Author: Stan Cox
The Patternists: Who Judges the Steward?
“Let a man so consider us, as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God. Moreover it is required in stewards that one be found faithful. But with me it is a very small thing that I should be judged by you or by a human court. In fact, I do not even judge myself. For I know of nothing against myself, yet I am not justified by this; but He who judges me is the Lord” (1 Corinthians 4:1-4).
In our text Paul reveals himself as a servant of Christ. Christ had given him a specific stewardship. As an apostle, it was his responsibility to reveal God’s mysteries. His efforts enraged some. For example, the Judaizers in the early church despised the great apostle’s ministry among the Gentiles. It didn’t bother him in the least. He didn’t care. It was a “very small thing.”
“Let him become a fool”
“Let no one deceive himself. If anyone among you seems to be wise in this age, let him become a fool that he may become wise. For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God…” (1 Corinthians 3:18-19a).
We are constantly bombarded with the world’s wisdom. It is seen on television as we watch the news, as well as entertainment. It even rears its head when you watch something as simple as sports. Moral issues, civic issues, questions of war and peace. How to help people. What is most important. Who is right and wrong. People argue back and forth, everyone sure they are right, and the other side is not only wrong but evil. But, few talk about God. Even fewer adopt what God has to say!
James warned about this, calling worldly wisdom demonic and divisive (cf. James 3:15). Here in our text, Paul called them fools who hold to worldly wisdom!
They are crafty, but God catches them in their deceit. Their thoughts are futile. (vs. 19b-20). It is misguided to place your trust in their schemes. The world is a mess because of them. “Therefore let no one boast in men” (21a).
Society seems doomed because too many are swayed by the futile thoughts of our cultural and political leaders and influencers. But it is not too late for you and I. We have to reject the wisdom of the world, and become fools for Christ!
Do you want true wisdom? Place your trust in the Lord!
Click below to…
Sermon: Living a Balanced Life
The wise man in Ecclesiastes establishes the importance of living a balanced life (cf. Ecclesiastes 3:1-8). The only way this is possible is by having Christ at the center of your life.
Sermon Powerpoint View and Download:
<<———><><———>>
Sermon: Proof of Jesus Christ’s Resurrection
Short 8:30 minute invitation talk.
It was not only the disciples of Jesus who witnessed His power over death. When Jesus raised Lazarus, for example, John 11 reveals that the Jewish leaders acknowledged His power as well. They sought to kill Him for it.
A Hard Saying
In a recent study I had with a number of non-Christians, we were covering the book of Luke, and came across the following passage: “Whoever divorces his wife and marries another commits adultery; and whoever marries her who is divorced from her husband commits adultery” (Luke 16:18).
One person remarked that the passage seemed unduly harsh and unfair. I responded that I understood he would feel that way, but asked others if they thought the same? Several admitted they did.
I must admit I was a bit surprised. I thought the response would be a bit more muted. It just shows how modern day thinking is so opposed to the morals espoused by our Lord.
Of course, Jesus had the same problem when these concepts were first taught by him. In Matthew 19, he said almost the same thing in verse 9. In response, His own disciples said, “If such is the case of the man with his wife, it is better not to marry.” (Matthew 19:10).
It certainly is not easy to live up to the standards God has set for us morally. As Christians we are called to reject the darkness, and cling to the light. “But as He who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, because it is written, “Be holy, for I am holy” (1 Peter 1:15-16).
Not all are willing to heed Jesus’ words. That does not lead our Lord to compromise. Instead, He simply says, “He who is able to accept it, let him accept it” (Matthew 19:12).
Click below to…
Roe V Wade Overturned!!!
While sitting at my computer considering what articles to write for the week, I witnessed the reaction of demonstrators to the news that Roe V Wade has been overturned by the Supreme Court by a 5-4 majority.
The decision (depending upon the relative position) is being rejoiced about, or mourned. This is one of the few issues where there is little grey are. It is black and white.
Regardless, overturning Roe V Wade does not end abortion in America. It is doubtful it will make it more rare, as it simply passes on the obligation for determine its legality back to the individual states.
Sermon: TULIP – An Examination of Calvinism
The lesson concisely examines and refutes the five major tenets of Calvinism, found in the acrostic TULIP. (Total Depravity; Unconditional Election; Limited Atonement; Irresistable Grace; Perseverance of the Saints).
Sermon Powerpoint View and Download:
<<———><><———>>
Sermon: The Suffering Savior
The Jews in the first century had a mistaken view of the coming Messiah. They believed in the restoration of a physical kingdom, and a defeat of Rome. The scriptures taught the necessity of a suffering Savior.
Did Jesus Heal a Homosexual Soldier’s Slave?
This past week, I was made aware of an argument, made by some, to contend that Jesus implicitly approved of a homosexual relationship. The account is Luke 7. I would like to examine that text and the argument.
In my research, it seems that the argument has two main features, both based on the meaning of Greek words. The first word is pais. Thayer defines the term — 1) a child, boy or girl. 2) A servant or slave.
Continue reading “Did Jesus Heal a Homosexual Soldier’s Slave?”
The Patternists: You “Ought” To
“These things I write to you, though I hope to come to you shortly; but if I am delayed, I write so that you may know how you ought to conduct yourself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth” (1 Timothy 3:14-15)
The English word “ought” is “used to indicate duty or correctness” (Oxford). The Greek word is dei, “it is necessary, there is need of, it behooves, is right and proper” (Thayer). It is important to key in on the word “necessary” in the definition, especially as it concerns the context of 1 Timothy 3.
Reasons for Thanksgiving
In Paul’s second letter to the Thessalonians, he began by expressing thanksgiving for them. Why was he thankful?
-
Because it was fitting (3). In other words, there was a legitimate reason for his joy. Its origin was their conduct in Christ, which he lists in verses 3-4.
-
Because their faith was growing exceedingly (3). These Christians hadn’t stalled in their faith as others did and can do today (Hebrews 5:12—6:6). Through diligence and effort, they were making progress, and growing stronger spiritually.
-
Because their love for each other was abundant (3). John considered this the primary characteristic identifying the people of God (1 John 4:7-11). The Thessalonians were wonderful examples of the proper response to God’s love. “Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another.”
-
Because they were strong in faith and patience in the midst of tribulation and persecution (10). It is one thing to be strong when the going is easy. It is a true reason to rejoice when faithfulness is seen despite the devil’s attempt to destroy it. The zeal of the Thessalonians was truly praiseworthy.
So, a natural question to ask… Is our congregation one that Paul would “thank God always for”? Are we growing in faith? Abounding in Love? Remaining steadfast despite trials? It is important to be counted “worthy of this calling” (11).
Click below to…
Sermon: Is the Bible Enough?
Speaker: Ian Tilley
Many churches seem to think that they need to modernize worship, add social programs and entertain to convert souls. This lesson shows that the preaching of the gospel is sufficient in and of itself to save the souls of men.
Sermon: The Eternal Word
In the beginning was the Word. God in the flesh. Jesus is God the Son, as affirmed by Jesus in John 1.
Sermon: “And the Lord turned and looked at Peter”
It was traumatic to Peter when the Lord looked at him, and he realized he had denied Him three times. We too seek to avoid such trauma, by rationalizing, covering up, lying about, and hiding our own sins.
Sermon Powerpoint View and Download:
<<———><><———>>
Sermon: Examining Our Claims of Salvation
Each of us should carefully and honestly examine the circumstances surrounding our own claimed conversion, to ensure that what happened is actually what God requires for us to be saved.
