While I’m “on break” from leading a Bible study this summer, I’ve set a goal to study 1 and 2 Corinthians on my own. I can’t seem to get past the first chapter.

This letter from Paul is a response to a report he received about the church, the local body of believers in the city of Corinth. It’s a rebuke, a letter of correction over some things that were going on among those who professed saving faith in Jesus. Paul was concerned for the spiritual welfare of the believers, as well as for the testimony of Christ that was being marred by their behavior. It is the rebuke of a loving parent.

I’ve read ahead to the end of this letter. Paul will address some serious issues without compromise and his words will cut deeply against the sin in the church. Knowing what’s coming makes his greeting in chapter one even more meaningful. He begins with such words of encouragement and hope, a blessing of peace and grace, and a wonderful description of what we possess as true followers of Christ, even when we have gone astray.

If we truly belong to Christ, who we are in Him doesn’t change, even when we walk in disobedience. We are born into the kingdom and adopted as God’s children because of Christ’s work and obedience, not ours. Just as you can’t deny your own child that came from your body as belonging to you, God will not deny His own. He will, however, discipline us as a loving Father. If there is no discipline, no conviction, then you may not be His child (Hebrews 12:5-8).

Here is how Paul describes the believers in 1:1-9.

• The church of God
• Those who have been sanctified in Christ
• Saints by calling
• Recipients of God’s grace in Christ
• Enriched in everything, in all speech and knowledge in Christ
• Confirmation of the testimony concerning Christ
• Not lacking in anything
• Eagerly awaiting the revelation (return) of Jesus
• To be confirmed blameless in the day of Christ
• Called into fellowship with Christ

If you read these nine verses, you will notice Paul refers to Christ ten times. All that we are is because we are in Christ. Just a few short verses later, Paul says it clearly: But by His doing you are in Christ (2:30).

Are you struggling with sin? Are you having trouble living up to who you know you are because of Christ, and feeling like you’ll never measure up to God’s expectations?

Welcome to the life of sanctification of the believer – a process of an inward reality working its way outward in our practical, daily life. For the sake of Jesus, yes, stop the sin. He has conquered its power in your life, and He calls us to live holy lives that reflect the glory of God. We are commanded to put sin away. But realize this, dear child of God, you are in Christ, and those who come to Christ He will in no wise cast out (John 6:37).