Leaders have a place in the church but what is that place? What happens when we get too attached to a leader or teacher? (1 Corinthians 3:1-23)
Sermon Outline
“For no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ.” (1 Corinthians 3:11)
The mark of the “worldly” Church (1 Corinthians 3:1-4)
- Not living by the Spirit of God. Worldly.
- Mere infants. Not growing in faith.
- Not accepting the spiritual food/milk given to them.
- Jealousy and quarreling going on
- Following a particular church leader instead of Christ. Idolatry
- Division and rivalry
The mark of Church leaders (1 Corinthians 3:5-15)
- Church leaders are servants (deacons), not Lords. They serve Jesus and the church.
- Church leaders are chosen and called by Christ. They belong to Jesus
- Church leaders have their unique gifting, calling, and strength
- Church leaders are to work together for the purpose of seeing the church thrive and
- Christ magnified
- Church leaders are farmers and architects in God’s farm and building.
- Jesus is the foundation that leaders must build on.
- Jesus is the Cornerstone of the church
- The DAY will bring all leader’s work to light. Whether it is “gold” or “hay.”
The mark of the “true” Church (1 Corinthians 3:16-23)
- The Church is the temple of God.
- God dwells in the midst of the Church
- God will destroy the person who destroy God’s temple-the Church.
- The church should not rely on human wisdom for the things of Christ
- The church should boast in Christ, not human leaders.
- The Church belongs to Jesus. He gave his life for her.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
- When you think of leaders. Name three great leaders that you know and admire? Why? What quality do they possess that you love about them.
- This week we continue our preaching series, “God’s Grace for an Imperfect Church: 1 Corinthians” by looking at 1 Corinthians 3. Whether you are on your own or with others, begin your study in prayer, asking God to speak to you through this study and then read that text aloud.
- Why does Paul call the Corinthian church worldly or fleshy, and not living by the Spirit? Read 1 Corinthians 3:1-4.
- Paul addresses what it is means to live by the Spirit in his letter to the Galatians in chapter 5. Read Galatians 5: 16-18, 25-26.
- Paul also addresses in Galatians 5 what is means to be fleshy or to gratify the desires of the flesh. Read verses 5:19-21. Unfortunately, most of what is on the list marked the Corinthian Church. What about the North American Church? Are we faring any better? Are we not worldly/fleshy/and gratifying the desires of the flesh?
- The Corinthians were divided and aligned themselves between Paul, Peter (Cephas), Apollos, and Jesus as read in 1 Corinthians 1:11-12, 3:4. All of these people are church leaders that were known and respected. Who is Apollos? Read Acts 18:24-28 (Note that Corinth is the Provincial capital of Achaia)
- According to Paul, leaders are servants “deacons”. Read 1 Corinthians 3:6-9. What does it mean to be a servant leader. How did Jesus Christ demonstrate this? Philippians 2:5-8. Also see John 13:12-17, Mark 10:42-45
- Each leader has his calling/task and job to do. What was Paul and Apollos task accord- ing to 1 Corinthians 3:6-8. Also read Ephesians 4:11-13. Why do we have church leaders? What should be the result of their work according to where you read?
- Paul also mentions that Jesus is their master. Jesus is greater than Paul or Apollos. He is greater than any human or spiritual leader period. Read 1 Corinthians 3:5.
- Every leader is an architect and are building the church. Read 1 Corinthians 3:10-15. What will the Day bring to light about every leader’s work?
- Read 1 Corinthians 3:16-18. What does Paul call the Church? What warning does Paul have for those who want to destroy the church by dividing, quarrelling and being worldly? Read verse 17.
- Read 1 Corinthians 3:19-23 What warning does Paul have for the church regarding worldly wisdom.
- What is God speaking to you through this study? If you are with a small group, discuss that with one another and then pray about what you shared. If you are on your own, write it down, pray about it, and share this with someone during the next few days.