Because of Grace
Listen to the Full Sermon Here:
1 Corinthians 1:4-10 // Part 2 of Messy Church. Marvelous Grace - Pastor Jacob Woll
Understanding God's Grace: Lessons from the Church of Corinth
The city of Corinth in ancient times mirrors many modern cities - filled with wealth, commerce, and moral challenges. Like Las Vegas today, it was known for its vice, luxury, and spiritual darkness. Yet even in such a challenging environment, God's grace flourished through the early church.
Why is Gratitude Important Before Correction? Paul begins his letter to the Corinthians with thanksgiving, highlighting several positive aspects of their church:
Their reception of God's grace: "I give thanks to my God always for you because of the grace of God that was given you in Christ Jesus." (1 Corinthians 1:4)
Their spiritual gifts in speech and knowledge: "That in every way you were enriched in him in all speech and all knowledge—even as the testimony about Christ was confirmed among you." (1 Corinthians 1:5-6)
Their salvation in Christ
Their anticipation of Christ's return: "So that you are not lacking in any gift, as you wait for the revealing of our Lord Jesus Christ." (1 Corinthians 1:7)
Their sustenance through Jesus: "Who will sustain you to the end, guiltless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ." (1 Corinthians 1:8)
This approach of leading with gratitude before addressing problems provides an important model for Christian relationships and leadership.
What Does it Mean to Live Because of Grace? The letter emphasizes three key aspects of grace:
God First and Always
We should continually give thanks to God: "God is faithful, by whom you were called into the fellowship of his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord." (1 Corinthians 1:9)
Grace is the foundation of our salvation
Gratitude should be our consistent response
Enriched with Gifts
God's grace provides spiritual gifts
Knowledge without wisdom is insufficient
Gifts should be used to honor God
Sustained and Made Guiltless
Jesus sustains believers to the end: "Who will sustain you to the end, guiltless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ." (1 Corinthians 1:8)
We are made guiltless before God
Our hope rests in Christ's work, not our own
How Do We Know God Will Keep His Promises? The answer lies in God's faithfulness. While we must exercise faith, our confidence comes from knowing that God is faithful to complete what He started in us. We are called into fellowship with Jesus Christ, meaning we have a personal relationship with God that sustains us.
Life Application Consider these questions this week:
Are you living like someone saved by grace?
How can you show more gratitude before offering correction to others?
What spiritual gifts has God given you, and are you using them wisely?
Challenge: Start each day this week by listing three things you're thankful for about someone in your life, especially before addressing any conflicts or concerns with them. Share your gratitude with them before discussing any problems or issues that need to be addressed.
