Tag: 1 Corinthians

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Our Ultimate Salvation- 1 Corinthians 1:8-9

On By Ben JenningsIn DevotionalLeave a comment

“[8] Who shall also confirm you unto the end, that ye may be blameless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. [9] God is faithful, by whom ye were called unto the fellowship of his Son Jesus Christ our Lord. (
1 Corinthians 1:8-9)

Explain: 

The Gospel that we believe will lead to our final salvation. Christ will “confirm you unto the end” and present us “blameless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ.” This “day of our Lord Jesus Christ” refers to when Christ returns. He saved us when we accepted Him as Savior, and He will save us in the end. He is growing us now through sanctification, and that process will come to full fruition in that day when He presents us as holy. We can be assured of this because “God is faithful.”

Apply: 

We can live with confidence knowing that the same God who called us to salvation will complete His work in us. Our future blameless standing before God rests not on our faithfulness, but on God’s faithfulness. The faithful fellowship we have with Christ now through prayer, His Word, and acknowledging His presence gives us assurance that He will be faithful to present us holy when He returns.

Respond: 

  • When you struggle with doubt about your salvation, how does God’s faithfulness (not your own) provide assurance?
  • What difference does it make to know that your future blameless standing depends on God’s character rather than your performance?
  • How should the promise of Christ’s return affect how you live today?
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Confirmed and Complete- 1 Corinthians 1:6-7

On By Ben JenningsIn DevotionalLeave a comment

“Even as the testimony of Christ was confirmed in you: So that ye come behind in no gift; waiting for the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ” (1 Corinthians 1:6-7)

Explain: 

The “testimony of Christ” refers to the Gospel of Jesus Christ, which was confirmed in the Corinthians at the moment of salvation – it was heard, believed, and settled in their hearts. Because of their salvation, they had the Holy Spirit and every spiritual gift offered to believers. There is no tiered system of salvation – the Gospel saves and sanctifies all those who believe. Though the Corinthians were not living as they should, they did not lack spiritual gifting. In this state of grace, they live waiting for the return of Jesus Christ.

Apply: 

When we believe in Christ, we receive the Holy Spirit and access to every spiritual gift we need for Christian living. We don’t lack any necessary spiritual equipment. As saved people, we can live confidently knowing that God has equipped us completely for the Christian life while we wait for Christ’s return, when we will be fully holy in Christ and with Him forever.

Respond: 

  • What evidence do you see of the Holy Spirit’s work in your life since salvation?
  • How does knowing you have every spiritual gift you need change your perspective today?
  • What does it mean to you personally that Christ will return to complete His work in you?
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Enriched by Him- 1 Corinthians 1:4-5

On By Ben JenningsIn DevotionalLeave a comment

“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?

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Understanding God’s Grace in Our Calling- 1 Corinthians 1:1-2

On By Ben JenningsIn DevotionalLeave a comment

“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?