I Corinthians 1:8

Who shall also confirm you unto the end, that ye may be blameless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. (KJV)

Then: Still caught up in giving thanks (fourth element of first century letters) for believers in the Corinthian church, Paul continues to remind them of their qualifications and end goals. He moves to a future viewpoint that Christ will continue to confirm them to the end of their lives or the time when Christ returns. Thoughts about being blameless remind them that a major part of Christian growth is under the direct supervision of Christ. Paul may be talking to them, but in actuality, he is just a bystander or fellow worker. When it comes to anyone's standing in the kingdom, each works one-on-one with Christ. Dr. Magness teaches that being blameless has a major impact on the Corinthians' relationships with each other, i.e. the family of God, and it is another point of foreshadowing in the letter. Paul wants his readers to work with, not give up or fight against, needed changes in their lives.

Now: Today we take Paul's assurances personally. Christ still daily confirms his testimony in us - and will do so during all our tomorrows. We will be counted blameless when we stand before him. Like the Corinthians, we have Paul's letters and can claim their truths for our lives. We are also blessed when mentors, our friends in Christ, remind us of the strength Christ give us.

I Corinthians 1:7

So that ye come behind in no gift; waiting for the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ: (KJV)

Then: In the middle of thanking (God Element #4 - remember?) for the people he loves in Corinth, Paul encourages and reminds them that they lack none of the gifts of God. They have the testimony and the gifts. So they wait for Christ's return; they really are part of the family of God. Jamieson, Faussett, and Brown specifically point out three -- faith, hope, and love, but Paul doesn't. N.T. Wright (p. 3-4) provides a foreshadowing thought that the problem with the Corinthians is not the lack of a gift, but the use of their gifts. In summary, three things underlie this short verse: thanksgiving, encouragement, and preparation for Paul's coming advice.

Now: Here's a Christian status check. Do faith, hope and love shine forth from the individual whether he knows it or not? Is the Lord's testimony right there also? If so, have no fear. We can abandon doubt as to whether we are members of the family of God. The verse is also a self-esteem check. Accepted by Christ, our personal worth and value come from Him. No work in his kingdom is demeaning. No value comes from possessions or genealogy. All value and self-worth comes from Christ and his love for us. Be encouraged. God loves the assembled church and each member individually. God loves you.

Extra source: Jamieson, Faussett, and Brown, on-line edition of commentary
http://www.ewordtoday.com/comments/1corinthians/jfb/1corinthians1.htm

I Corinthians 1:6

Even as the testimony of Christ was confirmed in you (KJV)

Then: Nothing can be more comforting than to have someone else see Christ in you. It removes self-doubt. It removes concern that maybe something is the matter with your rock solid belief that Jesus is the Christ, risen from the dead, the Son of God. And to have Paul, an apostle, thanking God for your belief has to be a major epitome of God's grace to you. The verse is also another statement of the past event which N. T. Wright (p.4) calls a "messianic message." Christ is evident in the Corinthians because his name is readily spoken in love for him, in prayer through him, and friendship with him. Matthew Henry infers that "testimony" means the presence of signs of wonders which verify the doctrine of Christ. In such instances believers maintained deep fellowship with Christ and with each other.

Now: In times when the bond with Christ is solid, prayers answered, peace and grace abide, a believer doesn't need outside confirmation of his/her Christ-like image. But on days when faith wobbles and doubt intervenes, a friendly statement about obvious choices to serve the Lord by upholding his standards go a long way to removing self-doubt. A continuous, thankful review of all God's past work in our lives, lives of friends, and life of our church can return faith to its solid state. It orders our memories and our priorities. It becomes a major part of fellowship with Christ and other believers.

Extra Source: Commentary on the Whole Bible (Acts to Revelation) by Matthew Henry, see: http://www.ccel.org/ccel/henry/mhc6.iCor.ii.html

1 Corinthians 1:5

That in every thing ye are enriched by him, in all utterance, and in all knowledge (KJV)

Then: Called in the past, the Corinthians are so enriched in the present they are both knowledgeable and able to tell others about Christ. This is a gift based on grace for which one can be truly thankful. N. T. Wright (p.4) believes the verse indicates great ability for these believers to teach one another and in doing so, strengthen and confirm each others faith. Dr. Magness considers the enrichment, calling, and Christ's confirmation to be a "past" event in the believer's life, even though it allows for a present action. Wesley notes a hidden meaning mixed in with Paul's thankfulness. In referring to "knowlege" and "utterance," Paul picks out two attributes and skills greatly admired in and by the liberal Corinthians. Honored by Paul's indirect praise, they are later more willing to understand why these gifts must be both channeled and utilized in glorifying God, not themselves. Serving the Lord well is their unending goal.

Now: Serving the Lord well is our unending goal. By elevating thankfulness to a top priority, today's believers learn much. Being thankful for the knowledge and ability to tell others about our experiences puts a right priority on the values of teaching one another, strengthening one another and confirming one another. Unfortunately, being Corinthian comes just as naturally as in New Testament times. Proud of church heritage, proud of knowledge, proud of skills, there we stand oblivious to the blight and disease of pride growing on what were meant to be wonderful gifts. Thanksgiving can strip away the fungus, cut out the spots, and let God's grace shine through again.
Added source: Wesley's Notes on the Bible http://www.ccel.org/ccel/wesley/notes.i.viii.ii.html

I Corinthians 1:4

I thank my God always on your behalf, for the grace of God which is given you by Jesus Christ (KJV)

Then: Letter element #4 coming through in five verses -- thanksgiving. Verse 4 concentrates on God's faithfulness in the past. Dr. Magness suggests readers note the "who, when, what and why" answers. Who? Paul thanks God. (He decides to include thanks to God from the Corinthians.) When? Always? What? God's grace sent to the Corinthians by Christ. N. T. Wright advises readers that Paul is sneaking in thoughts of the letter's coming topics. Grace is important and just can't be taken for granted. Thanking God for it helps recipients develop an accurate Christian world view. A basic understanding of grace underlies an attitude of being open to God's teachings.

Now: It is easy for 21st materialistic-centered Christians to take God's gifts for granted. Those without the sharp perception that grace comes from the Lord may become proud. That attitude produces churches which wither and die. The ones who recognize the source and substance of the gift can and do minister successfully. Taking time to give thanks gives glory to God at the same time that it structures great attitudes about work in the church. Conclusion: Take time to thank God.

I Corinthians 1:3

Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ (KJV)

Then: Element #3 is the greeting. Paul says the words "grace" and "peace." Grace is a word that can be so accepted that pretty soon it cannot be defined. We know God gives it, and we know it is not the same thing as love or peace or hope or mercy. It just is. So dictionary straight ahead: "divine help," "state of approval/acceptance" and "called out, made holy (sanctified)"-- and wonder of wonders, you didn't ask for it or deserve it. In the list, "called out" has the most meaning because Paul already said the Corinthians were called to be saints. Peace is a result of receiving God's grace. No matter where you stand on the path which heads towards heaven, God has not abandoned you so peace can abide. N.T. Wright (p.2) believes Paul has embedded the knowledge of God's personal presence in his own life and in the lives of all followers. Therefore, the greetings automatically include "grace" and "peace" and the name of the Lord.

Now: Sometimes emails start with personal notes; many times they don't. I usually forge ahead, but if I get wordy, I'll go back and add a "hello" thought. I expect people are busy and don't want long interferences. They do appreciate the information; however, so when they take time to read a long missive, they want some kind of one-on-one interchange.They deserve a long, grace-and-peace "hello."

I Corinthians 1:2

Unto the church of God which is at Corinth, to them that are sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints, with all that in every place call upon the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, both their's and ours: (KJV)

Then: Corinth, a short-cut city, between Rome and Athens, became rich from tourist and business travelers. Riches brought decadence, but Paul still believed the people there needed to know the Saviour. They too could call upon the name of Christ. When the culture intruded and invaded the lives of the "called out ones," he sent two letters to show his continued love and knowledge that they were still members of the body, deserving of care and reteaching. Thus letter element number two: a statement of who is to receive the letter, describes the Corinthians as still holy, sanctified, to the Lord. When it comes to being followers, They are no different than people living in Rome or Jerusalem.

Now: Corinth sounds like Las Vegas or New Orleans or San Francisco or New York City in the sense of decadence. They have their share of business and tourist trade along with a full fair share of culture idols. Namesakes of the silver statues of Venus can be found in theaters and on street corners. Similar to Corinth, these Christians stand alone, berated by the ACLU, artistes, and unsaved, everyday folk. Here as elsewhere, Christ followers must know the Lord's love will sharpen their ability to stand firm, unblighted in a land of tarnished silver. Paul speaks to the wealthy, middle class, and poor in a materialistic world. All need to know the Lord is a pearl more valuable than any jewel on earth. So letter element #2, "To the church of God," is valuable to today's Christians as it stands, but serves as a necessary poke in the ribs for outside missionaries, via internet, emails, meditations, church publications, to keep after those living in decadent cities. Remind them to constantly avoid culture-tainted attitudes towards sin.


Added source: Wesley's Notes on the Bible http://www.ccel.org/ccel/wesley/notes.i.viii.ii.html