1 Coríntios 1

1 Coríntios 1

Meyer - 1 Corinthians 1:9 Called unto the fellowship of his Son Jesus Christ our Lord. The word for fellowship is the same that is employed in Luke 5:10, of James and John being partners with Simon. We have been called into partnership with the Son of God, in his redemptive purposes, his love and tears for men, and ultimately in his triumph and glory. He has entered into partnership with man, and we are now summoned into partnership with Him through the communion of the Holy Ghost. In the words of the apostle, “our fellowship [or partnership] is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ our Lord.” How fruitful of comfort is the thought that Christ’s interests are ours, and that we are at liberty to draw upon his resources to the uttermost. Suppose a poor clerk were to be summoned from his desk into the counting-house of a Rothschild, and informed that from that moment he was taken into partnership with the firm: would it not be less of an honor than this which has fallen to our lot? Association with millionaires in money-making were infinitely less desirable than association with the Son of God in world-saving. And would that poor clerk feel any anxiety as to his share in meeting the immense liabilities of the concern? However great they might be, he would know that the resources of the firm were adequate, and he would be able to sleep easily at night, though millions were due on the morrow. Child of God, cannot thy Father meet all his Son’s engagements? The call to this partnership is from the Father. It is He who has chosen us for this high honor of cooperating with his Son. Will He have led us into such an association, and leave us to be overwhelmed by the difficulties of the situation He has created? It cannot be! He will supply all our need. Ben Merold - Paul and the Corinthians 1 Corinthians 1:1–9 Introduction A. This letter was sent to the church at Corinth. 1. Everything about this letter is relevant to the church today. 2. This church had many problems even though it seemed to have all the spiritual gifts (v. 7). B. Most of the attitudes and problems that cause trouble in today’s church are addressed in this letter. I. The Author A. The author is Paul. His background and conversion are recorded in Acts 9:1–31, Acts 22:1–21 and Acts 26:1–29. B. He is an apostle. He met the resurrected Christ. The word “apostle” means “one sent.” Paul was sent, or commissioned, by Christ in Acts 9:15. C. Much of the book of Acts is a record of Paul’s activities. D. Paul wrote a major part of our New Testament. II. The Corinthians A. A record of the establishment of this church is found in Acts 18. B. In spite of their problems, Paul said they were “called to be holy” (v. 2). 1. There is positional holiness. We are set apart and positioned in Christ when we accept him as Savior. The Corinthians had this positional holiness. 2. There is practical holiness. This applies to our Christian growth and lifestyle. The Corinthians were not doing well with this aspect of holiness. 3. Positional holiness must come first. We must be in Christ before we can grow in Christ. 4. This phrase, “called to be holy,” is translated “saints” in other translations. A Christian is a saint, one set apart to one. It originally referred to a committed marriage relationship. III. Paul’s Greeting to the Corinthians (vv. 3–9) A. “Grace and peace” (v. 3). 1. “Grace” was the popular Gentile Christian greeting. 2. “Peace” was the most used Jewish Christian greeting. B. Paul expresses thanksgiving (vv. 4–7). 1. He thanks God for grace (v. 4). a. We need to emphasize grace (Ephesians 2:1–10). b. This grace comes through Christ. c. The biblical plan of salvation is the means of appropriating this grace. 2. He thanks God that they have been “enriched” (v. 5). a. “in every way—in all your speaking and in all your knowledge” b. The testimony about Christ was confirmed in them. c. They had all of the spiritual gifts. C. Paul mentions the second coming of Christ (vv. 7–8). 1. This motivates us toward the future. 2. There is strength to be received from a knowledge of the second coming. 3. We will be blameless when he comes (Ephesians 5:25–27). Conclusion A. Paul reminds them that they are in fellowship with Jesus Christ (v. 9). B. This is the real basis of unity. Illustration Once I was conducting an evangelistic meeting with the great song writer and singer, Virgil Brock. We used the song, “Where He Leads Me I Will Follow,” as an invitation hymn. He interrupted the invitation in a gracious way and said, “The next verse begins with the words, ‘He will give me grace and glory.’ Remember, you must receive the grace before you can have the glory.” How true! I have never forgotten it. 1 Corinthians 1:10 Now I exhort you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you all agree and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be made complete in the same mind and in the same judgment. Amplified - But I urge and entreat you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you be in perfect harmony and full agreement in what you say, and that there be no dissensions or factions or divisions among you, but that you be perfectly united in your common understanding and in your opinions and judgments.