Message: “SERVICE – Finding Faithful Elders” from Josh Strickland

Introduction

It’s been a hard few years. As we are going through political turmoil, cultural turmoil, ethnic turmoil, and medical upheaval, Christians have found themselves on all different sides of these issues. Some of us have deep convictions about those issues which effect the decisions that we make.

By His grace, we have landed on the conviction that Jesus is Lord – He is King – He is Savior. By His death and resurrection, He has made us a new humanity, and He has placed us in a new kingdom. Our relationship here to the world is different than everybody else’s. We have missional relationships given to us by Jesus. (Matthew 28:18) Everything else is secondary.

Although we have differences that may put pressure on our relationships, God has given us a means to deal with that pressure. It is LOVE! It’s easy to love people like you, but we are made differently. The bride of Christ will prevail because He loves us.

This passage is intended to be read by the church of Corinth because they needed this word. (1 Cor. 1:10-13) There were divisions in the church. Paul wrote this letter to tell the way to come together - it is love. Paul knew that if he didn’t have love in writing this letter, no one would hear or listen. Paul knew that the church could survive because we are different than the world - we have love.

Paul begins by telling the Corinthians what love does in vs. 4-8. These are not descriptive terms; they are verbs. God loved the world “in this way” that He gave His only Son. Love is an action word. How is your love life? How is your love for Jesus? The way you love Jesus is how you love His body. (Matthew 25:35-40) How are you showing love to the person in front of you, behind you, beside you? In the midst of conflict, there is a way that is better than any other way - there is a most excellent way. It is LOVE.

Scripture References: 1 Corinthians 13:1-8

Related Topics: The Church | More Messages from Bobby Scott | Download Audio

From Series: "God's Design for the Church"

Worship Bulletin     Sermon Discussion Guide - I Corinthians 13:1-8a