Today is the time for our lecture on the challenge. The Corinthian church is a church that Paul established by preaching the gospel and nurturing its members. At the end of verse 15 that we read together today, it says, I have begotten you through the gospel in Christ Jesus. This refers to the pains of childbirth that you endure. The establishment of the church, especially the Corinthian church, involved the apostle's struggles and the hardships he endured to build it. However, the Corinthian church is currently in a state of division. Not only is there division, but as we will see later, there are also many serious issues within the Corinthian church. I think I mentioned this last week as well. Paul established this church through enduring suffering and teaching, yet when we see their condition, it is disheartening.

It seems like it will be futile, and I have struggled to build this, but what is this appearance of you all? I feel a sense of self-loathing, and it’s understandable. Moreover, at the core of the conflict and division in the church is, after all, the Apostle Paul. You all sent and established Apollos as a minister of the Corinthian church, but strictly speaking, in modern terms, the true spiritual leader of the Corinthian church is still the Apostle Paul. The Bible does not say that Apollos played such a role. Furthermore, Apollos did not overstate his position at all. As we have continued to see, the believers who are followers of Paul and those who are followers of Apollos are divided, but Paul and Apollos themselves have no such relationship; they still trust and respect each other, maintaining a beautiful dynamic of support. But you all...

In the Corinthian church, there is a faction supporting Paul. This implies that there is also an opposing faction against Paul, doesn't it? Now, let's imagine that there is a faction supporting the senior pastor in our church. Then, wouldn't the senior pastor think, Ah, I have my supporters? This means that if there is a faction supporting the senior pastor, it also implies that there is a faction opposing the senior pastor, right? In any case, this ultimately leads to conflicts within the church. In the Corinthian church, Paul is at the center of these conflicts. So, how painful must it be for Paul, the apostle? It must feel as if the problems and disputes in the church are arising because of him. This kind of thought and burden would not have been absent in his mind. In the midst of such pain, Paul continues to...

We see that we are in the Gospel. There is an environment that feels like being surrounded by afflictions on all sides. Right now, Paul is in Ephesus, and the situation there is not easy either. However, Paul is not dominated by those circumstances; he is in the Gospel. What is the Gospel? The Gospel is the good news that Jesus Christ brings great joy to the whole world. This good news is Jesus Christ. And just as Jesus came to this earth and proclaimed that the Kingdom of God is near, the Gospel is also the Kingdom of God. As I will mention in the latter part of today’s message, Paul is, in other words, in the Gospel, in Jesus Christ, and under the rule of His Kingdom. Within that, he continues to regard the church with the heart of Jesus, who is the head of the church, and he loves the saints of the Corinthian church with the heart of Jesus. Just because he loves them does not mean that Paul is overly lenient.

You are not just talking and doing nothing, right? Today, in 1 Corinthians 4:14, I am writing this not to shame you, but to remind you that Paul, in the context, is continuously admonishing the Corinthian church. He is indeed rebuking them. I am saying this not to make you feel ashamed, but to treat you like beloved children. He is saying that he is instructing them not with his own words, but with the Lord's teaching and guidance, just as one would instruct children. In the last verse of today's passage, verse 21, he asks, What do you want? Should I come to you with a rod, or with love and a gentle spirit? So, he could come with a rod, or he could approach them with love and gentleness, but the heart remains the same. When parents deal with their children, they speak kindly.

He speaks warm words, right? However, sometimes he scolds, and at times he lifts up Harry. When he lifts Harry up, is his heart different when he speaks warm words? It is not different. It is all from the heart of love towards his children. Of course, physical parents may not always be able to do this; they might lose control of their emotions and act out. However, Paul is not talking about that kind of heart. Although physical parents may sometimes make mistakes, their heart towards their children is one of concern and compassion. Nevertheless, that is the case. So now, Paul is saying in verse 15, Though you have countless teachers in Christ, you do not have many fathers. For in Christ Jesus, I became your father through the gospel. Amen. The Corinthian church had many teachers, and at that time, the teachers referred to here were primarily those in the Corinthian church.

Who did they elevate? At that time, families that were somewhat well-off had a tutor or a private teacher. A private teacher is someone employed by the family, so while they may seem like a mentor, they are more of a servant who listens to the head of the household. Perhaps the child being taught might also have a different perspective on this tutor. Who is above and who is below? That’s what I’m trying to convey. 

This is my reflection: why do the members of my church hold Paul in such high regard? What kind of apostle is Paul? However, why did the Corinthian church grow to dislike their spiritual leader, Paul, over time? I wonder if it’s because Paul was not only like a teacher but also like a father to them. What do you think?

Do you want your spiritual leader to teach well and deliver sermons effectively? Do you sometimes check whether you are living according to the word? I wonder if you want a spiritual leader who acts like a father, one who guides and corrects you. You might think you want a father-like spiritual leader because we know the answers, but in reality, you might be more inclined to want a teacher-like spiritual leader. 

When I started my ministry, especially when I was just beginning to establish my church, some senior pastors advised me to maintain a certain distance from the congregation. They said it was better not to get too deeply involved, as that could lead to discontent among the church members and make things harder for me. However, as I moved into youth ministry, I aimed to meet with young people one-on-one and have personal interactions as much as possible.

I talked with them and also personally asked about their salvation. I did this in my ministry, not because I want to boast, but because I truly believe it is something that should be done. Back then, people often asked me why I was doing such a difficult ministry instead of focusing on disciple training. My fellow pastor would ask why I was engaging in pastoral care instead of disciple training, which made my ministry so challenging. It was during that time that I realized my ministry was not disciple ministry but rather pastoral care. Pastoral care, as the Bible says, involves focusing on people's hearts and living alongside them. This understanding helps us to pray better and to share in each other's struggles. If we don’t know each other well, it can create anxiety. They are members of our church, entrusted to us, and they are young people. I don’t know them well enough right now.

I don't know. That's why, in fact, we run the ranch. We delegate and entrust many things to the shepherds. However, even so, on one hand, it is a burden to know that there are people we don't understand. Today, Paul says that there are many teachers in Christ, but few fathers. In any case, we can say that they are spiritual leaders or shepherds. Jesus said in John 10, I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. Jesus is the good shepherd who gave His life for us. Not only did He save us, but He also guides us on the path to heaven and provides for our lives on this earth. He feeds, clothes, and leads us; He is the good shepherd, and we believe that we are His sheep. However, in His words, the Lord contrasts the good shepherd with a hired hand. In John 10:12-13, it says that the hired hand...

No, the hired hand does not own the sheep, and when he sees the wolf coming, he abandons the sheep and runs away. He does not care for the sheep because they are not his own. Amen. The time when we can discern the difference between a hired hand and a good shepherd is when the situation changes. When danger strikes and the sheep are at risk, it is the most serious crisis. At that moment, the good shepherd gives his life to protect the sheep. He may even get injured or could die. A shepherd knows that the wolf is not only a threat to the sheep but also a dangerous beast for himself. In that moment, the hired hand runs away because the sheep are not his own. It's not easy to sacrifice one's life for something that isn't theirs, and one might wonder if it's even necessary. However, the good shepherd does not act that way.

Where is the interest of a hired shepherd, everyone? From the name itself, it's a hired shepherd, isn't it? They are interested in their salary, and the salary is related to their concern for the person paying them. So, they don't care about the sheep. The shepherd watches whether the owner comes or not, and when he does, he does his job well. Whether we are living out our faith, social life, or work life, we should not become like those hired shepherds or hired believers. The same goes for the workplace. I am in ministry, but sometimes I see people looking at job search sites, even pastors. I wonder why they are doing that. I also tell our young people not to just casually look for other jobs while they are working at their current place. I encourage them to focus their hearts here and to be committed to the place God has allowed them to be. After all, we are servants of the Lord.

If you speak, you may be guided to another place, but you should not be wandering around here and there. It is important to live with the heart that has been granted to you. This is what it means to be a servant. Dearly beloved, while believing in Jesus, the good shepherd, I ask that you do not live like a hired shepherd. Especially, our shepherds should be even more mindful of this. Shepherds do not receive a salary, right? But they serve. We gather and take turns, and it seems that we are well serving our single members. Nevertheless, I hope you do not forget that a shepherd must remain a servant within that role. Let’s continue to look at verse 16. Let’s read verse 16 together. Therefore, I urge you to be someone who receives me. Amen. You should be someone who imitates me.

Now, if we look a little deeper, just as I strive to emulate Christ, I also want to do my best to follow Him. In the same way, I encourage you all to be people who imitate me. In fact, that is what I mean when I say, Imitate me. What should you imitate? It means, I hope you become like me, or I hope you live like me. When we desire to emulate someone, what kind of heart do we have? It’s a longing to become like that person. If I have a pastor I truly want to emulate, it reflects my desire to become like him. This is essentially the heart behind wanting to be like someone else. In Acts 26:29, it says, I wish to God that not only you but all who are listening to me today may become what I am, except for these chains.

하니라. 아멘. 바울이 로마로 압송되어 가는 중간에 아마 가이샤라 같아요. 가이샤라에서 그 총독이 배고, 가이샤라 아닐 수도 있습니다. 하튼 총독이고, 그때 마치 분봉왕 아그리파가 그 총독 간에 와요. 그랬더니 베스도가 얘기하는 거죠. 내가 지금 누구를 붙잡고 있냐면 여기 누가 있냐면 바울이라는 사람이 있어요. 그때 바울이 요즘 말로 핫한 사람이었거든요. 아그리파가 만나보고 싶은 호기심이 발동이 된 거죠. 그럼 내일 한번 보자. 그래 가지고 만나는 거예요. 만나서 몇 마디 말을 하는데 바울이 말을 딱 하니까 아그리파가 들으면서 뭐라면, 너 지금 나를 말하면서 몇 마디 말로 나를 그리스도인 되게 하려고 하는구나. 나 전도하려고 하는구나. 이렇게 말을 해요. 그때 이때 대답이 이제 29절 말씀이죠. 어, 왕이시여, 말이 적거나...

Today, not only you but everyone who hears this, including myself, will be bound like this, right? It is said that we must suffer for preaching the gospel. But can we really say such things while evangelizing? I said that I want everyone to be like me. Isn't that a shocking statement for you, Agrippa, or Festus? Who is saying this to whom? Usually, people look up to those in high positions, like Governor Festus or King Agrippa, and wonder how they could reach such heights and gain such power. 

But what does Paul say to the king and the governor? He says he wishes they could be like him. What does it mean to want them to be like him? It means he wants them to believe in Jesus, to avoid going to the eternal flames of hell, and to be saved from the emptiness of this world.

Do not live according to the world, as all worldly power will eventually fade away, just like withering flowers. Do not waste your life on that; rather, I want you to live in Jesus and in the gospel, right? So, Paul sent Timothy. He says that Timothy will arrive soon. Who is Timothy? He is literally someone who has followed Paul. 

Let’s look at verse 17. It says, For this reason, I sent Timothy to you. He is my beloved and faithful son in the Lord. He will remind you of my ways in Christ, as I teach everywhere in every church. Amen. Timothy is my beloved and faithful son in the Lord, which means he is a spiritual son. So, Timothy is...

What I want to remind you of is the way I live in Christ Jesus. It’s not just the sermons I preached or the teachings I gave; Timothy knows how I live and how I taught, and he will convey that to you. In other words, he is someone who imitates Paul’s life, and ultimately, he is imitating Jesus Christ as well. The verse 10 is truly challenging because Paul is very consistent. At the end of verse 17, it says that he teaches the same way everywhere, in every church. This means that there was no difference in his teachings, whether inside or outside the church. From the perspective of a minister, it was the same for believers, regardless of whether they were in the church or outside of it.

As you observe people, you realize that at that time, it wasn't that different from how we live in the world today. It’s not that we lived in a way that was disconnected from society. In Philippians 3:17, it says, Brothers and sisters, join together in following my example. Just as you have us as a model, keep your eyes on those who live as we do. What this means is that when Paul says to follow him, it’s not just a statement made by someone of his stature. It reflects the way Jesus trained His disciples. We learned about this through the life of faith, but what was Jesus' method of cultivating His disciples? He taught them through example, living together and making them disciples. At that time, when Paul encouraged them to follow his example, the Philippians were already following our example, as well as mine.

Look at others who are also trying to follow me. In other words, it's about imitating Jesus and then imitating those who imitate Jesus. This is how one becomes a disciple of Christ. It's not just a very special thing. This can be seen as both a path and a purpose. When there is a desire to be like me, to live like me, that is when evangelism happens. I hope that person becomes like me, that they go to heaven like I will. I wish that, in this harsh world, they wouldn't try to live by their own strength but instead live as a sheep of the good shepherd. If they believe in Jesus, their problems can be solved. If they rely on the Lord, they can find answers. There is no need to live in despair, feeling defeated, or wallowing in depression.

If you believe in Jesus, that's all you need. I believe in Jesus, and that's why I'm experiencing such goodness. Even though we may not always live perfectly, it is because we have that heart that we evangelize. You might think that person is wealthier than me, that they have a higher position, more experience, or are older and more educated. However, that doesn't intimidate us in spreading the Gospel. It doesn't matter at all. Just as Paul proclaimed the way of the Lord, saying, Do you wish to become like me? I hope we have that grace within us today. Recently, while interacting with a pastor and his wife, they mentioned that there are about 1,000 members in the church, including elders and deacons, and that these individuals are almost...

As I have been living my faith, I realize that there is a generation that has dedicated themselves to serving the church. This is likely because the Korean church has gone through a period of revival and growth. They must have experienced the worship space together at least once, and it is through the tears and sacrifices of those in their 70s and 80s that the Korean church has been established. However, what the pastor and his wife say is that the next generation, namely those in their 40s and 50s, does not dedicate themselves to the church to the same extent. They are not as committed to living out their faith, and even when they do, they do not serve in the same way. So, the older generation, those elderly parents, do not question their children about why they do not engage more in their faith or serve the church and its leaders better. Instead, they seem to accept it as if it is normal, thinking, That's just how it is.

I wish there were many such appearances; it’s not a small number. When I hear those words, I think about it. As a pastor, I feel a heavy sense of responsibility. I feel that responsibility because those individuals dedicated and sacrificed, yet it seems they were not happy. I was born in such an era, and back then, wherever we went, we lived our faith rigorously, believing that we would be blessed for it. If we didn’t do that, if we disobeyed or didn’t listen to the pastor, it felt like we would face some kind of punishment. However, it wasn't that we were completely unhappy. In fact, our single ministry leaders serve with great value. Even yesterday, when we went to the wedding, the leaders and members expressed their gratitude towards the pastor with a self-composed song. The first song was even an original composition, and I found it truly moving.

It has been a blessing and grace. At just twenty, to have such influence on someone and to convey the love of Jesus in such a way—how can one live like that? Honestly, I feel like I can't teach to that extent. They are doing much better and serving well, which makes me think. However, our single pastors and many parents of single pastors do not particularly appreciate this. Instead of supporting them, they often question why they are doing so much and what church they belong to. Such experiences reflect our current reality. Today, the Apostle Paul says, Follow my example. Let us live by believing in Jesus as I do. Let us serve and love Jesus, just as Deacon Kyung mentioned today.

The Lord has given us the opportunity to serve the church and love our brethren. Let us serve the church, love one another, and care for souls. I hope that this will not only be our confession but also our evangelism. Moreover, I sincerely desire that our faith confession extends to guiding our children and nurturing the next generation of believers. I hope for this. Amen. 

Now, let’s continue to verse 18. Let’s read verse 18 together. Start. However, among you, there are those who have become arrogant, thinking that I cannot address you. Amen. Paul clearly points out that there is a leader among those who stir up division and strife. He describes what kind of people they are, simply stating that they are arrogant. What does the Bible say about arrogance? It refers to someone who is truly arrogant.

교만이라는 것은 단순히 외형적인 모습만이 아니라, 성경이 말하는 교만은 불신앙을 의미합니다. 즉, 하나님을 두려워하지 않는 불신앙이 있기 때문입니다. 그래서 오늘 18절에서 여러분 중에는 내가 여러분에게 가려고 생각하며 교만해진 사람이 있다고 말합니다. 이 말은 바울이 그곳에 있다면, 그런 행동을 하지 못할 사람들일 것이라는 것입니다. 이해가 되시나요? 그게 바로 교만입니다. 하나님 앞에 있다면 그런 행동을 하지 않을 것이고, 그런 말을 하지 않을 것입니다. 그러나 하나님을 믿지 않는 것처럼 살아가고 있습니다. 예수님을 처형하려고 했던 종교 지도자들을 보십시오. 그들은 하나님 이름을 걸고 전혀 두려워하지 않습니다. 하지만 그들끼리, 대제사장들과 목사들이 모여서 어떤 거짓말로 이 사람을 죽일까 논의했다고 합니다.

In Jesus' response, I am one of you who say that I am the Son of God. Did you really say that? Yes, I said it and did not deny it. Jesus said that, and they could not accuse Him of blasphemy anymore. They declared that He deserved to die on the cross, showing that they had no fear of God. That is arrogance. That is disbelief. These people are doing things before Paul that they would not dare to do otherwise. If there are things you wouldn't say or do in front of someone, it is better not to say or do them at all. Now, let's look at verse 19 together. The Lord has allowed me to see not the words of the arrogant but the power. I will quickly go and understand not their words but their power. As we can see in the first letter to the Corinthians, these people are so proud of their gifts that they boast about them. It's quite remarkable.

They say that people are established by their words, and if you just listen to them, they seem like amazing individuals. In the past, I did many things, including establishing a church, but those are just words. So Paul says he will go and see their power, not their words. What does power mean here? Is it referring to miracles, signs, and wonders? No, it is not about that. To say he will see their power means he will look at their lives, to see their fruits. The power of faith is living by that faith. If we believe and live by that faith, that is the power of faith. The fruits of being filled with the Holy Spirit include speaking in tongues according to the gifts given, but what is the essence of being filled with the Spirit? It is love. Just like Jesus, who is God, the essence of the Spirit is to resemble the Lord.

말하는 것은 하나님께서 좋은 나무와 나쁜 나무를 통해 열매로 삶을 알게 하시는 것입니다. 그것이 능력이고 실력이라는 거죠. 마지막 20절을 같이 보겠습니다. 20절 시작: 하나님 나라는 말에 있지 아니하고 능력에 있습니다. 제가 이 말을 하는 근거는, 하나님 나라가 그렇기 때문입니다. 하나님 나라는 말에 있지 않고 능력에 있다는 것입니다. 과연 하나님이 우리를 다스리실 때 그 결과는 말이 아니라 능력, 열매, 삶이라고 말하고 있는 것입니다. 우리의 고백은 신앙 고백입니다. 또 어떤 교리적인 지식도 있어야 하고, 그런 분명한 믿음이 있어야 합니다. 그러나 내가 아는 것과 사는 것은 꼭 일치하지 않습니다. 성경 공부를 많이 한 사람들은 어느 순간 착각을 합니다. 내가 아는 것이 내가 사는 것이라고 착각합니다. 아니요.

Knowing is knowing, but to live well, you need to understand. Nevertheless, knowing is knowing, and living is living. Living is life. Just because you graduated from a good university, it doesn’t mean you necessarily studied well. It seems you got through a good university, but life after that is not just about the life of that department. You can live a completely different life. That’s life, and that’s faith. The Kingdom of God has a clear judgmental aspect. We hope for the Kingdom of God to be fulfilled, for our salvation to be completed. This means that the judgment of the Kingdom of God is ultimately a judgment that saves those who believe. It is a judgment directed toward this earth. God saves those who believe, those who live by faith. The basis of this is faith. So, how I live, how I practice my faith, is crucial.

Our salvation does not depend on us. It is about receiving Jesus Christ and believing in Him. Therefore, the condition for our lives is not based on works; it is not a condition for salvation. However, we live with the faith that Jesus is my Savior and the Lord of my life. While it is not a condition, living a life of faith is certainly evidence and a result of that faith, bearing clear fruit. Right now, we may not be able to discern the true meaning, but when our Lord comes, as Paul also said, he would not look at their words but at their power. When we stand before our fiery God, our faith will be revealed. At that time, we will still confess the grace of the Lord who saved a sinner like me. I have no qualifications, but with the faith that relies solely on Jesus, and because I have that faith, I have tried in every way to imitate Christ. That is what makes our faith genuine.

It is clear that the kingdom of God is not in words but in power. In other words, it is a reality, it is life. We saw last week that Paul says in 1 Corinthians 4:10, We are this way because of Christ. He talks about his life, especially about enduring suffering, being thankful despite it, and living this way, attributing the reason and foundation for it all to Christ. In today's text, he mentions in verse 20, the kingdom of God. So, I must ask myself where my hope and foundation in life lie. When I look at the Corinthian church, especially at those who are attacking and slandering themselves, what is the basis for this? It is the kingdom of God. In short, as I mentioned in the sermon, the gospel is about Jesus Christ and the kingdom of God. Therefore, Paul continues to speak within the gospel, upholding the gospel.

According to the Gospel, that is faith, that is hope, and that is my life now. So, he says, let's live this life together. Paul is sending Timothy today, referring to him as my beloved and faithful son in the Lord. This is the last letter he wrote during his lifetime, and in 2 Timothy 1:8, it says, Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me, his prisoner, but share in suffering for the gospel by the power of God. Amen. This doesn't mean, Hey, I'm suffering, you should suffer too. That's not the heart of a father. Paul is speaking about himself. He is saying, I am suffering for the Lord and for His Gospel. I am living a life filled with hardships. And that is why he is grateful. Is there a life more worthwhile than this?

So, to my beloved son, I want to say: live a life that is truly valuable like this, and do not be ashamed of me. If you ever have such opportunities, follow the Gospel. In 2 Timothy 1, it says that everyone has left, but you are to follow the Gospel and share in the suffering with me. Jesus also spoke early on to His disciples. In Matthew 16:24, He said, Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves. We not only believe in Jesus but also follow Him. Jesus is telling us to follow Him, which means He is inviting us to accept Him. As it is said in Philippians 2, He, who is in very nature God, humbled Himself and took on the form of a servant, just as He carried the cross. He calls us to deny ourselves and follow Him.

Deny yourself, take up your cross, and follow me. This is what we are being told. When the gospel was delivered to us, it became our confession and the way we live. The kingdom of God is not just in words but in power. This means that our faith is not merely a confession but a life lived according to the Word. We strive to live in that way, and that is what our faith is about. Above all, because of Christ and our hope in the kingdom of God, we want to share that hope. Although I may feel awkward and inadequate in expressing this, I still urge you to follow my example. Let us live as Jesus did, relying on the Lord. May we all live as witnesses of the gospel of the kingdom of God. I bless you in the name of Jesus. Let us sing together.

2024.09.29. 주일예배 - “하나님 나라는"

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