Life Impact

Day 1

1 Corinthians 1:1–17

Called to Be a Saint and to Preach the Gospel

Apostle Paul’s introduction of himself in verse 1 of our study mentions three important things about his assignment.

1. He boldly describes himself as being “called” by God. This clearly teaches us that to be effective in divine service, you must be fully persuaded and be able to boldly declare that God has called you to do what you are doing.

2. He describes what he is called to be: which is “an Apostle of Jesus Christ.” An apostle is one who has been sent on a specific assignment. In our study scripture, we can see that Paul knew that God sent him out to break new grounds and also preach the gospel to the Gentiles. , especially . As a believer, it is important for you to recognize that God has called you for a purpose and this purpose includes preaching the gospel for the sake of expanding the kingdom of God..

3. He boldly declares that his calling and assignment are both part of the will of God.

Verse 2 of this study’s scripture describes who a born-again Christian is. Firstly, he is described as “sanctified in Christ Jesus.” Thismeans that he or she has been cleansed and set apart for God’s holy use. This is who you become when you are genuinely born again. You are cleansed by the blood of Jesus and set apart for God’s use.

Secondly, the Christian is described as one who is “called to be a saint.” A saint is someone who stands pure without blemish before God. If you have been born again, your calling is to be pure, without blemish, and to be a shining example before God and man for the rest of your days on earth.

Verse 4 then tells us that the grace of God has been given unto us. This Grace is God’s ability to function. You have received His grace and you can do all things by His grace. You have also been enriched in everything by God, in utterance and in all knowledge. Utterance has to do with ability to speak, preach, share the gospel, or tell your testimony of salvation to someone.

On the other hand,the knowledge of God enables you to serve Him correctly and appropriately with your gifts and talents while ensuring that you walk before Him blameless. To be enriched means to have in abundance all that you need. As a Christian, you should understand that God has given you, in abundance, utterance to share your testimony in Christ Jesus and the knowledge to serve God appropriately and please Him with your life.

Apostle Paul in this scripture warned the Corinthian Christians, which also stands as a warning for us today not to cause division in the church by congregating around individuals but to rather lift up Jesus and let him be our focus, our message, our Lord, and our master.

What are your action points now?Firstly, Recognize that God has called you and has an assignment for you to preach the gospel. Secondly, recognize that He has enriched you with all the utterance and knowledge that you need to live a successful Christian life while serving in the church. RLastly, resolve not to join groups and divisions but rather let Jesus be your focus.

Prayer

1. Meditate and pray over each of the issues discussed in this study. Ask the Lord to help you to stand boldly in His calling to preach the gospel and to live the life of a saint.

2. Ask for the courage to stand and focus on Jesus and to refuse to cause or join divisions in the body of Christ.

Confession of Faith

I am sent by God to preach the gospel. I am called to be a saint. I have been enriched with all utterance and knowledge, and I will not cause divisions in the body.

Memory Verse

1 Corinthians 1: 4 – 5 NKJV

I thank my God always concerning you for the grace of God which was given to you by Christ Jesus, that you were enriched in everything by Him in all utterance and all knowledge