1 Corinthians Chapter 1

Paul is writing to the Church in Corinth. Chloe who apparently is a member of this church either she or one of the members had written Paul to share updates about the church. Paul is now writing chapter 1 due to the note that was written to him. In the note it shares about divisions and quarrels that came out of discussions about who was baptized by who and apparently there was a bit of boasting going on. As I read chapter 1: 1-9: several things stood out to me, that reminded me I need to not forget 1. that Christ enriches my life. 2. that I am equipped, lacking no gift. As Paul starts out in First Corinthians 1: 4-5, he shares how he gives thanks to God concerning them. He also reminds them of the " Grace of God which was given them in Christ Jesus." A gentle reminder that they were given Grace and that it came through Jesus Christ from God. Verses 5-6 " That in everything you were enriched in Him, in all speech and all knowledge, even as the testimony concerning Christ was confirmed in you." - Take a moment and think about the word Enriched. I think about a recipe that is enriched when you add chocolate chips. The cookie taste bland without that extra enriched ingredient. God has enriched our life in so many ways. Take time to write in your journal ways He has enriched your life and how since you have been saved you have been a testimony of that enrichment. Verse 7-8 states: " So that you are not lacking in any gift awaiting eagerly the revelations of our Lord Jesus Christ, who will also confirm in you to the end, blameless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ." When I read this I was reminded of how we are equipped for every good work and so we lack nothing in Christ, - So often when I am faced with a doing the work I allow myself to think I'm not capable or I'm not good enough or sometimes I've even said, I do not have that gifting. The truth is : Those are all lies! This verse in 1 Corinthians 1:7-8 gives us no excuse for not fulfilling the task Father has called us to. What happens to me so often is that I think about the task, how I can accomplishing it in and through my own strength. Instead, I should renew my thinking to first identify what I need from the Lord and ask Him to provide me with what ever it is that I'm lacking, so that I am not working in my strength but I am drawing on the Lord and He is then equipping me to accomplish the task before me. Then I can boast not in myself but in the Lord. Which brings me to verse 9: " God is Faithful, through whom you were called into fellowship with His Son, Jesus Christ our Lord." Ladies this is such a promise: no matter if you are called to a task in ministry in your target area or it is the task of raising your family and being a wife and mother. God is Faithful to enrich your life and to provide you with every gift so that you can accomplish the work He has called you too accomplish. Most of us are very familiar with verses 11-31. Divisions and quarrels usually come about because of selfish ambitions, jealousy, or pride. ( proverbs) Finally, after reading verses 11-31 - Ask yourself this question: Do I/we have needless quarrels or do we allow needless divisions to happen because of selfish ambitions, jealousy, or pride? What are some divisions or quarrels you are currently involved in? Are they petty? Take some time to adjust your thinking and pray that God would help give you wisdom and knowledge in your speech, to chose how to respond to quarrels and divisions that may arise around you this week. Ask the Holy Spirit to bring it to your attention when you are in the middle of a quarrel with your kids, spouse, team members or leadership that you would be able to identify if you were being led out of selfish ambitions, jealousy or pride. In closing : Lord, as we read in Your Word, we have been reminded how You do enrich our lives. We are blessed with the gifts to accomplish what You ask us to do. I know Lord I have fallen short and often times depend on my own strength to do Your work. I know Lord that I rob You of the Glory You deserve. So Lord, I pray today that You would change me. Lord, use the Holy Spirit to draw attention to my selfish ambitions, jealousies and hatred that cause useless divisions and quarrels. Lord, may I draw on Your Gifts and strength and recognize my weakness so that I may Glory in You! That I may not boast in myself but that I may Boast in You ! I pray these things in Your sons name, the name above every name, Jesus Christ Our Lord. Amen! Today- I pray the Lord will : 1. Enrich your life in a new way or that you will become aware of how He has enriched your life. 2. That you would draw on His Gifts and remember that you are not lacking in any gift. Eph 3:20 " Now to Him who is able to do far more abundantly beyond all that we ask or think, according to the power that works within us." 3. That you will be made aware of the need to be guarded against such things as divisions and quarrels. These things are usually rooted in : pride, selfish ambitions, and jealousy. a Key verse to draw on this week to renew my mind : 1 Corinthians 1: 4-6 Have a blessed day in our Lord Jesus Christ!