As we enter chapter 9, Paul gently turns our attention from principle to practice. In the previous chapter, he reminded the Corinthians that knowledge alone—even knowledge of what is right and wrong—is never enough to guide our choices as followers of Christ. Knowledge must be shaped and governed by love. Without love, even our freedoms can become stumbling blocks that harm the very brothers and sisters we are called to build up. Sadly, the Corinthians often acted without considering how their choices affected others, and the spiritual fractures in their church revealed the results of that mindset.

In today’s passage, Paul offers himself as a living example of the principle he taught. When he was with the Corinthians, he chose not to receive financial support from them, though he had every right to do so. Instead, he worked with his own hands as a tentmaker, providing for his needs while faithfully preaching the gospel. Paul explains that this decision was intentional. He willingly endured hardship, inconvenience, and sacrifice so that nothing—absolutely nothing—would hinder the faith of new believers or cast suspicion on his motives.

For Paul, the cost was real, but so was the calling. He gladly laid down a right he possessed so that others might more clearly see the grace of Christ. His example invites us to consider where love might call us to limit our freedoms, to surrender our preferences, or to bear inconvenience for the good of others and the glory of the gospel. In Paul’s eyes, no sacrifice was too great if it paved the way for a clearer view of Jesus.

Our text today leads us to a part of the Gospel we often overlook: the burial of Christ. This moment between the cross and the resurrection is vital, grounding our faith in real events and guarding the Gospel from slipping into myth.

Luke highlights the quiet devotion of unlikely followers who cared for Jesus’ body. Their tender obedience shows us what it means to follow Christ even when hope seems hidden—trusting that God is at work in the silence, and that faithfulness in the “in‑between” places still honors Him.

Have you ever encountered a fellow believer doing something that seemed questionable and wondered whether it was right? Maybe you even searched the Scriptures and concluded that it might be permissible, yet it still felt uncertain. Christians face these kinds of dilemmas often, and the struggle is not new. The Corinthians dealt with the same issue—specifically, whether it was acceptable to eat meat that had been offered to idols.

In our lesson today, we examine Paul’s instructions for navigating the gray areas of the Christian life. He teaches that our understanding and practice of what is right and wrong must be governed by our love for one another. Knowledge without love can lead us into sin against Christ, but knowledge expressed through love builds up both ourselves and those around us.

No matter how long you have been a Christian, the practical goal remains the same: we must stick with Jesus in both the good times and the bad. Join us today as we look at three practical priorities we must develop in ourselves and in those we influence for Christ—priorities that lead to a thriving walk with Him.

Hello Friend,

Today, our scripture text brings us to 1 Peter 4, where the Apostle Peter encourages them in serving while suffering. Just as Christ was willing to suffer for us in the flesh, we should have the same attitude and strive to live for the will of God instead of the lusts of men. Peter stresses the fact that when we give up the sins of the old life, the world will think of us as strange. But as the coming of the Lord draws near, Peter admonishes Christians to be serious and watchful in their prayers, fervent in their love for one another, and hospitable to one another without grumbling. He also encourages them to use their gifts for the Lord. He concludes in the chapter that we as Christians should not look at suffering for Christ as a strange thing, but rather an occasion to rejoice. Those who are willing to suffer for Christ bring glory to Him through their suffering. He also reminds us that those who reject the gospel of Christ have no hope, but those who are willing to suffer according to God’s will are able to commit their souls to Him as the faithful Creator. 

We pray that this sermon is a blessing to you and support to your spiritual growth. If you have any questions or need assistance, please feel free to reach out to us at any time.

Thanks,

Pastor Jake

Have you ever wondered what the will of God is for your life, or how to find God’s will? This may come as a surprise, but the will of God is not a destination, it is a journey. There isn’t a place out there somewhere where we arrive at the will of God. Here in our story, we find what would seem to be an impossible task. This man’s name is not even mentioned in Genesis 24, but we’re told that he’s Abraham’s eldest servant, and we’ll find out later that his name is Eliezer. And Abraham gives him the task of going back to a foreign country, to find a woman, he’s never seen and not sure how to find, who is going to be the wife for his son Isaac. This unnamed servant was a part of something that was about to be a blessing to the entire world, except it won’t come until 41 generations. Through the line of Isaac and Rebecca will come the Messiah, the Lord Jesus Christ. In this story we’ll identify 7 principles that will help us discover the way to God’s will. Every child of God must learn like Eliezer that the will of God is not about a place but about a person. Finding the will of God is every day, moment by moment, one step at a time, and it will always bring you to God Himself.

Have you ever noticed that sincere, Christ-following people can come to different conclusions on certain aspects of the Christian life? Of course, we see that all the time—especially when it relates to issues where the Bible gives room for personal practice to be directed by the Holy Spirit. In I Corinthians chapter 8, Paul addresses a question posed by members of the Corinthian church about whether believers should eat meat that had been offered to idols. As he answers their question, he highlights principles that can guide us as we navigate the gray areas of the Christian life. Join us for this first study, titled ‘Managing the Gray Areas of the Christian Life,’ from I Corinthians 8:1–13.