Paul will need to correct and challenge this church in many areas. But first he wants them to count their blessings. And what blessings they have as those who "call on the name of our Lord Jesus Christ" (v 2)!
Grace
Read 1 Corinthians 1 v 1-4
The church in Corinth had been founded by Paul. Since then, it had been full of problems. And, as we'll see, there was some dissent towards Paul himself.
- - What is astonishing about what Paul is doing here?
Whatever challenges this church faces, or poses, the most important thing about its members is that they have received God's grace. Which is cause for great thanks!
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PRAY
Every true Christian, however much they are struggling, should prompt us to give thanks. Each congregatoin of Christians, however problematic, is a triumph of God's grace.
Pause now to praise God for Christians you know. Praise Him particularly for any Christins who have caused you any problems or heartache.
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Knowledge
Read verses 5-6
Corinth was a place that valued knowledge. Paul reminds these Christians that in Christ they have the richest knowledge possible. In Christ they have found the purpose of their lives, the way they can be forgiven, the way they can know God Himself. What better knowledge is there?
- - Where does Paul say his claims about Christ are shown to be true (v 6)?
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APPLY
- - How is your life a display of the truth of the gospel? Are there any ways you could display it more clearly?
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Certainty
Read verses 7-8
- - What can Christians look forward to (v 7-8)?
- - How can struggling Christians be certain they will reach this future (v 8a)?
Our eternal well-being rests in hands safer and more powerful than our own!
Fellowship
Read verse 9
- - What has God called us into?
The Christian life is not about rituals, or rules: it's about relationship. God has given us the best He has--His Son.
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APPLY
Grace. Knowledge. Certainty. Fellowship. All these are yours as a Christian.
- - How do these things make you feel? How do they remind you to focus on, and pray about, what you have been given, rather than on what you haven't?
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This devotional is taken from Explore—a daily Bible-reading devotional from The Good Book Company which enables you to engage with Scripture and which will encourage, equip and inspire you to live for Christ. Explore features contributions from pastors such as Dr Timothy Keller, Mike McKinley and Tim Chester.
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