SUBJ: Paul's
declaration as to who the people of God are and how they are to be
identified with the encouragement to all in that which lies ahead.
AIM: That we
the word to the Corinthians may find application in our lives as we look
for divine confirmation in us to the glory of God and the exalting of
Christ Jesus our Lord.
INTR: Thoughts on the epistles to the
Corinthians often bring to mind first the problems which Paul addressed,
and they are many and varied. There were issues domestic and otherwise.
1. Of course, the reason of dealing with many of these topics was errors
they exhibited in many of these matters. 2. Paul is careful to add
sound principles of truth in addressing these issues such as: For who
maketh thee to differ from another? and what hast thou that thou didst
not receive? now if thou didst receive it, why dost thou glory, as if
thou hadst not received it? 1 Corinthians 4:7 3. But, despite all
their problems of conduct, Paul addressed them with endearing terms and
dealt with them as one of the Lord's churches and verified the Lord's
interest in them. That he loved them is evident.
THESIS: In particular, Paul finds
occasion for thanksgiving about the Corinthians and so should we in that
the lessons for them are for us as well and especially as we would lay
claim to the grace given them as we continue on this pilgrimage before
us and rejoice in the Truth he declared.
I. The People of God
identified (vv. 1-3) 1. The importance of realizing that Paul's
apostleship was of the Lord and the special ambassadorial office
manifested in him and others - "we beseech you in Christ’s stead." 2.
The Church of God at Corinth - a spiritual assembly, belonging to Christ
by right of redemption and constituted to do the Lord's work: 1)
Including them who are sanctified in Christ Jesus - To expiate guilt and
or to renew: Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but
according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and
renewing of the Holy Ghost; (Titus 3:5) 2) Called to be saints (holy
ones) - inward purity - consecration of life. 3) Along with all who
call (we carefully note that the called are those who call) upon the
name of our Lord!! 4) The ultimate common bond is submission to
Christ! 3. Grace and peace as a product of the covenant work of the
Father and Son 1) Grace for salvation and life - "All good,
therefore, whether providential or spiritual, whether temporal or
eternal, is comprehended in these terms: justification, adoption, and
sanctification, with all the benefits which either accompany or flow
from them." Hodge 2) Peace provided as a matter of assurance in the
presence of God and as we face the world!
II. The People of God
recognized (vv. 4-7) 1. The reason of thanksgiving is the Grace of
God given by Christ: 1) This is not the mere knowledge of grace given
- it is rather the evidence manifested in the gifts given them (See 1
Corinthians 12:4-11) 2) In that it is by God in Christ we may not
omit such things as adoption, justification, regeneration and
sanctification along with the active aspects of repentance, faith, hope,
love and the list goes on. 2. The purpose clause (hoti) showing a
matter of divine interest (v. 5). 1) By Him or in Him - either way,
Christ is the source of this enrichment, and it is not material! 2)
We are reminded of: For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ,
that, though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye
through his poverty might be rich. 2 Corinthians 8:9. See also: But God,
who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us,
Ephesians 2:4. 3. Of utterance and knowledge (v. 5) - Logos and
Gnosis (From Kiste. That is, with their mouths they confessed the
spiritual knowledge they had in their hearts.) AND compare: And I myself
also am persuaded of you, my brethren, that ye also are full of
goodness, filled with all knowledge, able also to admonish one another.
Romans 15:14. 4. The testimony of Christ (what He taught) confirmed
(v. 6) 1) The recognition of His Deity, His Lordship and their
submission to both 2) The Gospel as it is seen in Him and received as
the message of salvation and 3) An understanding of regeneration
working in them and so 5. They (we) are equipped (lacking no gift) as
we wait for the coming of our Lord. 1) The creation: For the earnest
expectation of the creature waiteth for the manifestation of the sons of
God. Romans 8:19 2) The adoption: And not only they, but ourselves
also, which have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan
within ourselves, waiting for the adoption, to wit, the redemption of
our body. Romans 8:23 3) The manner of waiting: But if we hope for
that we see not, then do we with patience wait for it. Romans 8:25 4)
Eagerly: For we through the Spirit wait for the hope of righteousness by
faith. Galatians 5:5 5) From Heaven: For our conversation is in
heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ:
Philippians 3:20
III. The People of God confirmed (vv. 8-9) 1.
The confirming work of God (see v. 4) in us and to us (Being confident
of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will
perform it until the day of Jesus Christ: Philippians 1:6). 1) By
faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ as a way of involvement in our
eternal life. 2) By the active engagement of the gifts purchased and
given us in Him 3) By the sense of our need of His confirmation!
2. It is He, who through the blood of the covenant, shall present us
every whit whole and fully acceptable in and compatible with Heaven and
Himself - all through Christ and at His day! 3. We look with
confidence to His faithfulness (v. 9), and we experience now and forever
the ultimate end - fellowship with His Son Jesus Christ our Lord!
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