THE CROSS AND THE CHRISTIAN GATHERING

1 Corinthians 11:2-34

2 Now I commend you because you remember me in everything and maintain the traditions even as I delivered them to you.
3 But I want you to understand that the head of every man is Christ, the head of a wife is her husband, and the head of Christ is God.
4 Every man who prays or prophesies with his head covered dishonors his head,
5 but every wife who prays or prophesies with her head uncovered dishonors her head, since it is the same as if her head were shaven.
6 For if a wife will not cover her head, then she should cut her hair short. But since it is disgraceful for a wife to cut off her hair or shave her head, let her cover her head.
7 For a man ought not to cover his head, since he is the image and glory of God, but woman is the glory of man.
8 For man was not made from woman, but woman from man.
9 Neither was man created for woman, but woman for man.
10 That is why a wife ought to have a symbol of authority on her head, because of the angels.
11 Nevertheless, in the Lord woman is not independent of man nor man of woman;
12 for as woman was made from man, so man is now born of woman. And all things are from God.
13 Judge for yourselves: is it proper for a wife to pray to God with her head uncovered?
14 Does not nature itself teach you that if a man wears long hair it is a disgrace for him,
15 but if a woman has long hair, it is her glory? For her hair is given to her for a covering.
16 If anyone is inclined to be contentious, we have no such practice, nor do the churches of God.
The Lord's Supper
17 But in the following instructions I do not commend you, because when you come together it is not for the better but for the worse.
18 For, in the first place, when you come together as a church, I hear that there are divisions among you. And I believe it in part,
19 for there must be factions among you in order that those who are genuine among you may be recognized.
20 When you come together, it is not the Lord's supper that you eat.
21 For in eating, each one goes ahead with his own meal. One goes hungry, another gets drunk.
22 What! Do you not have houses to eat and drink in? Or do you despise the church of God and humiliate those who have nothing? What shall I say to you? Shall I commend you in this? No, I will not.
23 For I received from the Lord what I also delivered to you, that the Lord Jesus on the night when he was betrayed took bread,
24 and when he had given thanks, he broke it, and said, "This is my body which is for you. Do this in remembrance of me."
25 In the same way also he took the cup, after supper, saying, "This cup is the new covenant in my blood. Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me."
26 For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord's death until he comes.
27 Whoever, therefore, eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty concerning the body and blood of the Lord.
28 Let a person examine himself, then, and so eat of the bread and drink of the cup.
29 For anyone who eats and drinks without discerning the body eats and drinks judgment on himself.
30 That is why many of you are weak and ill, and some have died.
31 But if we judged ourselves truly, we would not be judged.
32 But when we are judged by the Lord, we are disciplined so that we may not be condemned along with the world.
33 So then, my brothers, when you come together to eat, wait for one another--
34 if anyone is hungry, let him eat at home--so that when you come together it will not be for judgment. About the other things I will give directions when I come.


Characteristics of Christian Gatherings…

Glad submission to loving authority.
We are all submissive to the Word.
Men are specifically submissive to the Lord.
Women are specifically submissive to men.
Beginning at creation.
Look at God’s order in creation.
Look at God’s design in creation.
Based upon the nature of God.
The persons of the Trinity are equally divine.
The persons of the Trinity are positionally different.
This is loving authority and glad submission in
beautiful relationship.
Because of the angels.
Godly understanding of gender mutuality.
We complement one another.
Men and women have equal value.
Men and women have unique roles.
We celebrate our differences.
Clear commitment to physical modesty.
Profound sense of spiritual humility.
Drawing attention to the glory of God.
Deferential accountability to the churches of God.
Selfless devotion to covenantal unity.

The Corinthian version of the Lord’s Supper…
Neglected the needy in the church.
Deserved the discipline of Christ.

The Christian version of the Lord’s Supper…
Who?
Christians (followers of Christ walking in repentance and faith)
share in the work of Christ as they partake of
the Lord’s Supper.
Non-Christians see the work of Christ as they
watch the Lord’s Supper.
What?
A traditional misunderstanding: a change of substance
that results in salvation.
A biblical understanding: a symbolic meal that
reflects salvation.
When?
The only biblical expectation: observe it often.
Where?
The only biblical requirement: gathering of the church.
Why?
To remember the body and blood of Jesus.
To reflect upon our sin and His salvation.
To renew our commitment to Christ, the church, and
the Great Commission.
To rejoice that Christ has set us free and is coming back.
How?
Look within.
Look to others.
Look to Christ.

Thanks pastor David!

“THE CROSS AND THE CHRISTIAN’S WORK”

1 Corinthians 10:31
31 So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.

Phil.2:12-16
12 Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling,
13 for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure.
14 Do all things without grumbling or questioning,
15 that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world,

16 holding fast to the word of life, so that in the day of Christ I may be proud that I did not run in vain or labor in vain.

The Gospel at Work…

The Character of God…
God delights in work. (Gen. 1-2; Ps. 104:10-30; Prov. 8:27-31; Jn. 16:8-11)
He works for us and He works through us.
God designed our work. (Gen. 1:26-30; 2:15-17; Ex. 20:9)
By His grace, for our good, and for His glory.

The Sinfulness of Man…
Work is a mark of human dignity. (Gen. 1:26-30; Ps. 8).
We are stewards of creation.
We are developers of culture.
Work has been marred by human depravity. (Gen. 3:16-19)
Though work was designed to be fulfilling, it is frustrating. (Rom. 8:20-22)
Though work was designed to be purposeful, it feels pointless.
(Eccl. 1:2-3; 2:18-26)
Though work was designed to be selfless, it becomes selfish. (Gen. 11:1-4)
Two primary distortions of work:
The idolatry of work… (Ex. 20:3-5; Ez. 14:3-7;
Prov. 23:4; Mk. 10:17-31)
We overvalue work, thinking that it provides ultimate meaning.
We fail to see God’s limits for our work.
We resist rest.
Idleness in work… (Prov. 6:6-11; Eph. 4:28; 2 Thess. 3:6-15)
We undervalue work, thinking that it has little to no meaning.
We fail to see God’s purposes for our work.

The Sufficiency of Christ… (Mat. 11:28-30; Rom. 3:21-30; Gal. 2:20; Eph. 1:3-14)
Christ’s work has secured our salvation (freeing us to rest in His work
as the only superior work).
Christ’s work has secured our significance (freeing us from idleness in work).

The Necessity of Faith…
We are free to worship God wholeheartedly as we work. (Mat. 22:37-38;
Eph. 6:5-9; Col. 3:22-24)
Work honorably (with integrity).
Work humbly (with respect).
Work eagerly (with joy).
We are free to love others selflessly in our work. (Mat. 22:39-40;
1 Thess. 4:9-11)
Provide for your family.
Serve your co-workers and customers.
Better our world.
Care for the needy.
We are free to trust God completely with our work. (Prov. 16; Rom. 8:28-30)
Be confident in His reign.
Be responsible with your rest.
Be focused on His reward.
The Urgency of Eternity…
We are looking forward to a new earth…
Where everyone and everything will work perfectly. (1 Cor. 15; Rev. 21)
We are living now for the sake of eternity…
Work hard to adorn the gospel of God. (Titus 2:9-10)
Work strategically to advance the mission of God. (Mat. 28:18-20)
Build meaningful relationships.
Weave gospel threads.
Engage un-reached peoples.

Thanks pastor David!

THE CROSS AND the CHRISTIAN’s SPORTS

1 Corinthians 10:31
31 So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.

Phil.2:1-11
1 So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy,
2 complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind.
3 Do nothing from rivalry or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves.
4 Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.
5 Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus,
6 who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped,
7 but made himself nothing, taking the form of a servant,being born in the likeness of men.
8 And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.
9 Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name,
10 so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth,

11 and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

Summarizing 1 Corinthians 8-10…

A clear command: Flee idolatry.
It is inconsistent with the gospel.
It is an offense against God.
An all-encompassing exhortation: Whatever you do, do it all for the glory
of God.
We glorify God when we live for the good of others.
Those in the church.
Those without Christ.
We glorify God when we realize this is good for ourselves.

Sports and 1 Corinthians 10:31…

Biblical Foundations…

Sports are a good gift from a gracious God given to us for the
glory of God.
Sin includes taking that which is good and turning it into a god.
Good gifts make lousy gods.
Idols always disappoint.
Idols ultimately destroy.

Personal Examination…

Examine your heart.
Examine your mind.
Examine your emotions.
Examine your conversations.
Examine your use of money.
Examine your use of time.
Examine your perspective.

Practical Application…
Use sports to draw attention to God’s greatness.
Maximize sports for their intended purpose (as a way to
worship God).
Keep sports in their proper place (far behind your family and
your church…and a host of other things).
Use sports to express appreciation for God’s grace.
Intentionally and continually offer thanks to God.
Let the enjoyment of sports lead to ever-increasing affection for God.
Use sports to grow in sanctification.
Cultivate humility.
Demonstrate honor.
Develop self-discipline.
Maintain self-control.
Model self-sacrifice.
Value growth in godliness over athletic achievement.
Prioritize what really matters in eternity over what seems to
matter on earth.
Use sports to lead others to salvation.

Final Invitation…
Repent of idolatry (including any and every hint of it).
Rest in Christ (who has paid the price for all your sin).
Rejoice in God…
He is the only One who is worthy of your worship.
He is the only One who can satisfy your soul.

Thanks pastor David!

The Thirsty Soul

Ps.63:1

O God, you are my God; earnestly I seek you; my soul thirsts for you; my flesh faints for you, as in a dry and weary land where there is no water.

What do these words mean? They compare God to water which we must have to sustain life! We need God who is giver of all life, who has a divine plan for each of us. God, by His divine will, takes your spirit back when your appointed time of death has come! The spirit is eternal. His word is food for our spirit, our prayer is praise unto The Lord. He demands obedience! When you fail, you repent!

Hebrews 10:16-18

16 "This is the covenant that I will make with them after those days, declares the Lord: I will put my laws on their hearts, and write them on their minds,"

17 then he adds, "I will remember their sins and their lawless deeds no more."

18 Where there is forgiveness of these, there is no longer any offering for sin.

Romans 11:29-36

29 For the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable.

30 For just as you were at one time disobedient to God but now have received mercy because of their disobedience,

31 so they too have now been disobedient in order that by the mercy shown to you they also may now receive mercy.

32 For God has consigned all to disobedience, that he may have mercy on all.

33 Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his judgments and how inscrutable his ways!

34 "For who has known the mind of the Lord, or who has been his counselor?"

35 "Or who has given a gift to him that he might be repaid?"

36 For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be glory forever. Amen.

There Is Nothing Else/ It Is Done

By The blood of Christ alone, there is nothing else that can save a man's soul! 

 Acts 4:12
And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved." 

 John 14:6
Jesus said to him, "I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. 

 Is.55:11
so shall my word be that goes out from my mouth; it shall not return to me empty, but it shall accomplish that which I purpose, and shall succeed in the thing for which I sent it. 

 Is.40:8
The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God will stand forever.

 God's power in our faith;

 Hebrews 11:1-3 

1 Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. 

2 For by it the people of old received their commendation. 

3 By faith we understand that the universe was created by the word of God, so that what is seen was not made out of things that are visible.

Revelation 21:3-8

3 And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, "Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be his people, and God himself will be with them as their God.
4 He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away." 

5 And he who was seated on the throne said, "Behold, I am making all things new." Also he said, "Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true." 

 6 And he said to me, "It is done! I am the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end. To the thirsty I will give from the spring of the water of life without payment.

7 The one who conquers will have this heritage, and I will be his God and he will be my son. 

8 But as for the cowardly, the faithless, the detestable, as for murderers, the sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars, their portion will be in the lake that burns with fire and sulfur, which is the second death."

“THE CROSS AND CHRISTIAN MISSION

1 Corinthians 9

1 Am I not free? Am I not an apostle? Have I not seen Jesus our Lord? Are not you my workmanship in the Lord?

2 If to others I am not an apostle, at least I am to you, for you are the seal of my apostleship in the Lord.

3 This is my defense to those who would examine me.

4 Do we not have the right to eat and drink?

5 Do we not have the right to take along a believing wife, as do the other apostles and the brothers of the Lord and Cephas?

6 Or is it only Barnabas and I who have no right to refrain from working for a living?

7 Who serves as a soldier at his own expense? Who plants a vineyard without eating any of its fruit? Or who tends a flock without getting some of the milk?

8 Do I say these things on human authority? Does not the Law say the same?

9 For it is written in the Law of Moses, "You shall not muzzle an ox when it treads out the grain." Is it for oxen that God is concerned?

10 Does he not certainly speak for our sake? It was written for our sake, because the plowman should plow in hope and the thresher thresh in hope of sharing in the crop.

11 If we have sown spiritual things among you, is it too much if we reap material things from you?

12 If others share this rightful claim on you, do not we even more? Nevertheless, we have not made use of this right, but we endure anything rather than put an obstacle in the way of the gospel of Christ. 

13 Do you not know that those who are employed in the temple service get their food from the temple, and those who serve at the altar share in the sacrificial offerings?

14 In the same way, the Lord commanded that those who proclaim the gospel should get their living by the gospel.

15 But I have made no use of any of these rights, nor am I writing these things to secure any such provision. For I would rather die than have anyone deprive me of my ground for boasting.

16 For if I preach the gospel, that gives me no ground for boasting. For necessity is laid upon me. Woe to me if I do not preach the gospel!

17 For if I do this of my own will, I have a reward, but if not of my own will, I am still entrusted with a stewardship.

18 What then is my reward? That in my preaching I may present the gospel free of charge, so as not to make full use of my right in the gospel.

19 For though I am free from all, I have made myself a servant to all, that I might win more of them.

20 To the Jews I became as a Jew, in order to win Jews. To those under the law I became as one under the law (though not being myself under the law) that I might win those under the law.

21 To those outside the law I became as one outside the law (not being outside the law of God but under the law of Christ) that I might win those outside the law.

22 To the weak I became weak, that I might win the weak. I have become all things to all people, that by all means I might save some.

23 I do it all for the sake of the gospel, that I may share with them in its blessings.

24 Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize? So run that you may obtain it.

25 Every athlete exercises self-control in all things. They do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable.

26 So I do not run aimlessly; I do not box as one beating the air.

27 But I discipline my body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified.

Are you a follower of Jesus?

If you are a follower of Jesus, you have been saved for a purpose: the enjoyment of God in the spread of the gospel from where you live to the ends of the earth.

Let’s relinquish our rights for the sake of the gospel. 

See the example of Paul...

He had a right to financial support from the church at Corinth. 

Common Practice

Biblical Precedent t Universal Pattern t Jewish Custom

Christ’s Command

He surrendered this right for the sake of the gospel in Corinth. 

Hear the exhortation to you...

You have rights in Birmingham and the world around you...

To life, friends, marriage, family, safety, security, health, and happiness.

To eat, drink, watch, wear, read, study, listen to, and say whatever you want. 

To organize your schedule, spend your time, choose your career, make your

money, use your money, take your vacation, and plan your retirement.

To do what you want to do, go where you want to go, and live how you

want to live.

The cross compels you to surrender your rights for the sake of the gospel in

Birmingham and the world around you.

Let’s rearrange our lives for the spread of the gospel.

We are free to be slaves of God.

We are obligated to obey.

God’s gracious conversion of us creates a gospel compulsion in us.

We are free to be slaves of others.

We willingly commit our lives, our families, and our church to this mission...

In our culture.

Across other cultures.

We wisely contextualize the gospel in this mission.

We remove all obstacles to the gospel...

But we never remove the offense of the gospel.

We lay aside all of our comforts...

But we never lay aside any of Christ’s commands. 

Let’s run this race together for the glory of our God.

The requirements in this race... 

Sacrificial self-denial.

Stringent self-discipline.

Single-minded devotion.

The rewards of this race...

Others will experience the eternal joy of salvation. 

We will fulfill the earthly purpose of salvation.

If you are not a follower of Jesus, be saved today for a purpose: the enjoyment of God in the spread of the gospel from where you live to the ends of the earth.

Thanks pastor David!

THE CROSS AND CHRISTIAN LIBERTY

1 Corinthians 8 
1 Now concerning food offered to idols: we know that "all of us possess knowledge." This "knowledge"puffs up, but love builds up.
2 If anyone imagines that he knows something, he does not yet know as he ought to know.
3 But if anyone loves God, he is known by God.
4 Therefore, as to the eating of food offered to idols, we know that "an idol has no real existence," and that "there is no God but one."
5 For although there may be so-called gods in heaven or on earth--as indeed there are many "gods" and many "lords"--
6 yet for us there is one God, the Father, from whom are all things and for whom we exist, and one Lord, Jesus Christ, through whom are all things and through whom we exist.
7 However, not all possess this knowledge. But some, through former association with idols, eat food as really offered to an idol, and their conscience, being weak, is defiled.
8 Food will not commend us to God. We are no worse off if we do not eat, and no better off if we do.
9 But take care that this right of yours does not somehow become a stumbling block to the weak.
10 For if anyone sees you who have knowledge eating in an idol's temple, will he not be encouraged, if his conscience is weak, to eat food offered to idols?
11 And so by your knowledge this weak person is destroyed, the brother for whom Christ died.
12 Thus, sinning against your brothers and wounding their conscience when it is weak, you sin against Christ.
13 Therefore, if food makes my brother stumble, I will never eat meat, lest I make my brother stumble.

1 Corinthians 10
1 For I want you to know, brothers, that our fathers were all under the cloud, and all passed through the sea,
2 and all were baptized into Moses in the cloud and in the sea,
3 and all ate the same spiritual food,
4 and all drank the same spiritual drink. For they drank from the spiritual Rock that followed them, and the Rock was Christ.
5 Nevertheless, with most of them God was not pleased, for they were overthrown in the wilderness.
6 Now these things took place as examples for us, that we might not desire evil as they did.
7 Do not be idolaters as some of them were; as it is written, "The people sat down to eat and drink and rose up to play."
8 We must not indulge in sexual immorality as some of them did, and twenty-three thousand fell in a single day.
9 We must not put Christ to the test, as some of them did and were destroyed by serpents,
10 nor grumble, as some of them did and were destroyed by the Destroyer.
11 Now these things happened to them as an example, but they were written down for our instruction, on whom the end of the ages has come.
12 Therefore let anyone who thinks that he stands take heed lest he fall.
13 No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.
14 Therefore, my beloved, flee from idolatry.
15 I speak as to sensible people; judge for yourselves what I say.
16 The cup of blessing that we bless, is it not a participation in the blood of Christ? The bread that we break, is it not a participation in the body of Christ?
17 Because there is one bread, we who are many are one body, for we all partake of the one bread.
18 Consider the people of Israel:are not those who eat the sacrifices participants in the altar?
19 What do I imply then? That food offered to idols is anything, or that an idol is anything?
20 No, I imply that what pagans sacrifice they offer to demons and not to God. I do not want you to be participants with demons.
21 You cannot drink the cup of the Lord and the cup of demons. You cannot partake of the table of the Lord and the table of demons.
22 Shall we provoke the Lord to jealousy? Are we stronger than he?
Do All to the Glory of God
23"All things are lawful," but not all things are helpful. "All things are lawful," but not all things build up.
24 Let no one seek his own good, but the good of his neighbor.
25 Eat whatever is sold in the meat market without raising any question on the ground of conscience.
26 For "the earth is the Lord's, and the fullness thereof."
27 If one of the unbelievers invites you to dinner and you are disposed to go, eat whatever is set before you without raising any question on the ground of conscience.
28 But if someone says to you, "This has been offered in sacrifice," then do not eat it, for the sake of the one who informed you, and for the sake of conscience--
29 I do not mean your conscience, but his. For why should my liberty be determined by someone else's conscience?
30 If I partake with thankfulness, why am I denounced because of that for which I give thanks?
31 So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.
32 Give no offense to Jews or to Greeks or to the church of God,
33 just as I try to please everyone in everything I do, not seeking my own advantage, but that of many, that they may be saved.


Conviction Friction, Then and Now
This passage separates believers into two groups, which means we instinctively start to think
of which group we might be in. (1 Corinthians 8:7, 9-13; 10:24, 25)
Paul’s intent—more importantly, God’s intention in this passage—isn't to
weaponize either of these groups against the other.
The controversial practice that’s being discussed in Chapters 8 and 10 is what to do about
food offered to idols. May they eat it? If so, does it matter where they eat it?

What Corinth Knew
Food is food. Rock is rock. God is one. (8:1, 4-6)

What Corinth Missed
l m Knowledge isn't the goal of Christian faith.
Love is. (cf. 1 Corinthians 8:2, 13:2; 1 Timothy 1:5;
2 Peter 1:5-7)
If you love God, it’s because, before you loved God,
you were known by God. (1 Corinthians 8:3; cf. Galatians 4:9)
One of the great effects of daily reflection on the gospel is that it
blows up our spiritual superiority complexes. (1 Corinthians 4:7;
cf. 1 Corinthians 1:27, 29)
Knowledge without love kills. (1 Corinthians 8:1, 7-13)
The Corinthians had one agenda for the “weak” brothers: teach them the way
of knowledge. (1 Corinthians 8:1, 4-6)
Make yourself a slave of the law of love and know true
freedom. (1 Corinthians 8:13, 9; 10:23-24, 32-33)
Idols may be nothing. But idolatry is demonic.
(1 Corinthians 10:1-22)
Paul draws a connection between outward signs of God’s saving power in
the Old Testament (Red Sea, manna, water from a rock) and
outward signs of His saving power in the New Testament
(baptism, Lord’s Supper).
What does this have to do with Chapter 8’s eating of idol food in the idol temples?
(1 Corinthians 10:14-22)
Demons get pleasure from the worship that takes place in
pagan temples. (1 Corinthians 10:20)
Outside of its idolatrous context, idol food becomes
simply food and belongs to the one God. (1 Corinthians 10:25;
Romans 14:14)

So, How Do We Apply This?
1. Let’s prayerfully, wisely, and humbly shepherd those who have converted to Christianity
from formal pagan backgrounds to break with the idolatrous practices they previously
engaged in.
2. Let’s take heed lest we ourselves fall into informal idolatry, which can take a hundred
forms in our lives.
3. Let’s walk in love with fellow believers, seeking to serve, encourage, and strengthen
them.
4. Let’s actively look to Christ and trust in His finished work on our behalf.
5. Let’s break the ties that can form between our hearts and false gods/saviors.
6. Let’s daily depend on the Holy Spirit’s power to sanctify us.

Thanks Matt!!