1st Corinth ... A Church In Trouble

Good Morning!

Friday!!! Whew! I never thought it would get here. But today is Friday … the weather is gorgeous … the weekend is supposed to be gorgeous as well. And it’s February! We are blessed.

Now I know some of my readers live in other parts of the U.S. where the weather isn’t quite as pleasant … and I don’t mean to brag … but WOW!!! Let’s enjoy the weekend.

Our Thursday night Bible study group began the study of Paul’s first letter to the church at Corinth. The church at Corinth had a number of problems. Bickering, fighting, factions, immoral living – all were problems at this church that Paul helped to found. Unfortunately, this sounds all too familiar in the 21st century churches. We have come a long way in some aspects of life … but the old problems seem to want to remain with us. Still, though Paul was aware of all the stuff that was going on, Paul said the following:

1 Corinthians 1:4-8 (English Standard Version)
Thanksgiving
4I give thanks to my God always for you because of the grace of God that was given you in Christ Jesus, 5that in every way you were enriched in him in all speech and all knowledge— 6even as the testimony about Christ was confirmed among you— 7so that you are not lacking in any spiritual gift, as you wait for the revealing of our Lord Jesus Christ, 8 who will sustain you to the end, guiltless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ.

How could Paul make this statement about a church in such turmoil? How could Paul be grateful to God for these obviously unholy people? How can we?

Well … perhaps Paul knew something we don’t know. Perhaps Paul knew the inner core of these people and knew that they could turnaround and be what God wanted them to be. Perhaps we should view those around us similarly. You see, this letter wasn’t written to the heathen … no, it was written to believers … people who had placed their trust in Jesus Christ. They were saints but they weren’t perfect people. They were redeemed but they were in the process of being set aside for the work of ministry for the Lord, Jesus Christ. And Paul knew that! And Paul had the confidence – not in the people – but in the Lord, Jesus Christ, that He would change their lives.

How about our faith in Christ Jesus? Do we trust Him to make a difference in our brothers and sisters in Christ? Are we willing to hang tough even when offended by something a brother or a sister might say or do? Can we be patient in the growing process?

Do we thank God for those who seem to be failing? Paul did. And history tells us that his letter had a tremendous impact on the church, leading to great reform. We just have to be a little patient…

Well, have a great weekend. Be safe and enjoy the weather if you are down South. And, oh yeah, give the preacher a heart attack … show up for Sunday school! (just teasing)


Agape’

Mr. Jim