Embracing the Mess: From Deliverance to Destiny
Summary
### Summary
Today, we delved into 1 Corinthians 10, exploring the theme "Church is Messy" and the sub-theme "From Deliverance to Destiny." We began by acknowledging the messiness inherent in church life, drawing parallels between the church in Corinth and modern-day churches. The church's mission is to be a beacon of hope in a dark world, and we must realign ourselves with this mission by preaching the gospel of Jesus Christ.
We discussed the historical context of the Corinthian church, likening it to a modern-day Las Vegas, filled with depravity yet also a place where God was doing mighty works. The Apostle Paul planted a great church there, despite its many problems. This led us to the notion that discovering our purpose in life is intrinsically tied to surrendering to the Lordship of Christ. True purpose and eternal life are found in Jesus, and this life is not something we wait for after death but something we live now.
We then transitioned to the middle part of 1 Corinthians 10, emphasizing the importance of learning from the examples of the past. The Old Testament law has been fulfilled in Jesus, and we now live under a new covenant. Paul warns us to be vigilant against temptation, assuring us that God always provides a way of escape.
The sermon also touched on the importance of unity and the dangers of idolatry. We are one body in Christ, and our actions should reflect that unity. The ultimate goal is to live a Spirit-filled life, which is characterized by love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. These attributes are the evidence of the Holy Spirit's presence in our lives.
We concluded by discussing the transition from spiritual immaturity to maturity. Just as the Israelites had to stop relying on manna and start cultivating their own crops in Canaan, we too must grow beyond spiritual milk to solid food. This growth involves a high level of self-awareness and a willingness to be filled with the Holy Spirit, allowing God to work through us for His greater purpose.
### Key Takeaways
1. Church is Messy but Purposeful: The church, both in Corinth and today, is messy because it is made up of imperfect people. However, this messiness does not negate our mission to be a light in a dark world. We must realign ourselves with the gospel of Jesus Christ, which is the ultimate good news for a hurting world. [27:30]
2. Living a Spirit-Filled Life: True purpose and eternal life are found in Jesus Christ, and this life is meant to be lived now, not just awaited after death. A Spirit-filled life is characterized by love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. These attributes are the evidence of the Holy Spirit's presence in our lives. [31:46]
3. Learning from the Past: The examples from the Old Testament, such as the Israelites' journey from Egypt to Canaan, serve as lessons for us today. Just as they had to transition from relying on manna to cultivating their own crops, we must grow from spiritual immaturity to maturity, learning to rely on God in deeper ways. [33:51]
4. Unity in the Body of Christ: We are one body in Christ, and our actions should reflect that unity. Idolatry and division are dangerous and counterproductive. Instead, we should seek to build each other up, speaking to one another in psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs, and encouraging one another in our faith journeys. [35:20]
5. Self-Awareness and Growth: Spiritual maturity involves a high level of self-awareness. We must recognize that any good thing that flows out of our lives is from the Holy Spirit, not from our flesh. This awareness helps us to live a life that is not bound by bitterness, hatred, or prejudice but is instead filled with the Spirit of God, allowing Him to work through us for His greater purpose. [55:13]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[25:43] - Anniversary and Missionary Update
[27:30] - Church is Messy
[28:28] - The Church's Mission
[29:31] - Historical Context of Corinth
[30:37] - Surrendering to Christ
[32:22] - Learning from the Past
[34:47] - Temptation and Escape
[35:20] - Unity and Idolatry
[37:05] - From Deliverance to Destiny
[39:19] - Spiritual Growth and Maturity
[41:01] - Discovering Your Purpose
[42:16] - Walking by Faith
[44:05] - Renewing Your Mind
[45:23] - Living a Spirit-Filled Life
[47:41] - Seeking Wisdom
[49:33] - Evidence of a Spirit-Filled Life
[52:04] - Worship and Encouragement
[54:26] - Self-Awareness and Growth
[56:39] - Fruits of the Spirit
[59:33] - Self-Assessment
[01:02:52] - Joshua and the Israelites
[01:06:14] - Spiritual Maturity
[01:09:07] - Carnality and Division
[01:12:25] - Corporate Indictment
[01:16:37] - Learning from Israel's Example
[01:18:05] - True Freedom in Christ
[01:19:20] - Introduction to Conquering Canaan
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. 1 Corinthians 10:11-14 (NKJV)
> "Now all these things happened to them as examples, and they were written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the ages have come. Therefore let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall. No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it. Therefore, my beloved, flee from idolatry."
2. Galatians 5:22-23 (NKJV)
> "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law."
3. Ephesians 5:15-21 (NKJV)
> "See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be unwise, but understand what the will of the Lord is. And do not be drunk with wine, in which is dissipation; but be filled with the Spirit, speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord, giving thanks always for all things to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, submitting to one another in the fear of God."
#### Observation Questions
1. What does Paul mean when he says that the events in the Old Testament happened as examples for us? ([32:22])
2. According to 1 Corinthians 10:13, what assurance do we have when facing temptation? ([34:47])
3. What are the attributes of a Spirit-filled life as listed in Galatians 5:22-23? ([56:39])
4. How does Ephesians 5:19 describe the way we should interact with one another when filled with the Spirit? ([50:02])
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why is it important to learn from the examples of the Israelites' journey from Egypt to Canaan? How does this apply to our spiritual growth? ([32:22])
2. How can the church today realign itself with its mission to be a light in a dark world, as discussed in the sermon? ([28:28])
3. What does it mean to transition from spiritual immaturity to maturity, and how does this relate to the concept of moving from manna to cultivating crops in Canaan? ([38:48])
4. How does living a Spirit-filled life impact our daily interactions and relationships within the church community? ([50:02])
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you faced a significant temptation. How did you find the "way of escape" that God provided? ([34:47])
2. The sermon emphasized the importance of unity in the body of Christ. How can you contribute to building unity in your church, especially in times of disagreement? ([35:20])
3. Identify one area of your life where you feel spiritually immature. What steps can you take to grow in that area and move towards spiritual maturity? ([38:48])
4. Choose one attribute of the fruit of the Spirit (love, joy, peace, etc.) to focus on this week. What specific action can you take to cultivate this attribute in your interactions with others? ([56:39])
5. The sermon mentioned the dangers of idolatry and division. Are there any "idols" in your life that you need to address? How can you take practical steps to remove them? ([35:20])
6. How can you practice self-awareness to recognize when you are operating in the flesh versus being led by the Spirit? Share a recent experience where you had to make this distinction. ([55:13])
7. Reflect on the concept of living a Spirit-filled life. What changes can you make in your daily routine to ensure you are walking in the Spirit and not in the flesh? ([49:33])
Devotional
Day 1: Embracing the Messiness of Church Life
The church, both in Corinth and today, is messy because it is made up of imperfect people. However, this messiness does not negate our mission to be a light in a dark world. We must realign ourselves with the gospel of Jesus Christ, which is the ultimate good news for a hurting world. The church's mission is to be a beacon of hope, and this requires us to embrace the messiness and work through it with grace and love. By acknowledging our imperfections and focusing on our shared mission, we can better serve our communities and reflect the love of Christ.
1 Corinthians 10:12-13 (ESV): "Therefore let anyone who thinks that he stands take heed lest he fall. 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."
Reflection: How can you embrace the messiness in your church community and still contribute to its mission of being a light in the world? What practical steps can you take this week to realign yourself with the gospel of Jesus Christ? [27:30]
Day 2: Living a Spirit-Filled Life
True purpose and eternal life are found in Jesus Christ, and this life is meant to be lived now, not just awaited after death. A Spirit-filled life is characterized by love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. These attributes are the evidence of the Holy Spirit's presence in our lives. Living a Spirit-filled life means allowing these qualities to permeate our daily actions and interactions, reflecting the transformative power of the Holy Spirit within us.
Galatians 5:22-23 (ESV): "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law."
Reflection: Which fruit of the Spirit do you find most challenging to exhibit in your daily life? How can you intentionally cultivate this attribute in your interactions this week? [31:46]
Day 3: Learning from the Past
The examples from the Old Testament, such as the Israelites' journey from Egypt to Canaan, serve as lessons for us today. Just as they had to transition from relying on manna to cultivating their own crops, we must grow from spiritual immaturity to maturity, learning to rely on God in deeper ways. This growth involves moving beyond spiritual milk to solid food, developing a deeper understanding of God's word, and applying it to our lives with greater wisdom and discernment.
Hebrews 5:12-14 (ESV): "For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you again the basic principles of the oracles of God. You need milk, not solid food, for everyone who lives on milk is unskilled in the word of righteousness, since he is a child. But solid food is for the mature, for those who have their powers of discernment trained by constant practice to distinguish good from evil."
Reflection: In what areas of your spiritual life do you need to move from milk to solid food? What steps can you take to deepen your understanding and application of God's word? [33:51]
Day 4: Unity in the Body of Christ
We are one body in Christ, and our actions should reflect that unity. Idolatry and division are dangerous and counterproductive. Instead, we should seek to build each other up, speaking to one another in psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs, and encouraging one another in our faith journeys. Unity in the body of Christ means working together harmoniously, valuing each member's contribution, and striving for collective growth and edification.
Ephesians 4:3-6 (ESV): "Eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call—one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all."
Reflection: How can you contribute to the unity of your church community this week? What specific actions can you take to build up and encourage others in their faith journeys? [35:20]
Day 5: Self-Awareness and Growth
Spiritual maturity involves a high level of self-awareness. We must recognize that any good thing that flows out of our lives is from the Holy Spirit, not from our flesh. This awareness helps us to live a life that is not bound by bitterness, hatred, or prejudice but is instead filled with the Spirit of God, allowing Him to work through us for His greater purpose. By being self-aware, we can identify areas where we need to grow and invite the Holy Spirit to transform us from within.
2 Corinthians 13:5 (ESV): "Examine yourselves, to see whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Or do you not realize this about yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you?—unless indeed you fail to meet the test!"
Reflection: What areas of your life do you need to examine more closely for spiritual growth? How can you invite the Holy Spirit to transform these areas and align them with God's purpose? [55:13]
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "We live in a world that is dark. People are groping and longing for hope. And we are supposed to be the ones who have the answer. That doesn't mean that I have all the answers to every intricate detail of everything. I don't have the answer to every person's problems. But I have the ultimate answer. And his name is Jesus." [28:28] (18 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "I'm so glad that God got in my way and interrupted my course because I was on a quick path to self-destruction. But Jesus reached down and saved me and we're bought by His grace and we've been redeemed by His blood. And what a beautiful truth that salvation is a free gift to everyone who will put their faith in Christ." [31:16] (17 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Faith is not the absence of fear. Faith is following God even when you're afraid. And we all will come to at least one Kadesh in our lifetime, as the children of Israel did, where we have to make a decision. Am I going to let my fears and anxieties dictate my path or am I going to let the wisdom and the will of God lead me?" [42:56] (22 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "The world is living in darkness. It is our job as believers to shine the light of Jesus to shine the light of hope one life at a time. That's our purpose. That's our calling. You have been called to be filled with the spirit of God." [18:05] (23 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "True freedom for a Christian is learning what it is to not be bound up by bitterness, to not be bound up by hatred, to not be bound up by prejudice, to not be bound up by social status. True freedom as a Christian is to realize that our proper place is found at the foot of Jesus the Nazarene and that we live our lives yielded to him and allow him to fill us with his spirit." [18:43] (26 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "The church in the United States of America has gotten off track big time. I don't mean just a little bit. I think we've really lost our course and we're failing the world in a lot of ways because we are here to be a light and a beacon of hope for a world that's in darkness." [27:57] (19 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "The ultimate way to discover our purpose is to live a life that is surrendered to the Lord Jesus. You'll never, I can't overstate or overemphasize the importance of yielding your life to the Lordship of Christ. One day every knee is gonna bow and every tongue is going to confess that Jesus Christ is Lord to the glory of God the Father." [30:37] (19 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "The evidence of a Spirit-filled life when the presence of God is working through somebody, here's what you'll see. You'll see love. Not self-serving love. Not a narcissistic type of love. You know narcissists can pretend to be loving to serve themselves. Not that type of love. We're talking about the love of God. Agape, self-sacrificing love." [57:03] (31 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "A mature Christian is someone who is comfortable enough in their own skin that they don't need the applause or the approval of everybody around them. Do you know what you call it when you have a group of people who meet together and agree 100% of the time on 100% of the issues? You know what you call that? A cult." [15:01] (18 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "When our lives are filled with God's Spirit, love will be present. Would you say that your general, like if people talk about you, which would be shocking that anybody would talk about another person, but when your name comes up in a conversation as it inevitably will, do people think of you as being a peacemaker?" [02:01] (25 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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