1 Corinthians 3:16-23 Defending the Body of Christ
The Corinthian Church was stewing with controversy and strife, and Paul wrote several letters to this struggling church and in this section he argues that the greatest threat to the church is usually from within. Each body of believers has their own Judas Iscariot running around with in them proclaiming to be Christ-like, when in reality it is just a matter of time before they are betraying the leadership and trust of the church. We don’t like to admit it or acknowledge it, but they exist. In the last part of chapter 3 the Apostle Paul counsels the church on how to defend against such trouble makers by asking 3 essential questions. (Segments from Christians Gone Wild Series – by Mark Driscoll)
Paul’s teaching concerning this issue is a timely message that can be carried on throughout the ages. The statistics within the church are alarming. 80% of churches have plateaued or are declining, and some 3,500 churches die every year.
You might be asking “why are we talking about this when everything is going good?”, but in reality if we wait to talk about it until crisis hits it’s too late.
1 Corinthians 3:16-23 / Pray
Question #1: Why should we care if the church is being destroyed? v.16-17
The One Body is not an actual building but rather the people who live their lives together in worship to Jesus. The most significant part of the body of Christ is that it is the place God has chosen as His home upon earth. Paul compares the body to the Old Testament temple in which God dwelt. We must care for the maturity, purity, and health of our body, because an attack upon it is nothing less than an attack on the holiness of God.
Question #2: What causes someone to destroy a descent Church? v.18-20
What makes decisive church people so dangerous and difficult to deal with is that they are so skilled at deception that they have in fact been deceived themselves, much like Satan is both self-deceived and a deceiver. They are very convincing about their holiness and good intentions. Such people are often well-versed in the latest ideas, are intelligent, and competently defend their beliefs. But what they lack is humility to agree with God and His wisdom. Instead they favor prideful thinking that is contrary to God. Such people are often more concerned about what others think of them (particularly non-believers), and they abandon clear Biblical teaching. – 1 Cor. 10:12 “Take heed” – Each of us are capable of being deceived.
Question #3: How can a church prevent its own destruction? v.21-23
Thankfully God has provided us with the means to defend ourselves from destructive people, and still remain faithful to Him. The key to overcoming this is ultimately “humility”, the humility to learn from many of God’s faithful servants. God has richly provided an abundance of resources for His church.
Paul concludes his counsel by focusing on Jesus Christ. “Because Jesus who is our God, was willing to humbly become a person to live, die, and rise in our place for our sins, He connects us to God. He serves as our example of a humble person who is willing to be despised and ridiculed by many in order to be loved and approved by the Father.
I have spent a lot of time on the road here lately, and I am looking forward to slowing down and spending some time with the family preparing for the arrival of Trinity Lynn.
I was in Kansas City for our mission trip 3 weeks ago where we worked with a homeless shelter, community project, and hosted a youth rally where many decisions were made in faith. 2 weeks ago I spent some quality time in Little Rock with our North American Missions director Larry Barker, and the BMA National Missions director John David Smith discussing “Churches Planting Churches”, “Effectively Reaching Your Community”, and “Building the church” which so happens to be the topic we are discussing today. And Last week I had the awesome privilege to serve as assistant camp superintendent where we experienced 45 salvations and numerous decisions for Christ. Talk about building the body of Christ!!
I have been amazed at how God has worked over the summer. I have truly experienced the working hand of God these past few weeks, and if we hope to continue to see God working through each of us it is going to require just that work.
Quote: Eph. 2:10 “For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.
When it comes to Building the Body of Christ it requires work.
I remember early in my teenage years I had the privilege to help build a church that I was working in, and at that point I had never swung a hammer before in my life. Don’t get me wrong, I was no stranger to hard work. I grew up on a farm, and I was familiar with that type of hard labor, but never constructive labor. I realized real quickly that it required skill and hard work to build an infrastructure. We didn’t have all of the power tools that you see nowadays, just a simple hammer and nail.
It is vitally important that we recognize that if we want to build One Body – the body of Christ it isn’t going to be easy. It is going to require teamwork, leadership, effective workhands, open mindedness, perseverance, and I can’t express enough “hard work”
So let us get into context of what is going on in 1 Corinthians 3
Early in the book of Corinthians, Paul defines for his people both what it means to be a spiritual Christian and a worldly Christian. This was important because the Corinthians had a wrong understanding of what it meant to be spiritual. The Corinthians were very Spiritual! Worldly wisdom defined for the Corinthians what it meant to be spiritual, so in Paul’s letter he instructs them concerning
spiritual wisdom in spiritual words for the growth of spiritual people and the building of a spiritual body of believers.
And in the first part of Chapter three Paul also discusses the difference between the immature (babes) and the mature Christians, the worldly and the Godly. Many of the Christians w/in the Corinthian Church had been saved for almost two years, and they are acting like a bunch of babies. Many within churches today are like babies – they suck the resources out of it, suck the life out of it – make a bunch of messes and expect everyone else to clean up after them – make noise and expect everyone to come running to meet their needs.
This also reminds me of how I was, when I experienced my first construction opportunity helping build that church. I sucked up all the resources with all the bent nails that I was wasting, made a huge mess out of the materials I was working with, and I made a whole lot of noise and accomplished very little. Often time we see this even in our church; however we can’t allow immature Christians hold us back from “Building the Body of Christ.”
The building of the body of Christ was being hindered because the Corinthians had become selfish and lost sight of their mission to make their church an effective outreach to their city, Paul instructs them with an example from a garden and construction site. He calls his people to think long-term about the work God has called them to – to build a church that can be used by God to introduce people to Jesus and build more churches
In these two parallels here in chapter 3 referring to growing and building the scripture immediately illustrate the work required; everything from pulling weeds, planting seeds, and watering to laboring, building, and constructing.
So let us look at 3 Building blocks to Building the Body of Christ.
Read these in Ch. 2:9; 3:5-15 / PRAY
God has great things prepared for us if we are willing to build upon them (things that we can’t even imagine, things that are unheard of). He is just waiting to give the increase if we will be obedient in doing His will and building HIS Church. v. 2:9 / 3:5-6
In order to build the church it is going to require getting dirty – Some people just don’t want to get their hands dirty. They want to enjoy the garden, and they want to enjoy the structure, but they don’t want do anything that might require effort.
1st Building Block
One Purpose v. 8-9a Quote NIV “one purpose”
Grow / Build as One in Unity and Spirit v.9a
Glorify / Worshipping God realizing We are nothing and that it is God that gives the Increase v.8
Each One a Minister / Each is required to labour v.8
2nd Building Block
One Building v.9-10
One Body – One Building
The Church is people not programs v.9b
The church should be about Building People not buildings
Open to the leadership and vision laid forth by a master builder / architect
Built upon the foundation v.10
3rd Building Block
One Foundation v.10-15
Jesus Christ – v.11 (Power of the Cross & Christ Crucified)
Most Important Part
If everything else fails we will suffer loss, but will be saved v.15
Take Heed How we build upon v.10b
Spiritual Wisdom and Maturity (Chapter 2&3:1-5)
Not like babes – Making noise / messy / needy / selfish
Will of God
(Vision) Blueprints of the Architect
Organized
Done w/ Excellence
w/ One Purpose
as One Building
The one thing we can’t get wrong v.15
When we build upon One Foundation the scripture tells us that we will be “Tried & Tested”, v.12-15 like a building inspector.
v.13 “try” Greek word dak-im-ad’-zo to test or examine
Fire doesn’t refer to hell or purification, but simply a means of testing or examining v.15
When we come together with One Purpose, as One Body, built upon One Foundation we will be Healthy, Solid, and Stabile, and when we are tested we will endure, receive reward, and Grow as the Body of Christ.
As a church if we were to be tested right now would we endure?
These principles apply in many aspects of our lives.
As a family if you were to be tested would you endure?
If your marriage were to be tested would it endure?
If not you need to come before the Lord seeking One Purpose / One Building / One Foundation.
Maybe you’re here this morning, and you have never accepted the foundation of Christ Jesus, may you come and start building upon Him today. The Bible tells us here in v. 11 that there is no greater foundation which is laid than Christ Jesus.
Intro / Illustration: We are all the body of Christ (If you are a child of God), and each of us have a vital part to play. Some body parts are more obvious than others, however each play a distinct part in the body. Without each part we would not be able to function properly. Sure there are some parts we think we can do without, but we can’t. We must look at the church as a healthy functioning body, one that is not divided. (Not an unhealthy) This is Bob, Considering Bob was real, what is missing? Without arms he will never be able to hold those who are hurting, pick someone up who has fallen, reach out a hand to those in need. This is often how the church is today, and we wonder why we are not being as effective as we should. When you do not fulfill your purpose the church becomes handicapped.
Context
Apostle Paul is writing this during his 3rd missionary journey while he was in Ephesus. Just prior to his letter he spent 18 months in Corinth establishing 1st Baptist Church of Corinth. Corinth was a roman colony that was located between the Aegean Sea and Adriatic Sea with multiple ports. Corinth was a trade center in which it had many routes going from the east to west. It was a prosperous city; however it was very immoral much like our society today.
The church here was likely a smaller congregation, however it quickly became divided. Once Paul departed the people quickly began to turn on one another, and pursue heresy and moral sin.
There were a few who were so bothered with what was taking place in their church that they made contact with Paul to notify him of the mess and seek his counsel. In response Paul wrote 1&2 Corinthians.
Read & Pray: 1 Cor. 1:1-9
4 Phases of Being the Body of Christ
1. Accept the Call v. 1-3
Repentance
Holiness – Call to be Saints (hag-ee-os = pure, blameless, holy, consecrated
Pro-Peter – Original Apostle, Rich Hebrew Descent – Traditionalist
Self-Righteous – Christ as head – no human authority
Possessiveness (Our Church syndrome)
The Church does not belong to me, you, leaders, pastor, denomination, community, (The Church Belongs to God v.2)
Agendas / Preferences –
Quote – “The Death of every church is personal agendas”
God, this is your church what do you have in store for us.
Unrighteousness & Sin 6:8-11 (Paraphrase) (Does whatever he wants and don’t care)
Self-Righteousness (Does whatever he wants, but judges others to cover their own sin)
The underlying issue the Corinthian church faced is that they became so focused on themselves, their sinful desires, and their confused culture that they lost sight of the authority of Christ as head of the church. Paul reminds them of Jesus 9 times in the first 9 verses, because the only hope for the church to survive and thrive is Jesus. We must remain focused on Christ.
With the inauguration of a new president, economic down fall, rising unemployment rates, lingering wars, and the deterioration of the family, it is vital time in history for Christians to take a stand. We must set aside our fears of the unknown, and trust in the authority of a mighty God. We must remember that from October 29, 1929 Black Tuesday and the Great Depression, to September 1939 where the German’s invaded Poland starting WW2, to Nov. 22, 1963 with the Assassination of John F. Kennedy, to Sept. 11, 2001 a day that we won’t forget- throughout it all The King was still on the throne.
I often think back to my own personal experiences. The warzone of a place I called home where battles were being fought on a regular basis, the rare medical disease that took the life of my grandmother of whom I loved dearly, to the emotional trauma I experienced in the Army, to the heartbreaking news of my parents’ divorce – throughout it all the King was still on the throne.
We all have our past experiences, but if we ever hope to be victorious throughout it all we have to remember that God is in control and the King is still on the throne.
1. Politics (vs. 1a)
Influence
King Uzziah was the last great King of the Southern Kingdom of Judah. He ruled for 52 years, and he died in 742B.C. In the earlier part of his reign, under the influence of the prophet Zachariah, he was faithful to God, and “did that which was right in the sight of the Lord” (2 Kings 15, 2 Chron. 26) As a result God worked through King Uzziah in mighty ways making Judah the mightiest tribe in Israel. Judah was blessed with prosperity unlike anything they had ever seen before.
Intercede
But then, his pride led to his down fall. He was unfaithful, and he entered into the temple of the Lord to burn incense and make offerings on the altar which was only to be done by the priest. 2 Chron. 26 tells us that he was immediately struck w/ leprosy, and he eventually died from it. Isa. 6:1
“Kings come and go, but the greatest King Is still on the throne.
Presidents come and go, but the King is still on the throne.
Nations come and go, but the King will still be on the throne.”
2. Personal (vs. 1-9)
Authenticate – reveal, purge, purify, to make genuine
Isaiah’s ministry began with the death of King Uzziah, because of the transfer of his submission to authority. The king has died, and now Isaiah’s head starts to become filled with “What ifs?”
What if prosperity ceases?
What if Israel is taken captive by the Philistines or Assyrians?
What if depression comes and famine sets in?
As a result he goes into the temple and sees God high and lifted up on His throne, and hears the outcry of the seraphim “Holy, Holy, Holy is the Lord of hosts: the whole earth is full of His glory”, and he is overcome by the power and authority of God.
READ – vs. 1 – 5
He sees himself as he really is in the presence of God. His sinful state is revealed unto him. READ – 1 John 1:7
If we walk in the light of His Word, we will see exactly what Isaiah saw – that we are undone people w/ unclean lips.
READ – vs. 6-7
This living coal represents the cleansing of the blood of Christ. It is only through the blood of Christ that your iniquity can be taken away, and your sin purged. (QUOTE – 1 John 1:9)
Authorize – enable, empower READ – vs. 8-9a
Prior to this time Isaiah had never heard the call of God. I think many Christians have never felt like they were called to do anything for God, because they have never been authenticated or authorized. God will not empower those who are not purified. A heart right with the Lord will be quick to respond to His call.
3. People (9-13)
Read vs. 9 – “This people” – The Nation of Israel
Deliver – vs. 10b – convert and heal
Desolate – vs. 10-13 Hebrew word – Shaw-aw or as-oo-baw’ which means to lay waste, forsake, desert
Understand that what takes place here in vs. 10-13 is simply the revealing of man’s nature, not God’s doing.
God doesn’t harden the hearts of the wicked, but He simply brings the hardness to the surface.
God doesn’t blind the eyes of the foolish, but simply reveals the darkness within.
Vs. 13 The result is like an oak tree being cut down so that a Holy seed shall be planted to grow unto new life. (DELIVER)
So no matter what you are going through in your life Christ is in control and the King Is Still On the Throne.
Today is the first day that we start karate lessons for the Fall 08 season. I am very excited, but at the same time dreading it. I love teaching and training in the martial arts, however just like any exercise program as soon as your schedule gets busy it is the first thing to go. Since we have been out of session for the summer my personal training has come to a stop. Because of this I am going to be extremely out of shape and sore for the first couple months of class. That is the good thing about starting back up. It forces me to train, and exercise. I have to say that is one area in my life that I fall short. I give my all to God by studying, teaching, proclaiming, and almost all areas of my life except my health. I am ashamed of it, however it is true. I am out of shape, and because of that it will hinder me in the ministry in some areas. You may be thinking is this guy crazy; is he saying being out of shape is like a *sin*. No, that is not the case. Being out of shape is the result of a sin, and that sin is laziness & gluttony.
Anyways, I am really looking forward to meeting new faces, and training new students. Martial Arts is actually a very neat hobby. It consist of allot of different aspects. It is a sport, it is an art, it is exercises, and it is educational. It teaches patience, perseverance, integrity, courtesy, self control, discipline, and in our area of study; faith and Biblical practices. I think my favorite part of it all is getting to see a student’s face when they have accomplished something they think they couldn’t do. Anyways I would encourage you to check out our website even if you are not personally interested it karate.
