"The Things That Destroy A Church & Ruin It's Effectiveness" Series

"The Things That Destroy A Church &

Ruin Its Effectiveness for Christ"

Introduction- The book of 1st Corinthians is rich

in information that our chuches of today need to

be aware. The problems faced there are still with

us today, in so many ways. Perhaps in looking at

this book, God can show us ways to face similar

situations, and deal with them, so that we can

accomplish much for His kingdom on this earth.

What are some of the things mentioned in 1st Corin-

thians that destroy churches, and hinder their eff-

ectiveness for Christ?

I. First of all THE PROBLEM OF DIS-UNITY.

Our Lord taught that a house divided against itself

cannot stand. In 1st Corinthians, chapter one,

Paul encouraged Christians at Corinth to come to-

gether in one mind, and one purpose for God’s glory.

God is not the author of confusion, or division.

He is the God of order and peace. When divisions

come, something is wrong, and something must be

done about it, or things will only get worse.

II. Secondly, THE PROBLEM OF PREACHER WORSHIP.

First Corinthians reveals that this church was

greatly split over its leaders, and their person-

alities. Some liked Paul, some Apollos, some

Peter, and there was even a little group that

insisted they liked Jesus.

No preacher should point men to himself. He must

not have an inflated ego that demands that people

follow his every wish and desire. He must not

seek to glorify himself, and receive the praise

and adoration of men, but strive to please God.

Every servant of God is gifted of God, for the

praise and glory of God, and the upbuilding of His

kingdom on this earth. We are nothing in ourselves.

It’s all about Jesus! He deserves all the praise

and glory and worship, not us!

III.Thirdly, THERE WAS THE PROBLEM OF ENTERTAINING

INSTEAD OF PROCLAIMING THE GOSPEL.

We are not some great side show for people to come

see. We are witnesses for Christ. All that we

do, we must do for Him, or it is of no value or

importance.

Flowery oratory, human persuasiveness, amount to

nothing but noise. Christ, and His cross must

be our message.

IV. Fourthly, THERE WAS THE PROBLEM OF JEALOUSY OVER

SPIRITUAL GIFTS, AND POWER WITHIN THE CHURCH.

Read chapters 3 & 4 especially, and you will see

that it reveals to us that we are called to humil-

ity, not self-exaltation.

V. Fifthly, THERE WAS THE PROBLEM OF OPEN, UN-REPENT-

ED OF SIN IN THE CHURCH.

The church was "puffed up" about it, not remorseful

or repentant.

Sin, left alone, like leaven, will grow like cancer

until it consumes the entire body.

Immorality was being openly practiced, and even

things the heathen wouldn’t do were being done by

professing Christians.

VI. Sixthly, THERE WAS THE PROBLEM OF CHRISTIANS SUE-

ING EACH OTHER, INSTEAD OF FORGIVING EACH OTHER.

Chapter 6. What a shame! What an awful testimony

to the world of lost sinners to observe.

VII. Seventhly, THERE WERE ALSO FAMILY AND MARRIAGE

PROBLEMS, INCONSIDERATION OF WEAKER CHRISTIANS,

AND THEIR VIEWS, AND GOSSIPING, AND COMPLAINING,

AND JEALOUSY, AND ENVY, AND MISUSE OF SPIRITUAL

GIFTS, AND A HORRIBLE LACK OF LOVE, AND FALSE

DOCTRINES!

And you thought you wanted to pastor a New Testa-

ment church! Well, you’d better pick one besides

Corinth, or you’re headed for Heartbreak Hotel!

May God help us be the people He has called us to

be.