1 Corinthians 1:4-5
“I always thank my God for you because of his grace given you in Christ Jesus. For in him you have been enriched in every way—with all kinds of speech and with all knowledge—”
1 Corinthians 1:4-5 NIV
Paul begins his letter to this troubled church with some remarkably positive words for them. These are also encouraging for all of us who are Christians. This opening is even more striking because of the bold words of correction Paul will use later. He is writing to respond to wrong behaviors and attitudes he has heard about among them. At the same time, he seeks to answer their questions about how to live as believers in a Godless culture. Neither we nor the Corinthians deserve that enormous gift. We have earned quite the opposite with our sin and, in many ways, we continue to fail to live up to the good God has given to us. Paul is so glad for the grace they have received, even as they continue to fail to do what is right in some important ways. The little words every and all seem so insignificant, and yet what a tremendous reach they have in our lives and what joy should fill our hearts knowing that in every way we are enriched in Jesus, not only in a few or some or many ways, but in every way. To enrich means to improve or enhance the quality or value of something. The method God chose to provide this enrichment to us "in everything," was to send His Holy Spirit to indwell us. The Holy Spirit enriches us by guiding us into all truth relative to sound doctrine, salvation, sanctification, glorification, and all that streams from the amazing grace of God. And it is the same Holy Spirit that opens our understanding to the magnificent character of God that is beyond understanding and yet is being opened up to us more and more, as we seek to know Him better. Every child of God that has been born from above and placed into the Body of Christ by the Spirit is equally enriched, and knowing the superabundant riches of God’s gracious enrichment, should we not walk in utter devotion to the God Who has so blessed us? Should not we, who have been rescued from the jaws of sin and death, live and walk in a way that is pleasing and acceptable to our Holy God? Should not we, who have been accepted in the beloved and been made children of God, walk in the spirit of unity, one with the other, and show forth His grace within us to others? Should not we, who have been enriched in every way in Him, in all utterance and knowledge, show forth the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit in our lives from this day forward and henceforth for every more? Paul did not have confidence in the Corinthians or himself, but in God and His grace alone. It is God who calls His people up from spiritual death into His salvation. The Christian has been called and quickened by God and can have confidence today knowing that it is God who calls, confirms, and keeps each Christian because He never starts something without finishing it!!!
Father thank You for this day and the amazing grace of the atonement of Christ. Lord open the storehouses of Your abundant blessings and let them rain down over my friend and family today. Lord enriching us in all possible ways, we pray that we may live in a way that is pleasing to You in all speech and activity so that Your Name is glorified in our lives. Lord we confess that we are totally unworthy and forever will be, of the sacrifice of You on the cross, and notwithstanding our righteous deeds, will never be able to measure up to stand before You Lord only Your atoning sacrifice on the cross has redeemed us and through You alone we have salvation, and new life. Lord use my friend to be the touch of Your love to all today. Daddy we love you amen. Be a blessing. Love ya !
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