Introduction to 1 Corinthians
Introduction to 1 Corinthians
1 Corinthians 1:1–9 (NASB 2020) “1 Paul, called as an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, and our brother Sosthenes, 2 To the church of God which is in Corinth, to those who have been sanctified in Christ Jesus, saints by calling, with all who in every place call on the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, their Lord and ours: 3 Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. 4 I thank my God always concerning you for the grace of God which was given you in Christ Jesus, 5 that in everything you were enriched in Him, in all speech and all knowledge, 6 just as the testimony concerning Christ was confirmed in you, 7 so that you are not lacking in any gift, as you eagerly await the revelation of our Lord Jesus Christ, 8 who will also confirm you to the end, blameless on the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. 9 God is faithful, through whom you were called into fellowship with His Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.
On the road to Damascus, Saul of Tarsus was called by Jesus Christ to be an Apostle. He was sent through the will of God to bring the Good News of Jesus Christ to the Gentiles. While that is true, his introduction includes “all who, in every place, call on the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.” He makes clear that Jesus is the Lord of the assembly at Corinth as well as the Lord of every believer everywhere. Father is no respecter of persons and while He called Paul to preach to the Gentiles, this calling is not exclusive to Gentiles.
In these introductory verses we find that the assembly of believers has been sanctified. They have been set apart—that’s what sanctified means—in Christ Jesus. What is true of these believers is true of us as well. Not only are we sanctified, we are “saints by calling.” The Greek word behind “saints” is hagios. This word means “holy ones.” We all, and each one of us, are holy ones. We are set apart in Christ.
Paul relates the way he prays for the Corinthian saints. He thanks Father for His grace that He gave to them in Jesus Christ. We find this idea of grace being given, or realized, through Jesus in John 1:17 “For the Law was given through Moses; grace and truth were realized through Jesus Christ.” (NASB 2020) It is seen again in Titus 2:11 “For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all people,” (NASB 2020) This is the grace in which we stand as well.
We see in these verses that because they are in Christ and Christ is in them, believers have been enriched in speech and knowledge. Being located in Christ and having His Spirit living is us causes changes. As we are matured by the work of the Spirit within us, things begin to change. Our speech begins to reflect Christ in us. We begin to speak love, compassion, mercy, and grace. Similarly, our knowledge of God grows. Peter talks about this when he says in 2 Peter 3:18 “but grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.” (NASB 2020) Note that this is not knowledge about God, but knowledge of Him. As we come to know Him personally and intimately, we find that we are being transformed by the renewing of our minds (see Romans 12:2) and conformed to the image of our lovely Lord Jesus. (see Romans 8:29)
As believers we see in verse seven that we are not lacking any gift. This is important to understand because it is easy to feel that we lack things and need more. We are often tempted to compare ourselves with others and see all our human flaws. This prompts us to react from the flesh, using our senses to determine that we are not useful, valuable, or mature enough. Because of this we may operate from lack rather than abundant supply. Such an attitude affects how we approach life, how we pray, how we interact with those around us.
The truth is that we have been given everything we need for life and for godliness (see 2 Peter 1:3) and given every spiritual blessing in Christ. (see Ephesians 1:3) Knowing this, we can operate from fullness, blessing, and overflow. We can rest in the certainty that it is Christ in us, the very power of God, the Spirit that raised Christ from the dead, that is behind all we do. The One who is able to create children for Abraham from stones (see Matthew 3:9) is able to use whatever weak and foolish thing you have to accomplish His purposes.
Finally, we learn from this passage that we are safe and secure forever. Paul says that Father is faithful and that we will be confirmed blameless at the judgement. You read that right. When that great and terrible day comes, the day of the “bema seat” the day of the “white throne,” your peace will remain undisturbed. You will approach with confidence.
For you that throne will be the throne of grace.
For you that judgement will result in hearing “well done.”
For you that judgement will result in the charges being dropped.
For you that judgement will bequeath to you the same inheritance bequeathed to Jesus.
For you that judgement will be that you are as righteous, holy, and loved as Jesus.
