Let Him Be - 1 Corinthians 12.1-3
4/20/2010 12:48:12 AM
1 Corinthians #52 in series


 

LET HIM BE  -  1 Cor. 12.1-3

Now about spiritual gifts, brothers, I do not want you to be ignorant.  You know that when you were pagans, somehow or other you were influenced and led astray to mute idols.  Therefore I tell you that no one who is speaking by the Spirit of God says, “Jesus be cursed,” and no one can say, “Jesus is Lord,” except by the Holy Spirit.  1 Corinthians 12.1-3

Good Morning~

Historical and cultural context enlightens us to the relevance of these verses.  These three little verses set up one of the most important passages to the life of the church, but actually, three of the words are more pertinent to you and me than anything we have studied, maybe ever.  You’ll see…

Three different things are at play here—first, while the Corinthian church was experiencing amazing things through the movement of the Holy Spirit in her midst, the church services were chaotic, and often out of control.  Funny thing is, with the charismania that is present today, this is all quite relevant.

Second, “no one who is speaking by the Spirit of God says, “Jesus be cursed…” Jesus be cursed was said in the synagogues of Paul’s day, renouncing Jesus as an apostate.  Within several years of this letter of Paul’s, the Roman persecution of Christians intensified, and the accused would have to either curse Christ or die.  Make no mistake, anyone who would utter such a sentiment does not have the Holy Spirit within.

Third, “no one can say, “Jesus is Lord,” except by the Holy Spirit.” For a man to say, Jesus is Lord, it means he has given him the supreme position in his life.  I illustrate the point for my Long Beach friends by grabbing one of their scratched metal folding chairs and placing it squarely in the middle of one of the tables, and say, ‘Now if this chair represents your life, who sits on the throne?  Who runs things?  You or God?’  The point is easily understood.  

Many, in fact, most people believe in God.  Big deal.  James said, ‘even the demons believe and shudder’!  Many people call themselves Christians.  But especially in the West, it is sadly a rather cheap word—Christian.  It tells nothing of one’s devotion or commitment, and can cover a range of varied beliefs. 

The other night I got to hear Don Henley sing “Desperado” live.  Incredible vocals.  Powerful words. I keep thinking about the endless search that so many are on in this life, usually coming up lacking in meaning and truth.  Even spiritual people… yes, even Christians.  I ask myself how that can be.  If the Holy Spirit is living inside us, then how can we not say with our mouths, “Jesus is Lord,” and then live as though we believe it?   Maybe it goes back to what the Duke of Earl said to me the other day…we’re just afraid . . . or not willing to make that commitment because we don’t want to really do it—

         really let Jesus be Lord,

  live by his rules for our lives

    seek out his purposes for us

       love with abandon,

          even though it might be costly.

             Maybe we don’t let Jesus be Lord

                because our pride prohibits it,

                   we think we can do it better….

In Paul’s later letter to the Philippian church he said that one day,

‘at the name of Jesus every knee will bow in heaven and earth…

  and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord,

     to the glory of God the Father.’ 

So one day, ‘all will recognize….all will say Jesus is Lord’—one day, at the end of all things.  Wouldn’t you rather recognize that now, live your life in the freedom that brings?  Let Jesus be Lord.   Stop searching . . . stop struggling, Desperado.

Some of us believe that in our mind, but let our wills take over, and our lives to get away from us.  

Some of us just need to let him be Lord again…put him on that scratched folding chair that is our lives.  Because whether or not you do, he is still the Lord of the universe.

And did you notice that letting Jesus be your Lord gives honor to God the Father?  ‘Jewish?  Bring glory to God by checking out Jesus, for real.  ‘Not sure where you stand?  Maybe you could start by saying, ‘Jesus, if you’re real, show me.  Show me—I’m willing to take an honest look’. . .  He will show you, of that I am confident.

Come on, Jesus IS Lord, let him be your Lord.  

Christine