HOWARD BAPTIST FELLOWSHIP
Howard Baptist Fellowship Messages
Sermons by Evan Digby
Howard Baptist 29/06/2025
Each time I come to church, there is a site just over the highway from our property, that reminds me of the fragility of life. There are three white crosses, next to the roadside, that are well maintained as a memorial to three people who were killed in a road accident about 20 years so, and they are obviously greatly missed by those related to them.
We have all seen these roadside memorials, set up to remember the tragic loss of those who have died in car accidents. And we are all reminded, that life can be short, life is fragile, and there are many things in life that we have very little control over.
Such losses remind us to appreciate every day we have in this life, and to be ready for the next life.
In today’s reading from the Book of Luke, Jesus tells his hearers to be ready, as life can end with little or no notice.
Luke Luke 13:1 Now there were some present at that time who told Jesus about the Galileans whose blood Pilate had mixed with their sacrifices. 2 Jesus answered, "Do you think that these Galileans were worse sinners than all the other Galileans because they suffered this way? 3 I tell you, no! But unless you repent, you too will all perish. 4 Or those eighteen who died when the tower in Siloam fell on them--do you think they were more guilty than all the others living in Jerusalem? 5 I tell you, no! But unless you repent, you too will all perish."
Be Ready --
There is a story I heard about a man who was asked
Questioner. What steps are needed for readiness in life?
Answer. The man cast his mind back through his life. Well, he said, firstly when you are being raised, you go to Primary School, where you learn the basics of English, Math’s, and social studies.
Q. Yes, what next?
A. Then you go to High School where you learn about academic and technical subjects,
Q. What next?
A. Then you can get a job, or apprenticeship, or go to university, to set you up for a career or business.
Q. What next?
A. Well once you have a career, you can get married, get a house, have a family, and raise them up, and save up for retirement.
Q. What next?
A. Then after your career, you can retire, and maybe do some travelling.
Q. What next?
A. Then in your later years, you may go to a retirement home, and eventually into a nursing home.
Q. What next?
A. Well, then you die.
Q. What next?
A. ---- He had no answer!
Like this man who was being questioned suggests, many people are financially and academically set up for life.
The have planned and trained for their career, they have achieved many of their ambitions, they have raised a family, and carefully arranged some superannuation, so their lives were well planned. And there are many experts in society to assist you to make financial plans and policies to make this all happen.
But the looming question, when life comes to a close, is what next? What comes next?
Most people have no real answer for that. They have not made plans for that!
Life Insurance, Superannuation Income and Funeral policies finish soon after death, but there is no funeral policy that extends into the next life.
Many people think that when you die, your life ceases all activity, and if you have observed a person who has passed away, they do physically appear as completely lifeless.
So, for great many people, they have prepared matters for this life, but have made little to no preparations for the next life!
But Jesus is the master of life and death, and he wants us to be ready and be prepared for this life, and especially for the life to come.
The Bible, describes our earthly lives as being fairly brief.
David Psalms 144:4 Man is like a breath; his days are like a fleeting shadow.
Our days vanish like smoke – Psalm 102:3
James James 4:14 ------ What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes.
Paul tells us something similar, but he plainly compares our short earthly life, with the eternal life to come.
Paul 2 Corinthians 5:1 Now we know that if the earthly tent we live in is destroyed, we have a building from God, an eternal house in heaven, not built by human hands.
So by these verses, we see that God is telling us beforehand, that no matter how long you live, perhaps even a 100 years, and no matter what you do; life will soon come to an end! Get used to it, and prepare for it.
Hebrews 9:27 ------ man is destined to die once, and after that to face judgment, ------
No reincarnation, no second chances after death!
Paul Romans 14:12 So then, each of us will give an account of himself to God.
Both of these verses tell us that after death, we have to give account of what we have done in this life, did we live for God or for ourselves?
Jesus emphasizes this need to be ready in our Bible reading.
At that time, Jesus had been teaching about the coming judgment of God, when a current hot topic of news was brought to him to comment on, it was the talk of the town!
Luke Luke 13:1 Now there were some present at that time who told Jesus about the Galileans whose blood Pilate had mixed with their sacrifices.
It seems that some Jewish Galileans, possibly a mob that followed Judas of Galilee had rebelled against Rome, and had refused to pay taxes to Caeser. Acts 5:37
They had been cornered by Roman troops in the temple, and under the order of Pontius Pilate, they were killed while giving their sacrifices in the temple - resulting with their shed blood mixing with the blood of the animal sacrifices. Jewish historian Josephus, records that Pilate had undertaken many cruel punishments like this to teach the Jews, to not disobey Rome.
These people who brought this hot topic to Jesus, may have expected Jesus to lay blame on those killed in that horrific way, but rather Jesus answers
Luke Luke 13:2 Jesus answered, "Do you think that these Galileans were worse sinners than all the other Galileans because they suffered this way? 3 I tell you, no! But unless you repent, you too will all perish. John 9:1,2.
Jesus did not agree with the idea that these Galileans were exceptionally sinful, rather they were sinners just like all other sinners, but Jesus strongly declares to his listeners, that destruction would also come to them, if they did not repent!
Both John the Baptist and Jesus, began their ministries by stating just that!
Matthew Matthew 3:1 In those days John the Baptist came, preaching in the Desert of Judea 2 and saying, "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near."
Matthew Matthew 4:17 From that time on Jesus began to preach, "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near."
‘Repent’ means to admit your sin and unrighteous living, and turn to God for forgiveness.
This is why, in our Bible reading, Jesus gave such an urgent and immediate answer - Jesus was primarily focused on getting people saved and into his eternal kingdom - this was the main theme of his ministry. Jesus would use the word ‘repent’ quite often.
Jesus made it plain to his listeners, that they must look to his or her own day of judgment. - These words from Jesus apply as much today, as then.
Were these Galileans ready for sudden death?
Jesus himself then brings up another recent tragedy.
Jesus Luke 13:4 Or those eighteen who died when the tower in Siloam fell on them--do you think they were more guilty than all the others living in Jerusalem? 5 I tell you, no! But unless you repent, you too will all perish."
This was another event at that time, and Jesus himself brings this matter up for discussion, to drive his point home. A tower near the pool of Siloam had collapsed, killing 18 people, perhaps the 18 were building the tower, or were just passing by the tower at the time, we don’t know.
Jesus responded to this tragedy in the same way as he did for the Galileans.
Jesus did not agree with the idea that the victims were exceptionally sinful, rather they were just like all other people, and he states that destruction would come to them and all others if they did not repent. All who do not repent face spiritual death!
Separation from God.
In this fallen world, tragedies like this can happen to anyone, anytime they can be caused by war, natural disasters, disease, sickness, violent crime, car or other accidents, and many other reasons.
Were these eighteen ready for sudden death?
To the two tragedies that Jesus dealt with - he gave one response - people need to be ready for death and judgment at any time - no matter how they die, they will be held accountable! These are very serious words from Jesus.
So, you need to ask yourself - Am I ready? This is a very serious eternal question!
Are you prepared by wholly trusting in Jesus and his Gospel message? Mark 1:15.
Those 18 people who were killed by the collapse of this tower, did not think they would die that day. They left home, maybe with a packed lunch, they expected it to be just another day, perhaps earning a living, or shopping, or visiting the Pool of Siloam - but how many of the 18 were prepared to meet eternity on that day? Were they ready?
Jesus’ response to death is - Are you ready?
Everyone will eventually die, be it sooner or later, that is part of being human.
But, for those who repent of their sins, and freely receive the gospel, they receive eternal life now, and they know where they are going when departing this life.
This is what Jesus wants for all people, to be prepared for whenever our day of departure will be. Whether that is by natural causes, or accident, war, disease, or sickness!
We need to be so ready for death, that we can even look forward to leaving this world!
The Apostle Paul yearned to joyfully depart and be with the Lord.
Paul Philippians 1:23 ------: I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far;
2 Corinthians 5:8.
Such is the confidence Paul had, and we can have the same assurance when approaching death, by trusting in Jesus. (But the Lord required Paul to do more ministry. Luke 2:29.)
We can have this assurance by following the words of Jesus.
Jesus John 5:24 "I tell you the truth, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life and will not be condemned; he has crossed over from death to life.
Acts 17:26-28.
In Jesus we are safe in his Kingdom, we are just passing through this world. Are You Ready? Then help others to be ready as well!
Message above; and embolden, underlining, and arrangement of Bible text by Evan Digby.
Taken from The HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION © 1973, 1978, by the International Bible Society.
Howard Baptist 22/06/2025
As we listen to the news of the world, we are literally hearing of ‘wars and rumors of wars’. It is very disturbing, as we see such conflict around the world on our TV screens.
‘wars and rumors of wars’ are the words of Jesus, from the gospels of Matthew and Mark, and in the gospel of Luke Jesus speaks of ‘wars and revolutions’, his words in many ways describe the world today. Jesus told us to expect this kind of turmoil in the last days. Matthew 24:6. Mark 13:7. Luke 21:9.
It seems that the peace that the world provides, is based on large armies and huge amounts of armaments. The world we live in, is far from knowing the peace that God wants us to have. 1 Timothy 2:1-4. Hebrews 12:14.
But the good news, is that God is strongly at work in the world today, and he offers peace with him through the completed work of Jesus Christ.
So, as you see the world situation to be broken and fragile, then having Jesus, ‘the Prince of peace’ in your life, will give you peace, personal and eternal. Isaiah 9:6.
Jesus John 14:27 Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.
These are the words we need to hear now, we can have inner peace now, Jesus gives it!
The peace that Jesus gives, is not as the world gives! Make verse a banner on the fence!
Keep these words of Jesus in mind as we read through this next section of Luke.
Jesus Luke 12:49 "I have come to bring fire on the earth, and how I wish it were already kindled! 50 But I have a baptism to undergo, and how distressed I am until it is completed! 51 Do you think I came to bring peace on earth? No, I tell you, but division. 52 From now on there will be five in one family divided against each other, three against two and two against three. 53 They will be divided, father against son and son against father, mother against daughter and daughter against mother, mother-in-law against daughter-in-law and daughter-in-law against mother-in-law."
54 He said to the crowd: "When you see a cloud rising in the west, immediately you say, `It's going to rain,' and it does. 55 And when the south wind blows, you say, `It's going to be hot,' and it is. 56 Hypocrites! You know how to interpret the appearance of the earth and the sky. How is it that you don't know how to interpret this present time?
57 "Why don't you judge for yourselves what is right? 58 As you are going with your adversary to the magistrate, try hard to be reconciled to him on the way, or he may drag you off to the judge, and the judge turn you over to the officer, and the officer throw you into prison. 59 I tell you, you will not get out until you have paid the last penny. "
Peace in our time?
Jesus Luke 12:49 "I have come to bring fire on the earth, and how I wish it were already kindled! 50 But I have a baptism to undergo, and how distressed I am until it is completed! 51 Do you think I came to bring peace on earth? No, I tell you, but division. 52 From now on there will be five in one family divided against each other, three against two and two against three. 53 They will be divided, father against son and son against father, mother against daughter and daughter against mother, mother-in-law against daughter-in-law and daughter-in-law against mother-in-law."
In a Biblical sense, fire can mean judgment or purification; with Jesus it means both, his truth and teaching, would spiritually set the world on fire. His teaching is like a fire that gives light, and burns up false teaching; the truth and teaching of Jesus cleans away all things not in keeping with God’s holiness. Literally burning scrolls of sorcery Acts 19:19.
And after he has gone, Jesus tells us that the coming Holy Spirit would continue the spreading flame of truth around the earth. Matthew 3:11. Luke 3:16.
Jesus John 16:13 But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all truth. He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what is yet to come.
But before this could happen, Jesus would go through a baptism of dying for our sins.
He saw himself as being immersed in his mission of redemption. He knew of his coming distress, of being separated from God the Father, while carrying our sins, - but he was fully determined to complete his mission. Jesus endured separation from God for a short time, so that we would not have to endure separation from God for a long time - eternity!
His dying for our sins was the primary purpose of why he came.
As Paul later stated, Paul 1 Corinthians 1:23 ---- but we preach Christ crucified: -----
Christ being crucified was the core of Paul’s preaching, and of the early church.
The gospel message of Jesus, is that, God so loves us, that through his grace he sent his Son, to die for our sins; and to gain victory over the devil; - this is good news to all who receive it. God’s forgiveness, makes all believers in him, ready and fit for heaven.
John 3:16,17.
However, Jesus knew that his gospel of good news will bring division.
The devil and his angels stand against this spreading of the gospel, as they want to keep people in the darkness of sin and ignorance.
Paul 2 Corinthians 4:4 The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.
But Jesus has overcome the power of the devil, and his gospel can set us free.
Many people after putting their faith in Jesus, wonder why they did not see his reality and Lordship sooner. It was as if they were spiritually blind, and they were.
It is when people hear the words and truth of Jesus, that their eyes are opened, and they are convicted of their need of him, and they put their faith in him. In a sense they catch the gospel fire!
Jesus John 5:24 "I tell you the truth, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life and will not be condemned; he has crossed over from death to life.
We have to keep telling forth the words and gospel of Jesus Christ. Keep the fire going!
People will divide themselves by their reaction to his words and ministry.
Jesus Matthew 12:30 "He who is not with me is against me, and he who does not gather with me scatters.
Jesus is the ‘Great Divider’ of humanity, by our response to him, we are either sheep or goats; lost or found; in darkness or in light; children of God, or children of the devil.
A big reason reason for this division, is that there is only one way to God, and that is not by human good works and achievement, but only through the good works and achievement of Jesus Christ.
People in their sinful nature, want to gain acceptance with God through their own goodness or religious effort. This explains, ‘why all?’ the religions of the world; but religion is not the answer, it is a big obstacle to truth!
Throughout the gospels and the whole of the New Testament, Jesus is clearly shown as having a monopoly on being the only way to God. Two examples of this.
John 14:6 Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.
Jesus did not say he was just a way to the Father, but he said he is the way - he left no other option open.
This seems intolerant by today’s standards, but Jesus was not tolerant of any other supposed saviours. This realization can bring division, as many people see all religions as being equal, and equally able to steer people to God and into heaven. But Peter tells us --
Peter about Jesus Acts 4:12 Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved."
Throughout God’s creation, Jesus Christ is clearly presented as the only way of being saved. Saved from what? Saved from judgement and separation from God?
Faith in God, then brings us peace with God. 1 Thessalonians 1:10.
Paul Romans 5:1 Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, 2 through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God.
At his first coming, Jesus did not come to establish world peace, that will be at his second coming. But until then, we can have personal peace with God.
Through faith in Jesus, we are no longer enemies of God, but are now children of God. Romans 5:10. 1 John 3:1.
Apart from Jesus, any other supposed way of knowing God and becoming acceptable to him, is false teaching - straight from the devil!
This makes sense, there being only one God, there will be only one way to him, not through many conflicting and contradicting religions and philosophies.
If salvation could be gained through human religion or doing good deeds, then Jesus would not have had to die for our sins. God would have let people work, to gain reconciliation with him through their own efforts.
But Jesus having died for our sins, tells us that there was no other way for us to come to God. As Paul tells us --
Paul Ephesians 2:8 For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith--and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God-- 9 not by works, so that no one can boast.
In our Bible reading, Jesus foresees the gospel message going out from Israel into the world, he could also see the church and his salvation going forward in victory.
But for a great many people on the earth, they reject the good news. Jesus knew this would happen, Jesus knew that his gospel would create friction and crises in families.
Judaism was a family religion, in which people worshiped in households rather than as individuals. Jesus foresaw that that his claims would cut across family life.
there will be five in one family divided against each other, three against two and two against three. This unfortunately includes father and mother, against son and daughter, as one choses to follow Jesus, and the other choses to reject him.
By accepting the Christian faith, many of us may fall out of acceptance with family members and relatives. Matthew 10:32-37.
This fallout may also be with friendships, where people may avoid fellowship with you as you have become a Christian. It can be tough to lose old friendships, but that is OK, it just means that where one door closes, another door of friendship opens. Much of what we lose in old friendships may have been no good for us anyway! 1 Corinthians 15:33.
Luke re Jesus Luke 12:54 He said to the crowd: "When you see a cloud rising in the west, immediately you say, `It's going to rain,' and it does. 55 And when the south wind blows, you say, `It's going to be hot,' and it is. 56 Hypocrites! You know how to interpret the appearance of the earth and the sky. How is it that you don't know how to interpret this present time?
Many people of that time were farmers or fishermen, both needed to know how to read the signs of coming weather. For sowing or sailing, much depended on getting the weather forecast right, - and they became skilled at it. Jesus appeals to this skilled knowledge of weather, and he applies it to the coming kingdom of God.
He challenges the crowd to read the signs, as like a change in the weather that they need to ready for. As prophesied, God had sent John the Baptist to them - Matthew 3:1-3.
Malachi 3:1 "See, I will send my messenger, who will prepare the way before me. Then suddenly the Lord you are seeking will come to his temple; the messenger of the covenant, whom you desire, will come," says the LORD Almighty.
Then as prophesied, after John came Jesus, who performed many great miracles, cast out demons, and taught about the kingdom. He had the signs of the Messiah they were expecting. Deuteronomy 18:18,19. Isaiah 35:1-6.
Jesus Luke 11:20 But if I drive out demons by the finger of God, then the kingdom of God has come to you.
The LORD Almighty and Jesus had given signs of the coming kingdom. They can read the signs of earth and sky, why can’t they read the signs of the coming kingdom?
Jesus also uses an example of a lawbreaking man being taken to court for judgement, it is best for that man to be reconciled with his accuser before getting to court, otherwise the man will have to pay the full penalty.
Jesus Luke 12: 57 "Why don't you judge for yourselves what is right? 58 As you are going with your adversary to the magistrate, try hard to be reconciled to him on the way, or he may drag you off to the judge, and the judge turn you over to the officer, and the officer throw you into prison. 59 I tell you, you will not get out until you have paid the last penny. "
Jesus meaning, that we too are our way to give account to the judge, and we are guilty of sin, it is obviously best to gain reconciliation before getting to that time of judgement. Through Christ, we can be reconciled to God before judgement day.
Paul 1 Thessalonians 1:10 ------ Jesus, who rescues us from the coming wrath.
In Jesus we are safe in his Kingdom, we are just passing through this world. Jesus tells us ‘Come to me’. Matthew 11:28.
Message above; and embolden, underlining, and arrangement of Bible text by Evan Digby.
Taken from The HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION © 1973, 1978, by the International Bible Society.
Howard Baptist Fellowship Messages
Sermons by Evan Digby
Facebook notes for the Howard Baptist Church 08/01/2023
10.00 AM. Song – How Deep the Father’s Love
No matter what group you belong to - where there are people, there will be issues and problems along with friendships, fellowship and progress - the Church is no different.
There is no perfect church; I once read a quote that stated ‘There is no perfect church, if there is, it will become imperfect once I join it.’ Perhaps C.L.Lewis
We all have different backgrounds and experiences in life, and that guarantees that we will at times see things differently to someone else.
In some ways Christianity is easy compared to Churchianity! (a real word)
It would be great if church attenders all got along with no issues, but we are not robots - so along the journey, issues will arise within a church.
The apostle Paul was very aware of this, and his letter writing was largely based on giving encouragement and resolving problems within the churches. He was a busy man, and while he liked to visit the churches and personally meet with people, it was more practical for him to receive letters and write letters to the churches about whatever matters concerned them.
All of Paul’s letter writing was a good thing then and especially for us today, as we have the content of many of his letters, called epistles, and they have become New Testament books of the Bible.
We have gone through many of New Testament books in past years, and last year we progressed through Paul’s first letter to the Corinthians – where he addressed many major problems disrupting the church.
Carrying on from Paul’s concluding words to the Corinthians in his first letter to them, we will begin looking into his second letter 2 Corinthians, and over the next months, we will progress through the whole book as it in many ways follows on 1 Corinthians.
In this book we will see where Paul had a fruitful response to his letters, with some matters seemingly resolved, but other matters still needing attention.
What we will learn from Paul, is that the principles that applied to the church then, apply to the church today. And by going through a book of the Bible verse by verse, it is amazing what varied moral, historical and theological subjects that are covered - in context and application. It is called Systematic Expository Preaching, just as Paul’s letters were read to the congregation, so too we benefit as we go through what God’s has delivered to us.
Paul Colossians 4:16 After this letter has been read to you, see that it is also read in the church of the Laodiceans and that you in turn read the letter from Laodicea.
Acts 15:30 The men were sent off and went down to Antioch, where they gathered the church together and delivered the letter. 31 The people read it and were glad for its encouraging message. 1 Thessalonians 5:27. 2 Thessalonians 3:14
We get the picture of Paul’s letters and other important letters being read out to the churches and share around and discussed - part by part, and section by section.
Today we look at Paul’s introduction to the church, as it is here that the writers would usual name themselves and establish their credibility to speak with authority.
2 Corinthians 1:1 Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, and Timothy our brother,
To the church of God in Corinth, together with all the saints throughout Achaia:
2 Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
Pause now -- Prayer – Praise to God - Nation, World, Coronavirus and Medical staff, our Missionaries and School Chaplains, Rain, and our local Communities.
Going forward in the Faith.
We can feel for Paul in those early days of the church, as he had many church matters that he
had to deal with, in addition to dealing with those in the church who were undermining his
authority, and also with physical persecution mainly from the Jews. Paul did however, have some trusted helpers to represent him where he could not attend himself.
Paul’s love for the churches, is very evident in his writing, he personally feels the issues that they are dealing with,
Paul 2 Corinthians 11:28 Besides everything else, I face daily the pressure of my concern for all the churches. 29 Who is weak, and I do not feel weak? Who is led into sin, and I do not inwardly burn?
He was so concerned about the churches, that if he is not there physically with them, he is with them in spirit.
Paul 1 Corinthians 5:1 It is actually reported that there is sexual immorality among you, and of a kind that does not occur even among pagans: A man has his father's wife. 2 And you are proud! Shouldn't you rather have been filled with grief and have put out of your fellowship the man who did this? 3 Even though I am not physically present, I am with you in spirit. And I have already passed judgment on the one who did this, just as if I were present.
And in all his interaction with the churches, Paul’s principle was to build them up, not tear them down.
Paul 2 Corinthians 13:10 This is why I write these things when I am absent, that when I come I may not have to be harsh in my use of authority--the authority the Lord gave me for building you up, not for tearing you down.
And as Paul was concluding his 1 Corinthians letter, we read that his remedy to the friction and clashes in the church was doing everything in love.
Paul 1 Corinthians 16:13 Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be men of courage; be strong. 14 Do everything in love.
Paul wrote this second letter to the Corinthians church while at Macedonia, in about AD 56.
We need to be reminded that what we call the books 1 Corinthians and 2 Corinthians were not Paul’s first and second letter to them, as in writing 1 Corinthians, Paul mentions having written to them beforehand, but that initial letter is lost to us.
Paul 1 Corinthians 5:9 I have written you in my letter not to associate with sexually immoral people-- 10 not at all meaning the people of this world who are immoral, or the greedy and swindlers, or idolaters. In that case you would have to leave this world. 11 But now I am writing you that you must not associate with anyone who calls himself a brother but is sexually immoral or greedy, an idolater or a slanderer, a drunkard or a swindler. With such a man do not even eat.
From this we know that there was a letter written by Paul to them before 1 Corinthians, and we know from this letter, that sexual immorality in Corinth was becoming a problem in the church, to the point of now directing them not eating with immoral church attenders! The corrupt values of the world were threatening to come into the church; as they do even today!
Also, in reading 2 Corinthians 2:4, 7:8-9, Paul refers to a stern letter that many scholars suggest was written by himself after 1 Corinthians, but before 2 Corinthians.
If so, this letter is also lost - so we can see that the letters we do have may be the second and fourth letters of the four letters Paul wrote to the Corinthians.
So, the New Testament books of 1 and 2 Corinthians are actually the two Corinthian letters that still exist and they were probably penned about 18 months apart.
The reason that Paul wrote this letter was mainly for pastoral reasons, to generally encourage the Corinthians in their walk with the Lord the matters of controversy and dispute he had written about in previous letters.
So, Paul writes to inform them of his forthcoming visit, and to express his great relief at the Corinthian’s positive response to his ‘severe letter’ that had been delivered and explained by Titus, and also to finalize their promised collection for the saints at Jerusalem before he visits. Other matters of importance are also contained in his letter such as Paul again establishing his credentials as an apostle, that was still being questioned by many.
It could well have been like the tall poppy syndrome, where some people didn’t like someone getting so much attention over themselves.
As in most of his letters, Paul begins by referring to himself as ‘an apostle’ of Christ Jesus. Although he was not one of the twelve chosen by Christ, here we see where he claimed equality with them. Paul here strongly declares his apostleship of Jesus Christ, and also by the will of God. He did this to without doubt give credibility and authority to himself and his letter. So right from the start, his letter has God’s authority and power upon it.
But what is an apostle? Some of us know, but it may need explaining for others.
The name apostle means ‘sent one’, meaning they were appointed and sent by Jesus to declare the truth and salvation of God. Three qualifications are required -
Firstly, to become an apostle, a person has to be commissioned by Jesus.
Mark 3:13 Jesus went up on a mountainside and called to him those he wanted, and they came to him. 14 He appointed twelve--designating them apostles--that they might be with him and that he might send them out to preach 15 and to have authority to drive out demons.
We also later see that Paul was also commissioned by Jesus on the Damascus Road.
Saul Acts 26:15 "Then I asked, `Who are you, Lord?'
" `I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting,' the Lord replied. 16 `Now get up and stand on your feet. I have appeared to you to appoint you as a servant and as a witness of what you have seen of me and what I will show you.
Secondly, to become an apostle, a person has to have witnessed the resurrected Jesus.
After Judas the traitor had died, he had to be replaced --
Peter Acts 1:21 Therefore it is necessary to choose one of the men who have been with us the whole time the Lord Jesus went in and out among us, 22 beginning from John's baptism to the time when Jesus was taken up from us. For one of these must become a witness with us of his resurrection."
Paul also makes the claim that Jesus had appeared to him on the Damascus Road.
Paul 1 Corinthians 9:1 Am I not free? Am I not an apostle? Have I not seen Jesus our Lord?
Paul 1 Corinthians 15:7 Then he appeared to James, then to all the apostles, 8 and last of all he appeared to me also, as to one abnormally born.
Paul was the final person to see the risen Lord, last of all he appeared to me, therefore no designated apostles came after him.
Thirdly, to become an apostle, a person has to be able to perform miraculous signs.
The early church Acts 2:42 They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. 43 Everyone was filled with awe, and many wonders and miraculous signs were done by the apostles.
Paul 2 Corinthians 12:11 I have made a fool of myself, but you drove me to it. I ought to have been commended by you, for I am not in the least inferior to the "super-apostles," even though I am nothing. 12 The things that mark an apostle--signs, wonders and miracles--were done among you with great perseverance.
1 - be chosen by Jesus. 2 - have seen the risen Lord. 3 - perform signs, wonders and miracles.
It has been held over many centuries that apostleship ceased with the last of the original twelve apostles and Paul.
Paul Ephesians 2:19 Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and aliens, but fellow citizens with God's people and members of God's household, 20 built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone.
But there are some churches that believe that apostles exist today – for example the Apostolic Church, and there are some churches involved with NAR - New Apostolic Reformation who actually who want to revive apostleship - so it is important to realize that to become a designated apostle of Jesus Christ is not easily repeated.
In Paul’s introduction, we see he includes Timothy as a co-sender of the letter - Paul may have intended this to reinstate this timid young man in the eyes of the Corinthians, possibly after his limited success as Paul's representative at Corinth. Titus had replaced Timothy as Paul's chief representative to Corinth by the time this letter was written.
1 Timothy 4:12. 2 Timothy 1:7; 2:1
Then Paul addresses the Corinthian church, as the church of God in Corinth. He did not address them merely the church at Corinth.
Paul 2 Corinthians 1:1 ------ To the church of God in Corinth, together with all the saints throughout Achaia:
Paul wanted the best for the church there, and regardless of their many issues, problems and imperfections - they were God’s church in Corinth. So even a struggling church is God’s church - God sees the potential in a church, where we may just see problems!
And Paul takes it even further, he addresses them as individuals along with all the believers in that area as saints.
To be a saint means that you are sanctified and made holy.
Again, God raises us higher than how we probably see ourselves or our churches. Believers in Christ are actually holy people. We are changed and are becoming Christlike everyday - so we are saints, this is how God sees you.
We are holy and we are described as being a temple of the Holy Spirit - as Paul tells us in
Paul 1 Corinthians 6:19 Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? -----
The Holy Spirit will not reside in an unholy dwelling, so if you have the Holy Spirit, which all believers do, then you are holy person - believe it! 2 Corinthians 6:16. 7:1
The writer of Hebrews goes even further in seeing who we really are in Christ.
Hebrews 10:14 because by one sacrifice he has made perfect forever those who are being made holy.
And how did this happen? Three verses later we are told.
The Lord Hebrews 10:17 Then he adds: "Their sins and lawless acts I will remember no more."
We have been made holy through the forgiveness of our sins through the death and work of Jesus for our sins, from unholy we have been declared perfect in God’s sight and being made holy, more every day.
And this is where the next section of Paul’s introduction makes sense.
Paul 2 Corinthians 1:2 Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
The basis of our forgiveness won for us by Jesus, is through God’s grace - his favour and mercy. Paul reminds his readers in the introduction of all his letters about God’s grace.
All saints in Christ know that our salvation is of God and through God - not of ourselves.
Knowing this we have what Paul declares is peace with God.
This word peace in Hebrew is shalom.
When we come to Jesus, we have our sins forgiven, we are made holy and we have peace and shalom with God. Truly we are saints.
Hymn. Amazing Grace
Message; and embolden, underlining, and arrangement of Bible text by Evan Digby.
Taken from The HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION © 1973, 1978, by the International Bible Society.