1 Corinthians 1 (Lydia)

Yay, I've been wanting to study Corinthians for awhile... off to a late start, but here's what got my attention:

1:7-9 - "Therefore you do not lack any spiritual gift as you eagerly wait for our Lord Jesus Christ to be revealed. He will also keep you firm to the end...God is faithful, who has called you into fellowship with his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord."

I often think upon reading this, "what does Paul mean that we don't lack any spiritual gift?", because, I admit, feeling lacking is one of my bigger weaknesses (it doesn't mesh with grace). I'm reminded of God's sovereignty, that His timing in giving spiritual gifts is very intentional...and that He's given us enough to see Him, wherever we are in our walk with Him. It's not a kingdom of haves and have-nots. In fact, the focus of that statement is off - who cares about having or not having when we know that He's with us? God has faith in us... He sets out our limits on purpose, so that we'll rely on Him. The hardest part is just to trust...that God is who he says he is.

And again, I'm reminded that Jesus chose us. He knows what He's doing, and determined not to let us wander.

"Jews demand signs and Greeks look for wisdom, but we preach Christ crucified: a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles, but to those whom God has called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God."

Paul repeats how God is sovereign - salvation doesn't occur because of witnessing a miracle, it comes from God working inside people and from Him drawing people to Him. We underestimate the power of the cross and resurrection... sorry, I'm rushed at the moment, but will post more later.