Chico Alliance Church
September 15, 2002
Pastor David Welch
“Enriched”
I Corinthians 1:1-9
Introduction to the Book
BACKGROUND OF CORINTH--THE CITY
Major trade center
Entertainment center
Two types of games--Olympian/Isthmian. Isthmian held in Corinth.
Cosmopolitan population--Greeks, Roman officials and businessmen and near eastern peoples, including Jews.
Idol worshipping community--Temple to Aphrodite, the goddess of love.
Temple would house some 1,000 priestesses, ritual prostitutes who would come to town every night.
The city had gained a well known reputation for corruption. Its very name became synonymous with gross immorality, and evil behavior.
Corinth was intellectually alert, materially prosperous and morally corrupt.
The ideal Corinthian was the reckless development of the individual. The merchant who made his gain by all and every means, the man of pleasure surrendering himself to every lust.
Paul addressed some of the prevalent sins that were affecting the church and out of which many of the church people had escaped.
fornication, (porneia) idolatry, adultery, effeminacy, homosexuality, stealing, covetousness, drunkenness, reviling, swindling.
Because of its strategic location, there was an incredible amount of wealth that came into the city. It was a city that attracted all kinds of people as a result.
Much has been made of the conditions in Corinth--much of it has been overstated and exaggerated according to Fee’s commentary.
The picture that emerges is one of a predominantly Gentile community, the majority of who were at the lower end of the ladder.
BACKGROUND OF THE CORINTHIAN CHURCH
Paul first came on his 2nd missionary journey.
Stayed with Aquilla and Priscilla
Preached regularly in the synagogue with increased opposition
Stayed about 1.5 years with increased Jewish opposition.
Paul left Aquilla & Pricilla in charge ( Acts 18)
Apollos became the 2nd leader and was a powerful preacher.
Paul is thought to have written a response to some issues in the church a short time after he left.
The present letter makes reference to a previous correspondence.
It is apparent that although there was a church in Corinth--there was a great deal of Corinth in the church.
This resulted in a number of attitudes and behaviors that required major surgery without killing the patient.
CHURCH PROBLEMS
There were many problems associated with this church
Two appear prominent--
1--A problem of internal fractionalization
2--A problem of external fraternization.
They tolerated all kinds of sinful behavior in the church when they should have been dealing with it.
They failed to reach out to those in the world they were supposed to win.
In spite of the problems, Paul centered on their position in Christ.
He continually reminded them of who they were by reason of their identification with Christ.
OUTLINE
Address and Introduction 1:1-9
I. Reproof for fleshly behavior 1-6
A. Reproof concerning divisions 1-4
B. Reproof concerning disorder 5-6
II. Response to questions and issues 7-16
A. Concerning Marriage 7
B. Concerning Liberty and things sacrificed to idols 8-11
C. Concerning the Lord’s Supper 11
D. Concerning Spiritual gifts 12-14
E. Concerning the Gospel -- the Death and Resurrection of Christ 15
F. Concerning the Collection 16:1-4
Conclusion 16:5-24
We will look this morning at Paul’s introduction to his letter where he strongly reinforces the true identify of those who call upon the name of the Lord in spite of some obvious inconsistencies in their life.
Romans is considered a major work revealing the teaching of salvation.
Galatians partners with Romans to reinforce the doctrine of salvation.
The Corinthian letters partner with Romans to reinforce the practice of salvation.
Let’s dive into the introduction.
Paul, called as an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, and Sosthenes our brother,
To the church of God which is at Corinth, to those who have been sanctified in Christ Jesus, saints by calling, with all who in every place call on the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, their Lord and ours:
Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
I thank my God always concerning you for the grace of God which was given you in Christ Jesus, that in everything you were enriched in Him, in all speech and all knowledge, even as the testimony concerning Christ was confirmed in you, so that you are not lacking in any gift, awaiting eagerly the revelation of our Lord Jesus Christ, who will also confirm you to the end, blameless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is faithful, through whom you were called into fellowship with His Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. 1 Cor. 1:1-9 (NASB-U)
I find at least eight specific characteristics listed in this brief introduction related to the work of God in and for them and two specific actions related to their response to Him.
This is God’s balance.
Make sure you keep your theology God-centered and driven and not man driven.
First, because that is the balance of the Scriptures 8-2.
Second, because it is the only solid foundation on which to grow in Christ.
Paul introduced himself and his companion in the first verse.
Paul and Sosthenes
Either Sosthenes was the secretary of Paul or Paul acknowledged his partnership in ministry with Sosthenes.
Paul affirmed his credentials and authority to address the issues of the church of Christ.
“called as an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God”
Verse two identifies the intended recipients of this letter.
“To God’s church existing in the city of Corinth”
The word normally translated “church” literally means “called out ones” or assembly.
The term was in common usage for several hundred years before the Christian era and was used to refer to an assembly of persons constituted by well- defined membership.
That is why it is often linked to a qualifying phrase. “Assembly of God” as opposed to an “assembly of athletes or senators.”
The term described a group of PEOPLE not the building where they met.
It is a term used to signify a local assembly of God’s people or the entire group of people making up the body of Christ.
Chico Alliance Church meets here.
The Church is people not buildings.
I came from a small country church that looked like this.
Continually had people say, “This looks like a church.”
There is “an assembly”, “a church” referring to any local gathering of Christians.
There is “The Assembly” or “The Church” referring to the world-wide family of Christians.
Paul highlights at least 10 characteristics of this early assembly of people who gathered at Corinth, Greece.
1. They belonged to God
There should be no question as to who heads the church.
We belong to God not by our choosing but His.
But you are A CHOSEN RACE, A royal PRIESTHOOD, A HOLY NATION, A PEOPLE FOR God’s OWN POSSESSION, so that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light; for you once were NOT A PEOPLE, but now you are THE PEOPLE OF GOD; you had NOT RECEIVED MERCY, but now you have RECEIVED MERCY. 1 Peter 2:9-10 (NASB-U)
He assumes ownership along with the corresponding responsibility to care for His “stuff”.
We are the church of God. The church that belongs to God.
So what did He do for them?
2. God made them special (sanctified) in Christ
“having been sanctified in Christ”
Paul used a perfect passive tense verb indicating an action done to the subject in the past with continued ripple affects into the present.
God sanctified these people and they were still sanctified by reason of identity with Christ.
So what does it mean to be “sanctified?”
The family of terms indicated a consecration, dedication, setting apart as special, to make holy, purify.
The words holy, holiness, sanctified, sanctify, sanctification, purify, consecrate all come from the same Greek root word.
The general idea is to set apart for a special use.
God made believers special.
We are not just beggars telling other beggars where to find bread.
We are not JUST forgiven.
We have been “sanctified” by God!!!
God has done a supernatural permanent work in every believer.
The Bible presents this work in three phases.
God made us special (sanctified us) at the moment of salvation and it continues to this moment.
God continues to make us special (sanctifying us) each day of our life here on earth.
God will complete the work at the return of Jesus Christ (glorification).
We have been sanctified.
We are being sanctified.
We will be sanctified at the return of Jesus.
By God’s will we have been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all. Heb 10:10
The point is that God made us special.
We are special today.
We will be His special people through all eternity.
We have been singled out for special relationship with God.
For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus. Philip. 1:6 (NASB-U)
Not only did God make us special but he personally invited us to become special.
3. God invited (called) them saints (special people).
“saints by calling”
We are saints by invitation (calling).
God invites us to be his special people.
Like an invitation to join a special family.
"No one can come to Me unless the Father who sent Me draws him; and I will raise him up on the last day. John 6:44 (NASB-U)
"All that the Father gives Me will come to Me, and the one who comes to Me I will certainly not cast out. John 6:37 (NASB-U)
Now on the last day, the great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried out, saying, "If anyone is thirsty, let him come to Me and drink. "He who believes in Me, as the Scripture said, ’From his innermost being will flow rivers of living water.’ " John 7:37-38 (NASB-U)
"And I, if I am lifted up from the earth (crucified), will draw all men to Myself." John 12:32 (NASB-U)
"As Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of Man be lifted up; so that whoever believes will in Him have eternal life. John 3:14-15 (NASB-U)
"Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest. "Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and YOU WILL FIND REST FOR YOUR SOULS. "For My yoke is easy and My burden is light." Matthew 11:28-30 (NASB-U)
And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that hears say, Come. And let him that is thirsty come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely. Rev. 22:17
Have you ever felt that drawing to God?
Then you have been called.
If you wonder if he has invited you. Stop it.
The uninvited do not think about it.
The uninvited don’t worry about it.
They simply do not care.
If you care you are either there or nearly there and will be there.
4. God united them with other saints who called on Jesus.
with all who in every place call on the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, their Lord and ours: 1 Cor. 1:2
God created us for community.
Yes we are individually special but we are also a community of special people.
In fact we are Christ’s body
Together we are his hands and arms and feet.
We are God’s temple an earthly focal point where people go to meet God and see the manifestation of His glory.
So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints, and are of God’s household, having been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus Himself being the corner stone, in whom the whole building, being fitted together, is growing into a holy temple in the Lord, in whom you also are being built together into a dwelling of God in the Spirit. Eph 2:19-22
5. They all called on the name of the Lord.
This is the first of the two responses of the church listed here.
In response to the invitation to come, these believers called on the name of the Lord.
For the Scripture says, "WHOEVER BELIEVES IN HIM WILL NOT BE DISAPPOINTED." For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek; for the same Lord is Lord of all, abounding in riches for all who call on Him; for "WHOEVER WILL CALL ON THE NAME OF THE LORD WILL BE SAVED." Rom 10:11-13
It is a cry of desperation. (Realize I am in trouble)
It is a cry of humility. (Realize that I can do nothing to get out of trouble)
It is a cry of recognition that our only help and hope is in calling out to God. (Realize that only God can deliver me).
God acts on behalf of those who humbly call out to Him not those who try harder.
Paul concludes the address part of his letter with his characteristic blessing.
Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. 1 Cor. 1:3 (NASB-U)
Paul asks for God’s continual enabling power and inner contentment.
Paul then introduces his letter by a characteristic doxology of thanks to God centering on grace already demonstrated in and through the Corinthian believers.
Thanksgiving is a key element in the life of a believer.
Paul practiced it continually and boldly affirms it.
“I thank my God always concerning you”
6. God granted grace in Christ Jesus.
“for the grace of God which was given you in Christ Jesus” 1:4
This word grace is one of the most beautiful terms in all of Scripture.
It is simple, yet must not ever be reduced to such simplicity and formula that it loses its depth and breadth of meaning.
It is more than unmerited favor.
It is God’s Riches At Christ’s Expense.
It is synonymous with power and enabling power.
It is granted at a moment in time like a giant surge of cleansing power.
It is poured out like continuous undiminished stream of refreshment.
It is an inexhaustible source of help in time of need.
It is not only undaunted by our sin but keeps miles ahead of it.
It continually pours blessing into our everyday life.
It is the foundation principle of God’s gifting for life and ministry.
It removes all ground and need for personal boasting.
It is granted on the basis of the will of God not the work of man.
Paul’s thanksgiving is for the initial grace that showers every believer at the moment of salvation (granted at a point in time) that causes them to cry out, “Amazing grace how sweet the sound that saved a wretch like me. I once was lost but now am found was blind but now I see.”
Paul then specifies some of the blessing as a result of the God granted grace of God.
7. God enriched them in Christ.
that in everything you were enriched in Him, even as the testimony concerning Christ was confirmed in you, so that you are not lacking in any gift,
By now you should have picked up on the foundation of all this blessing.
We are blessed and graced and enriched and sanctified by reason of our being in Christ.
It is our identity with Him that enables God to open the flood gates of continual spiritual blessing.
We have been blessed with every spiritual blessing in Christ.
Here Paul affirms that God enriched these believers in everything.
Paul uses a word that means to cause someone to become rich, to enrich, to make rich, cause to have abundance.
You remember the old program called the millionaire?
Out of the blue someone comes to your door and offers you a million dollars.
One stipulation is that you could not tell anyone where it came from.
God promises to enrich us in everything and is delighted when we share that enrichment with everyone we meet so that they too may become rich in every area of their life.
Paul uses the point time action verb in the passive.
That means that at a point in time God made us rich apart from any action on our part.
He is not making us rich.
Every aspect of our life is made rich because of our identification with Jesus.
For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though He was rich, yet for your sake He became poor, so that you through His poverty might become rich. 2 Cor. 8:9 (NASB-U)
For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek; for the same Lord is Lord of all, abounding in riches for all who call on Him; for "WHOEVER WILL CALL ON THE NAME OF THE LORD WILL BE SAVED." Romans 10:12-13 (NASB-U)
you will be enriched in everything for all liberality, which through us is producing thanksgiving to God. 2 Cor. 9:11 (NASB-U)
To me, the very least of all saints, this grace was given, to preach to the Gentiles the unfathomable riches of Christ, Ephes. 3:8
Paul specifies just a few of the areas of enrichment.
in everything you were enriched in Him, in all speech and all knowledge, so that you are not lacking in any gift,
Knowledge and oration were valued highly in the Greek culture.
God enriched their intellectual and communication abilities.
God also confirmed His work and presence and authenticated His message through specific spiritual gifting.
All of the gifts were represented in this group of believers.
The testimony that something was different was confirmed by God work through them.
8. They were anxiously awaiting Christ’s return.
awaiting eagerly the revelation of our Lord Jesus Christ, 1:7
These believers were employing their spiritual gifts in the present in such a way that caused them to have an eagerness for Christ’s return.
They were looking to the time they would see the completion of all their labor and efforts.
This term is used seven times in relation to the return of Christ.
The more we are occupied with the Father’s business when He comes the more anxious we will be for Christ to return.
9. God confirmed them blameless to the end by His faithfulness
who will also confirm you to the end, blameless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. 1 Cor. 1:8
This is the same word Paul used earlier about establishing or confirming the testimony of Jesus in them.
He promised to confirm THEM blameless because of the righteousness of Christ and the faithfulness of God.
“Blameless” means free from accusation.
Who will bring a charge against or condemn God’s elect Paul asks.
God is the one who justifies; Christ Jesus is He who died, yes, rather who was raised, who is at the right hand of God, who also intercedes for us. Romans 8:33-34 (NASB-U)
The promise to keep us blameless to the end rests on the faithfulness of God not even the fruitfulness of men.
God is faithful
God was working in the present and promised to continue to work in and through them to the end.
It is the faithfulness of God and not the efforts of man that would assure a place in heaven.
10. God called them into FELLOWSHIP with His Son.
Besides calling us to impact our world through our enrichment and spiritual gifting, God invited us into intimate union with Jesus.
Paul urges these believers to center on their connection to Christ.
He mentions Christ more in this letter than any of his other letters.
Perhaps this is to restore their focus on Jesus and not men.
“Fellowship” is a rich work indicating a unity and oneness where all things are shared in common.
John introduced his letter talking about the wonder of this invitation into fellowship.
What was from the beginning, what we have heard, what we have seen with our eyes, what we have looked at and touched with our hands, concerning the Word of Life— and the life was manifested, and we have seen and testify and proclaim to you the eternal life, which was with the Father and was manifested to us— what we have seen and heard we proclaim to you also, so that you too may have fellowship with us; and indeed our fellowship is with the Father, and with His Son Jesus Christ. These things we write, so that our joy may be made complete. 1 John 1:1-4
Many have never really entered into the wonder of fellowship with the God of the universe.
We become too satisfied with the cheap counterfeit that passes for intimacy.
In spite of some of the difficult reproofs and sticky issues rattling around in the church at Corinth, Paul begins his letter by affirming their position and not by attacking their practice.
This week I want you to sink these foundational truths into the depths of your soul.
• You belong to God
• God made you a special person
• God invited you to be saints
• God united you with others who have been specially touched by God’s grace
• God granted you grace in Christ
• God enriched every area of your life in Him
• Not lacking in any spiritual gift confirming the testimony of Christ’s power.
• God will confirm you blameless right up to the end
• God called you into intimate fellowship with Jesus
Their response was to call upon the name of the Lord.
They eagerly looked forward to the return of Christ.
I would also add…
• Since we belong to God, live like He own us.
• Since we are special, stop putting yourself down.
• Since we have been invited to be part of a special people, accept the invitation.
• Since we are united with others invited by God, live in unity.
• Since God granted us grace, stop trying to earn his favor by works.
• Since God enriched every area of our life, exercise those special gifts.
• Since God will continue to confirm His call on our life, rest in His promise.
• Since we have been called into fellowship with Jesus, draw closer and closer so that we actually will begin to eagerly await his coming.
Blessing
Those struggling with identity, may you more deeply realize the richness of your connection to Christ.
Those looking for purpose in life, may you come to understand the absolute wonder of your place in the body of Christ and your opportunity to reflect the glory of God.
Those feeling isolated and alone, may you respond to God’s call to enter into intimacy and oneness with Christ.
Those struggling with their struggles, may you find the courage to quit trying and start trusting the work that God has already done remembering the glorious portrait that Paul painted of the struggling Corinthian believers.
May God encourage you, multiply His grace and peace in every area of you life.
May He touch your hurts and confirm His love to the depths of your soul.
For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek; for the same Lord is Lord of all, abounding in riches for all who call on Him; for "WHOEVER WILL CALL ON THE NAME OF THE LORD WILL BE SAVED." Romans 10:12-13 (NASB-U)
