God’s House

“I am so easily satisfied by the call of lovers so less wild ” Derek Webb singer/songwriter
This past Sunday I had the privilege to preach on 1 Corinthians 3:1-9. In the text Paul is addressing the immaturity of the Corinthian Church; an immaturity that is evidenced by infighting over which preacher they followed.
“for when one says ‘I follow Paul’ and another ‘I follow Apollos,’ are you not mere men?” 1 Cor. 3:4
Paul reminds them that he and Apollos are simply tools for working in God’s field not celebrities to be fought over. As Mark Driscoll appropriately stated, “instead of focusing on the garden they (the church at Corinth) were focusing on the rake or shovel (paraphrase).”
It is so easy for us to be distracted and captivated by things that, when compared to Jesus Christ, are very small. To quote C.S. Lewis “we are far too easily pleased.” If we aren’t keeping our hearts in the right place we will fight and divide over our preferences.
We must remember that the church is a community made up of diverse people. These diverse people are united by one thing and one thing alone Jesus Christ. When Jesus is not the focus people will divide. Author and speaker Frank Viola in talking through the Bible, makes the observation that In Genesis, God dwells with man in the Garden. During the time of Moses He is in the Tabernacle. During the time of the Kings He is in the Temple. Now God Himself lives in those that trust His Son. He further observes that this should be what people sense when they gather among Christ followers; the corporate manifestation of His presence. Think about that, if you are a Jesus follower God lives in you. This truth should break down our differences and unite us as one body. This truth should captivate you.
Our faith is not a list of rules we subscribe to in order to please God, it is a relationship by which God Himself makes His dwelling in us. In the context of this relationship He changes, not only our eternal destination but our character. In the same way that we are physically designed to grow into adults, we are spiritually designed to grow and be like Jesus.
If you are like me, you read passages like 1 Corinthians 3 and see areas where you need to grow. The reality is we are all in the process of maturity. It’s one thing to recognize the need, it’s another to do something about it. Listed below are some suggestions in helping Christian maturity take place
1. Confession to God and others: Seeking God’s forgiveness and the forgiveness of others as needed.
2. Connect break into community and get to know other Jesus Followers. Here are some ways that that is possible at Grace: The Journey, Men’s Fraternity, Ladies’ bible study, Grace groups etc.
3. Commit to Community- As you get to know people learn from those that are stronger than you in certain life areas. We call that mentorship. As you grow seek out those you can offer your strength to and mentor them.