Working for What Lasts
The Foolishness of the Cross • Sermon • Submitted
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Introduction:
· We can be genuine believers (raised in church, etc.!) -- but stuck on spiritual milk
LET’S LOOK AT TWO METAPHORS THE INVITE US TOWARDS CHRISTIAN MATURITY.
I) The Farmer & the Field:
I) The Farmer & the Field:
Mature Christians Appreciate the Servants But Give Credit to God
A. The Symptoms and the Sickness
A. The Symptoms and the Sickness
i. Immaturity rises out of loyalty to spiritual leaders (vv. 3-4)
1. We define ourselves our “tribe” and its leaders (Politically; socially)!
2. EXAMPLE: Peterson; Shapiro; Paul, Apollos, Mark Driscoll; Keller; Piper
ii. Immaturity results from undue loyalty
1. Putting a Pastor on a Pedestal àtribalism focuses on a leader not Christ!
2. Putting a pastor on a pedestal à you’re not giving God the credit!
B. A Different Perspective: Giving God the Credit! (vv. 6-9)
B. A Different Perspective: Giving God the Credit! (vv. 6-9)
i. An Agricultural metaphor:
1. EXAMPLE: seeding a lawn: I can create good conditions but not growth
2. God is pleased to use servants, but He alone brings growth (vv. 6-8)
ii. APPLICATION:
1. First: Conor is joining a “field” – many will work; God brings to faith!
2. Second: Sunday School teacher: You wonder if it makes a difference…
THAT BRINGS US TO THE SECOND METAPHOR THAT PAUL USES.
II) The Builder & The Building:
II) The Builder & The Building:
Mature Christians Are Careful How They Build Their Lives (vv. 10-17)
A. We are to Build with Eternity In View
A. We are to Build with Eternity In View
i. One big picture: (9b-11)
1. The Church is God’s “building” where HE dwells (vv. 9b, 16)
2. God uses many builders for his “temple” (but applies to all) (vs. 10b)
ii. Two Assumptions:
1. ONE: The Foundation that matters is Christ (vs. 11)
2. TWO: Judgment Day = purification not annihilation )(vv. 13-15)
iii. Three options for how to build God’s Church: (vv. 12-15)
1. Gold, Silver, stones: Some will pastor the church as good stewardsàreward (vv. 12a; 14)
2. Wood, hay, straw: some will not minister responsibly àescape w. no reward (vv. 12b, 15
3. Some will seek to destroy the church and will be destroyed (vv. 17)
B. How To Build Your Life:
B. How To Build Your Life:
i. Question 1: Is your life built on the foundation of Christ
1. Liberty/Hrubetz: A foundation defines & grounds
2. “What defines, gives you security, stability, grounding, in life?
ii. Question 2: We all stand before Judgment: with what did we Build our life?
1. Have you built your life w. gold, or with straw?
2. EXAMPLE: A person who won’t be dishonest, loses promotion but gold!
Transition:
III) Mature Christains Know Whose They Are
III) Mature Christains Know Whose They Are
A. The Theme That Ties This Together: Wisdom vs. Foolishness
A. The Theme That Ties This Together: Wisdom vs. Foolishness
i. Worldly wisdom…
1. … builds identity by fitting in with a group (vs. 18-19)
2. … builds an identity on worldly value
3. But God will frustrate them – and even “foolish” Eliphaz knew this!
B. But Whose Are you?
B. But Whose Are you?
i. In Christ, we have EVERYTHING already! (vv. 21-23)
1. In Christ, we have all we could ever want – the past, present, future!
2. Life lived with Christ; death transformed; future secure in Christ
ii. Therefore, when we are supremely satisfied in Christ we lose our need to chase worldly things!
Conclusion
A million dollar bill and a dollar bill