“Paul, called to be an apostle of Jesus Christ through the will of God… Unto the church of God which is at Corinth, to them that are sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints” (1 Corinthians 1:1-2)

Explain: 

Paul begins by emphasizing that both his apostleship and the Corinthians’ calling came through God’s calling by grace alone. Paul was called to be an apostle – literally a “sent one” – not by his own merit but through God’s will. The Corinthians were similarly called “to be saints,” meaning they were sanctified (set apart and made holy) in Christ Jesus. This calling extends to all believers everywhere who call upon the name of Jesus Christ. Paul didn’t deserve God’s conversion, calling, or commission, yet God gave them nonetheless by His grace.

Apply: 

Just as Paul and the Corinthians received their calling by grace, we too are called not because we deserve it, but because of God’s unmerited favor. We should recognize that God has been gracious – we do not deserve salvation or to be used for His purposes. The opposite attitude is selfishness, thinking too highly of ourselves or putting other people in the place of God. Grace means “unmerited favor” – we did nothing to deserve God’s goodness in making us saints.

Respond: 

• How has God’s unmerited favor been evident in your life?
• In what ways might you be thinking too highly of yourself or putting others in God’s place?
• What is one specific way you can acknowledge God’s grace in your calling today?