__ The Checklist

1 Corinthians 16:13-24 (Full Sermon Here)

Avoid error and pursue sanctification.

The Fruits of the Spirit are the “who you are to be.”

Paul’s Checklist is “what you are to do”

Paul’s Checklist for Faithful Discipleship

1. Be Watchful

1 Corinthians 15:34 turned up all the way: become righteously sober-minded.

The Christ-exalting, God-honoring life that we all should be living is one that’s awake - watchful -alert -and takes the spiritual dimension of life VERY seriously.

Five specific things to be watchful of

  • The Enemy - his schemes and plans

  • Temptation - it’s around the corner. Avoid it.

  • Apathy/Indifference - the problem is knowing when you’re being apathetic.

  • False Teachers - there will always be false teachers

  • Prayer - the heartbeat of the Christian life

  • Look Forward with Anticipation to the Return of Christ

2. Be Firm

Stand on the solid ground of God’s Word, always committed to inerrancy and being “held captive to the word of God.” (Martin Luther

3.  Act Like Men

Grow up and get strong spiritually. Pursue Sanctification. Spiritual growth takes spiritual “working out.” Have a healthy spiritual diet, and do the exercise necessary. (Bible reading, prayer, good books, etc.)

4. Be Strong

The “synergistic” work of sanctification. We must submit to God,  His word and His will.

We pursue obedience to His commands & instructions and when we do, He will strengthen us.

5.  Act In Love

This is the central characteristic. Everything flows from and revolves around love. Our love for one another reveals the love of Christ. A lack of love reveals that you don’t know Christ.

6. Evangelism

If the Gospel has changed you, you’ll have a deep desire to see others changed as well. We must love others enough to tell them that without Christ, they’re headed to hell.

The Gospel in 20 seconds:

God created you to glorify Him.

Instead, you sinned.

You deserve death and hell.

Jesus became a man, never sinned, died on the cross, and rose again.

When we repent of our sins and believe in Jesus, He saves us.

7. Serve One Another

You need the body and the body needs you. We’re called to serve one another. “Devoted” contains the idea of addiction. I just can’t get enough of this. I need more. Serving brings joy.

8. Be Submissive

Submit to leadership (Hebrews 13:17), submit to fellow believers (Ephesians 5:21-6:9). Submission and humility lead to unity and fellowship.

9. Be a Friend

Are you a refreshing friend? Be someone who builds up, encourages, and comforts. Are you being a friend who refreshes?

10. Have Respect for Workers

Be an example to others and follow the example of those “ahead” of your.

11. Show Hospitality

Always make effort to create an environment of welcome, in your home or wherever you are.

12. Be Affectionate

We shouldn’t be a ‘keep your distance’ kind of people. Be intentional to be appropriately affectionate.

13. Communicate Well

We need to be intentional to communicate with others our love and affection for them. Stay involved in each others’ lives and interact regularly.

Recap:

Instructions from Chapter 15: Living in Light of the Resurrection

1. Take your spiritual life seriously.

2. Stop Sinning

3. Pursue the Knowledge of God

4. Be Steadfast

5. Be Immovable.

6. Always abounding in the work of the Lord

7. Knowing that your labor is not in vain

8. Serve the Church

9. Pursue Ministry

10. Mindset (toward Church leaders & others)

Grace & Peace

Rob Signs

Previous
Previous

Imitating Paul

Next
Next

Living the Resurrection Life (conclusion)