Clerical World 1 Corinthians 1:4-13 I thank my God always on your behalf, for the grace of God which is given you by Jesus Christ;… I. THE CHANNEL OF DIVINE GRACE. If we are "called to be saints," "partakers of the heavenly calling," it is all in and through "the grace given by Jesus Christ" (ver. 4). II. THE SOURCE OF ALL SPIRITUAL GIFTS. "Enriched by Him in all utterance and in all knowledge" (ver. 5); "So that ye come behind in no gift" (ver. 7); "Who shall also confirm you unto the end" (ver. 8); "That ye be unreprovable" (R. V.).Thus: Gifts of — 1. Preaching. 2. Hearing. 3. Miracles (1 Corinthians 12:4). 4. Per. severance. 5. Holiness — Are all traced to Him as the Author. III. THE SUBJECT OF APOSTOLIC PREACHING. "The testimony of Christ" means the witness given concerning Christ. Christ is the Alpha and Omega of all true preaching. Christ in all His work and offices, especially "Christ as crucified." IV. THE OBJECT OF CHRISTIAN EXPECTATION (vers. 7, 8). We look for Him in faith, and hope, and love. His coming will be a revealing of His glory, and of our judgment. May we be "unreprovable" in His sight. (Clerical World.) Parallel Verses KJV: I thank my God always on your behalf, for the grace of God which is given you by Jesus Christ;WEB: I always thank my God concerning you, for the grace of God which was given you in Christ Jesus; |
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