January 14 Epiphany 2

[chemnitznsasse]

The Second Sunday after the Epiphany

Isaiah 62:1-5
RCL ~ Psalm 36:5-10
LSB ~ Psalm 128
1 Corinthians 12:1-11
John 2:1-11

[chemnitznsasse]

This week, I'm doing somehting I don't do too often - prwching on the Epistle.

I'm far from done on my study, bt I beginning to look at the Corinthian text like this.

Much of 1 Corinthians is a corrective to difficulties the Church in Corinth were having. There were divisions in the congregation - and worse than that, division based not on different doctrines, but on personalities. The way I'm reading 1 Cor 12. it seems as if these divisions play a role here. It appears that the Church in Corinth were valuing the things the Spirit gave to some over the things the Spirit gave to others (and based on later chapters, it seems as if tongues was one of the most highly valued.)

So, if my study continues to lead in this direction (and I often change directions with where I am going in my study) I am looking at this time of movement - examine the ways within the LC-MS and in my congregation that we play this game. I think when it comes to the LC-MS, I'll play the "we have pure doctirne" against the "we're mission-minded/missional" and then find a way to move into what is happening at St. John. I'll then move into Corinth and their situation, before I address what Paul has to say.

The Gospel? - This is all from the SAME Spirit - and He is the one who gives this gifts - and it is for the good of the church. And what does the Sprit do? Moves our eyes off the gifts given to us to look to the cross where Jesus died for even poor miserable sinners who squabble over gifts, (maybe a reminder that despite all the problems that Corinth has, that Christ died for them, and Paul rejoiced over them) and that He gives us the words, "Jesus is Lord."

But we'll see if ti goes there or not.

[tneujahr]

I think when it comes to the LC-MS, I'll play the "we have pure doctirne" against the "we're mission-minded/missional" and then find a way to move into what is happening at St. John. I'll then move into Corinth and their situation, before I address what Paul has to say.

I'd ask that you would portray both of those positions as the extremes that they are. The pastors I know are not an either/or bunch, they desire both pure doctrine AND outreach. I can't think of anyone I know personally that pursues one to the exclusivity of the other.

[tneujahr]

And actually, I'm preaching on the epistle--something I do about as often as the other two--throughout all of Epiphany.

I feel a series coming on. Something that focuses on the Body and it's different aspects. How we serve one God and yet serve Him differently. Hmmmm . . . .

[chemnitznsasse]

Of course!

I think that's what's Pual's trying to do. "We have the gift of Prophecy, so we're the spiritual ones." "No, we have wisdom, look at us." "No, you've both got it wrong - we have miracles, so we are the ones who are doing it right."

Sopunds an awful lot like "We've got the Confessions down and teach accrding to them. We're doing ti the right way." "No - you don't seem to care about missions, and we do, so we're doing it right."

One side uses pure doctirne to keep its mouth shut and not engage the world. The other uses missions as an excuse for any church practice. And both sides mischaracterize the other.

Again, Paul says - the Same Spirit - the One Spirit - given for the common good.

[chemnitznsasse]

And, most likely, if I'm preaching Law correctly, I need to make sure the Law I'm preaching skewers the preacher as well.

[tneujahr]

One side uses pure doctirne to keep its mouth shut and not engage the world. The other uses missions as an excuse for any church practice. And both sides mischaracterize the other.

EXCELLENT point. You are to be commended.

[pstrmry]

I too, am feeling called to explore the Epistle lesson this Sunday, with perhaps part of the message being a reminder that NOT having the gifts we wish we had is no reason to refuse to use the gifts we DO have. That it is a privilege, not a burden to use our Spirit-given gifts in service of Jesus and His church.

But, I am also drawn to Jesus who gives us not only reason to celebrate, but the means with which to celebrate. Can I connect the Gospel text and the epistle? I haven't got a clue.

I feel like I am getting a late start this week because I spent the day traveling to and at a Synod Nominating Committee meeting... So I had to miss my usual text study group. I have had next to no time to jump into this week's scripture. I look forward to hearing where you all might be going...

[pastorjimg]

I too am preaching on the epistle. My take slightly different:

Be who God has created you to be. You don't have to strive for anything. You are already a hand, foot etc.

Law options:
Don't live up to God's calling in your life.
Wanting something you don't have/ wishing God created you diff.
At God's creation we were created without sin- but we blew it.

Gospel:
Whether we strive to be a diff body part or accept who God has created us to be we are held together by the Spirit. From here talk about the "part" Christ played- Calvary and resurrection.

I am still working on my message and to be honest wrote these out not only to share my thoughts but help me start to organize ideas about my sermon.

[pstrmry]

welcome prjimg! If you don't mind, I am going (to try) to cut & paste your post to where I should have started a thread for Ephiphany 3. (It has been a really crazy week and I just didn't get a chance)

Pop on over to the other forum and tell us a bit about your self! glad to have you aboard.