There is an amazing word of hope for unsaveable sinners!
The reality of their saving faith is not in question. It is an established fact. “To those sanctified in Christ Jesus…”
But the delayed maturing? That,
too, is an established fact. With
a loving but firm and direct letter, Paul sends correction their way. He reminds them of the secret to their
inevitable growing up. “God is
faithful, by whom you were called into the fellowship of His Son, Jesus Christ
our Lord.” 1 Cor 1:9
He reminds them of three glorious truths:
1. It
is thru the scandalous grace of the Cross that God does what no other power can
do…He saves certified sinners!
1:17-18, 23-24, 30-31
2. Spiritually
blind eyes are able to see with eternity’s clarity when the Cross of Christ is
embraced. 2:7-8, 12-13, 16
3. We
are, both individually and corporately, a work of transforming grace…in
process! 3:1, 7, 11, 14-16, 22-23
But then the paternal heart of their founding pastor is laid
out on the page. As he moves to
addressing specific questions of living the Cross-centered life in a sin
saturated community, Paul assures them that the firmness about to be revealed
comes to them for their good from the very heart of one who truly loves them
and is committed to them.
PATERNAL PASSION:
·
“I do not write these things to make you
ashamed, but to admonish you as beloved children” 4:14
PATERNAL POSTURE:
·
“I became your father in Christ Jesus
through the gospel” 4:14
PATERNAL PATTERN:
·
“I urge you, then, be imitators of me” 4:16
PATERNAL PURPOSE:
·
“For the kingdom of God does not consist in talk
but in power” 4:20
Let them, therefore:
REFLECT DEEPLY
upon such saving grace
REJOICE GREATLY,
for the penalty and the shame of sin has been removed
REACH OUT
COURAGEOUSLY. There is great
news for every unsaveable sinner!
Press on, Church!
Pastor Tom
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