Sermon Central
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1 Corinthians
Contributed by D Marion Clark on Aug 23, 2012 (message contributor)
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1. The Preacher And The Church
Contributed on Aug 23, 2012
The introduction to a series through 1 Corinthians.
Introduction We begin this morning a new book. We have completed two NT books – 1 Peter and the Gospel of Mark – and have dipped into another – Proverbs. We will return to Proverbs from time to time to glean the wisdom of those ancient sayings. Why 1 Corinthians Why 1 ...read more
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2. The Wealthy Church
Contributed on Aug 25, 2012
It is easy to take pride in our wealth when what we really need to be doing is to understand our poverty without Christ.
Introduction We know the phrase, “read between the lines.” We perhaps have gotten letters in which we have tried to do that. What does he mean “I’ll see you”? He’s always written before, “can’t wait to see you soon.” What does she mean, ...read more
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3. The Divided Church
Contributed on Aug 27, 2012
The effect of divisions in the church and how they arise.
Introduction Clicks, they are the bane of high schools! It seems to be the fate of teenagers to get caught up in them, either eager to get into some or eager to avoid others. But clicks are not unique to teenagers and high schools. As we are about to learn, adults are also prone to them even ...read more
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4. The Church And Baptism
Contributed on Sep 2, 2012
An explanation of the sacrament of baptism.
Introduction At the beginning of this series, I noted that from time to time we will stop at a text and consider the particular that is brought up. Paul has raised the practice of baptism in his discussion on church unity. Baptism is not the primary issue, but we would do well to stop this ...read more
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5. The Folly Of The Cross
Contributed on Sep 2, 2012
What the cross means.
Introduction We return to our letter this morning. Paul has been addressing the matter of divisions in the church (v. 10). It was bad enough that they were identifying themselves under the names of church leaders, but even worse was that Christ was being treated as just another leader with ...read more
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6. The Wisdom And Power Of The Cross
Contributed on Sep 2, 2012
Presents the wisdom and power of Christ's atoning work.
Introduction Some wonder how I can come up with so much to say each Sunday. That may be a nice way of saying I preach a long time. In most cases, my problem is not coming up with enough to say, but having to limit myself. More often than not, I end up cutting material out. I did that last ...read more
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7. The Folly Of The Church
Contributed on Sep 2, 2012
How could uses the weak of the world to demonstrate his wisdom.
Introduction Can you remember the theme of our missions conference? It was “Ordinary People/Extraordinary God.” The apostle Paul would have liked that slogan, and, indeed, it could have been the title of this passage he wrote. Text Let’s review where we are in the ...read more
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8. The Folly Of Preaching
Contributed on Sep 3, 2012
Preaching is folly to the world, but the means God has chosen to express the power of the cross.
Introduction How would you start a church? How would you start a church in a city such as Corinth? Here are your conditions. It is a major city that is relatively new and prosperous. All kinds of people from around the known world have come to make their fortunes there. You can have your ...read more
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9. Spiritual Wisdom
Contributed on Sep 10, 2012
What is the true wisdom that all Christians possess?
Introduction Are you wise? Do you possess profound wisdom? Do you have such wisdom that it would be worth the while of a truth seeker to climb a high mountain and ask you for such words that would change his life, indeed, that would be the most important he could ever know? Paul thought he ...read more
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10. Spirit-Revealed Wisdom
Contributed on Sep 10, 2012
The work of the Holy Spirit in the Christian's life.
Introduction Do you have the Holy Spirit? Have you been baptized with the Spirit? How would you know? Our text this morning introduces us to the Holy Spirit and his work. Text The topic Paul has been discussing is wisdom. The message of the cross seems foolish to the world’s ...read more
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11. The Holy Spirit
Contributed on Sep 10, 2012
Who is the Holy Spirit and what does he do?
Now we have received not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, that we might understand the things freely given us by God. Introduction It would be good to review for a moment the discussion of the book. Paul is concerned about divisions in the church. The Corinth saints ...read more
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12. Only Human
Contributed on Sep 14, 2012
Paul tells the Corinth believers that they are not ready for solid food, not because their digestion system has not developed but because of attitude.
Introduction It would be good to review for a moment the discussion of the book so far. Paul is concerned about divisions in the church. The Corinth saints have begun to form parties, or at least identify themselves, under the names of church leaders. Chapter 1, verse 17, reveals what is at ...read more
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13. God’s Servants
Contributed on Sep 14, 2012
Whoever we are, whatever we do, we are all servants of the Lord.
Introduction Have you ever had this situation? You leave a job position and all you hear from your former colleagues is how wonderful your successor is. He is so delightful, so inspiring to be around. He has flair that, well, you have your good qualities of course, but there is just something ...read more
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14. The Church's One Foundation
Contributed on Sep 14, 2012
What is to be the foundation of a church, and how then should the builders build upon it?
1 Corinthians 3:10-13 The Church’s One Foundation 1/26/03 D. Marion Clark Introduction I am amazed at times at how well the scripture for the sermon fits the occasion of the day, considering that the text is chosen without my knowledge of the circumstance. I could not have selected a ...read more
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15. Christian Rewards
Contributed on Sep 14, 2012
Though saved by grace through faith, our work does matter.
Introduction Do you want to know what scares me? You have seen scenarios in a movie or TV show where someone is causing mischief, not knowing that he is being observed by others about to administer retribution. You want to yell out, “Look behind you!” knowing the terrible punishment hanging ...read more
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16. What It Is All About
Contributed on Sep 14, 2012
Our problem is not that we want too much, but too little; our problem is not that we have visions too great, but too small.
Text Let no one deceive himself. If anyone among you thinks that he is wise in this age, let him become a fool that he may become wise. 19 For the wisdom of this world is folly with God. For it is written, “He catches the wise in their craftiness,” 20 and again, “The Lord ...read more
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17. Judging
Contributed on Sep 16, 2012
What is and is not rightful judging.
Introduction Have you ever listened to a conversation in which, though no one has actually said it outright, nevertheless you sense a lot of tension? The participants may be talking about one issue, but it is evident that an underlying issue is really what the conversation is about. That is ...read more
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18. Pride And Service
Contributed on Sep 16, 2012
Here is what Paul wants the Corinthians to understand and what the Holy Spirit would have us understand. What matters is to follow Jesus Christ wherever that may lead us.
Introduction It has been three weeks since we have been in 1 Corinthians. You will recall that Paul has been admonishing the Corinth saints for division in the church and for their being enamored with worldly wisdom. The underlying issue, we noted, was the tension between the church and Paul, ...read more
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19. Discipline By Admoniton
Contributed on Sep 16, 2012
A study of church discipline by admonition.
Introduction It is time for discipline! Are you ready? For those of you who are church members, you have already vowed to submit yourselves to the discipline of the Church. That was covered under question number five of the membership questions that you affirmed before the church session: Do ...read more
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20. Discipline For Restoration
Contributed on Sep 22, 2012
The primary reason for discipline in the church is to restore the offender both in his fellowship with God and with the church
Introduction “How Not to Attract Visitors to the Church” would make a fine essay title critiquing the three part sermon series we are in. Consider the titles: Discipline by Admonition, Discipline for Restoration, and Discipline for Purity. It is doubtful that people looking up our ...read more
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21. Discipline For Purity
Contributed on Sep 22, 2012
Discipline is also for the purpose of protecting the purity of the church. How does one person's sin harm the purity of a whole congregation?
Introduction This is the last of three sermons on the subject of discipline; you just have to get through this one more sermon. Then we can relax a bit as we go into chapter 6 and only deal with conflict between Christians and Christians engaged in sexual immorality! What is with these people? ...read more
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22. Peacemaking, I
Contributed on Sep 22, 2012
Let’s take an honest look at conflict in the church.
Introduction It is time for peacemaking, time for us to consider how to have peace in our lives and how to be instruments of peace for others. I daresay that if I set aside sixty seconds for us to list the names of people with whom we do not feel at peace with, everyone in this sanctuary could ...read more
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23. Peacemaking, Ii
Contributed on Sep 22, 2012
Let's talk about the practical steps to take to make peace with others.
1 Corinthians 6:1-8 Peacemaking, II 5/25/03 D. Marion Clark Introduction Last Sunday we observed the failure of the Corinth Church to handle conflict between its members. There were three lessons we noted that we essential to get into the right mindset for making peace. The first was ...read more
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24. Behavior Matters
Contributed on Sep 22, 2012
As a Christian we can think we are wiser than we really are. Our wisdom is discovered in our behavior.
Introduction “Don’t you know better?” Have you had someone talk that way to you (besides your parents)? “Are you telling me that you don’t know…?” The Corinthians are getting the “don’t you know” treatment from Paul. Six times in ...read more
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25. Homosexuality
Contributed on Sep 22, 2012
What the Bible teaches about homosexuality.
Introduction I have said before that 1 Corinthians is a letter I have both wanted and not wanted to preach through for the same reason – its practicality. The apostle Paul wrote the Corinth Church about issues it was struggling with, issues which have an uncanny resemblance to those we ...read more
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26. Sexual Immorality
Contributed on Sep 22, 2012
Is sex before or outside of marriage really immorality?
1 Corinthians 6:12-20 Sexual Immorality 6/15/03 D. Marion Clark Introduction The scene is Malacandra (Mars). The human, Ransom, is having a conversation with an hross, a seal-like Malacandrian. In a roundabout way, Ransom has raised the question of hrossa overindulging in sexual ...read more
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27. Sex In Marriage
Contributed on Sep 22, 2012
The blessing of marital sex.
Introduction 1 Corinthians is good letter for pastors to read whenever they are feeling discouraged. They read about Paul’s pastoral problems with the Corinth church and think to themselves at least their problems aren’t that bad! Let’s review for a moment the situation ...read more
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28. Sex And The Single
Contributed on Sep 22, 2012
What scripture has to say about sex and the single life.
1 Corinthians 7:6-9 Sex and the Single 9/14/03 D. Marion Clark Introduction I feel like a person wading through swampy water. Each step further feels like I am sinking into territory I don’t want to be in. I would like to turn around, but now that I have started I must go on. That ...read more
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29. Are Divorce And Remarriage Okay?
Contributed on Sep 22, 2012
Are divorce and remarriage okay?
Introduction Are divorce and remarriage okay? I suppose of all the questions that have been raised by the letter of 1 Corinthians, this is the one that draws the greatest anticipation as to how it will be answered. Other questions are controversial and spark ardent debate. We may even enjoy ...read more
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30. Married To An Unbeliever: Now What?
Contributed on Sep 22, 2012
Should one remain married to an unbeliever? Is divorce okay?
Introduction We come to yet another emotional topic – marriage to an unbeliever. Though it should be evident to every Christian that one ought not to enter into such a relationship, nevertheless some do. Some get married believing, or rather making themselves believe, that their loved ...read more