1 Corinthians 1:1–9 (NRSV)
Read 1 Corinthians 1:1–9 on biblegateway.com
Chapter 1Paul, called to be an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, and our brother Sosthenes, Verse 2To the church of God that is in Corinth, to those who are sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints, together with all those who in every place call on the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, both their Lord and ours: Verse 3Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Verse 4I give thanks to my God always for you because of the grace of God that has been given you in Christ Jesus, Verse 5for in every way you have been enriched in him, in speech and knowledge of every kind- Verse 6just as the testimony of Christ has been strengthened among you- Verse 7so that you are not lacking in any spiritual gift as you wait for the revealing of our Lord Jesus Christ. Verse 8He will also strengthen you to the end, so that you may be blameless on the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. Verse 9God is faithful; by him you were called into the fellowship of his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.
Devotion
Paul knew how to begin a letter! His uplifting style and evangelical substance puts our glib text messages and sentimental e-mail forwards to shame. In less than ten verses, the heart of Paul’s message is brilliantly introduced. Who is the author? Called to be an apostle—one who is sent out with news to share. Who is the intended audience? Called to be saints—ones who are made holy by the Lord. By the grace of God and in the peace of Christ, both writer and reader are called and claimed. “Because God is faithful” there is no shortage of gifts to go around. The community of faith is amply equipped by the Holy Spirit for the work of ministry. And so the church waits with eager anticipation for the coming of God’s reign in all its glorious fullness. While we wait, we work. Strengthened with every gift, we live holy lives and share in a fellowship worthy of the One whose name we bear.
Prayer
Strengthen us to the end, faithful God, so that in all we do and say, our lives might reflect the richness of your glory. By your Spirit, keep us in fellowship with you and with one another, for the sake of your mission to which you call us. Amen.