Heritage Baptist Church of Frankfort IL

In Jesus' last discussion with his disciples, he reminds that that the event of the cross is going to change everything. Before the cross the disciples were still confused and immature. After the cross their relationship with God will be strengthened by Christ's work.

Paul ends his defense of his gospel ministry by challenging the Corinthians. He wants them to live a clear testimony for the gospel. Some had not complete severed ties with their former religious practices and organizations. Their failure was hindering others vision of who God was.

Sin is like cancer. Our whole nature is permeated by sin. In certain places it looks to be dormant but in other areas is causing destruction. Sin that is left unhindered will eventually impact the whole of a person and has the ability to infect other people.

Jesus need to go away. His work would be moved forward by the Holy Spirit. He would do a work of conviction in the world, a guidance into stating the truth for the Apostles, and a strengthening for believers.

Paul in this passage commends his ministry of the gospel. The items he highlights are not what the world would expect from a successful ministry. Paul recognized that gospel ministry was difficult but worth the effort.

Society at large has chosen to ignore sin. Even in churches sin is a delicate topic. In churches that talk about sin, they often refer to sins outside the church. The church needs a reminder that sin is an expression of the rebelliousness of the heart.

After His encouraging discussion of the true vine, Jesus now warns His followers that the world will hate them. Just as believers will be identified by their love, the world will be identified by its hate. They hated Christ, and His followers will experience the same.

All believers are saints. This means that we have been called from sin to serve God. The believer has a responsibility to live and look like a saint.

Paul went through much during his ministry. He suffered greatly. However, he was able to function as a Christian because he looked forward to eternity. He serves as a pattern for believers today as they go through difficulties. The believer needs to be focused on eternity

Jesus previously talked about the believers connection to the vine. Jesus as the vine can bring life to many areas in believers' lives. He can bring forth fruit in believers that evidence a relationship with Him.