Today we begin a six-month series from 1 Corinthians on the above theme. Take a moment to read 1:1-17 and consider how each verse or paragraph strengthens us to stay faithful to Christ in a world that despises Him. How do we live cross-culturally?
First, we recognize the authority in Paul. He is an apostle of Jesus Christ which is according to the will of God (1:1). So much for those who want us to focus only on what Jesus said and relegate the apostles’ doctrine to second-place. Christ’s doctrine was to put the apostles’ teaching on par with His own.
Second, it is in Christ Jesus that we have been sanctified, set apart from the world. We live differently; we must live differently. We are “saints by calling” (NASV; 1:2). Speaking of calling, just as surely as Paul was called to be an apostle, we have been called to be separate from the world, to be saints. Christ calls us to live cross-culturally.
Third, “grace” and “peace” come from God and the Lord (vs 3). In fact, grace is given in Christ Jesus (vs 4). If we want to live in grace, we must live in Christ. If we are in Christ, then we are the recipients of the rich grace of God the Father. That should encourage us to stay faithful to Christ.
Fourth, there are Christians who are praying for us (vs 4). I hope you pray for other Christians. Divide up your church directory and pray for certain ones each day. You can pray for your own congregation in a few days. After doing this for nearly six years at Swartz Creek, I’ve got the church directory practically memorized! If I wake up early in the morning, I can pray for every member of the congregation before I get out of bed.
Fifth, we are enriched in Christ in everything, particularly in speech and knowledge (vs 5). It is important for us to remember where our riches originate. True riches are not measured in terms defined by our culture. True riches are found in Jesus Christ.
Sixth, the testimony concerning Christ is confirmed in Christians as they (we) accept, believe, and follow Jesus Christ (vs 6). We establish (“confirm”) Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John and their testimony of Christ when we accept their message, believe it, and obey Christ’s teachings. This behavior, of course, is what separates us from the world.
Seventh, since we are enriched in Christ, we are not lacking in any gift (vs 7). We are not poor; we are not lacking in anything important. Keep that in mind while you “await eagerly” the revelation of Jesus Christ.
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Eighth, Jesus will establish us, confirm us blameless, all the way until the end, until the second coming (vs 8). Do you want to be blameless, beyond reproach, holy in the eyes of God? Jesus can keep you in that saved state.
Ninth, God is faithful. He’ll stay with us and work through us and walk with us if we give our hearts to Him and follow Him, in fellowship with Him through His Son (vs 9). Do you want fellowship with God? It is only available through Jesus Christ.
Tenth, denominationalism is sinful (vs 10). Division is sinful. The New Testament could not be any clearer. It is wrong to teach something differently than what Jesus taught, by anyone, anywhere, at any time. Here, Paul says we need to “agree,” the text is clear, using the word “same” three times in one verse.
Eleventh, it is also sinful to quarrel (vs 11). Teach the truth and leave it at that. If people want to argue, let them argue with the text.
Twelfth, since Christ is not divided, neither should be His followers (vs 12). We should follow only the One who was crucified for us. We should follow the One into Whom we have been baptized. The unity of believers is imperative for us to live cross-culturally. We need the strength that the church provides.
Thirteenth, our faith, conviction, and confidence should be in the Gospel of Christ, the wisdom of God, not in the wisdom (“cleverness,” NASV) of men (vs 17). That illustrates how closely we should walk in the Gospel and how important it is to share the Gospel. It is the wisdom of God.
Next week: “How to Live Cross-Culturally” from 1 Corinthians 1:18-31.
Paul Holland
