1 Corinthians With Mark Dever: When Church HurtsSample

Count your blessings

Read 1 Corinthians 1:4-9

Paul will need to correct and challenge this church in many areas. But first he wants them to count their blessings. And what blessings they have as those who “call on the name of our Lord Jesus Christ” (verse 2)!

Grace

The church in Corinth had been founded by Paul. Since then, it had been full of problems. And, as we’ll see, there was some dissent towards Paul himself.

Whatever challenges this church faces, or poses, the most important thing about its members is that they have received God’s grace. Which is cause for great thanks!

Pray

Every true Christian, however much they are struggling, should prompt us to give thanks. Each congregation of Christians, however problematic, is a triumph of God’s grace.

Pause now to praise God for Christians you know. Praise Him particularly for any Christians who have caused you problems or heartache.

Knowledge

Corinth was a place that valued knowledge. Paul reminds these Christians that in Christ they have the richest knowledge possible. In Christ they have found the purpose of their lives, the way they can be forgiven, the way they can know God Himself. What better knowledge is there?

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Certainty

Our eternal well-being rests in hands safer and more powerful than our own!

Fellowship

The Christian life is not about rituals, or rules: it’s about relationship. God has given us the best He has—His Son.

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Grace. Knowledge. Certainty. Fellowship. All these are yours as a Christian.