1 Corinthians 1:1-9 - Partnership with the Son of God

We need better leadership.  It’s easy to say that, but what do we do about it.  Let’s use godly principles.  Let’s follow the biblical example of servant leadership.  Let’s ask God to show us how to lead and serve.  Let's truly be in partnership with Jesus Christ as God invites us to be.

        Be confident in God (Psalm 108:1).  Be genuinely concerned about understanding, be ready and eager to learn, and always listen to the whole story - getting the full picture - before taking action (Pr. 18).

A new book.  Let’s start.

We see at the outset the early church example of working well together.  Tertius wrote out Romans for Paul and Sosthenes helped Paul with this letter.  When was the last time we shared our work and acknowledged our teammates?  That’s the Christian way!  God expects us to work well together.

People and organizations will disappoint us, but God is faithful to do what He says.  God invites.  He does not force, nor does He say you are the boss, the master of your own destiny.  To stick with Paul’s business language, let’s consider how we define partnership.  What does it really mean for us to be in partnership with God?  We are invited into a partnership with Jesus Christ.  It has to be more than words and slogans.  We gotta step up.  Time is short.  

        These definitions might fit.  A business in common with a view to producing a harvest of good deeds and godly results.  A life of adventure with Jesus Christ.  We don’t deserve to have our name on that firm.  And it's not that kind of partnership, so we won't - there is no name equal to that of King Jesus.  But I accept God’s offer of partnership with His Son while understanding that I am merely his servant and He my stronghold.

Let us be mindful of God’s invitation and how we’ve responded.  Have you accepted the offer?  Like Paul, we each have a unique purpose, unique God-given character, talents, and spiritual gifts.  God chooses us to be His instruments of mercy to this fallen world.  Lord God help us to honor You properly, to fear You.  You are our foundation, our only hope.

The Bible tells us to ask God for wisdom.  Let us do so without divided loyalty.  We need the Holy Spirit's guidance to know our purpose and to live it out.  Let’s ask for that now.

God upholds His end of the partnership.  He is reliable, trustworthy, honest, consistent, good, and strong.

God’s promise is certain.  He says that if we call on the name of Jesus Christ as our God that we are then called God’s own holy people (1:2).  He makes us holy because we believe in Jesus.  It is not because of our performance, ability, or goodness.  It’s only because we repent of our sins and accept his offer of forgiveness.  May God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ give us grace and peace (1:3).  That means more and more as I get older.

Now we belong to Christ Jesus.  Now we are called his holy people.  God enriches his holy people, His Church, in every way.  With words and knowledge and gifts and abilities and opportunities for growth and goodness and life abundant.  He really does.

We have spiritual gifts from God.  That means we have everything we need to live well as we wait for God’s return - and judgment.

God will do His part.  He will keep us strong to the end.  We must be free from blame when he returns.  We must finish well.  We must live well as Christians.  And we will, with the help of our faithful Saviour.  

Lord Jesus, please have my body and mind today so that I am in service to you.  Only in partnership with you do I find my purpose and freedom.  Amen.

With my Dad and my brother James.