Gospel of Grace Fellowship, Sermons (St Louis Park Minnesota)

The purpose clauses in this verse involve not only the need to stay within Biblical boundaries, but to not be “puffed up” by comparing one to another. To be inflated in our own estimation is a serious danger to the well-being of the flock

In Jesus’ day would give in order to be seen by men. Jesus explains that this leads to a temporary reward from men here and now. On the other hand, the person who gives to be noticed only by God will be given reward that is eternal.

We are called by Christ to be vessels of mercy equipped with the gospel upon our lips and the love of Christ in our hearts.

The future day when the Lord judges will be based on things which we cannot know—the thoughts and motives of the heart. Only God knows the heart

Paul uses the phrase, “managers of the mysteries of God.” We show how mystery as used in this context is not a secret to used to deceive people in mystery religions for a price, but that which would not be know had God not chosen to reveal it. The mystery of God in this context is the gospel itself—Christ crucified

We should not be in the business of making vows and oaths since our own human frailties and sinfulness often keeps us from fulfilling our promises. We also learn that even though humans often break their oaths and vows, we serve a God who is always faithful to keep His promises.

We cannot be separated from God’s love. Five verbs in the past tense are often called the “golden chain”: foreknew, predestined, called, justified, and glorified. Each one is about the certainty of God bringing each of His own into conformity to the image of Christ. They are in the past tense which here is proleptic—describing future certainty.

In this study of 1 Corinthians, Paul exhorts us to not boast in human leaders and gives a profound theological reason why. Those who trust in Christ crucified have everything God has promises and provided in Christ.

believers in Christ should develop a hatred of divorce in order that we don’t succumb to it in our own marriages.