1 Corinthians 1:1-9 Called to be Saints
Years ago, I watched a movie that beautifully encapsulated a universal theme: the anxiety and challenge of starting over in a new place, especially as a teenager. This coming-of-age story featured a teenage girl who had to move to a new town because of her parent’s job. As summer ended and the new school year began, she was filled with dread about fitting in at her new high school. The fear of rejection and the desire for acceptance are emotions we can all relate to, regardless of age.
Whether it’s starting a new job or moving to a new city, the need to belong and fit in is deeply ingrained in us. We don’t want to be the odd one out. I experienced this acutely during a trip to Africa. When my group left me alone in a bustling market, I felt completely out of place and uncomfortable. This feeling of wanting to belong is a powerful force.
The Apostle Paul understood this human tendency when he wrote to the church in Corinth. He urged them to be set apart, to live as saints in a world full of temptations and pressures to conform. In his letter, he writes:
“To the church of God that is in Corinth, to those sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints together with all those who in every place call upon the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, both their Lord and ours.” (1 Corinthians 1:2)
Paul uses three terms—church of God, sanctified, and saints—that all point to the same truth: believers are called to be holy and set apart. This calling means living distinctly different from the world around us.
The Challenge of Being Set Apart
Corinth was a prosperous city, much like modern America. It was a melting pot of cultures, philosophies, and religions. The city was known for its wealth, education, and sexual immorality. To call someone a “Corinthian” was a serious insult, implying they were deeply immoral. This was the environment in which the Corinthian church was trying to live out their faith.
Paul addresses the church not as the “Church of Corinth” but as the “Church of God.” This distinction emphasizes that their identity is rooted in belonging to God, not their location. In the same way, our identity as believers is not tied to our physical location but to our relationship with God.
Resources for Living a Holy Life
Paul knew that living a holy life in a sinful world is challenging, if not impossible, by human effort alone. He reassures the Corinthians that they have been given resources to live out their calling:
- The Grace of God: Paul thanks God for the grace given to the Corinthians in Christ Jesus. This grace is not based on their perfect obedience or accomplishments but on God’s unmerited favor. Despite their flaws and failures, they are still God’s church because of His grace.
- Gifts in Christ: The Corinthians are enriched in every way, in all speech and knowledge, and are not lacking in any spiritual gift. These gifts are a testament to their faith in Christ and are meant to be used to build up the church. Every believer has a spiritual gift, and the church is enriched when everyone uses their gifts.
- Strength in Christ: Paul assures them that Christ will sustain them to the end, keeping them guiltless until His return. This sustaining power is not based on their strength but on Christ’s finished work on the cross. In Christ, they have the power to live set apart.
Positional, Progressive, and Eternal Sanctification
Paul’s message to the Corinthians also touches on three aspects of sanctification:
- Positional Sanctification: The moment a person places their faith in Christ, they are immediately and permanently set apart for God. They stand guiltless before God because of Christ’s righteousness.
- Progressive Sanctification: This is the ongoing process where believers grow in holiness as they walk with Christ daily. It’s a journey of becoming more like Christ, empowered by the Holy Spirit, and it involves continual transformation and renewal.
- Eternal Sanctification: This is the final stage of sanctification that believers will experience when Christ returns. At this time, they will be made perfect, free from sin, and fully reflecting the glory of God.
Embracing Our Call to Holiness
Being called to be saints means living a life that is set apart for God. It means being different, not for the sake of difference, but because we belong to God. This calling challenges us to reject conformity to the world and to embrace our identity in Christ. It means living in a way that reflects God’s holiness and love.
As we navigate our daily lives, whether in school, work, or our communities, we must remember that our ultimate allegiance is to God. Our identity is not in fitting in but in standing out as God’s people. This doesn’t mean isolating ourselves but rather being salt and light in the world, influencing others through our distinct way of living.
Practical Steps to Live as Saints
- Stay Rooted in Scripture: Regularly reading and meditating on God’s Word helps us understand His will and equips us to live according to His standards.
- Pray Continually: Prayer keeps us connected to God, providing the strength and guidance we need to navigate life’s challenges.
- Fellowship with Believers: Surrounding ourselves with a community of believers encourages us and holds us accountable in our walk with Christ.
- Use Your Gifts: Discover and use the spiritual gifts God has given you to serve others and build up the church.
- Seek Holiness: Be intentional about making choices that honor God and reflect His holiness. This might mean saying no to certain activities or relationships that lead you away from God.
Conclusion
Being called to be saints is a high calling, but it is one that we are equipped to fulfill through God’s grace and the resources He provides. We are not alone in this journey. Together, as the church, we can support and encourage each other to live set apart, shining as lights in a dark world. Let’s embrace our identity in Christ and live out our calling with boldness and joy.