In view of your participation in the gospel from the first day until now. Philippians 1:5
To the saints who are at Ephesus and who are faithful in Christ Jesus. Ephesians 1:1
Since we heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and the love which you have for all the saints; Colossians 1:4
4 I thank my God always concerning you for the grace of God which was given you in Christ Jesus, 5 that in everything you were enriched in Him, in all speech and all knowledge, 6 even as the testimony concerning Christ was confirmed in you, 7 so that you are not lacking in any gift, awaiting eagerly the revelation of our Lord Jesus Christ, 8 who will also confirm you to the end, blameless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is faithful, through whom you were called into fellowship with His Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. 1 Corinthians 1:4-9
In the openings to Paul’s letters to the churches, you get a glimpse of what they were known for. The church at Philippi was known for its sacrificial giving through which they participated exponentially in spreading and supporting the gospel. (Phillipians 4:15-16) The Ephesians were known for their faithfulness, and the Colossians their faith and love. The Corinthians are lauded for something that was given to them, the grace of God, exhibited in their giftedness and their calling into fellowship with God’s son.
The Bible in the context of the return of Christ says, “to whom much is given, much is expected. ”From everyone who has been given much, much will be required; and to whom they entrusted much, of him they will ask all the more. Luke 12:48
Thus, in this vein, as we read on, the Corinthians did not appear to be firing on all cylinders, or better there was gunk in the engine. For a time, we had what was when new a premier luxury car. It still looked luxurious, was even gold in color, but its engine was flawed. A check engine light was always on. A few “check engine lights” were blinking in the Corinthian church that Paul wanted to address in order to return that gifted church to its full potential.
Practically, we all could check our sensors to see where we are misfiring.
Now I exhort you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you all agree and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be made complete in the same mind and in the same judgment. 1 Corinthians 1:10
The first order of business was to address divisions (schismata in the Greek, from which we get “schisms”) in the church. Apparently there were various camps in that body unsuitable for brethren called by the name of the Lord. Disagreements unresolved. As a result, where they should have been humming down the road, they were sputtering.
Individually, we can’t be complete in Christ if our lives are out of sync with the word of God. As a favorite professor used to say, “It’s just that simple.” It’s about time we address that annoying blinking light on the dash instead of taping over it.
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