Mountainside Church Boone

We need to understand and embrace our mission: to make disciples by embodying Jesus in our communities and proclaiming God's universal reign. This involves living out our faith authentically, inviting others to join us in worship and community. Actively seek to align our life with God's purpose, impacting the world for His glory.

Paul gives in his final exhortations of 1 Corinthians four ingredients to make irresistible disciples. " Wake up!" That is, stay vigilant. Be on the alert. "Stand up!" Seize what is already yours! Retain it. Don't let it go! Don't go back on what God has already given you! "Grow up!" Is the trend in your life and actions moving toward an increased likeness to Jesus? And "pray it up!" Tough times lay ahead. We need the Spirit of God at work in our lives, strengthening us. All four of these commands are to be done drenched in the atmosphere of unconditional, self-sacrificing, God-enabled love we just read a few weeks back in chapter 13.

A life devoted to God and His work is not wasted. By focusing our lives on living for Jesus, becoming like Jesus, telling all peoples in all places about Jesus and demonstrating Him in the way we live, we ensure our lives have eternal significance. Everything done for the Lord, no matter how small, is meaningful and contributes to a rich, fulfilling existence. Therefore, devote yourself fully to God's work, live selflessly, and share the Gospel, knowing that nothing done for His glory is ever wasted.

Use spiritual gifts to edify the church, focusing on gifts that strengthen, encourage, and comfort others. This process is part of being conformed into the image of God. Each gift is an expression of God's love, intended to foster faith in others. Grow together in Christ-likeness and unity, building a strong, unified community of faith. This mutual growth and support are essential for creating a supportive and spiritually vibrant church.

The essence of true love, as described in the Bible, is a self-sacrificing nature known as agape love. This love is patient, kind, and selfless, standing in contrast to cultural norms of reciprocity and self-interest. Genuine love requires humility, endurance, and prioritizing others' spiritual well-being over personal gain. The repeated lesson is that true love is humble, others-focused, and enduring, reflecting God's boundless love for humanity. "Love dies" signifies the need to die to self, preference, and injustice for the sake of others.

Spiritual gifts are not about individual talents or recognition but about expressions of love empowered by the Holy Spirit to strengthen the faith of others. Each person is uniquely gifted to serve the body of Christ, and these gifts should be used selflessly to foster unity and mutual encouragement within the community. The focus is on loving and serving others, making God's love manifest through our actions, and recognizing that every member's contribution is valuable and essential to the health of the body.

In 1 Corinthians 11, Paul emphasizes the inherent dignity and honor in being a woman, asserting that both men and women are created in God's image, thus possessing equal value and purpose. He highlights the distinctiveness of gender roles, encouraging the celebration, not elimination, of these differences. The relationship within the Trinity, where Christ submits to God while being equal, exemplifies that authority does not equate to inequality. Therefore, men and women, while different, are interdependent and equal, each fulfilling unique, God-honoring roles.

Today we celebrate the beauty and honor of womanhood in God's economy of equality. In prayer, prioritize humility and submission to God's word. Acknowledge the limitations of human understanding and guard against imposing personal interpretations on Scripture. Seek understanding and guidance from God's word with humility, allowing it to shape and transform your heart. Embrace difficult passages rather than avoiding or distorting them, recognizing that all of Scripture is for your growth and understanding, even if it challenges cultural norms or personal preferences.

1 Corinthians chapter 10 concludes the first part of a series on love, emphasizing the importance of selflessness and unity in Christian fellowship. Paul addresses the Corinthians' misuse of communion, warning against idolatry and selfishness. Communion symbolizes participation in Christ's body and should be approached with reverence and consideration for others. It's a declaration of faith, unity, and devotion to God, reminding us to prioritize our relationship with Him and our love for others above all else.

We are compelled by Christ's love to live a life of giving, sacrifice, and love. We prioritize the Gospel over personal gain. We invest in God's mission. Sacrifice is defined as giving up what we love for something we love more. Ultimately, love for Christ and His mission should drive all our actions, leading us to a transformed life. The prize pursued is sharing the blessings of the Gospel, motivates believers to live purposefully pursuing faith and joy for others.