Religious Games… or Real Growth? 1 Corinthians 4:6-21

Religious Games For you were called to freedom, brethren; only do not turn your freedom into an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another. Gal.5:13 Now these things, brethren, I have figuratively applied to myself and Apollos for your sakes, that in us you might learn not to exceed what is written, in order that no one of you might become arrogant in behalf of one against the other. 1 Cor. 4:6

Paul’s Serious! Religious Games 1Cor. 4:18-21 Now some have become arrogant, as though I were not coming to you. [19] But I will come to you soon, if the Lord wills, and I shall find out, not the words of those who are arrogant, but their power. [20] For the kingdom of God does not consist in words, but in power. [21] What do you desire? Shall I come to you with a rod or with love and a spirit of gentleness?

Games or Growth? The Folly of Our Games! Boasting: the Human Condition Stewardship: God’s Position 1 Cor. 4:7 For who regards you as superior? And what do you have that you did not receive? But if you did receive it, why do you boast as if you had not received it? Let a man regard us in this manner, as servants of Christ and stewards… 1Cor 4:1

LOVING Self-ism Games or Growth? The Folly of Our Games! Boasting: the Human Condition Stewardship: God’s Position Two Kinds of Christianity LOVING Self-ism

Self-ism Games or Growth? The Folly of Our Games! The Destruction of Self-ism! No Mission, No Stewardship… Bored, Staring at Each Other… “when they measure themselves by themselves and compare themselves with themselves, they are without understanding” 2Cor.10:12 Self-ism

STUCK! Games or Growth? Self-ism The Folly of Our Games! The Destruction of Self-ism! No Mission, No Stewardship… Bored, Staring at Each Other… Flaw-Oriented / Critical / Judging Posturing / Falseness / Depresed Chills the Thrill of God, Prayer… “Religious Ecstasy!” Sex / Drugs / Hypocrisy ! STUCK! Self-ism

Games or Growth? The Folly of Our Games! The Destruction of Self-ism! Paul Slaps Them Out of It! Apathy! You are already filled, you have already become rich, you have become kings without us; and indeed, I wish that you had become kings so that we also might reign with you 1 Cor.4:8

Games or Growth? The Folly of Our Games! The Destruction of Self-ism! Paul Slaps Them Out of It! Laodicea - Rev. 3:17 Because you say, “I am rich, and have become wealthy, and have need of nothing,” and you do not know that you are wretched and miserable and poor and blind and naked… Laodicea - “I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot; I wish you were cold or hot. So because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of My mouth!” You are already filled, you have already become rich, you have become kings without us; and indeed, I wish that you had become kings so that we also might reign with you 1 Cor.4:8

Games or Growth? The Folly of Our Games! The Destruction of Self-ism! Paul Slaps Them Out of It! The Self-Indulgent RICH! You are already filled, you have already become rich, you have become kings without us; and indeed, I wish that you had become kings so that we also might reign with you 1 Cor.4:8

[12] and we toil, working with our own hands Games or Growth? The Folly of Our Games! The Destruction of Self-ism! Paul Slaps Them Out of It! Paul “Postures” the Alternative 1 Cor. 4:10 We are fools for Christ's sake, but you are prudent in Christ; we are weak, but you are strong; you are distinguished, but we are without honor. 1 Cor. 4:9-13 For, I think, God has exhibited us apostles last of all, as men condemned to death; because we have become a spectacle to the world, both to angels and to men. [11] To this present hour we are both hungry and thirsty, and are poorly clothed, and are roughly treated, and are homeless; [12] and we toil, working with our own hands when we are reviled, we bless; when we are persecuted, we endure; [13] when we are slandered, we try to conciliate; we have become as the scum of the world, the dregs of all things, even until now.

Games or Growth? The Folly of Our Games! The Destruction of Self-ism! Paul Slaps Them Out of It! Paul “Postures” the Alternative A Real Scumbag… But He USED to Be a “King” ! Read Phil. 3:3ff… Power, Money, Respect, Scholar! It's all DUNG!

16 I exhort you therefore, be imitators of me Games or Growth? The Folly of Our Games! The Destruction of Self-ism! Paul Slaps Them Out of It! Paul “Postures” the Alternative Calls On Them to Join Him… Discipleship 4:14 I do not write these things to shame you, but to admonish you as my beloved children. 15 For if you were to have countless tutors in Christ, yet you would 4:14 I do not write these things to shame you, but to admonish you as my beloved children. v15 For if you were to have countless tutors in Christ, yet you would not have many fathers; for in Christ Jesus I became your father through the gospel 16 I exhort you therefore, be imitators of me

Games or Growth? The Folly of Our Games! The Destruction of Self-ism! Paul Slaps Them Out of It! Paul “Postures” the Alternative Calls On Them to Join Him… Real Discipleship! Luke 9:23 And He was saying to them all, “If anyone wishes to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me.”

Real Decisions… 1. I don’t need Christ 2. I’ll take the gift of Christ, but I’m going to hold out for self… 3. I’m going all the way!