Prepared for Christ’s Return
1st Corinthians 1:3-9 - Victory Fellowship
October 16, 2022 - Rev. Roderick Grabski
I. Introduction:
a. Series – Walking in Footsteps of Paul
b. Free isn’t always FREE – God’s Grace is freely given, but it comes at a cost. The Blood of Christ
II. RELATING THE TEXT
a. Paul is thankful to God for the church in Corinth because God, through His Grace, has been generous to them.
i. God has given them gracious gifts
ii. God has enriched them through Christ
iii. They have all they need in Spiritual gifts to proclaim the testimony of Jesus Christ
iv. God gives them hope and promise
b. For a church that he is about to reprimand, Paul first informs them of God’s amazing grace abundant in themselves and their congregation.
III. Application
a. To get a full picture of how we are prepared for Christ’s return by God’s amazing grace, we need to understand why God gives us His grace in the first place.
b. Three Reasons for God’s Grace:
i. He provides salvation in order for the saved to produce good works.
(Eph 2:10 For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.
Gal 6:10 Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.)
ii. He brings blessings in the lives of the believers (1st Corinthians 1:3-9)
iii. Most importantly, God’s grace allows us to Glorify God – and enrich our worship.
Matt. 5:16; In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.
Eph 3:10, 20-21 His intent was that now, through the church, the manifold wisdom of God should be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly realms,
20 Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, 21 to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.
IV. Conclusion
a. Simply put, God’s Grace prepares us for Christ’s return by:
1) Giving us salvation
2) Giving us every spiritual gift we need; and
3) Giving us forgiveness (being without blame) when the Lord returns.
PRAYER
SONG: That’ll Preach (Zach Williams)
1st Corinthians 1:3-9 NLT
3 May God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ give you grace and peace. 4 I always thank my God for you and for the gracious gifts he has given you, now that you belong to Christ Jesus. 5 Through him, God has enriched your church in every way—with all of your eloquent words and all of your knowledge. 6 This confirms that what I told you about Christ is true. 7 Now you have every spiritual gift you need as you eagerly wait for the return of our Lord Jesus Christ. 8 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. 9 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.
