The Day the Church Lost Power

God’s people did not have God’s power.

18 Some of you have become arrogant, thinking I will not visit you again. 19 But I will come—and soon—if the Lord lets me, and then I’ll find out whether these arrogant people just give pretentious speeches or whether they really have God’s power. 20 For the Kingdom of God is not just a lot of talk; it is living by God’s power.

- 1 Corinthians 4:18-20 (NLT)

15 To the pure, all things are pure, but to the defiled and unbelieving, nothing is pure; but both their minds and their consciences are defiled. 16 They profess to know God, but they deny him by their works. They are detestable, disobedient, unfit for any good work.

- Titus 1:15-16 (ESV)

2 For people will be lovers of self, lovers of money, boastful, proud, demeaning, disobedient to parents, ungrateful, unholy, 3 unloving, irreconcilable, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, without love for what is good, 4 traitors, reckless, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, 5 holding to the form of godliness but denying its power. Avoid these people.

- 2 Timothy 3:2-5 (CSB)

Sin separates us and denies our access to God and His Power.

The Lord hates six things; in fact, seven are detestable to him: 17 arrogant eyes, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, 18 a heart that plots wicked schemes, feet eager to run to evil, 19 a lying witness who gives false testimony, and one who stirs up trouble among brothers.

- Proverbs 6:16-19 (CSB)

The solution is repentance.

12 Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body, so that you obey its desires. 13 And do not offer any parts of it to sin as weapons for unrighteousness. But as those who are alive from the dead, offer yourselves to God, and all the parts of yourselves to God as weapons for righteousness. 14 For sin will not rule over you, because you are not under the law but under grace.

- Romans 6:12-4 - ESV

Questions for Reflection:

1. Have you experienced the power of God in your life?

2. How can God’s power in your life affect others around you?
   
   

Partnership with God

5 What, after all, is Apollos? And what is Paul? Only servants, through whom you came to believe—as the Lord has assigned to each his task. 6 I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God has been making it grow. 7 So neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow. 8 The one who plants and the one who waters have one purpose, and they will each be rewarded according to their own labor. 9 For we are co-workers in God’s service; you are God’s field, God’s building.

- 1 Corinthians 3:5-9

Grow Up: God wants to bring you to maturity.

Brothers and sisters, I could not address you as people who live by the Spirit but as people who are still worldly—mere infants in Christ. 2 I gave you milk, not solid food, for you were not yet ready for it. Indeed, you are still not ready.

- 1 Corinthians 3:1-2

Own Up: Associate with God and associate with his purpose.

For whoever is ashamed of me and of my words in this adulterous and sinful generation, of him will the Son of Man also be ashamed when he comes in the glory of his Father with the holy angels.

- Mark 8:38

Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth.

- 2 Timothy 2:15

Show Up: Contribute to the mission.

18 Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

- Matthew 28:18-20

Ask yourself these three questions…

1. Are you really in partnership with God?

2. How much have you invested?

3. How much risk are you willing to take?

How to Follow God in Sin City

Our culture is not conducive to following Christ.

“Paul, called by the will of God to be an apostle of Christ Jesus, and our brother Sosthenes, To the church of God that is in Corinth…”

- 1 Corinthians 1:1-2

Being passive isn’t an option.

“It is actually reported that there is sexual immorality among you, and of a kind that is not tolerated even among pagans, for a man has his father's wife. And you are arrogant! Ought you not rather to mourn? Let him who has done this be removed from among you.”

- 1 Corinthians 5:1-2

“Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will send you out to fish for people.” At once they left their nets and followed him.

- Matthew 4:19-20

Press on toward Christ.

“To the church of God that is in Corinth, to those sanctified in Christ Jesus…”

- 1 Corinthians 1:2

“Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth.

- John 17:17

Press into Community.

“To the church of God that is in Corinth, to those sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints together with all those who in every place call upon the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, both their Lord and ours…”

- 1 Corinthians 1:2

Raised to Life

Everyone gets desperate at some point.

22 Then came one of the rulers of the synagogue, Jairus by name, and seeing him, he fell at his feet 23 and implored him earnestly, saying, “My little daughter is at the point of death. Come and lay your hands on her, so that she may be made well and live.”

- Mark 5:22-23

Disappointment is a routine in our lives.

While he was still speaking, there came from the ruler's house some who said, “Your daughter is dead. Why trouble the Teacher any further?”

- Mark 5:35

For the wages of sin is death…

- Romans 6:23

Don’t give up on Jesus!

But overhearing what they said, Jesus said to the ruler of the synagogue, “Do not fear, only believe.”

- Mark 5:36

Jesus Christ can raise our disappointments to life.

38 They came to the house of the ruler of the synagogue, and Jesus saw a commotion, people weeping and wailing loudly. 39 And when he had entered, he said to them, “Why are you making a commotion and weeping? The child is not dead but sleeping.” 40 And they laughed at him. But he put them all outside and took the child's father and mother and those who were with him and went in where the child was. 41 Taking her by the hand he said to her, “Talitha cumi,” which means, “Little girl, I say to you, arise.” 42 And immediately the girl got up and began walking (for she was twelve years of age), and they were immediately overcome with amazement.

- Mark 5:38-42

Entrust our disappointments and destinies to Him.

“Do not fear, only believe.”

- Mark 5:36

2 And very early on the first day of the week, when the sun had risen, they went to the tomb. 3 And they were saying to one another, “Who will roll away the stone for us from the entrance of the tomb?” 4 And looking up, they saw that the stone had been rolled back—it was very large. 5 And entering the tomb, they saw a young man sitting on the right side, dressed in a white robe, and they were alarmed. 6 And he said to them, “Do not be alarmed. You seek Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified. He has risen; he is not here. See the place where they laid him.

- Mark 16:2-5

Joy for the Journey

4 Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. 5 Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; 6 do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

- Philippians 4:4-7

Always be Joyful (It is Possible!)

4 Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice.

- Philippians 4:4

Be a peacemaker

5 Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand;

- Philippians 4:5

Take anxiety captive

6 do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.

- Philippians 4:6

A double minded man is unstable in all his ways.

- James 1:8

Allow God make you whole

6 do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.

- Philippians 4:6

7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

- Philippians 4:7

Surrender control to God

Adjusting for Joy

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God wants us to experience His joy.

Finally, my brothers, rejoice in the Lord. To write the same things to you is no trouble to me and is safe for you.

- Philippians 3:1

The joy of Jesus exceeds expectations.

“...therefore God, your God, has anointed you with the oil of gladness beyond your companions.”

- Hebrews 1:9

The joy of Jesus endures.

“looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross...”

- Hebrews 12:2

Joy comes from more than just a religious routine.

Look out for the dogs, look out for the evildoers, look out for those who mutilate the flesh.

- Philippians 3:2

8 For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, 9 not a result of works, so that no one may boast.

- Ephesians 2:8-9

Joy comes from practicing the presence of God.

For we are the circumcision, who worship by the Spirit of God…

- Philippians 3:3

15 “If you love me, you will keep my commandments. 16 And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper, to be with you forever, 17 even the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees him nor knows him. You know him, for he dwells with you and will be in you.

- John 14:15-17

6 And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him.

- Hebrews 11:6

Joy comes from living with God’s value system.

...and glory in Christ Jesus and put no confidence in the flesh…

- Philippians 3:3

7 But whatever gain I had, I counted as loss for the sake of Christ. 8 Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ.

- Philippians 3:7-8

Joy in Unity (Pastor Robert Hern)

1 If you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any fellowship with the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, 2 then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and purpose. 3 Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. 4 Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others.

- Philippians 2:1 -4 (NIV)

Unity is possible because of our shared experience in Christ.

1 If you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any fellowship with the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion,

- Philippians 2:1 (NIV)

1 Think about what we have in Christ: the encouragement he has brought us, the comfort of his love, our sharing in his Spirit, and the mercy and kindness he has shown us.

- Philippians 2:1 (ERV)

2 then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and purpose.

- Philippians 2:2 (ERV)

Unity requires humility.

3 Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. 

- Philippians 2:3

4 Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others.

- Philippians 2:4

The ultimate example of humility is Jesus.

5 Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus…

- Philippians 2:5

(1) His Incarnation – He left heaven for earth.

6 Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, 7abut made himself nothing…

- Philippians 2:6

(2) His life – He became a servant 

7 by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. 

- Philippians 2:7

(3) His death – He died on the cross

8 And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death— even death on a cross! 

- Philippians 2:8

9 Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, 10that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 11and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

- Philippians 2:9-11

Unexpected Joy

12 Now I want you to know, brothers and sisters, that what has happened to me has actually advanced the gospel, 13 so that it has become known throughout the whole imperial guard, and to everyone else, that my imprisonment is because I am in Christ. 14 Most of the brothers have gained confidence in the Lord from my imprisonment and dare even more to speak the word fearlessly. 15 To be sure, some preach Christ out of envy and rivalry, but others out of good will. 16 These preach out of love, knowing that I am appointed for the defense of the gospel; 17 the others proclaim Christ out of selfish ambition, not sincerely, thinking that they will cause me trouble in my imprisonment. 18 What does it matter? Only that in every way, whether from false motives or true, Christ is proclaimed, and in this I rejoice. Yes, and I will continue to rejoice.

- Philippians 1:12-18

Joy is not centered on us, joy is centered in God

22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, and self-control.

- Galatians 5:22

The joy of the Lord is a witness to unbelievers

12 Now I want you to know, brothers and sisters, that what has happened to me has actually advanced the gospel, 13 so that it has become known throughout the whole imperial guard, and to everyone else, that my imprisonment is because I am in Christ.

- Philippians 1:12-13

The joy of the Lord empowers other believers

14 Most of the brothers have gained confidence in the Lord from my imprisonment and dare even more to speak the word fearlessly.

- Philippians 1:14

The joy of the Lord brings rejoicing to the persecuted

15 To be sure, some preach Christ out of envy and rivalry, but others out of good will. 16 These preach out of love, knowing that I am appointed for the defense of the gospel; 17 the others proclaim Christ out of selfish ambition, not sincerely, thinking that they will cause me trouble in my imprisonment. 18 What does it matter? Only that in every way, whether from false motives or true, Christ is proclaimed, and in this I rejoice. Yes, and I will continue to rejoice.

- Philippians 1:15-18

Before the Relationship

15 The Lord God placed the man in the Garden of Eden to tend and watch over it. 16 But the Lord God warned him, “You may freely eat the fruit of every tree in the garden— 17 except the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. If you eat its fruit, you are sure to die.” 18 Then the Lord God said, “It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper who is just right for him.”

- Genesis 2:15-18

God desires to give you a place

8 Then the Lord God planted a garden in Eden in the east, and there he placed the man he had made.

- Genesis 2:8

God desires to give you purpose

God purpose leads to God’s provision

9 The Lord God made all sorts of trees grow up from the ground—trees that were beautiful and that produced delicious fruit. In the middle of the garden he placed the tree of life and the tree of the knowledge of good and evil.

- Genesis 2:9

God defines your identity

God desires to give you parameters

16 But the Lord God warned him, “You may freely eat the fruit of every tree in the garden— 17 except the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. If you eat its fruit, you are sure to die.”

- Genesis 2:16-17

Love Your Enemy

27 “But I say to you who hear, Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, 28 bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you. 29 To one who strikes you on the cheek, offer the other also, and from one who takes away your cloak do not withhold your tunic either. 30 Give to everyone who begs from you, and from one who takes away your goods do not demand them back. 31 And as you wish that others would do to you, do so to them.

-Luke 6:27-30

Demonstrate the highest standard of love

4 Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant 5 or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; 6 it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. 7 Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. 

- 1 Corinthians 13:4-7

Live by a higher standard of conduct.

To the contrary, “if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.

- Romans 12:20

Trust in God’s higher purpose.

35 But love your enemies, and do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return, and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High, for he is kind to the ungrateful and the evil. 36 Be merciful, even as your Father is merciful.

- Luke 6:35-36

“Now there is a final reason I think that Jesus says, "Love your enemies." It is this: that love has within it a redemptive power. And there is a power there that eventually transforms individuals. That’s why Jesus says, "Love your enemies." Because if you hate your enemies, you have no way to redeem and to transform your enemies. But if you love your enemies, you will discover that at the very root of love is the power of redemption.

- Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.