Sermon Recap 08.14.11

Last Sunday we studied 1 Corinthians 4:14-21, where Paul illustrates the profile of a healthy church. Perceiving the church as a building with Jesus as the foundation is just one reminder that the church doesn’t belong to us, but rather, to God. However, Paul emphasizes that even though the church does not belong to us, we belong to the church. 1 Timothy 3:5 delineates a chief qualification of a pastor, as it states, “For if a man does not know how to rule his own house, how will he take care of the church of God?” In the same way that a father presides over and maintains his family, so the pastor is to preside over and maintain his church family. As we fulfill our daily roles as fathers and friends, we should strive to build one another up, instead of shaming others with authoritarian judgment (Hebrews 10:24-NIV). Godly leadership and discerning imitation are critical elements of a healthy church. We must ascertain the people we follow are leading in a worthy and godly way, while simultaneously seeking to set a godly example for others. In addition to living in a manner worthy of imitating, Paul sends Timothy to the Corinthians, so that they might have another example before them (2 Timothy 2:2). Faithful men are always in demand. In the same way that Paul and Timothy enjoy a mentoring relationship fostered by encouragement, we can forge mutually enriching relationships with members of the church body.

Take It Further

Next week, we will begin our study with 1 Corinthians 5, where Paul addresses the issue of sexual immorality that is so rampant in the church of Corinth. Join us this Sunday at 9am or 11am at the Linfield campus, where the pastor will expound on this text.