St. John United Church of Christ
Arlington Hts.,
September 20, 2009
1 Corinthians 4:6-21
“[I write] for your benefit, so that you may learn”
This text is about the relationship between Paul and his congregation in
Explain the relationship.
It’s about Paul’s love for them.
He loves them too much to let them continue like this.
So he confronts them in these verses – in love.
Implied in this passage is Paul’s belief that they can grow in faith, and his hope that they will.
“Revival” means spiritual growth. We can grow in faith.
Knowing God’s love and presence can change our lives – and change our church.
“What do you have that you did not receive?.... Why do you [act] as if it were not a gift?”
Paul wants them to see that everything is a gift.
If everything is a gift, how can they claim superiority over each other?
Grace is the heart of Paul’s preaching.
Our status before God is not earned, but received.
Realizing this changes everything – turns us from complainers and despisers of others into joy-filled, other-oriented disciples.
Spiritual growth begins with this basic insight: grace.
As simple (and difficult) as enjoying a sunset.
As simple (and difficult) as accepting the fact that someone loves you.
This passage – and the concept of “revival” – are about going back to the basics.
“We have become a spectacle to the world,… we are fools for Christ, but you are wise. We are weak, but you are strong…. We grew weary from the work…. When we are slandered, we answer kindly… We have become the scum of the earth….”
Paul is frustrated: “Look at everything I’ve done for you!
Gave up my dignity.
Turned the other cheek.
Worked for you until my hands were raw.
Paul: “I love you so much that I’d do anything for you.”
His whole life was aimed at encouraging the spiritual growth of his people.
All pastors can relate to Paul here, striving every day to help people grow in faith.
Sometimes the efforts are not appreciated or even understood.
Example of Buddhist teacher in boundary videos.
“I am not writing this to make you ashamed, but to admonish you as my beloved children… In Christ Jesus I became your father….”
“Father:” Paul sowed the seeds for this church. He literally birthed it.
The problem with this metaphor.
The beauty of the metaphor: intimacy and care.
Intimate relationships require ongoing tending. They can’t stay where they are.
Marriage relationship requires attention and care. The relationship changes.
Children are not raised all at once – even when they leave home!
Like our relationship with God: it needs attention.
A pastor is like a father (or mother) to her/his congregation (Catholic practice).
Do you like the shepherd/sheep metaphor better? (still not a great one)
But we all do need leaders, don’t we? Pastors do, too. (“Spiritual Directors”)
We all need spiritual growth, even pastors (sabbatical 2010).
Maybe your spiritual guide is someone other than your pastor.
We all need others who model faith for us.
Confirmation mentors.
Hannah Waters: she really believed it. And I imagined that she really lived it.
“Be imitators of me.”
What a bold statement!
How many of us would say that to anyone else, even to our own children?
Actually, we are always “saying” that to our children, even when not using words.
How many of us would say that to another Christian who may be struggling?
You’d need to be confident of your faith (a person who really trusts Christ).
Could we ever be as sure of our faith as Paul was?
Is it possible to grow in faith to the point that we could at offer a word of spiritual encouragement to someone who needed it?
If you say, “I’m not very spiritual,” then why go to church?
Being spiritual – having a relationship with God – is the heart of Christianity.
If we can’t imagine this applying to us, this is evidence that we need spiritual revival.
“I will come to you soon…, and I will find out not only how these arrogant people are talking, but what power they have. For the KOG is not a matter of talk, but of power.”
Basically, he’s saying to his opponents, “Put up or shut up.”
Paul doesn’t say, “The KOG is not a matter of talk, but of action.”
He says, “The KOG is a matter of power.”
Faith can be powerful.
Faith sustaining people in recession: loss of work, value in investments.
Action: Friday’s rally and hearing.
“What do you prefer? Shall I come to you with a stick, or with love in a spirit of gentleness?”
Paul invites the Corinthians to respond.
He’s done and said all he can; the decision is now up to them.
It sounds threatening, but Paul speaks lovingly.
The question itself suggest that he doesn’t want to “come with a stick,” but “with love in a spirit of gentleness.”
He wants them to grow up in Christ!
What revival is: not believing or doing, but trusting.
If you ask people what it means to be a Christian: “believing”….
Or “doing good.”
Last Sunday I asked you to answer some questions in pairs.
One was, “How can we deepen our relationship with God?”
I heard several people respond, “By helping others.”
Did anyone answer, “Prayer”?
Prayer, worship, and scripture study can deepen your relationship with God.
Anthem today: Standin’ In the Need of Prayer
Maybe I should have asked, “How is your relationship with God?”
If you answer, “I don’t know,” or “Not so good,” or, “I never thought about that before,” then you might need a spiritual revival.
Do you live with God’s joy, God’s peace, God’s Holy Spirit in you every day?
When you do, you find new energy and desire to do good in the world.
When things are tough, dark, and chaotic, do you cling to Christ and him only?
How’s your relationship with God? Do you know God as a friend?
If we sang “What a Friend We Have in Jesus” today, would you really mean the words?
Things to do at home: daily devotionals, praying one Psalm per day.
This year in worship we’re going to pray more – and in different ways.
Today: Lord’s Prayer
Or even now: close your eyes and imagine God’s arms wrapped around you.
Fall Spiritual Retreat
Conclusion: God loves you as you are, but too much to let you stay that way. So it is with a pastor’s love for her/his people.
Like Paul, I, too, leave it up to you. Is this another sermon that you hear, go home, and forget about? If so, then I’ve failed, or you have failed, or the Holy Spirit has failed.
I’m calling you to action – not to go into the world and help others, but to focus on yourself and your spiritual needs, and find ways to meet God in fresh and powerful ways.
Consider this as together we sing this wonderful song, “You Never Let Go.” Remain seated.
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