The Church, Called By God
Pastor: Pastor Scott Slaughter Series: 1 Corinthians, The Cross and Its Community Topic: Unity, Gifts, Growth, Ministry
Robert B. Hayes: “God is the one who calls, and the church, not just at Corinth but everywhere, is the community of people who respond by calling on the name of Jesus Christ. … Those who participate in the covenant-community are recipients of God’s freely given mercy, and they therefore stand within the sphere of God’s peace, a peace that should extend to their relationships with one another.” Interpretation, p.17
Many corrections and warnings are coming for these believers at Corinth. With many rebukes comes suspicion of motive. The church at Corinth will question Paul’s motives and practices, but from the outset, he wishes them nothing but grace and peace from God and Christ. His desire is for them to embrace being the holy church of God and to experience the grace and peace that is found in Him.
Our Enemy and our old sinful nature will accuse God in our minds in times of correction. Perhaps today you have doubted Christ’s love for you because He has put you into the refining fires of painful experience and rebuking correction. If so, hold on to the knowledge found here, that God’s desire for you is not to harm you but to heal you by his grace after which you will experience His peace in your life.