August 8, 2004

CONFIRMED & CALLED TO FELLOWSHIP

1 Corinthians 1:1-14

   "The Lord Jesus Christ...shall confirm you...to the end...by Whom you were called into the fellowship of His Son" (1Cor. 1:8-9). Fellowship is not just to make us feel warm and fuzzy. It means we share things with Christ and with one another. Just as Paul was a " called...apostle of Jesus Christ," believers are equally" called saints" and "called into fellowship," a privilege extending to "all that in every place call upon the name of Jesus Christ our Lord" (1:1-2).

   Our fellowship is with "all...in every place" and also with "our Lord Jesus Christ." The Corinthians were "...enriched by Him, in all utterance, and in all knowledge; even as the testimony of Christ was confirmed in you: so that ye come behind in no gift; waiting for the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ: Who will confirm you blameless..."

   The confirmations of both Paul and the saints at Corinth were accomplished by "signs and wonders." Of himself, he wrote, "Truly the signs of an apostle were wrought among you in all patience, in signs, and wonders, and mighty deeds" (2 Cor. 12:12). The Corinthians were "enriched by Him, in all utterance, and in all knowledge." Their enrichment was so complete that they "came behind (i.e. they did not lack) any manifestation of spiritual empowerments by God!

   Jews require signs (1 Cor. 1:22) and the Lord gave signs. He said "Go and show John [the Baptist] the things which ye do hear and see, The blind receive their sight, the lame walk and the lepers are cleansed..." (Mt. 11:4-5). After healing a man He said, "the...works that I do, bear witness of Me..." (Jn. 5:36). Peter's testified that Christ was, "a Man approved of God among you by miracles and wonders and signs which God did by Him" (Acts 2:22). Thus God's manifestation of signs began with the Lord and was extended to the twelve, to Paul, and even to saints at Corinth for a ministry to Israel !

   Even this enrichment and confirmation did not prevent their misuse and abuse of these "spiritual manifestations." Their carnality was such that some wonder why God would enrich them in this way. But God chose to use the humble things, which were little esteemed by the world, in order to show His own wisdom, power and grace!

Ivan L. Burgener