January 20, 2025

1 Corinthians 1:1-9  (HCSB)
Greeting
1 Paul, called as an apostle of Christ Jesus by God’s will, and Sosthenes our brother: 2 To God’s church at Corinth, to those who are sanctified in Christ Jesus and called as saints, with all those in every place who call on the name of Jesus Christ our Lord—both their Lord and ours. 3 Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Thanksgiving 4 I always thank my God for you because of God’s grace given to you in Christ Jesus, 5 that by Him you were enriched in everything—in all speech and all knowledge. 6 In this way, the testimony about Christ was confirmed among you, 7 so that you do not lack any spiritual gift as you eagerly wait for the revelation of our Lord Jesus Christ. 8 He will also strengthen you to the end, so that you will be blameless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. 9 God is faithful; you were called by Him into fellowship with His Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.

Caleb Doolittle
Paul begins his letter to the Corinthians with a powerful reminder of God's grace. He addresses them as those "sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints together with all those who in every place call upon the name of our Lord Jesus Christ" (v2). This is our identity too –saints, set apart by God, united with believers everywhere. It's easy to get caught up in the day-to-day and lose sight of this truth. We may feel inadequate, comparing ourselves to others or focusing on our shortcomings. But Paul reminds us that we are "enriched in Him in all speech and all knowledge" (v5). In Christ, we have everything we need. His grace is sufficient. The Corinthians were struggling with divisions and disputes, but Paul points them back to the grace they have received. He reminds them that they are "not lacking in any gift, as you wait for the revealing of our Lord Jesus Christ" (v7).
This waiting implies a posture of hope and anticipation. We are secure in God's love, and He will faithfully complete the work He began in us. Today, take time to meditate on the truths found in 1 Corinthians 1:1-9. Write down specific ways you have been enriched in Christ and thank Him for His faithfulness.