Leading and Following
Paul charges the Corinthian church to be imitators of him as he points to Christ. He explains how the apostles are the least of all; they have become spectacles and fools to the world, poor and homeless. But that as they continue to serve and point to Jesus, the church should follow them. As we criticize leadership, the main question we must ask is whether the leaders are pointing us to Jesus or not, despite any shortcomings we find.
Divine Wisdom
Ultimately, wisdom from the world will not satisfy us or bring us true knowledge. But, through the Spirit, we can have divine wisdom and learn the very depths of God. In this scripture, Paul exhorts the Corinthians to remember that because we have the Spirit in us, we have the mind of Christ.
The Preacher and the Message
Paul says that he has resolved to nothing but Jesus Christ and him crucified. Everything he did and said revolved around Jesus and him crucified. As fellow saints, we are called to be crucified preachers; it is not about us, but about Jesus and him crucified. This is the lens through which we should see everything and direct our actions.
Boasting Only in Christ
Paul addresses the Corinthian church with boldness and truth. In these verses, he explains how God has used the foolish things in the world to shame the wise. Paul narrows in on how boastful we are, and how our pride leads to boasting and separation from God. In the end, we must boast only in Christ, and let the Holy Spirit rid us of our pride.
A Fool Who Worships God
Sugarcoating the gospel with eloquent words and worldly wisdom drains its power. The gospel reveals one’s place in the Lord with two emerging perspectives: the cross seems moronic or it is God’s essential wisdom. Just as the Jews demanded signs to explain the moronic idea of God crucified, we also demand proof outside the calling to believe. At times we demand miracles, or ironically scientific explanation; or even a feeling that might somehow make the belief right and legitimate.
God First
Paul’s qualification for apostleship is established by God, and his identity as an apostle is Christ rather than personal accomplishment or status. The saints are unified in this identity because Christ broke them away from a life of unbelief and set them apart for his glory. Many are quick to point out the church’s faults, but few are thankful for the attributes of the church in the same way Paul was about the Corinthian church. Paul celebrated the church because of all that Jesus and the Spirit gifted it with. The church is under grace to receive riches in speech, knowledge, spiritual gifts, and a secured future.
Living in the City
God invented the city. The city develops culture. Sin breaks our city. The response is not to move away, but to live in the city well.
State of the Church Address
Our elders explain upfront who we the church are and how we live. We are to be members of community, learners, servants, and missionaries. Remember that you are the church. If you identify a need in the church, do not merely point out that something is missing, but rather be a part of the change. Learn how to engage your community group in the rhythms of life.
The Gospel According to Jonah
Jonah was called to preach repentance, he was isolated for three days, and then called to carry out the mission to those outside Israel. Jesus also preached repentance, spent three days and nights in the heart of the earth, and then opened the kingdom to all believers. Jonah’s attitude about God rescuing foreigners contrasts Jesus’ forgiveness because Jesus himself suffered for the unrighteous. Baptism is a sign of how we identify with Jesus’ salvation. We’ve been brought through the waters of God’s wrath safely. Baptism isn’t merely a ritual, it’s identifying with Jesus’ wrath.