Day 1: 1 Corinthians 1:1-9 (Greeting & Thanksgiving )

1 Paul, called by the will of God to be an apostle of Christ Jesus, and our brother Sosthenes, 2 To the church of God that is in Corinth, to those sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints together with all those who in every place call upon the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, both their Lord and ours:3 Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. 

4 I give thanks to my God always for you because of the grace of God that was given you in Christ Jesus, 5 that in every way you were enriched in him in all speech and all knowledge— 6 even as the testimony about Christ was confirmed among you— 7 so that you are not lacking in any gift, as you wait for the revealing of our Lord Jesus Christ, 8 who will sustain you to the end, guiltless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. 9 God is faithful, by whom you were called into the fellowship of his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.

• God calls people on purpose. Paul was “called by the will of God” and the church they were “called to be saints.” We are called into “the fellowship of His Son.” (v. 1, 2, 9)
• God gives grace generously. “the grace of God that was given you in Christ Jesus”  God pours out grace that changes people (v. 4).
• God equips His people. God has been “enriched in every way” and “not lacking any spiritual gift.” God gives everything needed for faith and for building up the church (v. 5-7).
• God is faithful. He sustains His people. Paul says Jesus will “sustain you to the end.” (v. 8). 

• We are blessed but easily forget who we are. The Corinthians were gifted and blessed, yet they struggled with division and pride. People often lose sight of their identity in Christ.
• We are called to holiness. We are “sanctified in Christ Jesus” and “called to be saints.”(v.2).
• We belong to God.
  
  

What did this passage mean to its original audience?

• Corinth was a wealthy, diverse, and morally conflicted city. The church struggled with division, pride, immorality, and confusion about spiritual gifts. 
• Paul begins his letter by affirming their identity: called, holy, gifted, loved. Before addressing their problems, Paul reminds them of God’s grace and faithfulness, grounding them in the gospel.

1. Attitudes — How I think

• I feel comfort knowing God keeps me to the end and doesn’t give up on me. I also grow in gratitude. Paul begins with thanksgiving. I want a heart that notices God’s grace in my life and in my church. 
• I desire deeper fellowship with Jesus.
   God has called me into relationship with His Son. I want to enjoy His presence, not just know facts about Him.

• I will speak encouragement before correction. In my family, ministry, and friendships, I want to affirm God’s grace in others before pointing out weaknesses. I can greet people with grace and peace instead of criticism and harshness.
• I will trust God to sustain me. When I feel weak or overwhelmed, I will remind myself: “God is faithful. He will keep me firm to the end.”