestly desire the greater gifts.
And I show you a still more excellent way.

Introduction:

Three Broad Guidelines:

1. Chapter 12: The exercise of these gifts must be for the

common good

of the body of Christ (vs.7)
2. Chapter 13: The exercise of these gifts must be conducted is manner of Biblical

love

(vv.1-3)
3. Chapter 14: The exercise of these gifts must be for the

edification

of the church (vv.3-13)

Theme: Five foundational principals for understanding spiritual gifts so you can begin to understand this subject and how it impacts your ministry in the church.

A. Recognize that there are differences of understanding. vs1
B. Remember there is a difference in culture. vs2
C. Understand that every gift or function is given to believers for the sake of building up the body of Christ and not for your own personal edification .vv 12-127
D. Accept that every Christian has been given and is expected to exercise some spiritual gift. vv4-11
E. All the speaking and auxiliary gifts or ministries are necessary for the continued well being of the church.

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