Sermon 08-09-09

Genesis 10:32-11:9             Ephesians 4:1-7                Philippians 2:1-5

“Building Up In Love”

During these summer month, Kristy the deacons and other members of the different boards and committees and I, are planning for the fall months.  We are all looking forward to a new year with the intentional purpose of building up the spiritual life of CSCC.

When we think of building up we think of starting with a good foundation.  What kind of foundation are we constructing as a church?  This morning’s text is an invitation to build up a new foundation together, searching for the same purpose, mission and vision for our church.

PRAYER

In order to build up the church, we need to look at what works and what doesn’t work for us, what is important or not so important for the community as a whole. In the building of the Babel tower we clearly see several things that did not help with the accomplishment of this project.

First, they wanted to make a name for themselves. They wanted to have a tower that could identify them from the farthest distance, a tower so tall that could reach the sky. The plan was achievable as they all lived in the same land got together for the same purpose and spoke the same language.

Secondly, they wanted a symbol that reflected their presence and identity, it was built for their own interest, stigma and sense of power.

Third, it had a selfish purpose and God noticed that in their foundational planning they did not include him in their intent. So God, challenged the people by confusing their languages… and they were scattered all over the face of the earth.

“To build up the body of Christ, Paul frames in the letter to the Ephesiansthe guiding steps that we need to take as a community of faith: “Lead a life worthy of the calling to which you have been call.” Not only those of us who are called into ministry, but this is a called for all believers because each one of us have been called by God at one time or another to follow Christ and to belong to this faith commmunity.”   (Brueggemann, Year B, pg. 453)

“Paul sketches what each member of the church must be if the church is to carry out her part in the plan of God. Our Christian faith is shown to othersby our humility, gentleness, and patience…in love… In Greek there are four words for love. There is eros, which is the love between a couple, a love that includes sexual intimacy. There is philia which is a warm affection which exist between friends and those who are dear to us. There is storgé, this is the word for family affection. And there is agape, which can be translated sometimes as charity… Christian love is not an emotional thing… but also of the will… the good will to love the unlovely and the unlovable, love towards those who we do not like. Agape, then, is the quality of mind and heart which compels a Christian never to feel any bitterness, never to feel a desire for revenge, but always to seek the highest good in every person no matter what that person may be.

So we are challenged to be humble, gentle, patient, loving and peaceful. Paul goes on to set down the basis on which our Christian unity is founded. 

There is one body. Christ is the head and the church is the body. 

There is one Spirit, the spirit and the breath of God in the body of Christ, the church.

There is one hope in our calling… we are called to redeem the world in Christ.

There is one Lord, Jesus Christ.

There is one faith, the commitment to Jesus Christ and his church.

There is one baptism, a public confession of faith.

There is one God. Who is our Father and Mother, the Christian idea of love is founded in God. We believe in God – creator, controller, sustainer, in a God filled world.” (Barclay, Galatians and Ephesians, pg. 134-143)

The glue that keeps us united is the fact that we are members, members of one another because we belong to the same body, the body of Christ. (v.25)

To take it a step further, “Forgiveness must be practiced in the Christian community because “God in Christ has forgiven us first.” (v. 32)”

What Paul is saying here is: “God’s action in Jesus Christ demands certain behaviors of human beings, but along with the demand come the gifts thatmake the demand feasible: “membership,” (in the body) the seal of the Holy Spirit, the forgiveness of God, and the love of Christ.” (Brueggmann, Year B, pg. 161-162)

Paul is reminding us that we have received individually specific gifts that serve the purpose of “building up the body of Christ” …all the gifts exist to enhance the larger work of the unity of the church. During these summer months, let us ask ourselves, Where is God in my life? What is God wanting me to do with my gifts? How can I be part of building the body of Christ? Where can I serve better in the life of the church?

In the letter to the Philippians, Paul is “concerned with the unity of the Community, particularly its unity of thoughts: “be of one mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind.” What that means then is: “That unity cannot be achieved or maintained if individuals think only of their own interests or care only of their own pride. Unity requires that all share a concern for the common good.”  (Brueggemann, Year A, pg.501)

To the congregation in Philippi, Paul, reminds them of “the one danger which threatened their church, that was disunity.”“The dangers of self ambition is that people tend to work not for the advance of the work of the church but to the advancement of  themselves…

There is a desire for personal prestige that focuses their own interest and not in the interest of others.  On the other hand, Paul presents five factors that bring harmony.

First, we are all in Christ, the way we relate to Christ is reflected in those we have fellowship with.

Second, the power of love should maintain unity, if love conquers then good-will which never knows bitterness and never seeks anything but the good in others and for others…prevails.

Third, if we share in the Holy Spirit we are bound to one another and to God.

Fourth, the essence of unity and harmony between people is reflected in compassion and sympathy, caring for one another in love.

And lastly, it’s up to you! “Let each one of you be of the same mind as that of Christ.” Amen!  (Barclay, Philippians, Colossians and Thessalonians, pg. 31-34)                                       

Benediction

May the peace of God, which passes all understanding, keep your hearts and minds in the knowledge and love of God and of Christ Jesus, our savior. May the blessing of God be with you now and always. Amen!