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Woodland Hills Church of Christ episodes

August 24, 20251 Corinthians: “Be Imitators of Me”
New Testament Sermons / Speaker:Berry Kercheville
1 Corinthians: “Be Imitators of Me”
Introduction: When we think of the letters to the Corinthians, often our first thought is the many ways Paul needed to correct the Corinthian Christians for worldly beliefs and practices. Sexual immorality, lawsuits, turning the Lord’s Supper into a feast, and a myriad of other faults needed correcting.
However, before Paul corrects these specific sins, he lays down a foundation of why all of these are a violation of the gospel, which is defined by preaching Christ crucified (2:2).
It is the message of Christ crucified that solves:
The problem of following the wisdom of men with their lofty speeches that appeal to the flesh.
A man having his father’s wife since “Christ our Passover lamb has been sacrificed.”
Sexual immorality since we have been bought with a price and you are not your own.
And we could go throughout the letters. Whatever the problem, living the message of Christ crucified, answers the problem.
In all of this, Paul pursues a repeated theme of “there is a pattern of teaching and living that must be pursued as a Christian.”
We are not surprised that Paul commands these Christians to imitate is teaching. But it is shocking when Paul commands them to imitate is life. It is even more amazing when we realize that God gave Paul permission to use himself as a model for the life of a believer. That is not to say that we are all called to travel like Paul or expect to be beaten and imprisoned. But Paul’s life-example teaches us how to view our purpose in the world to make the life of Jesus “visible in our mortal bodies.” (2 Cor. 4:10).
Paul’s Emphasis on a Pattern: “Be Imitators of Me”
Let’s begin with a quick overview of how many times Paul calls on Christians to imitate him:
4:6 In answer to their self-exaltation, Paul concludes the first section of book by using himself and Apollos as examples “…that you may learn by us not to go beyond what is written, that none of you may be puffed up in favor of one against another.”
4:16-17 Paul mentions a “pattern” three times:
16 “Be imitators of me”
17 “I sent Timothy to remind you of my ways in Christ…”
17 “… as I teach them everywhere in every church.”
7:17 Paul’s principles on marriage is something that is a “rule in all the churches.”
9:26-27 Paul uses himself as an example of a life with discipline and purpose.
11:1 The verse is a conclusion of a lengthy section from chapters 8-10 in which Paul calls on us to “Be imitators of me.” –– sacrificing self for the salvation of others and the glory of God.
11:2 Paul commends the Corinthians for “maintaining the traditions even as I delivered them to you.”
11:16 Concerning how the roles of men and women: “If anyone wants to argue about this, we have no other custom, nor do the churches of God” (CSB).
14:33-35 Paul again appeals to his teaching in “all the churches” concerning women keeping silent in an assembly where the church is being instructed. In this assembly, they are not allowed to use their gifts.
16:1-2 Adding this up, we now have the eleventh time Paul reminds the Corinthians that what he is teaching is universal for all the churches.
What do we learn from this?
We live in a time when a large majority of religious teachers shame those who believe that there is a pattern of worship and practice that is to be held universally among all churches. It is such an amazingly foolish position since there is nothing new about God having a universal practice of worship. Throughout the OT God insisted on certain rules of worship and utterly condemned or even struck dead those who deviated!
Further, Paul does not say this exclusively to the Corinthian church. Consider his words to the Philippians: “What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me — practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you” (Philippians 4:9).
How Does This Pattern Apply in Worship?
It is not difficult to observe what NT Christians did in worship and follow the pattern. Jesus said the same when he quotes Isaiah in Mark 7:7, “…in vain do they worship me, teaching as doctrines the commandment of men.”
Paul said, “…that you may learn in us not to go beyond what is written…” (4:6), so what is written that was done by NT churches?
Acts 2:42 “And they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers.”
Hebrews 10:24-25 They assembled to stir one another up (and other types of assemblies): “And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.”
Ephesians 5:19 They sang together: “be filled with the Spirit, addressing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody to the Lord with your heart…”
1 Corinthians 16:1-2; 2 Corinthians 8-9; Philippians 4:15-16 As we have already seen, they participated in giving to provide for needy Christians and for the preaching of the gospel.
Ephesians 4:11-16 Evangelists, shepherds and teachers taught and edified the church so that each member would come to maturity with each part to doing its share.
1 Thessalonians 1:6-8 They followed the pattern of the apostles and of Jesus by sounding forth the gospel and reaching lost souls:
“And you became imitators of us and of the Lord, for you received the word in much affliction, with the joy of the Holy Spirit, so that you became an example to all the believers in Macedonia and in Achaia. For not only has the word of the Lord sounded forth from you in Macedonia and Achaia, but your faith in God has gone forth everywhere, so that we need not say anything.”
Those are the things we can read about that churches did in their worship and work. If there is something else we can read about, then we should do it. But to add activities and doctrines that are not written is not the pattern of what Paul said was delivered to all the churches.
The Pattern of Lifestyle
We need not go into much detail here since I’ve shown this is recent lessons. Therefore, I will just note two passages:
1 Corinthians 4:8-17 Note specifically that it not only Paul’s teaching, but also the way exemplifies his life of sacrifice, that is to be imitated.
In 2 Corinthians 5:14-15, Paul reinforces the same principle: “For the love of Christ controls us, because we have concluded this: that one has died for all, therefore all have died; and he died for all, that those who live might no longer live for themselves but for him who for their sake died and was raised.”
Conclusion: Do we accept the gravity of what Paul taught the Corinthians about how they worship and how they live as Christians? We cannot fool ourselves. These patterns are certainly often violated either as a church or as individual Christians. This is what all the churches are to look like.
Berry Kercheville
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31 min
August 21, 2025 Psalms 125, 126 & 130
Bible Classes / Speaker:Chad Brock
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39 min
August 17, 2025 False Eden
Topical Sermons / Speaker:David Desloge
Genesis Chapter 19
Scripture quotations are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. ESV Text Edition: 2025. The ESV text may not be quoted in any publication made available to the public by a Creative Commons license. The ESV may not be translated in whole or in part into any other language. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
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42 min
August 17, 2025 Ecclesiastes 3:10-22
Bible Classes / Speaker:Berry Kercheville
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45 min
August 17, 20251 & 2 Corinthians – The Gospel of Boasting
New Testament Sermons / Speaker:Berry Kercheville
1 & 2 Corinthians: The Gospel of Boasting
Introduction: When I was a young preacher I asked an older preacher a question about a passage in 1 Corinthians. The first words out of his mouth were, “You know that’s the milk of the word.” Being a little bashful I said, “Yes sir, I know, but I still don’t understand this particular text.”
Now, many years later, I still recognize that Paul taught the Corinthians “milk” and not “solid food” because they were not ready for it (3:1-2). However, a careful study of 1 & 2 Corinthians also reveals that questions are not quickly answered by a cursory reading. In fact, it is evident that when we study these letters, our deep focus on the answers of various problems in the church causes us to miss the broader message. This is a letter! And when we divide this letter up over a 3-6 month study, we usually “see the trees” but not the “forest.”
In fact, we quickly come to the uncomfortable realization that in many ways we too are babes, “people of the flesh,” in need of Paul’s spiritual milk!
Therefore, we will look at three questions as we discover the broader message of the Corinthian letters:
What is the real problem at Corinth? Paul highlights two primary issues (boasting and a misappropriation of the gospel).
How did the Corinthians’ culture affect the Corinthian Christian?
How does Paul’s message solve the major problems found in all churches today?
The Real Problem
If you were asked to describe the main theme or message of the Corinthians letters, what would you say? Most of us would immediately answer that the Corinthians had a ton of problems: lack of unity, envy, jealousy, immorality, self-centeredness, and numerous flawed doctrinal beliefs that begged for correction.
In other words, we might say, “There really isn’t a theme; it is Paul correcting a myriad of problems.” There is certainly truth in that, however, in diving into the “corrections” we miss the actual message and the actual Corinthian problem.
There are two ways to discover such a message:
First, examine the beginning and the ending of the letters. As with most writers, Paul introduces his message in the opening, and concludes his message at the end with a summary of the message he introduced.
Second, pay attention to repeated words and phrases that give clues to Paul’s message that underlies the “surface problems” present in the Corinthian church.
Let’s put it this way, though Paul gives a lot of “do’s and don’ts, the sins of the Corinthians, or of any church, are not solved by simply teaching, “that’s wrong, this is right; don’t to that, do this…” etc. The scriptures are not a list of do’s and don’t’s, but messages that transform our hearts so that pleasing God is embedded in our thinking.
Therefore, let’s look at the Corinthian letters from the “30,000 foot level.” We will notice two foundational and thematic messages, that if followed, would correct all the Corinthian shortcomings.
The Gospel of “Boasting”
The first of two words/phrases that are thematic in these letters is boast. It is used at the beginning of 1 Corinthians (1:29-31), and extensively at the end of 2 Corinthians (11-12) as Paul ridicules the boasts of the false teachers by “boasting” in his weaknesses and afflictions. Amazingly, Paul uses the word 32 times in the two letters.
You may be thinking, “I don’t see how the boasting of the Corinthians have anything to do with me!” Actually, boasting has a lot to do with all of us. It is virtually impossible for humans not to boast, to have a constant desire to be rewarded for our accomplishments. In fact, boasting in humans is so evident that the boasts do not just include “look at my accomplishments or what I can do,” we even boast about our illnesses and physical maladies or even accidents in which we hurt ourselves. [“I fell getting out of bed last night” — “Wow, that reminds me when I fell down the stairs and fractured my ankle” — “Goodness, I wish that’s all I’ve done; I fell off the roof and broke both my wrists!” — “Yeah, that’s nothing. You want to see my x-rays!” ]
Paul explanation of boasting in 1 Cor. 1:17–2:5. There is much that can be said about this text, but we will look primarily on Paul’s emphasis on “preaching the gospel, not with eloquent words of human wisdom, lest the cross of Christ be emptied of its power.” Connect verse 17 with 2:1, 4. The principles Paul teaches here are incredibly important for today’s church.
The question immediately arises, what is wrong with speaking impressively or eloquently? Isn’t that what preachers are trained to do, to speak so a listener can enjoy and appreciate the lesson? Obviously, Paul isn’t condemning people who speak or teach well. It is necessary to understand the Corinthian culture.
In our culture today, we have athletic and musical superstars along with actors and actresses. But in the Greco-Roman world, the most famous were those who excelled in rhetorical and philosophical speeches. They were called “sophists.” In fact, the Greek word for “wisdom” in this text is “sophia.” Thus, “debating and giving flashy speeches were both a science and an art, a polished skill that required sharp wit, deep knowledge, impeccable logic, stylish use of words, and fiery passion.” [Andrew Naselli]. Just as in our culture, “the way a speaker expressed himself was at least as important as what he said.”
The key to the sophists was to increase their social standing and gain followers who would pay them. It is interesting that this is exactly the kind of preaching the Corinthians expected, but the opposite of what Paul offered. Likely you can already see the parallels in today’s preaching.
With that background, the obvious question comes to mind. Aren’t these great speakers the best way to attract listeners and followers of Jesus? And the answer is that there is no doubt that “eloquent words of wisdom” and “lofty speech” draws big crowds. It did in the past, and it does today. I hear Christians today regularly talk about ways to attract people to Christ. Along with an engaging speaker, there are numerous other attempts to draw more people. However, notice Paul’s answer:
2:1 He not only did not use lofty speech or wisdom, he purposely did the opposite. Do we actually believe that Paul lacked the capability to speak that way? Could he not have been more theatrical?
2:3-4 Instead of displaying bravado and arrogant boldness, he came in weakness, fear, and trembling. In other words, he presented the real self, not an actor pretending to be something other than he was.
2:2 What did Paul do? Instead of what he could have done, he just told them about Jesus and him crucified. That statement is Paul’s shorthand way of what he later describes in 2:10-13. Notice especially the words of verse 13:
“We impart (didn’t originate with them) this is words not taught by human wisdom (we didn’t devise or manipulate the message), but in [words] taught by the Spirit (these were not our thoughts, nor even our words. They were the Spirit’s words that came from the mind of God.
2 Corinthians 10:2-5, 10. This offers a clear contrast.
Let’s break this down for our culture today.
The challenge of the preacher: Are you counting on your personal persuasiveness to change your audience, or will you accept that only Jesus, and knowing Jesus can change people? It is one thing to persuade and urge people to do the right thing, it is another to use a lofty, eloquently presented personal “wisdom” to manipulate people’s emotions like a salesman sells his product. Floyd Goff, one of the first elders I ever worked with, said, “If your cup runs over, that’s great! But don’t slosh it out!”
Further, in the end, who will get the glory? Will people go away talking about the preacher or talking about the beauty of the Lord and what he has done? The apostle Philip said, “Show us the Father and it will be enough.” Indeed! Show us the Father.
Into what “image” will people be transformed? If the preaching seeks human glory, the listeners will seek the same. That is exactly what Paul is attempting to change in the Corinthian thinking. As 2:14 states, anything but the teaching of the Spirit of God will produce a natural man.
Finally, 1:17 is Paul’s greatest concern. This kind of preaching empties the cross of Christ of its power. Paul defines this in verses 27-31. The Lord decided to save people apart from the idolatry of worldly wisdom (vs. 21). It is reminiscent of the servants of Naaman redirecting their master to obey Elisha and dip in the River Jordan to be cleansed: “My father, if the prophet had told you to do some great thing, would you not have done it? How much more, then, when he tells you, ‘Wash and be cleansed’!” (2 Kgs. 5:13, NIV).
That’s the wisdom of the world—and its purpose is man’s glory. Therefore, salvation is in the foolishness of the cross, in that which is low and despised in the world, in that which makes no sense to natural humans.
Vs. 30, “because of him…you became the wisdom from God, righteousness, sanctification, and redemption.” Could you have attained those things without him?!
The set up for both letters: verse 31
“Let him who boasts, boast in the Lord.” That is a quotation of Jeremiah 9:23-24, 23 “Thus says the LORD: “Let not the wise man boast in his wisdom, let not the mighty man boast in his might, let not the rich man boast in his riches, but let him who boasts boast in this, that he understands and knows me, that I am the LORD who practices steadfast love, justice, and righteousness in the earth. For in these things I delight, declares the LORD.” Israel didn’t listen!
Wisdom, might, and wealth is all that man has. None of it is permanent and none of it will save. It will only give temporary glory and a false feeling of security.
When we preach and teach the cross, when we bring people to the Lord, what should be impressive is that God gave up everything to save you. So, will you trust your own way, or will you trust him? His way is the “way of the cross!”
Conclusion: Jesus proclaimed…
Luke 14:26 “If anyone comes to me and does not hate his own father and mother and wife and children and brothers and sisters, yes, and even his own life, he cannot be my disciple.”
Luke 14:27 “Whoever does not bear his own cross and come after me cannot be my disciple.”
Luke 14:33 “So therefore, any one of you who does not renounce all that he has cannot be my disciple.”
Conclusion: Now, what are we preaching? What are we living? What is the real problem?
It is the failure of preaching and living the Gospel of Christ crucified!
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45 min
August 14, 2025 Psalms 120, 121 & 123
Bible Classes / Speaker:Chad Brock
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42 min
August 10, 2025 Job 34, 35: Elihu Answers Job and the Friends (Part -2)
Old Testament Sermons / Speaker:Berry Kercheville
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49 min
August 10, 2025 Jesus’ Final Words on Love
Topical Sermons / Speaker:Berry Kercheville
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31 min
August 10, 2025 Ecclesiastes 2:12-3:9
Bible Classes / Speaker:Berry Kercheville
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45 min
August 07, 2025 Psalm 94
Bible Classes / Speaker:Adam Malone
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45 min