“I thank my God always on your behalf, for the grace of God which is given you by Jesus Christ; That in every thing ye are enriched by him, in all utterance, and in all knowledge” (1 Corinthians 1:4-5)

Explain: 

Paul thanks God for the grace given to the Corinthians by Jesus Christ. They were enriched – made rich – by Christ in “everything.” Without Christ they would have nothing, but in Christ they received spiritual wealth including “utterance” (the ability to speak for God when He enables them) and “knowledge” (the understanding needed to speak effectively for Him). It is not any human being that enriches them – it is Christ who does it. Jesus Christ is the reason for the grace they receive.

Apply: 

The grace of God that saved us is confirmed by His grace in giving us spiritual gifts and growing sanctification. Because we are saved, we have the Holy Spirit indwelling and gifting us, growing us to be more and more like Christ. This work will be completed in the day of Jesus Christ. We should cooperate with Him in this process, reading what the Spirit wrote with hearts leaning toward obedience, looking to cooperate with God in His desire to grow us and use us for His glory.

Respond: 

• What spiritual gifts has God given you to use for His glory?
• How can you be more bold today in exercising the gifts Christ has given you?
• In what specific ways will you cooperate with God’s Spirit as He works to grow you?