Transformed By Grace 1 Corinthians 1:1, 3-4 Series

Transformed by Grace 1 Corinthians 1:1, 3-4

Introduction:

Today, we embark on a journey through the powerful words of 1 Corinthians 1:1, 3-4, exploring the transformative impact of God's grace in our lives. Let's dive into this passage together and uncover the profound truths it holds for each of us.

Let's begin by reading 1 Corinthians 1:1, 3-4 from the New Living Translation: "This letter is from Paul, chosen by the will of God to be an apostle of Christ Jesus, and from our brother Sosthenes… May God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ give you grace and peace… I always thank my God for you and for the gracious gifts he has given you, now that you belong to Christ Jesus."

In these verses, we encounter the apostle Paul's heartfelt address to the Corinthian believers. Paul, chosen by God's will to be an apostle, writes with a deep sense of purpose and gratitude. His greeting is not merely a formality but carries profound spiritual significance.

Chosen by the Will of God (1 Corinthians 1:1):

Paul's identity as an apostle was not self-appointed but ordained by God's sovereign will. This underscores the divine calling and commissioning that Paul received to proclaim the Gospel.

The believers in Corinth were reminded of the authority and authenticity of Paul's apostleship, rooted in God's divine purpose.

Grace and Peace (1 Corinthians 1:3):

Paul extends a profound blessing upon the Corinthians—grace and peace from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. This greeting encapsulates the essence of the Christian experience.

Grace represents the unmerited favour and empowering presence of God in our lives, enabling us to live victoriously and abundantly.

Peace signifies the deep-seated tranquility and wholeness that comes from being reconciled to God through Christ.

Thanksgiving for God's Gracious Gifts (1 Corinthians 1:4):

Paul expresses continual thankfulness to God for the Corinthian believers and the gracious gifts bestowed upon them.

The Corinthian church experienced spiritual enrichment and empowerment through the gifts of the Holy Spirit, evidencing the transformative work of God in their lives.

Let's explore additional Scriptures that complement the themes of grace and transformation:

Ephesians 2:8-9 (New Living Translation): "For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast."

In Ephesians 2:8-9, the apostle Paul highlights the foundational principle of our salvation: it is entirely by God's grace, not by our own merit or efforts. This grace is the unearned and unmerited favour of God extended to us through Jesus Christ. Our salvation is received through faith in Christ, but even faith itself is a gift from God. Therefore, boasting in our own abilities or righteousness is excluded, as all glory belongs to God alone.

Titus 2:11-12 (New Living Translation): "For the grace of God has been revealed, bringing salvation to all people. And we are instructed to turn from godless living and sinful pleasures. We should live in this evil world with wisdom, righteousness, and devotion to God."

Titus 2:11-12 emphasizes that God's grace, revealed through Jesus Christ, extends salvation to all people without discrimination. This grace not only saves us from sin but also instructs us in holy living. As recipients of God's grace, we are called to live differently from the world around us. We are empowered to live wisely, righteously, and devotedly to God, reflecting His transformative work within us.

Romans 12:6-8 (New Living Translation): "In his grace, God has given us different gifts for doing certain things well. So if God has given you the ability to prophesy, speak out with as much faith as God has given you. If your gift is serving others, serve them well. If you are a teacher, teach well. If your gift is to encourage others, be encouraging. If it is giving, give generously. If God has given you leadership ability, take the responsibility seriously. And if you have a gift for showing kindness to others, do it gladly."

Romans 12:6-8 illustrates how God's grace manifests through the diverse spiritual gifts given to believers. These gifts are not earned but freely bestowed by God's grace. Each believer is uniquely equipped to serve the body of Christ according to their God-given abilities. Whether it be prophecy, service, teaching, exhortation, giving, leadership, or acts of mercy, we are called to exercise our gifts faithfully and generously for the glory of God and the edification of His Church.

In understanding these passages collectively, we see a beautiful tapestry of God's grace at work in our lives:

Salvation by Grace (Ephesians 2:8-9):

We are saved solely by God's grace through faith in Jesus Christ.

This salvation is a gift from God, not something we can achieve through our own efforts.

It humbles us, removing any basis for boasting, and directs all glory to God.