WEDNESDAY, APRIL 5
1 Corinthians 1:4-9
1 Thessalonians 1

"…for the grace of God which is
given you by Christ Jesus."

GOD’S GRACE EXPERIENCED

1 Corinthians 1:4 reveals the pastoral heart of Paul: "I thank my God always on your behalf, for the grace of God which is given you by Jesus Christ." The problems of the Corinthian church caused Paul much heartache and grief. Nevertheless, he was still able to genuinely express his gratitude to God continually for the divine grace that was bestowed upon the Corinthian Christians.

In what way did the Corinthian Christians experience the unmerited favour of God?

Firstly, they experienced the salvation grace of God. God demonstrated His love towards mankind by sending His only begotten Son into this world to redeem man from sin. "But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us" (Rom 5:8). The Corinthian Christians deserved eternal condemnation. Instead, they received redemption and eternal life when they believed in the gospel of Christ.

However, the Corinthian Christians were not just recipients of salvific grace. They were also empowered by God to be His witnesses as they walked their pilgrim journey on earth. This grace for service experienced by the Corinthian Christians is described by Paul in verses 5 to 9:

• They were enriched with the understanding and utterance of spiritual things.

• The gospel of Christ was confirmed in their hearts.

• They were bestowed with spiritual gifts.

• They would be kept blameless till Christ returned.

Similarly, we who believe in God have also experienced His grace. Let us therefore be thankful for the grace that was bestowed upon us.

THOUGHT: Amazing grace, how sweet the sound!
PRAYER: Lord, help me not to take Thy grace for granted.