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Tuesday, July 30th, 2024





Scripture: 1 Cor. 1:4 I give thanks to my God always for you because of the grace of God that was given you in Christ Jesus

1 Cor. 1:5 that in every way you were enriched in him in all speech and all knowledge –

1 Cor. 1:6 even as the testimony about Christ was confirmed among you –

1 Cor. 1:7 so that you are not lacking in any gift, as you wait for the revealing of our Lord Jesus Christ,

1 Cor. 1:8 who will sustain you to the end, guiltless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ.


Teaching: Paul offers thanksgiving to God for the Corinthian church – even amidst all their flaws and the tough talk Paul has for them in this letter. The emphasis for his thanksgiving is the grace of God. Despite their pride and arrogance in their wealth and giftings being a major critique in this letter, Paul affirms the fact that they are, indeed, “enriched” and “not lacking in any gift.” However, this commendation is not for their material or physical wealth, it is spiritual and only by the grace of God. It is as if he is saying, “Yes, you are very gifted, but remember who gave it to you!” These giftings were “because of the grace of God that was given you in Christ Jesus.” As we can see already, Paul is setting up an indictment of their spiritual maturity.


Some commentators suggest Paul is saying this sarcastically, but that seems to miss, or worse impugn, his heart behind his message. He has genuine love for these brothers and sisters in Christ and yearns for their perseverance in the faith. However, his primary motive is not to coddle or affirm them – it is to diagnose the root of their issues and correct it. That root issue is spiritual immaturity – boasting in salvation, abusing spiritual gifts, disregard for their witness, and more. In these thanksgiving verses, Paul is sure to draw their attention to the grace of God in Christ, as understanding that is the first step towards spiritual maturity.


Takeaway: Grace is a word we as Christians say often; it is the basis for our faith – only by God’s grace do any of us believe, and only by God’s grace do we have Christ to believe in. As we walk with the Lord through this life, it is important that we know God’s grace. As Paul said in Ephesians “For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast” (Eph. 2:8-9). The concept of grace from our Creator, who we all have sinned against, is truly profound. That nothing is required of us to receive salvation other than faith in the one who has saved us halts any who grasps it in their tracks. Rather than working our lives under a law to earn salvation, we are in a covenant of grace. It is truly an easy yoke and light burden (Matt. 11:28-30). When we downplay or disregard God’s grace, and instead focus upon the blessings, giftings, or abilities God has given us – the benefits of God’s grace -- we show ourselves to be spiritually immature.  However, when we live in a place of constant thanksgiving for God’s grace, understanding how profoundly undeserving each of us is, we begin to know the heart of God, see the world as He sees it, and love others as He loves. In this, we begin to grow spiritually mature.

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