Have you settled back into your routine now that the holidays are behind us? Here in southwest Florida, things are flowing smoothly and times are exciting, especially at the church. Sunday, we saw our highest attendance to date, and I felt as if the LORD were filling my mouth. I have not felt this free in my preaching since moving from Cincinnati. This is an easy church to preach to, because of the love of the people for their Pastor, each other, and especially the Lord. However, it is also a challenging pulpit to fill because this congregation studies their Bibles and knows their Scriptures well. A Pastor has to work hard and study diligently to stay ahead of this band of people. I’m proud to be associated with such a great group of folk!
Every believer has a standing in Christ. Some are on the first rung of the ladder since their walk with Christ is just beginning. Many are a little farther along, while some have reached incredible heights. In First Corinthians chapter one, Paul tells us about our standing in Christ and its benefit. The sermon notes are below. You are free to use them for your personal Bible study. One thing I want you to take away from this study: it all revolves around Jesus Christ. I told the crowd at Friendship Harmony yesterday that since it all revolves around Christ, He should and must be the single most important person in your life. Here is the outline.
Your Standing In Christ
1 Corinthians 1:1-9
1/8/11
By Victor Cooper
You are:
I. v2. Sanctified - made holy.
A. The key word is not “holy” but it is “made.”
1. It is of God, not man. example v1,
“… called… through the will of God…”
B. Holy - def. These terms sometimes denotes outward purity or cleanliness; sometimes internal purity and sanctification. True holiness characterizes outward acts, but still more, the motive and intent of the heart. It is an inward principle; not mere rectitude or benevolence, or any on moral excellence, but the harmonious and perfect blending of all, as all the colors of the prism duly blend from pure light.
A Dictionary of the Holy Bible.
II. v2 Called - invited; appointed.
A. No invitation - no sanctification.
B. The importance is not who is invited, but Who is doing the inviting.S
III. V4 a Recipient of grace.
A. Grace> charis> graciousness.
1. Theological definition --- receiving from God that which you do not deserve.
2. The grace of God is given by Christ.
example: Christ holds out a gift for you to receive. You cannot receive it unless He offers it.
IV. V5. Enriched - made wealthy.
A. : in utterance, i.e. words spoken
B. : in things known John 16:13 (KJV)
Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come. S
V. v6,7. Confirmed - The strengthening of mind, purpose, conviction i.e. the inner or subjective sense.
A. Your need for your place of service in the Kingdom of God is supplied. 1 Corinthians 1: (NLT) Now you have every spiritual gift you need as you eagerly wait for the return of our Lord Jesus Christ.
The Purpose ---
VI. V.8b that ye may be blameless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ.
A. Blameless - All accusations are false and un-provable.
B. v.9 Because it was God’s work, Paul had no question about the outcome. Because the Corinthian believers were justified by God’s grace, they would stand before Him blameless (anenklētous, “free from accusation”; when Christ returns…
The Bible Knowledge Commentary
I add a hearty A-men to the author’s statement where he said, “Because the Corinthian believers were justified by God’s grace, they would stand before Him blameless… Did you catch in these opening verses of 1 Corinthians concerning the importance of Jesus in it all? Without Him we have nothing. All that God has for us, and all He gives us comes through Christ or it doesn’t come at all. For those of you who like the theological names of things, this is called the preeminence of Jesus Christ. It’s a big fancy phrase which simply means "the most important." Does Christ have preeminence in your life? Is He the most important?
Go out and have a good week as you serve the LORD wherever you are. For those of you who are here on Pine Island, do not forget the special service this coming LORD’s Day. The Living Word Gospel Ministries Team from New York City will be with us in our 10:00a.m. service. This husband/wife acting team will allow to hear from the Apostle Peter right after He denies knowing Christ. After that service, we will all enjoy fellowship and our soup, salad, and dessert dinner. I hope you will be there to enjoy this great day with us.
I look forward to seeing you next Monday Morning With Pastor Vic!!!
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