18 Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
1 Paul, called by the will of God to be an apostle of Christ Jesus, and our brother Sosthenes,
2 To the church of God that is in Corinth, to those sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints together with all those who in every place call upon the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, both their Lord and ours:
3 Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
Thanksgiving
4 I give thanks to my God always for you because of the grace of God that was given you in Christ Jesus,5 that in every way you were enriched in him in all speech and all knowledge—6 even as the testimony about Christ was confirmed among you—7 so that you are not lacking in any gift, as you wait for the revealing of our Lord Jesus Christ,8 who will sustain you to the end, guiltless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ.9 God is faithful, by whom you were called into the fellowship of his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.
Divisions in the Church
10 I appeal to you, brothers,[a] by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be united in the same mind and the same judgment.11 For it has been reported to me by Chloe's people that there is quarreling among you, my brothers.12 What I mean is that each one of you says, “I follow Paul,” or “I follow Apollos,” or “I follow Cephas,” or “I follow Christ.”13 Is Christ divided? Was Paul crucified for you? Or were you baptized in the name of Paul?14 I thank God that I baptized none of you except Crispus and Gaius,15 so that no one may say that you were baptized in my name.16 (I did baptize also the household of Stephanas. Beyond that, I do not know whether I baptized anyone else.)17 For Christ did not send me to baptize but to preach the gospel, and not with words of eloquent wisdom, lest the cross of Christ be emptied of its power.
Christ the Wisdom and Power of God
18 For the word of the cross is folly to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.19 For it is written,
“I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and the discernment of the discerning I will thwart.”
20 Where is the one who is wise? Where is the scribe? Where is the debater of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world?21 For since, in the wisdom of God, the world did not know God through wisdom, it pleased God through the folly of what we preach[b]to save those who believe.22 For Jews demand signs and Greeks seek wisdom,23 but we preach Christ crucified, a stumbling block to Jews and folly to Gentiles,24 but to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God.25 For the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men.
26 For consider your calling, brothers: not many of you were wise according to worldly standards,[c] not many were powerful, not many were of noble birth.27 But God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise; God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong;28 God chose what is low and despised in the world, even things that are not, to bring to nothing things that are,29 so that no human being[d] might boast in the presence of God.30 And because of him[e] you are in Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God, righteousness and sanctification and redemption,31 so that, as it is written, “Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord.”
18 For the word of the cross is folly to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.19 For it is written,
“I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and the discernment of the discerning I will thwart.”
20 Where is the one who is wise? Where is the scribe? Where is the debater of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world?
21 For since, in the wisdom of God, the world did not know God through wisdom, it pleased God through the folly of what we preach[b] to save those who believe.
22 For Jews demand signs and Greeks seek wisdom,
23 but we preach Christ crucified, a stumbling block to Jews and folly to Gentiles,24 but to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God.25 For the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men.
26 For consider your calling, brothers: not many of you were wise according to worldly standards,[c] not many were powerful, not many were of noble birth.
27 But God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise; God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong;28 God chose what is low and despised in the world, even things that are not, to bring to nothing things that are,29 so that no human being[d] might boast in the presence of God.30 And because of him[e] you are in Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God, righteousness and sanctification and redemption,31 so that, as it is written, “Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord.”
Thank you for the cross, Lord Thank you for the price You paid Bearing all my sin and shame In love You came And gave amazing grace
Thank you for this love, Lord Thank you for the nail pierced hands Washed me in Your cleansing flow Now all I know Your forgiveness and embrace
Worthy is the Lamb Seated on the throne Crown You now with many crowns You reign victorious
High and lifted up Jesus Son of God The Darling of Heaven crucified Worthy is the Lamb Worthy is the Lamb
Thank you for the cross, Lord (thank you) Thank you for the price You paid Bearing all my sin and shame In love You came And gave amazing grace
Thank you for this love, Lord Thank you for the nail pierced hands Washed me in Your cleansing flow Now all I know Your forgiveness and embrace
Worthy is the Lamb Seated on the throne Crown You now with many crowns You reign victorious
High and lifted up Jesus Son of God The Darling of Heaven crucified Worthy is the Lamb Worthy is the Lamb Worthy is the Lamb Worthy is the Lamb
Worthy is the Lamb Seated on the throne Crown You now with many crowns You reign victorious
High and lifted up Jesus Son of God The Darling of Heaven crucified Worthy is the Lamb Worthy is the Lamb Worthy is the Lamb Worthy is the Lamb Worthy is the Lamb Worthy is the Lamb Worthy is the Lamb Worthy is the Lamb
[44] “The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field. When a man found it, he hid it again, and then in his joy went and sold all he had and bought that field.
[45] “Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant looking for fine pearls.
[46] When he found one of great value, he went away and sold everything he had and bought it.
[47] “Once again, the kingdom of heaven is like a net that was let down into the lake and caught all kinds of fish.
[48] When it was full, the fishermen pulled it up on the shore. Then they sat down and collected the good fish in baskets, but threw the bad away.
[49] This is how it will be at the end of the age. The angels will come and separate the wicked from the righteous
[50] and throw them into the blazing furnace, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.
[51] “Have you understood all these things?” Jesus asked. “Yes,” they replied.
[52] He said to them, “Therefore every teacher of the law who has become a disciple in the kingdom of heaven is like the owner of a house who brings out of his storeroom new treasures as well as old.”
Romans 8:26-39 [26] In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans.
[27] And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for God's people in accordance with the will of God.
[28] And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.
[29] For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters.
[30] And those he predestined, he also called; those he called, he also justified; those he justified, he also glorified.
[31] What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? [32] He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things?
[33] Who will bring any charge against those whom God has chosen? It is God who justifies.
[34] Who then is the one who condemns? No one. Christ Jesus who died—more than that, who was raised to life—is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us.
[35] Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword?
[36] As it is written: “For your sake we face death all day long; we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered.”
[37] No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.
[38] For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers,
[39] neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Talk
The Highest Valued Kingdom
- Matthew 13:44-52 / Romans 8:26-39 Introduction
I went to look at the Forbes rich list and if you do so there are names you know and probably ones you don't know. I didn't see us though which was sad because we, in Christ, have riches beyond measure and that is probably why we are not there! So I looked the world's richest nations to see what I would find there:
Well, it all depends how they add up the figures to count a nation’s wealth - all a bit confusing. Again, what I didn't see was God's Kingdom but I wasn't too surprised because he owns the lot!
Genesis 1:1 In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.
Colossians 1:16 For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him. This is brought out quite strikingly when David dedicates the gifts of the people for the building of the Temple to be done by his son Solomon
1 Chronicles 29:14 (NIV) “But who am I, and who are my people, that we should be able to give as generously as this? Everything comes from you, and we have given you only what comes from your hand. Everything comes from you.
We belong, as followers of Jesus, to the world's richest kingdom because in the words of Jesus Matthew 6:19-21 [19] “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal.
[20] But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. [21] For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
So this brings us to our two readings under my title, The Highest Valued Kingdom.
Two main headings with one for each passage
1. Nature • Great Worth -
Matthew 13:44-46 [44] “The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field. When a man found it, he hid it again, and then in his joy went and sold all he had and bought that field. [45] “Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant looking for fine pearls. [46] When he found one of great value, he went away and sold everything he had and bought it. Simple - the Kingdom is worth sacrifices and changes will lead to benefits not loss. So many look for meaning and reality in all sorts - treasure on earth. It doesn't last but fades and spoils. What God gives to his children in the kingdom is true treasure and of eternal value hence my 'tease' comments in my introduction.
• Huge but Sorted - Matthew 13:47-50 [47] “Once again, the kingdom of heaven is like a net that was let down into the lake and caught all kinds of fish. [48] When it was full, the fishermen pulled it up on the shore. Then they sat down and collected the good fish in baskets, but threw the bad away. [49] This is how it will be at the end of the age. The angels will come and separate the wicked from the righteous [50] and throw them into the blazing furnace, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth. This seems to echo or parallel the parable of the wheat and weeds with harsh words about the wicked, those not in Christ and so born of the Spirit, words that cannot be ignored or brushed aside. Remember, as seed has to be sown for a harvest a net has to be cast for a catch!
• Embraces eternal truth - Matthew 13:51-15 [51] “Have you understood all these things?” Jesus asked. “Yes,” they replied. [52] He said to them, “Therefore every teacher of the law who has become a disciple in the kingdom of heaven is like the owner of a house who brings out of his storeroom new treasures as well as old.”
They as the ones who will teach the kingdom need to realise that what Jesus teaches, much that is new, is in line with, fulfils and embraces old truths as well. As we would say they haven't to throw the baby away with the bathwater!
2. Realities
• Partnership not Pleasing, Placating or Persuading -
Romans 8:26-27 [26] In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans. [27] And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for God's people in accordance with the will of God. In many world views prayer gets answered because of: persuasion / constant repetition / favour / deal / perceived worthiness and goodness - all by the person praying. Key and basic in Christian teaching- Your Kingdom (rule) come, Your will be done on earth as in heaven. Fundamental in understanding the will of God is the word of God but then the word of God is not a book of answers etc. Matthew 6:5ff adds much to this and of course is from the lips of Jesus long before Paul. So, what Paul expresses here is a working of the Holy Spirit who knows he mind of God and with our words, or unspoken words of sighs and groans, searching and trusting, so, the next part:
• Partaking in God's Plan - Romans 8:28-30
[28] And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.
[29] For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters.
[30] And those he predestined, he also called; those he called, he also justified; those he justified, he also glorified.
We are working alongside our heavenly Father who has called us into relationship with Him in the fullness of His purposes and knowledge and however difficult life, circumstances or matters may be, He works for our good. Good in the bigger picture of life.
Matthew 7:7-12, again from the sermon on the mount, supplements what we have here and well worth a look after Matt. 6 from above!
• Positive Proposals - Romans 8:31-37
[31] What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? [32] He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things?
[33] Who will bring any charge against those whom God has chosen? It is God who justifies.
[34] Who then is the one who condemns? No one. Christ Jesus who died—more than that, who was raised to life— is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us.
[35] Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword?
[36] As it is written: “For your sake we face death all day long; we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered.”
[37] No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.
The Victory of the cross, which lies behind v 37 is a victory for those who belong to the Father through the Lord Jesus and His sacrifice which brings life.
The world, other people, life etc throws up all sorts against God's children to drag and pull us down and devalue what we are.
What Paul says is that it doesn't stick or hold because God is at work in us: he has called us, he gave Jesus for us, he justifies His people through that and the only one who was condemned was Jesus and he is vindicated. Can we be separated from the love of Jesus? No, he is interceding in the throne room of eternity.
Persecution was starting to kick in for Christians and of course Paul (Saul as he was then) was one of the first to persecute the followers of Jesus but by now he had faced quite a bit himself! However, in 2 Corinthians 11:22ff he lists events he had endured which are reflected in v 35-36. Do these things separate us from the love of Christ? No and then in typical Paul fashion he spells it out even more graphically:
• Paramount -
Romans 8:38-39 [38] For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, [39] neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. I think that is what is called 'dotting I's and crossing T's'. I'll read it again - it speaks for itself and the end is significant too: Christ Jesus our Lord - Jesus, the reigning King in participation in Godhead.
And, it is because of that nothing can touch us in our heritage with him. All this is why the Kingdom is so valuable and worth everything, our pride downwards to everything else, to be part of it.
Conclusion
What are the things, past or present, that hurt, cause us problems, frustration, anxiety, fear, worry and the like?
They may hinder our walk with Father God but think, we lift them with unspoken type prayer knowing we are under God's love and that nothing, no, nothing can separate us from it. Keep going there into that special place where we are safe in that love and cast all on him and seek to leave them there.
Again, when we are in Christ, God is totally on our side and if we are not in him or not sure - easy, remedy it.
Read Romans 8 again and if needed again and again and in doing so commit into the life that is there not in a legalistic way but responding to that love God has for us - you. This is a passage of great encouragement.
We won't find ourselves on any rich list - but we know the treasure we have as God's
Kingdom is the kingdom over all others. It is the highest valued Kingdom and of supreme
worth not monetarily but for life now and eternity.
Everybody wanna be like you theyWant power and praise like you butSee there is no god like our GodThere's no one like youWho gave their life like you andWho paid our price like you seeThere's only one god that's our GodThere's no one like you.Who can touch like youOr heal us like you doWe stumble and we strayTil' you always get us throughWho makes all things newAnd comes to our rescueDeath, hell, and the graveThey could not conquerYou became just like meTo unlock and set freeThis prisoner that was deeply wounded and redeemedThe me I could not seeEverybody wanna be like you theyWant power and praise like you butSee there is no god like our GodThere's no one like youWho gave their life like you andWho payed our price like you seeThere's only one god that's our GodThere's no one like you.Some may worship thingsBut what joy do they bring?They try and hide the stainsBut can they set us freeSee where would we beWithout CalvaryA king upon a treeSo the whole world can seeYou became just like meTo unlock and set freeThis prisoner that was deeply wounded and redeemedThe me I could not seeEverybody wanna be like you theyWant power and praise like you butSee there is no god like our GodThere's no one like youWho gave their life like you andWho payed our price like you seeThere's only one god that's our GodThere's no one like you.Healer, father, saviourCounsellor, friend, providerWas, is and foreverThat's why I just wanna be where you areI'll travel life with you no matter how far[x2]...Became just like meTo unlock and set freeThis prisoner that was deeply wounded and redeemedThe me I could not seeEverybody wanna be like you theyWant power and praise like you butSee there is no god like our GodThere's no one like YouWho gave their life You andWho paid our price like you seeThere's only one god that's our GodThere's no one like you.There's no one like you, there's no one like you, there's no god like our GodThere's no one like you. [8x]
