Classic Sermon #6052: Lonely in the Crowd
Dr. Roberto Miranda
(Audio: Spanish)
SUMMARY: In 1 Corinthians 4, the apostle Paul expresses his agony in the midst of a controversy with his congregation, who have been filled with intellectual pride and dazzled by flashy preachers. He reminds them that the true nature of the gospel resides in the Cross of Jesus Christ. The chapter reveals the loneliness and suffering that comes with pastoral ministry, which Henry Nowen describes as that of a wounded healer. Solitude is a perpetual wound that comes with the ministry, and every servant, not just pastors, is alone with the Lord in service. Like Moses, Nehemiah, and Jesus Christ on the Cross, Paul fights for the integrity of his people and feels alone in his struggle. In 2 Corinthians, Paul's desperation in his conflict with his congregation culminates in a cry of despair. As a pastor, the author identifies with Paul's drama in general terms.
In this sermon, Pastor Roberto Miranda discusses the agony of ministry and the struggles that pastors and those who minister face in their relationships with congregants. He draws from the example of Paul in First and Second Corinthians and discusses the loneliness, expectations, and wounds that come with ministry. He also speaks to the importance of separating the sin from the person and avoiding unnecessary grudges. Ultimately, he encourages listeners to understand and appreciate the complexity of the ministry and to approach it with grace and compassion.
In 1 Corinthians 4, Paul discusses the dangers and challenges of the ministry. He explains that the servant of God is judged by the world, and that true servants of God are often used and discarded. They may feel used and unappreciated, but they are part of a long tradition of suffering that Jesus established. Suffering is normal in the Christian life, and those who serve God must arm themselves with the recognition that they will face disappointments, betrayals, and persecution. Fidelity is the essential quality of the ministry, and servants of God must remain faithful to the helm, following instructions without questioning them.
The passage discusses the difficulties and challenges of ministry, including the need to suffer and be faithful, the judgments of others, and the importance of treating those who serve with tolerance and generosity. The mature attitude is to leave the last word to the Lord and postpone all final judgment until Christ comes. Serving the Lord is an exalted and heroic task, but it requires humility and perseverance. Ultimately, each person will receive their praise from God.
In this sermon, Pastor Roberto Miranda discusses the agony of ministry and the struggles that pastors and those who minister face in their relationships with congregants. He draws from the example of Paul in First and Second Corinthians and discusses the loneliness, expectations, and wounds that come with ministry. He also speaks to the importance of separating the sin from the person and avoiding unnecessary grudges. Ultimately, he encourages listeners to understand and appreciate the complexity of the ministry and to approach it with grace and compassion.
In 1 Corinthians 4, Paul discusses the dangers and challenges of the ministry. He explains that the servant of God is judged by the world, and that true servants of God are often used and discarded. They may feel used and unappreciated, but they are part of a long tradition of suffering that Jesus established. Suffering is normal in the Christian life, and those who serve God must arm themselves with the recognition that they will face disappointments, betrayals, and persecution. Fidelity is the essential quality of the ministry, and servants of God must remain faithful to the helm, following instructions without questioning them.
The passage discusses the difficulties and challenges of ministry, including the need to suffer and be faithful, the judgments of others, and the importance of treating those who serve with tolerance and generosity. The mature attitude is to leave the last word to the Lord and postpone all final judgment until Christ comes. Serving the Lord is an exalted and heroic task, but it requires humility and perseverance. Ultimately, each person will receive their praise from God.
Today we are going to see this idea of the Ministry from a very interesting perspective that I think we rarely touch on but that is very beneficial for us to see what the ministry is too, what it can be when it is lived at a deeper level, at a pastoral level.
Let's go to chapter 4 of First Corinthians. The word of the Lord says: "So then..." -and I am going to read the whole chapter because it is a totality and we can see more clearly the subject that we want to deal with- "...men consider us servants of Christ and administrators of the mysteries of God. Now it is required of stewards that each one be found faithful. I have very little in being judged by you or human court; And I don't even judge myself.
Let's go to chapter 4 of First Corinthians. The word of the Lord says: "So then..." -and I am going to read the whole chapter because it is a totality and we can see more clearly the subject that we want to deal with- "...men consider us servants of Christ and administrators of the mysteries of God. Now it is required of stewards that each one be found faithful. I have very little in being judged by you or human court; And I don't even judge myself.
