Gifted in Christ

1Cor is a letter of correction

shows Jesus in the midst of His churches

Enriched in Christ - 1:5

Income inequality

Their speech and knowledge weren’t always enriched, but were points of pride

Paul saw promise and evidence of God moving in Corinth

1 Corinthians 1:28–30 ESV

God chose what is low and despised in the world, even things that are not, to bring to nothing things that are, so that no human being might boast in the presence of God. And because of him you are in Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God, righteousness and sanctification and redemption,

1 Corinthians 2:1 ESV

And I, when I came to you, brothers, did not come proclaiming to you the testimony of God with lofty speech or wisdom.

Our Testimony - 1:6

Corinth’s testimony wasn’t spotless...

1 Corinthians 5:1 ESV

It is actually reported that there is sexual immorality among you, and of a kind that is not tolerated even among pagans, for a man has his father’s wife.

1 Corinthians 11:20 ESV

When you come together, it is not the Lord’s supper that you eat.

Neither is ours

Misfits from before me

Spies sent in because of me

Even so, the testimony of Christ has been, is being, and will be maintained here, or else we will be no more

Revelation 2:2–5 ESV

“ ‘I know your works, your toil and your patient endurance, and how you cannot bear with those who are evil, but have tested those who call themselves apostles and are not, and found them to be false. I know you are enduring patiently and bearing up for my name’s sake, and you have not grown weary. But I have this against you, that you have abandoned the love you had at first. Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent, and do the works you did at first. If not, I will come to you and remove your lampstand from its place, unless you repent.

Gifted in Christ - 1:7

Our Needs:

More people

More musicians

More Deacons

More Teachers

More Preachers

Philippians 4:11–13 ESV

Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. I can do all things through him who strengthens me.

We are Sustained - 1:8

Philippians 1:6 ESV

And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.

Widow’s statement at her husband’s funeral:

I don’t know how I will go on living now. I don’t know what I will do or how I will do it, but I know God has a plan and He will somehow get me through.

Guiltless...

When Satan tempts me to despair, And tells me of the guilt within, Upward I look, and see him there Who made an end of all my sin.

God is Faithful - 1:9

John 1:29 ESV

The next day he saw Jesus coming toward him, and said, “Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!

Isaiah 49:6 ESV

he says: “It is too light a thing that you should be my servant to raise up the tribes of Jacob and to bring back the preserved of Israel; I will make you as a light for the nations, that my salvation may reach to the end of the earth.”

How is it possible that we are enriched in every way? How is it possible that God is establishing a testimony to His glory and faithfulness among such a faithless and faulted people as we are? How is it possible that we have everything we need for this life in Holy Scripture and the church family? How is it possible that we will be kept until the end and presented as guiltless before the throne of God?

Because God Himself has chosen Christ Jesus to be savior of the world, to be the mediator of the great and eternal covenant, to be High Priest, to be our big brother, to be God WITH us, and to be your savior if you’ll have Him today as your Lord.

May God cause us to see His perfect provision in every season, and may we today put to use what He has given both for blessing and for self-correction.