Empowered Church: Hope, Identity, and Spiritual Growth
Summary
In the exploration of 1 Corinthians 1:1-9, the focus is on the transformative power of hope and the role of the church in the world. The church is seen as the primary vehicle through which God brings light into the world and combats darkness. This confidence in the church's mission is rooted in Jesus' promise that the gates of hell will not prevail against it, suggesting that the church is on the offensive, advancing the gospel and pushing back against the forces of darkness.
The church, despite its human imperfections and failures, is continually sanctified and used by God. It is a community set apart, called to be different within the culture, not by withdrawing from it, but by being distinct in its values and actions. The church in Corinth, like any other community, faced numerous challenges, including divisions, immorality, and theological confusion. However, these issues did not define the church; rather, they highlighted the ongoing process of sanctification and the need for continual growth and maturity in Christ.
The church is reminded of its identity in Christ—sanctified and called to be saints. This identity is not based on perfection but on being set apart by Christ's sacrificial death. The church is called to reflect Christ, not the surrounding culture, which in Corinth's case was marked by pagan worship and immorality. The church is to be a contrast to the darkness, embodying the values and teachings of Jesus.
The message emphasizes the importance of recognizing and celebrating the grace of God at work within the church. Believers are encouraged to acknowledge and affirm the spiritual growth they observe in one another, fostering a culture of encouragement and mutual edification. This practice of affirmation is not only for moments of correction but should be a regular part of community life, helping believers to grow and mature in their faith.
The church is also reminded of its giftedness, having been enriched in speech and knowledge, and possessing all the spiritual gifts necessary to serve and build up the body of Christ. These gifts are not for personal glory but for the common good and the advancement of God's kingdom. The church is called to be ready for Christ's return, living in a manner that reflects sanctification and readiness for the day of the Lord.
Ultimately, the church is God's, regardless of its location or the specific challenges it faces. It is part of a global community of believers, all called to live out the gospel in their unique contexts. The church is to be a beacon of hope, reflecting the grace and truth of Christ, and actively participating in God's redemptive work in the world.
Key Takeaways:
- The church is God's chosen instrument to bring light into the world, actively pushing back against darkness. This is not a passive stance but an offensive one, where the gates of hell are depicted as defensive structures that will not withstand the advance of the gospel. The church's mission is rooted in the confidence that Jesus will complete the work He has started, and this should be a source of encouragement for believers. [33:00]
- Sanctification is an ongoing process for the church and individual believers. It is a reminder that God is not finished with His people and that the Holy Spirit is actively working to draw believers closer to Christ. This process includes both justification—being made right with God—and sanctification—being set apart for God's purposes. [30:04]
- The church's identity is found in being sanctified in Christ and called to be saints. This identity calls for a distinctiveness that is not about isolation from culture but about being a transformative presence within it. The church should reflect Christ's values and teachings, standing out as a beacon of hope and truth in a world that often embraces very different standards. [16:14]
- Encouragement and affirmation within the church are vital for spiritual growth. Recognizing and celebrating the work of God in each other's lives builds a supportive community that can withstand challenges and fosters an environment where believers can confess sins and grow without fear of judgment. This culture of encouragement should be a hallmark of church life. [26:14]
- The church is endowed with spiritual gifts that are meant for the common good and the edification of the body of Christ. These gifts are not for personal gain but are given by God to equip the church for service and to prepare it for the return of Christ. Believers are called to use their gifts faithfully, contributing to the church's mission and readiness for the day of the Lord. [27:31]
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1 Corinthians 1:1-9
#### Observation Questions
1. What are some of the specific issues and challenges that the church in Corinth faced according to the sermon? ([03:23])
2. How does Paul describe the identity of the church in Corinth in 1 Corinthians 1:2? What does it mean to be "sanctified in Christ Jesus" and "called to be saints"?
3. According to the sermon, how does Paul begin his letter to the Corinthians despite their many problems? ([08:23])
4. What does Paul emphasize about the church's giftedness in 1 Corinthians 1:5-7? How does this relate to their readiness for Christ's return?
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why does Paul remind the Corinthians of their identity in Christ before addressing their issues? How might this approach affect their reception of his message? ([08:23])
2. How does the concept of sanctification as an ongoing process provide hope for both individual believers and the church as a whole? ([30:04])
3. In what ways does the sermon suggest that the church should be distinct from the surrounding culture? How can this distinctiveness be maintained without withdrawing from the culture? ([16:14])
4. How does the practice of encouragement and affirmation within the church contribute to spiritual growth and community strength? ([26:14])
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on the specific challenges faced by the church in Corinth. Are there similar issues in our church today? How can we address them while maintaining a spirit of grace and truth? ([03:23])
2. Paul emphasizes the importance of recognizing and celebrating the grace of God at work within the church. Can you think of a recent example where you have seen God's grace in action within our church community? How can you share this observation with others? ([26:14])
3. The sermon highlights the church's role in pushing back against darkness. What are some practical ways our small group can actively participate in advancing the gospel in our community? ([33:00])
4. How can we foster a culture of encouragement and mutual edification in our small group? Share a specific way you can affirm someone's spiritual growth this week. ([26:14])
5. The sermon mentions that the church is endowed with spiritual gifts for the common good. What spiritual gifts do you believe you have, and how can you use them to serve and build up our church? ([27:31])
6. Reflect on the idea that the church is God's chosen instrument to bring light into the world. How does this perspective change the way you view your involvement in the church? ([33:00])
7. The sermon encourages believers to be ready for Christ's return. What steps can you take to live in a manner that reflects sanctification and readiness for the day of the Lord? ([27:31])
Devotional
Day 1: Light Against the Darkness
The church is called to actively engage in spiritual warfare, advancing the gospel and dispelling the shadows of evil. This mission is empowered by the promise that no force of darkness can withstand the church's offensive, as it is undergirded by the authority of Jesus Christ. The church's role is not passive but dynamic, embodying hope and pushing back against the gates of hell. [33:00]
Matthew 5:14-16 - "You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven."
Reflection: How can you actively participate in your church's mission to bring light into your community this week?
Day 2: Sanctification as a Journey
Sanctification is a divine process that refines and shapes the church and its members into the likeness of Christ. It is a continuous journey of growth, where the Holy Spirit works within to overcome imperfections and to foster spiritual maturity. This process is a testament to God's patience and commitment to complete the good work He has begun in His people. [30:04]
Philippians 2:12-13 - "Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed—not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence—continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose."
Reflection: What is one area in your life where you see the need for growth, and how can you cooperate with the Holy Spirit in this process?
Day 3: Called to Be Saints
Believers are sanctified in Christ and called to live as saints, set apart for God's purposes. This calling is not about achieving moral perfection but about embracing a distinct identity that reflects Christ's love and righteousness. The church is to be a transformative presence in the world, not conforming to its patterns but offering a hopeful alternative through the way of Jesus. [16:14]
1 Peter 2:9-10 - "But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. Once you were not a people, but now you are the people of God; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy."
Reflection: In what ways can you demonstrate your distinct identity as a follower of Christ in your daily interactions?
Day 4: Cultivating a Culture of Encouragement
The church thrives when its members actively recognize and affirm the grace of God at work within one another. This culture of encouragement strengthens the community, allowing believers to grow in faith and love. By celebrating spiritual progress and supporting one another, the church becomes a place where individuals can flourish in their walk with God. [26:14]
Hebrews 10:24-25 - "And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching."
Reflection: Who can you encourage in your church community this week, and how will you go about doing it?
Day 5: Gifted for Service
The church is endowed with diverse spiritual gifts, each intended to serve the common good and build up the body of Christ. These gifts are a testament to God's provision and are to be used responsibly and selflessly. As believers exercise their gifts, they contribute to the church's mission and prepare themselves and others for the return of Christ. [27:31]
1 Corinthians 12:4-7 - "There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit distributes them. There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. There are different kinds of working, but in all of them and in everyone it is the same God at work. Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good."
Reflection: What spiritual gift has God given you, and how can you use it this week to serve others in your church or community?
Quotes
1) "I want to tell you God is working and moving and he's purifying his church even right now...the church is God's plan A...to bring a light into the world and push back the darkness." [33:00] (Download)
2) "Jesus is working and using his church to push back the darkness...Jesus will finish what he started; that's a promise." [34:11] (Download)
3) "If you want to find Grace in what Christ is doing, I promise you, you will find that as well." [35:19] (Download)
4) "You are the Church of God that is in Corinth...you're also not lacking gifts...this is a church that is a gifted Church." [36:23] (Download)
5) "You might have money because you've worked hard...but it's the Lord's money; it's for his bride, it's for his church, it's for his kingdom." [36:58] (Download)
6) "May we see his bride in the way that he sees it and may that lead us to be a people who are set apart in Winterville and Greenville wherever the Lord May have us." [37:40] (Download)
7) "You are being Sanctified right now...the holy spirit of God is constantly working in your life...to make you more like Jesus." [29:27] (Download)
8) "The Church of Corinth was known for its variety of gifts and Paul says I've seen that in you...you are not lacking in any spiritual gift as you wait for the revealing of our Lord Jesus Christ." [27:31] (Download)
9) "If you've been hurt by the church or burned out...I want all of us this morning including myself to see the church in the way that God sees it." [07:39] (Download)
10) "Paul is reminding them of who they really are in Christ...he's celebrating the growth that he sees in them and church, I don't think this should just come when we're going to say something hard to someone." [22:42] (Download)
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