The seven last words of Christ have been taken from the gospel accounts of Jesus’ crucifixion and made the subject of music and countless sermons.
The Seven First Words of the Church | Sermon By James Carter
“I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me” (Phil. 4:13).
Introduction
We are always interested in a baby’s first words. It usually takes a great deal of imagination and a bit of interpretation, but we try to determine those first words a baby speaks. They are even often recorded in a baby book.
We are also interested in a person’s last words. Supposedly they give some kind of insight into that person and his or her personality. So we hold those last words close.
The seven last words of Christ have been taken from the gospel accounts of Jesus’ crucifixion and made the subject of music and countless sermons.
Somewhere sometime someone identified the seven last words of the church as “We never did it that way before.” If those are the seven last words of the church, let me share with you the seven first words of the church: “I can do all things through Christ.”
These memorable words are found near the end of Paul’s letter to the Philippians. Not only are they a good summary of Paul’s life, but they are also an adequate statement of the first words of the church—the words on which the church bases its life and ministry.
I. These seven first words are positive.
Notice that Paul said, “I can.”
How often and how easy it is to say, “I can’t.” People may say that they can’t control their temper, cope with jealous thoughts, stand their job, tithe, teach a Sunday school class, pray in public, live a good life, and so on. Yet these are things that some people obviously can do.
Instead of the negative “I can’t,” consider the positive “I can.” Many churches emphasize what they do not have in the way of budget or buildings. Instead, they should focus on what they do have in the way of people, possibilities, and the power of the Holy Spirit.
II. These seven first words suggest a pattern.
Paul said, “I can do all things.” Against public opinion or endorsement of the “right” people and established patterns, Paul set out to do all things. The list of his accomplishments is impressive.
When we think of everything we should achieve as Christians, the list seems overwhelming: world evangelization, world missions, world hunger, world peace. . . . We can’t do all that!
But look at Paul’s pattern. He traveled to one place and completed one mission. Then he moved on to the next place. We should follow this pattern. In fact, even Jesus came to one place, at one time, to one people. We cannot do it all, but we must do something.
In his book The Reluctant Witness, Kenneth Chafin told of a seminary student who was very sensitive to other people’s needs. When he finished school, he went to serve as pastor of a mission in a deprived community. He discovered people in need all around him and began to help them.
When the young minister and Chafin discussed the people he was trying to assist, Chafin asked if the sheer number of those who had problems and needed help was discouraging to his efforts.
He seemed surprised by the question and answered, “I’m so busy trying to help the people around me who need help that I don’t think too much about all the others.
But I have the feeling that when I reach out to the persons in front of me and embrace their need, I have within my arms the whole world.”
III. These seven first words affirm a presence.
Jesus working through individuals is what makes possible victorious Christian living and effective Christian ministry. Paul’s entire life and ministry were explained by Christ.
It can be the only explanation for your life too, if it is lived for Christ. An old French peasant visited the church in his village for an hour every morning before laboring in the fields and for an hour every night.
When the man’s priest asked him what he did in those two hours each day, he said, “I just look at Christ, and he looks at me.”
IV. These seven first words show power.
Christ alone is our strength. He daily gives us power to face all obstacles.
Conclusion
The seven first words of the church, “I can do all things through Christ,” send the church and its people into the world to minister with power.