Church problems!

There will be problems in any church - we are not perfect!

We are all sinners by nature, so we can’t expect the church to be perfect. The people in authority at a church can help guide you in your faith, but you cannot expect them to be perfect people either. Everyone faces temptations and struggles with sin. Even though we are Christians, we are still going to face those temptations, but it’s how we respond that make us live like Jesus did.

In 1 Corinthians, Paul wrote a letter to the people in the church of Corinth because they were not unified and fighting with each other. “I appeal to you, brothers and sisters, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree with one another in what you say and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly united in mind and thought.” 1 Corinthians 1:10

We will be in 1 Corinthians 1 & 3!

4 reasons why we fight:

1. we aren’t spiritually mature!

   1. “Brothers and sisters, I could not address you as people who live by the Spirit but as people who are still worldly — mere infants in Christ. I gave you milk, not solid food, for you were not yet ready for it. Indeed, you are still not ready. You are still worldly. For since there is jealousy and quarreling among you, are you not worldly? Are you not acting like mere humans?” 1 Corinthians 3:1-3

   2. Paul wants to teach them the deeper, difficult things, but they can’t handle it. They are still worldly instead of Godly. Just because you are older, does mean you’re spiritually mature! This kind of wisdom does not come with age — it takes time studying the scriptures and following Jesus’ example. It’s okay to be immature for a little while.

   3. Paul is calling the church out for having Christ in their hearts but acting worldly. When there is envy and jealousy in your life, you are living in your flesh. “The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity, and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions, and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God.” Galatians 5:19-21

2. we forget we’re teammates!

   1. Stop seeing your teammates as your enemy! “I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God has been making it grow. So neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow. The one who plants and the one who waters have one purpose, and they will each be rewarded according to their own labor. For we are co-workers in God’s service; you are God’s field, God’s building.” 1 Corinthians 3:6-9

   2. We are God’s field, building, and temple! Don’t make this about you — it’s about God! “Don’t you know that you yourselves are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells in your midst? If anyone destroys God’s temple, God will destroy that person; for God’s temple is sacred, and you together are that temple.” 1 Corinthians 3:16-17

   3. Do unto others as you would have God do unto you.

3. we think we’re always right!

   1. “Do not deceive yourselves. If any of you think you are wise by the standards of this age, you should become ‘fools’ so that you may become wise. For the wisdom of this world is foolishness in God’s sight. As it is written: ‘He catches the wise in their craftiness’; and again, ‘The Lord knows that the thoughts of the wise are futile.’” 1 Corinthians 3:18-20

   2. Instead of thinking you know everything, remember that you are only seeing things from your perspective. There could be things going on that you don’t know about. “Who is wise and understanding among you? Let them show it by their good life, by deeds done in the humanity that comes from wisdom. But if you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth. Such ‘wisdom’ does not come down from heaven but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice. But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. Peacemakers who sow in peace reap of harvest of righteousness.” James 3:13-18

   3. Check some assumptions - you may think you know what’s going on, but that’s not always the case. Admit you don’t know everything - be the bigger person in an argument and ask them to help you understand what’s going on. Ask God for wisdom - “If any of you lack wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.” James 1:5

4. we want more!

   1. We want more because we don’t realize what we already have. “So then, no more boasting about human leaders! All things are yours, whether Paul or Apollos or Cephas or the world or life or death or the present or the future — all are yours, and you are of Christ, and Christ is of God.” 1 Corinthians 3:21-23

   2. Above all things, we belong to Christ and Christ to God. God provides for His creation, so He is going to provide for us because we are made in His image.

Our differences don’t mean we have to be divided. Everyone has different strengths and gifts from God. Use your gifts to help others out! Your relationship with others is important, but your most important relationship is with Jesus!

“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” John 16:33

Fear, he is a liar. He will rob your rest. Steal your happiness. Cast your fear in the fire. 'Cause fear, he is a liar

“Fear Is a Liar” - Zach Williams