Text:Psalms 33; I Corinthians 3; Galatians 5; Luke 17
So we have looked at the idea that the church is the body of Christ. God has put us together in a very specific way. We all have jobs to do and we are all different. We have different tastes, beliefs, skills, abilities, etc. However, we are unified in Christ’s blood and atonement for sin. The church is truly a beautiful thing unlike anything in this world. The world will kill you for believing differently or just for being different. That has been very clear this week. It is sickening and disgusting but Christ has died for us all and can forgive even the worst of sin. We have a job to do as the church and body of Christ. He calls us the ground and pillar of Truth. May we always uphold Truth.
In this life however, offenses and trespasses will come, Luke 17:1-9. Offenses come from the world and tempt us into sin. Trespasses are from within the body and hurt us or even irritate us. When Christ brought this up to the disciples, their response was to ask for more faith. More faith is the answer to trespasses and hurt from the body. The next time you get hurt by someone in the church or do not agree, I challenge us all to go and find a way to go and truly serve that person. Christ told His disciples that if they had faith the size of a mustard seed, they could move mountains. He then gives them this story of a servant and a master. Too many times we are like the unthankful master and desire to be served and have our egos stroked.
Carnality is the biggest enemy of unity, I Cor. 3:1-8. Paul reminds the church in Corinth that their carnality causes divisions and strife. We must not trespass each other and when the trespasses come, stop being so easily offended or angered. Stop being carnal all around. Too many times we give in to the flesh and the desires of the flesh, Gal. 5.
May we live by the Spirit and the works of the Spirit. May we be like Christ who served all, especially the lowest of society. May we remember that when the Master comes back, He is going to serve His bride at the Marriage Supper of the Lamb. Let us follow the example of our fierce Captain and serve each other.