Problems In The Church

Being Faithful In All Things (1 Corinthians 4:1-13) all through 1 Corinthians we see these human problems arrising. As I read first Corinthians it sound to me, like the church in the very beginning had problems much like we have today. Back then Paul addressed those problems. Problems such as, having the pastor for Sunday Lunch,(Chapter 1-4), Sexual imoraliity (CH.5) Fights that end up in court,(Ch.6), marriage problems, devorces, and singlness,(Ch.7), eating the wrong kinds of food,(Ch8-10) Women in ministry and the Lords Supper, (Ch.11), use of spiritual gifts (chps. 12-14); resurrection (ch. 15); and offerings (ch. 16). These I see, still hanging around the church today. These are all still problems that churches deal with today, becuse it is a human problem, a problem of those who do not depend on God to run their lives but they want to run their own lives, Every time we take over our own lives, we mess up and the enemy, knowing our weaknesses trips us up and we fall. The sins that haunt us today are the same sins that have haunted man from the very beginning of time, where pride is the root of all sin. And the devil is still the devil and he cotinues to use the tactics that work. We as followers of God should be a little wiser today after seeing the results of sin, generation after generation, but no, we contnue to fall into the devils traps. As we see in chapter 4, Paul takes a look at the root problems that cause this all to happen. But before I start, remember the root cause, that begins all of these other causes, is pride, think about it. Why is there, arrogance and selfishness,(vv. 6-13) these cause division among believers. Because Paul had learned what it means to be a true follower of Christ, he uses himself as an example of how to faithfully serve God, and to be a true servant of Jesus. (vv. 1-2) and be a good example of someone who is becoming more like Christ. By putting into practice a life of simplicity, transparency, integrity, and humility. Today, we can ask God to help us be faithful stewards of what God has given us. Do you live a faithful christian walk, in - SYMPLICITY, really its not complicated but rather as you determine to walk in Gods way, it can be the simple life. But we tend to try ride the fence and get the best of both worlds. But it does not work like that, but the enemy tends to try make us believe that it will. It won't, the Christian life needs to have a single focus, of a daily devotion to God, through the study of the word of God, the bible has the answers and instructions for a true walk of faith. As I put God and His word first in my life, my mind will be on the things of God and I will focus on loving God and others, rather than leaning towards the things of the world. Which are having a very huge desire for self and things. But rather than that, when focused on God and His ways I will have a life of faith, obedience, contentment "peace", that comes because of trusting God in all of His goodness and grace that He provides for me, and as I do, the fruits I produce show others where my focus is. As someone that is focused of God and being obedient to His will and His way. We need to have - - TRANSPARENCY, do we life a life thta is transparent of do we hide our faith and the fact that we are a christian, or can people tell we are by the things we say, do and how we live? Are we transparent? Living a transparent life is hard, because no one likes to admit that they make mistakes or that they fall or are weak. But really we are nothing with out the breathe and life of God in us.. God created us from the dust of the earth, and then breathed into us the breath of life. (Genisis 2:7) Friends listen, we need to make a practice of living authentic christians lives, we need to take an inward look and see if there is any hypocrisy in our lives, and making sure we are living and shedding the light, Jesus said, I am the light of the world. (John 8:12) this is spreading God's truth to all we meet. We need to do it with a humble and natural attitude. Acknowledging the fact that we have not yet attained all that there is to attain,(Philippians 3:12-15), so in acknowledging the fact we do at time sin, we need to also repent and ask for God's forgiveness to stay on the path of righteousness as we share our struggle to do so. INTEGRITY - As a Jesus follower it means I must be a trust worthy person, true to me word, both in my personal life and in my public life, standing true to the word of God in all that I do. I am to display the character of Jesus always. Being a follower of Jesus with my whole heart, committed to be honest, and to do what I know is right and true in all honesty to the best of my knowledge and be onedient to God , it may not be perfect, but it is doing my best. Seeking to be a "consistent witness" even when I am personally facing heart ache and difficult times. Often its how we act in difficult times that will speak the loudest to someone. HUMILITY - Last but not least, we need to be humble, because it will help us do the three I have already mentioned. Humility will help me live the simple life, being transparent and having integrity in all that I do. I will live a life humble before God and my fellow men, when I have a true, honest view of God and understannding that I cannot do it on my own. I need to put God first, I am second, and because I am second I will prioritizing others needs over my own. This is not a putting down or degrading ones self, but rather bringing into balace the relationship I have with Jesus Christ as my Lord and example for life. What I have spelled out this morning as a life lived for God, is not an easy task, no one can do it on their own. Only Jesus and His indwelling Holy Spirit can help you do it. When we follow and have God as our example, we can live a life according to the will of God. Wgy, because we hare followinf God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit, our three in one God and that makes us complete in Him, the space in our lives God put there for Him will be filled. Father God thank you for making mr complete as Jesus fills mu life through the power of the Holy Spirt. I am a temple of God. AMEN