Transcript

How Wise Are You?

1 Corinthians 3:16-23
Sunday, April 3, 2005
Pastor Randy Smith

---

For the past three months we have been studying Paul's first letter to the Corinthians. I have mentioned that chapters 1-4 form a cohesive unit centered on one particular theme - unity in the church.

In 1:11 we learned that Chloe's people informed Paul that divisions existed within the church. On the surface, the divisions were a result of the congregation getting behind their favorite leader. "I am of Paul" and "I of Apollos" and "I of Cephas" (1:12). However, on a deeper level, Paul knew that this favoritism resulted because they were following the wisdom of the world. They were worldly. They were "fleshly" (3:3). They were "infants in Christ" (3:1). Instead of thinking as God thinks and acting as God acts, they processed everything from a secular perspective - that perspective was the root of their problems.

As Christians, at some point, we must come to realize that the ways of the world are diametrically opposed to the ways of God. Since "the wisdom of this world is foolishness before God" (3:19), every child of God is expected to adopt a completely new perspective of thinking in regard to a worldview. Things such as the philosophies we accepted, the psychology we learned, much of what we received from friends, movies, television, intuition, experience, teachers or even our own parents, needs to be discarded if its genesis came from a non-Christian setting.

We need to unlearn falsehood and reprogram our minds with biblical truth. And for those of us who have grown up in the world for thirty plus years before trusting Christ, this process calls for a radical shift (a 180). It is a shift in our thinking that takes much time and much humility. I often compare it to turning around an aircraft carrier.

Yet regardless of when we became believers, each of us must orient ourselves to biblical thinking if we are to honor God. The way we deal with people, the way we dress, the way we solve our problems, the way we spend our money, the way we speak, the way we raise our children, the way we run a church, our choices of entertainment, our priorities in life, must all be brought under the lordship of Christ. We must come to realize that every decision is a spiritual decision. We must allow the Holy Spirit to transform our thinking through the Word of God. We must jettison the ways of the world which our Lord calls foolishness (3:21) and become wise in the eyes of God.

Few things are more devastating for the church than to have professing Christians think and therefore act no differently than the world. James in his epistle blamed worldly wisdom for "bitter jealously" and "selfish ambition" (Jas. 3:14). He went on to say that "this wisdom is not that which comes down from above, but is earthly, natural (and) demonic" (Jas. 3:15). Therefore we should not be surprised that the Corinthian church had so many similar problems. Nor should we be surprised at the many conflicts within the modern church as well. Thinking like the world is a sure recipe for spiritual disaster. Therefore each of us, if we seek to honor God and have a unified church, must continually examine our hearts as we examine the Scripture to see if we are processing according to the wisdom of the world or the wisdom of God.

Do you want to be wise? This morning, as we prepare our hearts for communion, I would like to present five aspects that characterize wise thinking. The majority of this information will come from previous material. This sermon is not intended to be theologically deep with a plethora of new information, but rather a time of review and self-examination. The conclusion of the sermon will be the concluding verses of chapter 3.

1. WISE PEOPLE GROW SPIRITUALLY

First of all, wise people grow spiritually.

At the moment of salvation, God Himself in the Person of the Holy Spirit, takes up permanent residence in our lives. The goal of the Holy Spirit, as His name implies, is to make us more holy. Or as it says in Romans 8:29 to be "conform (us) to the image of (Jesus Christ)." Both are saying the same thing. After all, how can we expect to remain the same when the Spirit of the living God takes up residence within us? If we are in Christ, each of us should be in the continual process of spiritual growth.

You will remember back in 3:1 that Paul rebuked the church for being "infants in Christ." Each of us has a chronological maturity based upon our age. And each of us is at a spiritual maturity based upon our godliness. Our goal: as we advance in years as Christians, we are expected to grow in Christlikeness. Each of us in Christ should be further along spiritually than we were a year ago. There is nothing wrong with a being spiritual infant at the initiation of our faith. But remaining a spiritual infant after years in the faith, according to Scripture, is a problem. Remember, Paul was grieved that he still needed to feed the Corinthian church "spiritual milk" (3:2). They were still spiritual vegetarians.

Even the writer to the Hebrews had a similar lamentation. "For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you have need again for someone to teach you the elementary principles of the oracles of God, and you have come to need milk and not solid food" (Heb. 5:12).

Wise Christians make every effort to grow spiritually. They know the Holy Spirit is the chief agent to produce spiritual maturity so they saturate themselves in the means He uses to accomplish His purposes - things like: Bible reading, devotional reading, prayer, godly fellowship, listening to sermons, church services and meditation. Wise Christians keep before themselves the holy character of Jesus Christ. Their greatest goal is to be like Jesus. They also keep before themselves the image of godly men and godly women who set an example for them to follow. Even Paul told the Corinthian church, "Be imitators of me, just as I also am of Christ" (11:1).

I have learned the Christian life is such a swim against the current that a failure to mature is actually a form of backsliding. Joy results when we grow in the faith. God commands us to grow in the faith. So a failure to grow is a sure mark of foolishness.

2. WISE PEOPLE KNOW THE GOSPEL

Second, wise people know the Gospel.

It is hard to imagine anything more foolish than a professing Christian who is unable to articulate the Gospel. In chapter 2 verse 2, Paul said, "For I determined to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ, and Him crucified." As believers, we must be certain that we base our salvation solely on the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ. We must understand that we obtain the great promise of forgiveness through faith and repentance. We must accept Jesus Christ as our treasure. We must realize that Jesus Christ is the only way to bridge the gap between our sinfulness and God's holiness, because only He died as our substitute as a sin offering. Do you understand the Gospel? Are you clinging to it daily as the hope of your redemption?

The Scriptures have presented only one possible way to God (Jn. 14:6), but worldly thinking accepts many ways. The Scriptures sternly warn against preaching a "different gospel" (Gal. 1:6), but worldly thinking alters the Gospel. They remove the offense of the cross or delineate the need for repentance or misrepresent biblical faith. The Scriptures command us to share the Gospel with others (2 Tim. 4:5), but worldly thinking prefers to keep the message to oneself.

If we are to be considered a wise church, we must be composed of wise individuals. And wise individuals know the Gospel inside and out and faithfully make every effort to share it with others.

3. WISE PEOPLE UNIFY

Third, wise people seek unity.

If you have been with us the past three months, this point is rather self-explanatory. The Corinthian church was plagued with factions and divisiveness and strife. Paul says their disorder was the result of their spiritual foolishness. But listen to the fruits of godly wisdom from James. "But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, reasonable, full of mercy and good fruits, unwavering, without hypocrisy" (Jas. 3:17).

Imagine a church where people made it their ambition to build one another up instead of tear one another down. Where encouraging e-mails outnumbered complaining e-mails. Where gossip, slander and backbiting were nonexistent. Imagine a church where everyone felt emotionally safe. Where words of gentleness and kindness flowed from their mouths. Where people practiced the concepts of forbearance and forgiveness. Imagine a church where people are more concerned to clean up their own life before they sought to clean up another's. Where humility in worship and ministry reigned supreme. Where people sought the other's good above their own. That is the description of a church that radiates God's wisdom.

If any church is following the wisdom of the world they will reveal it through disunity. However, if any church (point 1) is growing in Christlikeness and if any church (point 2) understands all that Christ did on the cross for their sins they cannot help but be humble and loving and totally unified.

4. WISE PEOPLE SERVE

Fourth, wise people serve.

Two weeks ago we learned that God will hold us accountable for what we do with the time, treasures and talents He has entrusted to our care. Never were these resources intended to be used solely for our own pursuits. On the contrary, these materials are to be used for His glory in the construction of His spiritual household (3:9, 12).

God takes this command so seriously that He will hold even Christians accountable at an end-time judgment. That which amounts to gold, silver and precious stones will be rewarded and that which amounts to wood, hay and straw will be destroyed.

Wise Christians understand their need to serve. Wise Christians rejoice in building something that will last for an eternity. Wise Christians delight in seeing their life used for God's glory. Wise Christians savor the thought that they are "God's fellow workers" (3:9). Wise Christians relish souls that are saved and equipped. Wise Christians desire for an eternal reward. Wise Christians enjoy the thought of hearing their Savior say, "Well done My good and faithful servant."

Although 20 years have passed since I played college football, I can still remember our team meetings after practice. We would huddle up near mid-field, remove our helmets and take one knee. Though I can recall those meetings, I cannot recall much of what was said. I was undisciplined and often my mind wandered. However, I do remember one thing that our coach kept repeating during those sessions. He said, "Men, each of you has a responsibility and each of you need to know your role on this team."

The same principle can be applied to the church. Each of you has a responsibility to minister in this church. How are you fulfilling your role? Similar to athletics, when one individual fails to pull his or her weight the whole team suffers. You've heard the sayings: A chain is only as strong as its weakest link. There is no "I" in "team." TEAM = Together Everyone Achieves More.

5. WISE PEOPLE SUPPORT THE CHURCH

Fifth, wise people support the church. Chapter 3 verses 16-17, "Do you not know that you are a temple of God and that the Spirit of God dwells in you? If any man destroys the temple of God, God will destroy him, for the temple of God is holy, and that is what you are."

We have seen thus far that God is very serious about His creatures pursuing godly wisdom. One reason is because worldly wisdom fails to build His prized possession - the church. Think about it. Spiritual immaturity, misrepresenting the Gospel, factious individuals and those who fail to serve cannot be used by God to construct His church.

We learned two weeks ago that shoddy construction will be destroyed, but the believer's soul will be saved (3:14-15). Here in verses 16-17 we learn that outright destruction to the church is much more serious. God tells these Corinthians who were destroying the church through their jealousies, boasting, arrogance, and quarrels that they may face eternal destruction. Allow me to explain.

In verse 16 God calls the church the "temple of God." The verse goes on to say that "the Spirit of God dwells in (us)." Since all Christians are personally indwelt with God's Spirit (6:19), the church, the gathering of believers is in a unique way the temple of God as well.

Throughout history, God has manifested His presence in special ways. In the Old Covenant He was pleased to dwell in the tabernacle and then the temple. Now in the New Covenant He no longer dwells within a physical building, He now dwells within our hearts individually and corporately when His saints are gathered. The local church can also be continued the dwelling place of God.

Lessons from the Bible teach that you don't fool around with God's holy dwelling place. In the Old Covenant, only the High Priest could enter the Holy of Holies one time of the year (the Day of Atonement) bringing the required sacrifice. If any of the stipulations were not met, God Himself would take the man's life on the spot.

The principle is also applied to the holy New Covenant temple as well. Verse 17, "If any man destroys the temple of God, God will destroy him, for the temple of God is holy, and that is what you are."

This is a strong verse. Based on the grammar and context, I have no doubt that God is speaking to the church. And after consulting a number of commentaries, all were in agreement that this "destruction" is eternal judgment.

So what is this verse teaching? Well, we know that true believers cannot lose their salvation. But we also know that the church contains people who may profess Christ, but are not really saved. And if anybody is out to destroy the church either from within or without, there is a good indication that they are not really saved. The church is the temple of the Holy Spirit, how can anyone indwelt with the Holy Spirit be moved to destroy the Spirit's temple?

Based on this verse, we could say that our attitude to either demolish or construct the church is an indication of the reality of our salvation. We can also say that God takes the unity and purity and upbuilding of His church very seriously. Mess with the church and you mess with God (cf. Mt. 18:6). Or if I can capture the play on words in the Greek, God will destroy the destroyer.

The verse says "the temple of God is holy." We are not a political party or a social club. We are, in the eyes of God, a holy gathering. Like the Corinthians we are set apart for God. We are His dwelling place, His tabernacle, His holy temple. He will not permit His temple to be desecrated in any way. We are God's holy temple in Lake Como and nobody better undermine God's agenda. For God takes His dwelling place very seriously. It's an understatement to say wise people avoid anything that might destroy the church.

So how do wise people act? They grow in respect to their salvation. They accurately know and present the Gospel. They seek unity and peace within the church. They build God's church with their time, treasures and talents. And they avoid anything that might demolish the church.As the title of the sermon asks, are you wise?

I began this sermon by mentioning that divisions existed within the Corinthian church because the congregation was getting behind their favorite leader. Paul addressed this situation again in 3:21. "So then let no one boast in men." This action and many others was an indication that the church was following the wisdom of the world. We must understand beloved that the ways of the world are contrary to the ways of God. They cannot be fused together. What does God think about the world's wisdom?

Beginning in verse 18. "Let no man deceive himself. If any man among you thinks that he is wise in this age, he must become foolish, so that he may become wise. For the wisdom of this world is foolishness before God. For it is written, 'He is the One who catches the wise in their craftiness;' and again, 'The Lord knows the reasonings of the wise, that they are useless'" (1 Cor. 3:18-20; cf. Job 5:13; Psm. 94:11).

Recognize the foolishness of human wisdom. Despise it as much as God does. Learn from the Scriptures the elements of godly wisdom. And understand the benefits of godly wisdom.

Paul lists these benefits beginning in verse 21. "So then let no one boast in men. For all things belong to you, whether Paul or Apollos or Cephas or the world or life or death or things present or things to come; all things belong to you, and you belong to Christ; and Christ belongs to God" (1 Cor. 3:21-23).

Though time prevents me from unpacking verses 21-23, the Scriptures reinforce the fact that following the wisdom of the world is foolishness. We have been given so much by the hands of God that it is outright foolish if we fail to take advantage of our position in Christ by living and thinking like the world.

One of the greatest teachings that was brought to my attention was from John Piper, who learned it from C. S. Lewis and Jonathan Edwards. It is the fact that God's glory and my joy are not two separate quests. I have been created to pursue God's glory. And I have been created to pursue my joy. Heaven opened for me when I realized God is most glorified when I am most satisfied in Him. Or put another way, I am the happiest when my life is at full throttle for God's glory.

C.S. Lewis once said,

If there lurks in most modern minds the notion that to desire our own good and earnestly hope for the enjoyment of it is a bad thing, I submit that this notion has crept in from Kant and the Stoics and is no part of the Christian faith. Indeed, if we consider the unblushing promises of reward and the staggering nature of the rewards promised in the Gospels, it would seem that Our Lord finds our desires not too strong, but too weak. We are half-hearted creatures, fooling around with drink and sex and ambition when infinite joy is offered us, like an ignorant child who wants to go on making mud pies in the slum because he cannot imagine what is meant by the offer of a holiday at the sea. We are far too easily pleased.

Beloved, I hope my point is clear: For the sake of God's glory and your joy, forsake the folly of the world and pursue the wisdom of God! Grow in respect to your salvation. Accurately know and present the Gospel. Seek unity and peace within the church. Build God's church with your time, treasures and talents. Avoid anything that might demolish the church.

Don't settle for tin, when God is offering you gold! For your joy and our Lord's glory, pursue godly thinking!