A Call That Changes Everything,

1 Corinthians 1:1-9

 

Main Idea: The entire letter of Corinthians is based on the truth that these are a people called by God.  Because God has called them everything is different for them now, individually and as a church.  Because of this call, Paul can bring correction later in the letter.  Because you are called by God everything is different for you now.

 

Introduction:

the form of Paul’s introduction.  Paul’s mindset.

 

because god calls

Here God is the prime character.  God is the prime character throughout scripture.  There are no steps without God moving.  God moves, God calls.  All else flows from this.   

 

Because a Gracious God Calls

Verse 3 – a giver of grace!   

 

Because a Faithful God Calls

God is faithful by whom you were called into the fellowship of his Son, Jesus Christ.  What a huge statement.  God is faithfulness itself.  It is impossible for God to lie. Heb. 6:18  Would you rather depend on your ability to call?  What is the rock on which you are trying to build your life?  There is only one who is faithful – God.  Is our confidence resting in God?  Because He calls we will endure.  This is where the Corinthians need to ground their lives. 

 

because god calls everything is different for leaders.

Paul reestablishes his identify here.  He can be humble yet firm because of the call of God.  He has authority because of this call.  It isn’t his deal – it is God’s!  God calls leaders.  We relate accordingly.  We expect God to raise up leaders.  We seek to train and deploy leaders.  We submit to them – recognizing God’s call. 

 

because god calls everything is different for his people

 

God Calls His People to be Saints

Saints  Past, Present and Future  Paul wants them to see what God has called them to.  Understanding the call, what has already happened and what will happen as a result makes all the difference.  Biblical sanctification.  Holiness flows because of what already happened, because of reality of our union with Christ.  The new birth, new life, death with Jesus. 

God Calls His People into Grace

The Grace in Christ Jesus in Salvation

They saw the reality of the impact of the gospel in the church that was formed.  The church is the confirmation of the gospel.  The Grace in Christ Jesus in Gifting

Paul thanked God for the gifts that were among them.  He commended them in the very things they were grossly abusing.  Speech and knowledge.  He was genuinely thankful for what God had done in their lives.  Are you genuinely thankful for what God has given you?  Are you encouraging others? 

 

God Calls His People to Community

Notice how Paul addresses them!  They are the called ones – the church – the gathered ones, the gathering – of God – that is in Corinth.  He devalues their Corinthians identity and their invididualism  He values their corporate identity – at Corinth and worldwide!  We are to see ourselves corporately.  Individualism rules.  We suffer for this – fragmentation, lonliness, failure.  Answer with TV, Chat rooms, youth sports, “Friends”  We are not meant to be alone. 

 

God Calls His People for Ever

God always has the end in view.  Corinthians is filled with references to the last day.  The hope of the return of our Savior and the completion of our salvation, judgement, mercy, vindication and reward.  We are to live for our new home – the real home, the everlasting one!  Always the strength given to the persecuted – why not us! 

 

Conclusion

You see He calls us to this.  This is our call in Christ.  We are sanctified – individually and as a people.  We have experienced much grace.  We demonstrate the impact of the gospel.  We have been called by a faithful God!  Therefore, we can face any problem with hope and wisdom and power.  It was true for them.  It is true for us.  Because of His call , everything is changed! 

 

 

Application Questions:

  1. Is there an aspect of God’s call you don’t understand?
  2. Read Ephesians 1 & 2 for more on the call.  What do you see there about the call of God?
  3. Are there ways you are living that are a contradiction to his call.
  4. Have you seen struggles in your life in regard to impurity, independence, discouragement, ungratefulness?
  5. How could these be related to misunderstanding God’s call to his people?
  6. How can you change in these areas?
  7. Share with someone how you see God’s grace operating in their life.
  8. Let them know how you need help to grow in conformance to the call of God.

 

 

daily Devotional

 

Day

Passage

Thoughts

Monday, November 08, 2004

1 Cor 1::1

How does understanding God's call on leaders change how we relate to them?  Be specific.

Tuesday, November 09, 2004

1 Cor 1::2

Do you see yourself as a saint?  How will this truth affect you today?

Wednesday, November 10, 2004

1 Cor 1::3

Why is it important to remember the grace and peace we have in God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ?  Spend some time thinking about what this grace and peace bring to our lives.

Thursday, November 11, 2004

1 Cor 1::4

Thank God for His grace in your life today.  Spend time thanking him for saving others in your family and the church.

Friday, November 12, 2004

1 Cor 1::5-7

What spiritual gifts in your life, your caregroup and the church are you thankful for?  How do you see the gospel confirmed around you?

Saturday, November 13, 2004

1 Cor 1::8

Spend time thinking about the powerful truth that God sustains us to the end, guiltless on the final day.  Thank him for that final day and his sustaining grace.

Sunday, November 14, 2004

1 Cor 1::9

In what ways can you respond better to His call to the fellowship of His Son with His people?

 

Resources:

 

NIV Study Bible

New Geneva Study Bible

NAS Study Bible

ESV Bible

 

1 Corinthians: Godly Solutions for Church Problems, John MacArthur

 

The Cross and Christian Ministry, DA Carson

Showing the Spirit, DA Carson

 

1 Corinthians, David Prior, Bible Speaks Today Series