A More Excellent Way

Throughout the season of Epiphany, the Sunday gospel readings show Jesus revealing more and more of himself to his disciples, and to the world. This year, the epistle readings are from 1 Corinthians, and, in the sermons over the next few weeks, I’d like to focus on them, asking the question, “How might Jesus want to reveal more and more of himself to us?”

The early Christian congregation in Corinth was struggling. They were divided into factions, each claiming loyalty to different Christian leaders. They were also perpetuating societal divisions between rich and poor, and taking each other to court when they had a dispute. They had a misunderstanding of marriage and singleness, and they were giving prominence to those among them who had had the most extreme esoteric spiritual experiences. They had a hunger for the manifestation of the Holy Spirit, and highly valued the sacraments of baptism and Eucharist. However, they didn’t realize that the primary manifestation of the Spirit is love, and their sacramental practices were exacerbating their divisions. The chaos of their worship services, combined with their tolerance of sexual immorality and insisting that pagan judges settle their disputes, had deeply damaged the nascent church’s witness to the world.

Paul needed to speak clearly to them, addressing their specific situations in order to get them back on track. While we don’t necessarily struggle with the same issues that the Corinthians did, we certainly experience divisions among Christians today – whether they are theological, racial and ethnic, or socioeconomic in nature. We also need a proper understanding and experience of the ministry of the Holy Spirit, as well as a theologically informed observation and practice of the sacraments. Finally, we need to have a thoughtful, deliberate engagement with the world around us that is increasingly hostile, or at least indifferent, toward passionate followers of Jesus.

In 1 Corinthians, Paul starts by reminding the Corinthians of the gospel, then, based on the counterintuitive message of Christ crucified, addresses their divisions, their practice of taking one another to court, and their tolerance of sexual immorality and misunderstanding of marriage. He then gives them sensitive and nuanced guidance on how to manage the complex issue of eating food that had been sacrificed to idols, conduct in public worship, the ministry of the Spirit, and, finally, the nature of the resurrection.

It is my hope that, this Epiphany season, we might hear anew the good news of Christ crucified and be led into the “more excellent way” of love (1 Corinthians 13:1). I’m looking forward to Jesus being revealed more and more our midst.

Peace,

Chris