The Promise of Christ to my soul
1 Corinthians 1:30 “But of Him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption:”
I believe the whole Bible was written to the people of God.
Not to the world who will not, and can not (except the Holy Spirit convicts and enlightens) understand it.
I also believe that the whole Bible speaks of Christ…..from “In the beginning, God”…..which was Christ speaking the world into being….
….to “Behold, I come quickly…”
As HIs people, we need to find the treasures of blessing and correction,….and grow thereby.
In 1 Corinthians, Paul has just been talking to these proud Christians (proud of their gifts, although they had cliches and arguments)….
….and spoke of their calling from the world to Christ and HIs Will.
Paul puts into perspective the reality of all of us…..no matter education, personality, place, or ability…..we are really:
1 Corinthians 1:26-28 “For ye see your calling, brethren, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called:
But God hat chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty;
And base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen, yea, and things which are not, to bring to nought things that are:”
Ouch! This a list of people we do not want to be like, in this world…..
….but that is just it…
……we are not to be part of the world’s judgement any more…..we are to see as God sees.
We are to see ourselves as God sees us…..unable to understand, or lead, or do rightly…..without Him and HIs grace.
1 Corinthians 1:29 “That no flesh should glory in HIs presence.”
(That is not just in heaven…..but now, when we come before His throne of grace to pray for ourselves or others.)
This is to see ourselves as we are…..to get honest with God….not just about “them”….or about the situation….but about how we are….and think…..
……then,….the Lord gives us this promise:
1 Corinthians 1:30 “But of Him are ye in Christ Jesus,…”
Here is the beginning of all blessings and help…..to be “in Christ Jesus”….born again by the Spirit of God.
1 Corinthians 1:30 “….Who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption:”
Wisdom (how much we need this!): Wisdom is personal knowledge of God in ever expanding ways.
James 3:13, 17 “Who is a wise man and endued with knowledge among you?…..
But that wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be untreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy.”
The Wisdom from Christ, never puts down anyone…as though it is superior…..
…….but raises others up with…..”The Lord showed me this, I hope it helps you too.”
It brings peace…..not strife.
Righteousness: Christ applies and imputes His Righteousness to us…..and then we are to be righteous…..to work those obediences and good works that He has for us…..working out what He has worked within
Philippians 2:12-13 “Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.
For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of His good pleasure.”
This is righteousness.
Sanctification: this is to be set aside to God for sacred use….in our personal, everyday lives.
It is to become holy, or complete….to fulfill the will of God in attitude, action, word, and thought….
……..and it is only done by yielding to and obeying the Holy Spirit within.
Hebrews 12:14 “Follow peace with all men,, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord:”
(Notice, we can not be holy….or set aside to God, without the right attitude toward our fellow man…..to follow after the peaceful attitude that seeks the good of all men.
This is not pacifying…..but seeking their peace with God, and being at peace with them….allowing no anger, resentment, or bitterness to linger or stay, concerning them.)
Christ Jesus has this for us.
Redemption: we would think this should have been first,….but….
…..this redemption is…….to be claimed and brought to your original purpose, in the Will of God.
Christ has redeemed us……are we fulfilling in our lives that redemption?
Are we living as we should….having and proclaiming liberty to the captives of the devil and this world?
Have we known the claim of Christ Jesus on our lives…..not just at some altar…..but everyday?
This is Redemption……
…and again Christ Jesus has it for us.
The Promise of Christ Jesus to my soul is wisdom, righteousness, sanctification, and redemption…..in my life!
…my life! Think of it.
Christ Jesus knew our sin and selfishness…..yet saved us by His sacrifice.
Christ Jesus knew our pride and strife…..yet gives us all we need in HIs life.
Will we have this promise? Will we yield to the Holy Spirit within….and get the life of Christ….within us….today?
Preaching, Teaching, and Notes 