Give Thanks

Read 1 Corinthians 1 thru 4
 
1 Corinthians 1:4-8 I always thank my God for you and for the gracious gifts he has given you, now that you belong to Christ Jesus. 5 Through him, God has enriched your church in every way with all of your eloquent words and all of your knowledge. 6 This confirms that what I told you about Christ is true. 7 Now you have every spiritual gift you need as you eagerly wait for the return of our Lord Jesus Christ. 8 He will keep you strong to the end so that you will be free from all blame on the day when our Lord Jesus Christ returns.
 
THIS is a remarkable introduction to Paul’s first letter to the church in Corinth. When we weave our way through the entire letter, we learn the church has many challenges. Some of them are exceptional acts of disobedience. There is much rivalry, too, that divides this church Paul had spent some time developing. Why does Paul begin with so much affirmation?
   We can look back to Paul’s education and experience to understand his method here. He’s an intelligent man who knew how to instruct people. He speaks to acknowledge the good things in their lives to help them remember how God has blessed them.
   How do you feel when someone says, “I always thank God for you.” What if you stop and consider the gracious gifts he has given you. And then you consider the power of knowing now that you belong to Christ Jesus! How could there be anything more wonderful? And if you need more affirmation, stop and think of how God has enriched your church in every way, including with all of your eloquent words and all of your knowledge.
   Congratulations! This confirms that what I told you about Christ is true. Now you have every spiritual gift you need as you eagerly wait for the return of our Lord Jesus Christ. He will keep you strong to the end so that you will be free from all blame on the day when our Lord Jesus Christ returns. You’ve read these words twice. Are you understanding more personally that Jesus saves, and he has saved you unto eternal life? Are you rejoicing and glad? 
   1 Corinthians is a guidebook to churches on how to work through many challenges, so they will become effective, faithful Gospel Centers. Paul’s task was not to say, “All is well.” Because it wasn’t. His work as an apostle was to say, “You are saved. Now here’s how to correct what’s wrong. Here’s how to encourage one another. Here’s the way to love each other and receive all of God’s blessings. This is the pathway to salvation living.”
   Paul did not want to write that letter. It is extremely difficult to confront sin. But he was a responsible ambassador for Christ. The Spirit gave him the means. He praised God for what God had done. Then he corrected the church to prepare them for what God would do through them.
   This is active, effective leading. Paul was pastoring, teaching and administering Jesus’ church. These are good lessons to learn to be a living, faithful church citizen and leader.