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Howard Baptist Fellowship Messages

Sermons by Evan Digby

Howard Baptist 30/08/2026

Many years ago a church survey was taken, about what the main quality was for selecting a Pastor. Some of the options in the survey included, theological education, pastoral experience, ministry giftedness, public speaking ability, personality, humor, humility, commitment. All these qualities have good merit, yet over several churches, whenever the survey was taken, it was ‘humility’ that was largely selected as being the most important attribute.

We see this quality in the Old and New Testament in those who spoke for God; Abraham, Moses, Elijah and John the Baptist are all good examples of strong, yet humble leadership. The Apostle Paul was also a good example of one who was used powerfully by God, in teaching/leading, but did not boast about himself, but rather he boasted about the Lord. Philippians 3:7-9.

In a Biblical sense, humility does not mean being weak, or compromising, but rather as being one whom is willing to set themselves aside, to ensure that God the Father, the Son and Holy Spirit are presented and glorified, not themselves.

Paul Galatians 2:20 I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.

This is humility! Paul seeks no attention for himself, rather he looks to Christ. Today’s Bible reading teaches us that for a Christian and a church to be healthy, there needs to be a Godly humility within. And Paul presents Christ Jesus as the best example of humility for us to follow.

Paul Philippians 1:27 Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or only hear about you in my absence, I will know that you stand firm in one spirit, contending as one man for the faith of the gospel 28 without being frightened in any way by those who oppose you. This is a sign to them that they will be destroyed, but that you will be saved--and that by God. 29 For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for him, 30 since you are going through the same struggle you saw I had, and now hear that I still have.

Paul Philippians 2:1 If you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any fellowship with the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, 2 then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and purpose. 3 Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. 4 Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others.

5 Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus:

6 Who, being in very nature God,

did not consider equality with God something to be grasped,

7 but made himself nothing,

taking the very nature of a servant,

being made in human likeness.

8 And being found in appearance as a man,

he humbled himself

and became obedient to death--

even death on a cross!

:9 Therefore God exalted him to the highest place

and gave him the name that is above every name,

10 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow,

in heaven and on earth and under the earth,

11 and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord,

to the glory of God the Father.

Jesus humbly came, as the servant King!

Paul wrote this letter from Rome while he was in prison. In leading up to today’s Bible reading, Paul said that he was willing to be put to death, or to continue his life serving the Lord and the church. Either path the Lord planned for him, was fine with Paul.

Paul Philippians 1:21 For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.

This is a powerful life philosophy; Paul put himself firmly in God’s hands, for his use and purpose, therein he was content. What a wonderful long vision Paul had, he could see his earthly life as service for the Lord, and when he dies, he will go and be with the Lord in everlasting service for him in heaven, either way was fine with him. But Paul was also assured that his death was not imminent, so he would serve the church for sometime longer.

Paul Philippians 1: 22 If I am to go on living in the body, this will mean fruitful labor for me. Yet what shall I choose? I do not know! 23 I am torn between the two: I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far; 24 but it is more necessary for you that I remain in the body.

So in saying all that, whether he would die then or later on, Paul wanted to leave the church in sound condition, and on a strong foundation, - his words of instruction and encouragement sum this up very well.

We can apply Paul’s opening words to ourselves as at Howard Baptist today, and others.

Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ.

Paul reminds us that we do not own the gospel, rather we have the privilege of receiving it, living it and announcing it, and our manner of ministry in our church should reflect that.

As a church we are not here to change the gospel, we are here because the gospel of Jesus Christ has changed us!

This is what Paul wants for the Church at Philippi, and all churches. What Paul taught, either face to face, or in his letters, applied all the churches, not just to Phillipi/Ephesus/Corinth, etc.

Paul 1 Corinthians 4:17 For this reason I am sending to you Timothy, my son whom I love, who is faithful in the Lord. He will remind you of my way of life in Christ Jesus, which agrees with what I teach everywhere in every church. Applies to us today.

Whether Paul would visit the Church at Phillipi again or not, he wants them to be strong in spirit, for the faith of the gospel. If there was some division at the church, Paul wants it to cease. To be united is to cease from divisiveness in any form. In politics - division is death!

Jesus Luke 11:17 ------ "Any kingdom divided against itself will be ruined, and a house divided against itself will fall.

Being united would make the church strong against those who would oppose then, by being united in the truth, they have no need to be frightened of them.

I remember speaking to a church Pastor whom I much respected, he said that knowing that his congregation was united in sound doctrine, was a great blessing to him as a Pastor - there were no inner conflicts or scheming, no heresies or false teaching to deal with!

Paul knew he would eventually pass on but, the church’s faith and strength in the gospel needs to remain. Jesus does not change, neither does his gospel message.

Hebrews 13:8 Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.

Paul states that their united strong faith, would be a sign to those opposers, who would seek to divide them, that they were lost, and faced destruction. That is like the old saying,

‘The Christian Church is like an anvil, that has worn out many a hammer.’

Over the many centuries the church has been attacked, bashed and hammered; the anvil remains, but the worn out hammers are cast away.

The church continues to go through hammer blows of persecution and tribulation, and if you openly serve Jesus, you too will be opposed and will suffer some hammering! Just as Paul, and all other servants of God have gone through.

With the way this immoral, sin sick world is going; the gospel based church will suffer more and more, Jesus and Paul and others have told us that will happen, so get used to it.

But knowing all this, Paul looks to what unites us with Christ, not to what will divide us.

Those who opposed the church were not humble, they were selfish, self boasting and obsessed with self ambition. But Paul firstly wants the congregation, to be united with Christ, and having fellowship with the Holy Spirit, - also having one and the same mind, same love, same spirit, same purpose, same ambition, and same humility in common. Having this unity, will disarm and remove disharmony.

Paul wants them to have so much in common, that other people’s interests become like their own interests, putting others people’s interests in common, even ahead of their own. This is why, united in Christ we meet together, so that we can get to know each other, to help one another, and be there for each other - as Christians, our interests do not stop at our fencelines.

Paul Galatians 6:10 Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.

Being people like Paul describes, will ensure the church not only survive, rather, in support and love for each other, we will thrive. Over the centuries during times of suffering and persecution, the church grew, that is when they were drawn close. Not comfortable churches.

As a best example of humility, - Paul looks to Jesus Christ as the ultimate model of humility and suffering for the truth - an early hymn form. 1 Corinthians 1:26-31.

Paul Philippians 2:5 Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus:

6 Who, being in very nature God,

did not consider equality with God something to be grasped,

7 but made himself nothing,

taking the very nature of a servant,

being made in human likeness.

Paul tells us that as believers in Christ, we must have the same attitude and humility as Christ. We can look to Jesus as our highest standard and example to follow.

In the first chapter of John’s Gospel, John tells us that Jesus is the Word of God, and that he made his dwelling with humanity. The creator humbled himself, and become part of his own creation - this is what Paul means - made himself nothing. John 1:1-3. Colossians 1:16.

This happened when Jesus was conceived in Mary by the Holy Spirit, then later was born in a stable. Christ was conceived in Mary, a common girl, not a princess or nobility, and later he was born in an animal stable not in a palace, in the humble town of Bethlehem, not in the Capital City of Jerusalem.

This all tells us, that when God came into humanity, he came humbly, not as a conquering king. God talking on a human body, meant that he had come from heaven to earth, down to our level. Jesus the Son of God, became 100% human, yet he was still 100% God - this is known as the Incarnation.

He surrendered up his heavenly grandeur and majesty, so that he could cohabit with humanity, and mediate between God and mankind. He was Immanuel, God with us, he was the King of kings, yet in human form, he came as a servant king, not seeking to do his own will, but to serve God and all humanity.

Jesus Matthew 20:28 just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many." Mark 10:45.

This verse tells us that Jesus knew that he came as a servant King, to serve humanity, it also tells us he came to die for our sins. No greater service has ever been given to humanity.

Paul Philippians 2:8 And being found in appearance as a man,

he humbled himself

and became obedient to death--

even death on a cross!

God is Spirit, he is eternal and immortal, he cannot die. So for God to perfectly bear the sins of humanity, God the Son had to take on a human body, into which Jesus could bear our sins, and when his human body died, our sins died with it. In God’s system of justice, by Jesus bearing our sins into death, he took the penalty and judgement for our sins, so that we can be forgiven and made acceptable to God!

Peter 1 Peter 2:24 He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; by his wounds you have been healed.

When you receive Jesus into your life, you also receive his forgiveness and eternal life.

John 5:24.

Paul Philippians 2:9 Therefore God exalted him to the highest place

and gave him the name that is above every name,

10 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow,

in heaven and on earth and under the earth,

11 and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord,

to the glory of God the Father.

When Jesus died for our sins, he made redemption for all those made in the Image of God.

Jesus faithfully carried out his Father’s will, in humbly sacrificing himself for our disobedience and sins. 1 John 2:2

Jesus Matthew 26:42 He went away a second time and prayed, "My Father, if it is not possible for this cup to be taken away unless I drink it, may your will be done."

As a result of Jesus carrying out the Father’s plan of salvation, in death, resurrection and ascension. Jesus has been honoured and exalted in heaven, and seated in glory at the right hand of the Father. The Greek actually describes this, as being ‘superexalted’.

He was given the name above all names, being ‘LORD’ or Old Testament ‘Yahweh’.

Now that he is exalted, he has moved on from being the servant King, now is Lord of Lords. Unto him all will bow in glory and in worship, and confess that Jesus Christ is Lord – so best to do that willingly now, while we can, rather than have to do at judgment to our shame and humiliation.

And we are part of all this, we are the reason why God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit undertook the whole plan of salvation, they did this because they loved us.

Jesus has humbly served us, by dying for our sins; we now can humbly serve him, as saints in his kingdom.

Message; and embolden, underlining, and arrangement of Bible text by Evan Digby.

Howard Baptist 23/08/2026

There are many different ways of hearing the good news gospel of Jesus Christ.

The most obvious way is being directly told, or by reading a Bible or a gospel tract given to you, perhaps you heard the gospel on the radio or TV. It would make an interesting discussion among us, hearing the different ways we have come to the Lord. But whatever way you hear the gospel, the main thing is that you heard the good news, you responded to it, and it changed your life.

I have heard of other ways that seem less obvious. I once read of a man who was heavily into drugs, and he had a heroin addicted girlfriend. He told her that he really wanted to get off drugs, but he did not know how. She shared with him that she had some old friends who gave up drugs, but she told him, that she did not want to tell him how they did it, because she might loose his friendship as well. But, he insisted she tell him what these people had done, so she told him they had committed themselves to Jesus Christ, and that had made a big change in their lives, and they moved away from drug taking.

So, based on this reluctant advice, this man looked into the gospel, and he too received the good news of forgiveness, and new life in Christ, and he moved on to leave his drug filled life behind. I don’t know what come of this heroin addicted lady, but it is amazing how she had been used by God, as a step in this man’s journey to Jesus.

Today in our reading, Paul tells us that despite how the gospel goes out, the main thing is - that it does go out. Good news is always welcome.

Paul Philippians 1:14 Because of my chains, most of the brothers in the Lord have been encouraged to speak the word of God more courageously and fearlessly.

15 It is true that some preach Christ out of envy and rivalry, but others out of goodwill. 16 The latter do so in love, knowing that I am put here for the defense of the gospel. 17 The former preach Christ out of selfish ambition, not sincerely, supposing that they can stir up trouble for me while I am in chains. 18 But what does it matter? The important thing is that in every way, whether from false motives or true, Christ is preached. And because of this I rejoice.

Yes, and I will continue to rejoice, 19 for I know that through your prayers and the help given by the Spirit of Jesus Christ, what has happened to me will turn out for my deliverance. 20 I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have sufficient courage so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death. 21 For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. 22 If I am to go on living in the body, this will mean fruitful labor for me. Yet what shall I choose? I do not know! 23 I am torn between the two: I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far; 24 but it is more necessary for you that I remain in the body. 25 Convinced of this, I know that I will remain, and I will continue with all of you for your progress and joy in the faith, 26 so that through my being with you again your joy in Christ Jesus will overflow on account of me.

Out of crisis, comes opportunity!

Paul Philippians 1:14 Because of my chains, most of the brothers in the Lord have been encouraged to speak the word of God more courageously and fearlessly.

It is true that some preach Christ out of envy and rivalry, but others out of goodwill. 16 The latter do so in love, knowing that I am put here for the defense of the gospel. 17 The former preach Christ out of selfish ambition, not sincerely, supposing that they can stir up trouble for me while I am in chains.

Paul was in prison because he had been arrested for preaching the gospel, but he appealed to Caeser, and was taken to Rome. Paul did not deliberately choose to be arrested and held in prison, but the Lord powerfully used him, while in there to witness to others.

2 Timothy 1:16. Ephesians 6:20. Colossians 4:18. Philemon 1:10,13.

But Paul did not see his imprisonment as bad thing, but rather an opportunity.

Paul Philippians 1:12 Now I want you to know, brothers, that what has happened to me has really served to advance the gospel. 13 As a result, it has become clear throughout the whole palace guard and to everyone else that I am in chains for Christ.

If Paul had not been in prison, he would not have had that opportunity, to witness to the whole palace guard and to everyone else. Paul’s sees his imprisonment as a great advance for the gospel. Within thirty years, God had accomplished the spreading of the gospel of Jesus Christ from its humble beginnings in obscure Judea to its defense within Caesar’s palace at the center of the Roman Empire.

Paul was encouraging the other Christians to not see his imprisonment as being a negative, but a positive. Paul even wrote some of his letters to the churches from prison. Including Ephesians, this letter of Philippians, Colossians and Philemon.

I have another example of God bringing good out of a bad situation, I did read that many years ago, I think somewhere in SE Asia, some bandits robbed some supply wagons, then they took the supplies back to their remote village. In amongst the stolen supplies were boxes of Bibles in their own language! When missionaries years later came into that area, they were very surprised to see that these stolen Bibles had created a basic Christian Community. The missionaries carried on the work, that the stolen Bibles had started.

Now stealing supplies and property is not honouring to God, but God can use less than ideal situations, for his glory, to get the gospel message out. If God can use heroin addicts, and thieves in spreading his gospel, then God can surely use us, and you!

According to Paul, amongst the sincere preachers in Philippi, there were some insincere speakers who were preaching Christ out of envy and rivalry. Perhaps they were jealous of Paul, especially Paul’s claim, to being called by Christ to preach the gospel to the Gentiles. Acts 9:15, 18:6, 22:21.

They failed to respect Paul’s authority in the church. So while Paul was in prison, through selfish ambition, they set out to gain some sort of advantage over Paul, perhaps to make themselves more influential in church groups.

Their problem was not doctrinal, but personal; it was not what they taught, but it was their attitude in how they taught it. God can do great things with the gospel seed, no matter how the seed gets spread, he can make it grow.

If God can use Paul as an affective witness, while he is in prison, then God can use us to witness, while we are not in prison!

Paul looks at the big picture, his conclusion about these confused preachers was. --

Paul Philippians 1:18 But what does it matter? The important thing is that in every way, whether from false motives or true, Christ is preached. And because of this I rejoice.

Yes, and I will continue to rejoice,

To preach Christ means to proclaim the good news of salvation provided freely by God's grace through the redemptive work of Christ and received by faith.

According to Paul, if others who are suspect, are doing this, then what does it matter?, the preaching of the gospel, overrules any personal grievances that may arise.

So today, if other groups different to us, are teaching the clear gospel, even if we have concerns about them, at least rejoice that the Lord can work, even through them!

If God waited till all his servants were perfect before they could preach and teach the gospel, then the Christian faith would have failed from the start.

Paul Philippians 1:19 for I know that through your prayers and the help given by the Spirit of Jesus Christ, what has happened to me will turn out for my deliverance. 20 I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have sufficient courage so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death.

Paul knew that from God’s vantage point, whatever happened to him would be a blessing to him, and would give exaltation and honour to Jesus Christ. Through Paul, God was also answering the prayers of the saints in the Philippian church, to see the gospel spread. Whether Paul’s service for the Lord led to his death, or ongoing service and whatever persecution comes, Paul willingly used his body for the Lord, and for Paul, persecution did come!

At Paul’s conversion Acts 9:15 But the Lord said to Ananias, "Go! This man is my chosen instrument to carry my name before the Gentiles and their kings and before the people of Israel. 16 I will show him how much he must suffer for my name."

Paul had been a persecutor of the church, he made the church suffer, but now he was willing to suffer be used to deliver and expand the church. He had fully placed his life in God’s hands, in his service. Paul truly was in his Majesty’s Service.

Paul Philippians 1:21 For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. 22 If I am to go on living in the body, this will mean fruitful labor for me. Yet what shall I choose? I do not know! 23 I am torn between the two: I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far; 24 but it is more necessary for you that I remain in the body.

Paul makes it clear that whether he lives or dies - he does so for Christ, and in Christ. He is a winner either way. If he is to continue living, that will be more fruitful labour for him in teaching and spreading the gospel; but if he will be put to death, that will mean gaining earlier access to be with Christ. Ephesians 5:16. Colossians 4:5.

Paul’s faith in Christ was unshakable, regardless of the circumstances. Paul was so attached to Christ, that Christ was his life.

Paul Galatians 2:20 I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. ------ Colossians 3:4 ‘Christ, who is your life’

Paul is saying that he has already died, to himself, that was at his repentance, so physical death is of no consequence to him. His spiritual life in Christ cannot be taken away, if his stay in his Roman prison leads to his death, Paul is content with that, he is ready.

But if given the option, Paul did not know which to choose from, to continue in this life, or go onto eternity with the Lord, for him, both options had great merit.

Yet he does reveal that his greatest personal desire was to leave this life, in his own words to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far.

Some church groups these days teach what is know as ‘soul sleep’, that is when you die, you loose consciousness, then you will be awakened at Judgement Day.

Paul was so sure when leaving this life, he would be consciously continuing with the Lord.

Paul 2 Corinthians 5:6 Therefore we are always confident and know that as long as we are at home in the body we are away from the Lord. 7 We live by faith, not by sight. 8 We are confident, I say, and would prefer to be away from the body and at home with the Lord.

Paul is saying that, We can have the same desire as him, to be at home with the Lord.

Just as the thief on the cross was told by Jesus,

Jesus Luke 23:43 Jesus answered him, "I tell you the truth, today you will be with me in paradise."

The repentant thief would consciously know this promise of Jesus was fulfilled - he would be fully aware that same day, he was in paradise, and with Jesus. The thief would have that same day, known that Jesus’ promises were true.

Paul had previously seen a glimpse of paradise before, but now he wanted to go there forever. 2 Corinthians 12:2-4.

For Paul, being with Christ, which is better by far, did not mean having a big sleep!

He looked forward, to a conscious relationship with Christ in heaven.

In the parable of Jesus, of the Rich man and Lazarus, both the rich man and Lazarus, are portrayed as being fully conscious and aware in the afterlife.

Also in the book of Revelation, we read of conscious martyred saints in heaven, awaiting judgement to come on those who were killing the saints.

John Revelation 6:9 When he opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls of those who had been slain because of the word of God and the testimony they had maintained. 10 They called out in a loud voice, "How long, Sovereign Lord, holy and true, until you judge the inhabitants of the earth and avenge our blood?" 11 Then each of them was given a white robe, and they were told to wait a little longer, until the number of their fellow servants and brothers who were to be killed as they had been was completed.

Clearly here, before Judgement Day, the saints in heaven are conscious, aware and communicate with God.

So be assured, as a believer in Jesus Christ, when you leave this life, you will be conscious and with Christ, in paradise. Revelation 14:13.

Paul Philippians 1:24 but it is more necessary for you that I remain in the body. 25 Convinced of this, I know that I will remain, and I will continue with all of you for your progress and joy in the faith, 26 so that through my being with you again your joy in Christ Jesus will overflow on account of me.

Paul realizes that his time of passing was not yet, and he resolves I will remain, and I will continue with all of you for your progress and joy in the faith.

For Paul this would not mean an easy life. His labors in establishing churches and nurturing them toward maturity were characterized by frequent opposition, physical hardships, and much spiritual anguish. 2 Corinthians 11:23-29.

Yet he looked on his apostolic ministry as a challenge to be grasped and as fruit to be harvested. And as Paul states, the more you progress in the faith, the more joy you have!

Paul wants us to be assured, that after our short time here on earth, that you are going to be with Christ.

So while here, progress in Christ and have joy in serving him. This is what God wants for you!

Message above; and embolden, underlining, and arrangement of Bible text by Evan Digby.

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.

Howard Baptist Fellowship Messages

Sermons by Evan Digby

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Howard Baptist Fellowship Messages

Sermons by Evan Digby

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