Our scripture this morning is 1 Corinthians 1:4-9.
I always thank my God for you and for the gracious gifts he has given you, now that you belong to Christ Jesus. Through him, God has enriched your church in every way—with all of your eloquent words and all of your knowledge. This confirms that what I told you about Christ is true. Now you have every spiritual gift you need as you eagerly wait for the return of our Lord Jesus Christ. He will keep you strong to the end so that you will be free from all blame on the day when our Lord Jesus Christ returns. God will do this, for he is faithful to do what he says, and he has invited you into partnership with his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.
Paul rejoices over the spiritual growth of the church in Corinth, praising God for the gifts they have been given. He tells them God “will keep you strong to the end so that you will be free from all blame on the day when our Lord Jesus Christ returns”. This is our goal as well, to remain strong in our faith through whatever trials we face, knowing that God goes with us.
He speaks of spiritual gifts that we need in order to remain firm against evil and share the Good News. He further explains in 1 Corinthians 12 about different gifts and how we must work together for God’s kingdom. All gifts are necessary for the task to which we have been called and every follower of Jesus is given a part in this ministry.
This is the wonderful truth – we have been forgiven and “He has invited you into partnership with his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord”. Jesus came to show us the way to be saved. Now it is our turn to go into the world, sharing the love God has sent to all His children.
Gracious God, in Your mercy You sent Jesus to love and save and free us. Help us to tell everyone of Your amazing gift, that through Christ the world might be saved. Amen.