Jesus Is Lord
The sermon explores the Lordship of Jesus and the integral role of worship in understanding spiritual gifts within the church.
G.W. North emphasizes the paramount importance of recognizing Jesus as Lord in the context of worship, asserting that true adoration stems from a deep, loving relationship with Him. He explains that this acknowledgment is not merely a formality but a profound expression of the believer's spirit, which is essential for understanding the diversity of spiritual gifts within the church. North highlights that worship is the first manifestation of the Spirit, linking it to the operation of spiritual gifts, and underscores that the same Spirit that leads us to worship also empowers these gifts. This relationship between worship and the gifts is foundational, as it gives eternal significance to their use in the body of Christ. Ultimately, North concludes that the essence of our life in Christ is more important than the methods we employ in service.
Text
Right at the threshold of this section wherein we are introduced to the only scriptural revelation of a church at worship, the Headship and Lordship of Jesus is set exactly where it ought to be -- first, or at the top. 'Jesus, Lord', upon the lips of human beings uttering their pure life -- meaning with heart -- adoration to Him is not just a mere acknowledgement of correct order, although it reveals it, nor is it an acquiescence to truth, although it is certainly that, nor is it an agreement to conform to Him in His body. 'Jesus, Lord', (who can speak the words of love?) is a transcendent, iridescent uprising and outflow of spirit in public confession of that sublime relationship which is the ground and glory of the mystery of the Christ of many members, verse 12.
We do well to note that it is strictly from this exquisite love-relationship with the Lord that Paul moves on to the diversity and differences of the gifts and their administration and operation, for otherwise none of them have any eternal meaning.
The first manifestation of the Spirit is worship, and worship is a demonstration just as each one of the gifts. By linking together the twin exercises of worship and demonstration, he tells us that the same Spirit which leads and carries us away unto Jesus (the) Lord, is the same one who works the gifts. Therefore and thereby alone are they 'the Spirituals'; this alone is the reason why God is justified in so naming them. Truly He shows us that indeed 'modus vivendi' is greater than 'modus operandi'.
Sermon Outline
- I points: - Introduction to the Lordship of Jesus - Significance of worship in the church - Understanding the relationship between worship and gifts
- II points: - The essence of public confession - The role of love in worship - The mystery of the body of Christ
- III points: - Diversity of gifts in the Spirit - The connection between worship and spiritual gifts - Eternal meaning of gifts through worship
- IV points: - The importance of the Spirit in worship - Understanding 'modus vivendi' vs. 'modus operandi' - The justification of spiritual gifts
Key Quotes
“''Jesus, Lord'', upon the lips of human beings uttering their pure life -- meaning with heart -- adoration to Him is not just a mere acknowledgement of correct order.” — G.W. North
“The first manifestation of the Spirit is worship, and worship is a demonstration just as each one of the gifts.” — G.W. North
“Truly He shows us that indeed 'modus vivendi' is greater than 'modus operandi'.” — G.W. North
Application Points
- Prioritize worship as the foundation of your relationship with Jesus.
- Recognize the diversity of spiritual gifts as expressions of the same Spirit.
- Embrace love as the core of your worship and interactions within the church.