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1 Corinthians 9:22.
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1 Corinthians 9:22.
Devotion"1 CORINTHIANS: 1:1-3."
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Today's Message
1 Corinthians 9:22.
The timing of the coming of Jesus and His gospel was strategically planned to fall at the time of the Roman Empire when the communication system was remarkably advanced and unparalleled in the ancient world. "It relied on a vast, engineered infrastructure and state-sponsored services that allowed messages to cross thousands of miles safely and efficiently". They had a well developed Relay Courier service established by Emperor Augustus which could cover up to 50 miles per day on land, and even up to 150 miles in a single 24-hour period for urgent military matters. The empire built over 50,000 miles of paved (express) highways including Communication across the Mediterranean Sea which could be faster than land travel, with galley ships capable of sailing 50 to 120 miles per day depending on the weather. Furthermore, spreading the gospel was made easier then as a result of common languages because the masses were universally exposed to Latin (in the West) and Greek (in the East). Officials and merchants could communicate across distant provinces without severe language barriers. This communication advantage was fully utilized by Apostle Paul particularly in writing letters that needed urgency to Churches in addressing their needs.Thus, letter writing, as a means of communication, though ancient, remains an all time effective means of communication. It is a challenge to us to utilize all available communication and online social channels to spread the gospel. In the text, Paul the apostle effectively, used it as a means of follow-up of Corinthian converts.
*1. The Calling of an Apostle of Christ*
a. The author of the letter was Apostle Paul though he might have dictated it to Sosthenes. *"Paul called to be an apostle of Jesus Christ"*. There were, and are, fake apostles in sheep's clothing. *"For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ. And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light"* (2 Corinthians 11:13,14). Apostle Paul distanced himself from such apostles by calling himself an apostle of Jesus Christ. His calling was not by self, the society or even the saints. It was by God Himself. *"Through the will of God"*. Believers' calling is diverse and there is always grace that is commensurate with the calling, thus, making comparison or becoming envious unnecessary.
*"And no man taketh this honour unto himself, but he that is called of God, as was Aaron"* (Hebrews 5:4).
*"And Sosthenes our brother"*. Sosthenes was the converted chief ruler of the Jewish synagogue of the Corinthians when Apostle Paul visited and spent 18 months in that city (Acts 18:17).
b. Why did Paul the apostle first introduce himself as an Apostle and not just a brother? The Apostles are special ambassadors of Jesus Christ with special signs and wonders. *"Truly the signs of an apostle were wrought among you in all patience, in signs, and wonders, and mighty deeds"* (2 Corinthians 12:12). Paul, the apostle though not of the 12, needed emphasized that he was not inferior to any of the 12. He used the word as a description of his office. The modern age needs to emphasise less of titles, but more of anointing.
*2. The Church that is Anointed in Corinth*
The letter was directed to Corinth though it had a universal message to the Church of Christ. This Church is most often referred to as a Church in the New Testament. They are known to have, at times, morality problems, doctrinal problems, church government problems, spiritual gift problems, church service problems, marital problems and authority problems. It might be easy for us to think they weren’t even saved! But they were. They were called saints. In another place, he called them carnal saints.
*"Unto the church of God which is at Corinth"*. The Church, or assembly of believers, in this context is said to be owned by God and not Paul despite their carnality and imperfections. Nobody or an organisation can claim ownership of the Church of God and handle it as his personal empire or even the founder. The Church of God is owned by God and everyone will give account on how he treats what belongs to God. He gave salvation to Christians and He is the reason why true believers come to church. He called those Christians *"to them that are sanctified in Christ Jesus"*. What does this mean? Sanctification in this context means God had set them apart from the world. They were not of the world just like believers of all ages are not of the world. One of the most subtle and deceptive slogans of a carnal church is to catch up with the spirit of this age and bring the world into the church so that the church would be acceptable by the world. This is heresy from hell. The Church is not to catch up with the world, but is to correct the spirit of this age without being intimidated or ashamed. The message of Christ is *"come out from among them and be ye separate and I will receive you"*.
How were they *"called to be saints?"* They became saints by repentance from all sins and accepting Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour. Since they were justified, the implication is that their status before God was that of saints and no more sinners. *"all that in every place call upon the name of Jesus Christ our Lord"* While there are divers kinds of denominations, sainthood is universal among all true believers irrespective of their denominational biases. Every born again person in every denomination has the badge of sainthood and sonship on him.
*3. Christ, the Authority of the Church*
It is only grace that turns sinners to be called saints by God. The grace of God is the heavenly and golden door through which all other divine blessings flow. *"Grace be unto you, and peace"*. Grace from God first before there can be true peace through assurance of forgiveness of sins and salvation. It is the peace that gives rest and relaxation by faith in the midst of all kinds of adversities and persecutions. Who is the Giver of this grace and peace? *"From God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ"*. The unity of the Father and the Lord Jesus is best noticed as both of them are put as the Author and the Giver of grace and peace. *"For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ"* (John 1:17). He has the authority to give eternal life to as many as have asked Him.
*Prayer Points*
1.Give praises to God that you are a called saint of Christ and ask God for more knowledge and grace to grow in grace and Christlikeness🙏.
2.Ask God to put more love of the saints in your heart towards all true believers in all churches without discrimination🙏.
3.Ask God to give you more zeal for soulwinning and follow-up and to make use of all available channels to reach out to people 🙏.
4.Ask God for more grace and peace in the lives of all members of Light encounter tabernacle worldwide and deliver them totally from worldliness and carnality of all forms 🙏.
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Written by
Segun Ajayi