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Starting a new series in First Corinthians, we're exploring what it truly means to be "spirit empowered" - one of our core values. The central question we must ask ourselves is: What does the Lord want to do in me, and what does the Lord want to do through me?

The Big Idea: You Must Accept What Christ Has Called You to Be

This isn't just about receiving God's grace - it's about understanding that grace comes with both gifts and expectations. We need to move beyond viewing our relationship with God as passive and recognize the active calling He has placed on our lives.

Does God's Grace Come with Expectations?

Many of us have been taught to think of grace as God's infinite patience with no strings attached. But Scripture reveals a different picture. Grace in the New Testament works more like the ancient benefactor-beneficiary relationship.

When wealthy benefactors in ancient times would fund public projects - roads, festivals, buildings - they weren't expecting repayment. But they did expect honor, recognition, and a relationship with those who benefited from their generosity.

Similarly, God's grace creates a relationship with expectations. As Paul writes in First Corinthians 1:2, we are "sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints." This calling comes at the moment we receive the gospel, not as something we earn later.

Grace Given Through Jesus Comes with God's Call

Paul emphasizes God's generosity throughout the opening of First Corinthians:

  • "Grace to you and peace from God our Father" (v. 3)
  • "The grace of God that was given you in Christ Jesus" (v. 4)
  • "In every way you were enriched in him" (v. 5)
  • "You are not lacking in any spiritual gift" (v. 7)

But notice how this generosity is connected to calling. Paul was "called by the will of God to be an apostle," and the Corinthians are "called to be saints."

What Does It Mean to Be Called as Saints?

Here's where we need to adjust our thinking. Saints aren't super-Christians who do amazing things beyond the average believer. Saints are simply average Christians who have received God's gift and accepted His call.

If you are a follower of Jesus, you're not waiting to be made holy - you are already sanctified in Him. You are a saint right now.

We Are Temple Workers Always On Duty

In the Old Testament, holiness was about special places (temples) and special people (priests) who could access those places through proper procedures. But Paul tells the Corinthians they are collectively sanctified as a group and individually called to be saints.

This means we don't take off our "priestly clothes" and go home to live normal lives. We are the holy space wherever we go. We carry this calling with us 24/7.

How Does This Work in Real Life?

Paul calls the church to "deep relational, never assumed, gifted, mission-oriented unity." This isn't just about getting along - it's about:

  • Relational unity: Building actual friendships, not just public statements
  • Never assumed: Unity requires constant work and attention
  • Gifted: Recognizing that I have what you need, you have what she needs, and we're interdependent on God's grace given to each of us
  • Mission-oriented: We're here this way for the world, not just to serve ourselves
Who Is Responsible for This Unity?

Everyone who has called on the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. Every single person who has received God's grace is responsible to work for the unity of the congregation and the broader church.

What Does Waiting for Christ's Return Look Like?

Paul describes our waiting as "gifted waiting" - not passive, hunkered-down survival, but active living with God's grace, power, love, and spiritual gifts. We wait while walking in fellowship with Jesus, becoming more like Him.

As Paul promises: "He will sustain you to the end, guiltless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ" (1 Corinthians 1:8). God's faithfulness ensures we won't limp across the finish line but will be found blameless at Christ's coming.

Life Application

This week, embrace your identity as a saint - not because you're perfect, but because you've been sanctified in Christ Jesus. Stop waiting to be made holy and start living out the holiness you already possess.

Consider how you can invest in relationships and ministries that reflect our values of authentic family, biblical practices, compassionate reach, and spirit empowerment. Remember, you are holy space wherever you go, carrying God's presence into your workplace, neighborhood, and relationships.

Ask yourself these questions:
  • Am I living like someone who has been called to be holy, or am I still waiting for that calling to come?
  • How can I contribute to the unity of my church family this week?
  • What would change in my daily life if I truly believed I am a saint, always on duty for God's kingdom?
  • Where is God calling me to take a new step in loving, serving, or living like Jesus?

The grace you've received isn't just for your benefit - it's meant to overflow through you to transform the world around you. Accept what Christ has called you to be, and live it out boldly.