We like to think that we are in control. We like to think we have all of the answers. We like to think that it’s all about us...what we know, what we think, what we want, when we want it, how we want it, etc. But, God’s Word says that our righteousness has “ NOTHING” to do with us. We can’t earn it and we can’t perform in our own human effort to attain it or keep it. No, it’s not about us! But, the pivotal moment in a believers life is when they realize it’s all about Jesus.
How should that impact your life?
You realize that to serve Him, you must be taught of and by Him. You have to get in His Word and let Him speak to the depths of your heart. He will enrich you.
“that in every way you were enriched in him in all speech and all knowledge—”
1 Corinthians 1:5
You have to realize that you can not save yourself but the salvation of Jesus pays it all. As He said on the cross...” It is finished.” He equips us. He sustains us.
“so that you are not lacking in any gift, as you wait for the revealing of our Lord Jesus Christ, who will sustain you to the end, guiltless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ.”
1 Corinthians 1:7-8
You have to trust God. Others may break their promises, let you down, fail you, etc. This life, this world, and the circumstances around you are not under your control, but you can put your confidence in the One who is faithful and in control.
“God is faithful, by whom you were called into the fellowship of his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.” 1 Corinthians 1:9
You can honor God by being unified with your brothers and sisters in Christ. There should always be common ground that we can agree on and unite on.....that would be Jesus! Jesus being the only way to the Father.
“I appeal to you, brothers, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be united in the same mind and the same judgment.”
1 Corinthians 1:10
You must place your identity as God’s child on the work of the cross. Others may think they can earn their way to right standing with God, but His Word is clear that only Christ crucified for you would ever make you worthy to stand before Him.
“For the word of the cross is folly to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.”
1 Corinthians 1:18
You can be transformed into a useful, glorifying masterpiece by the God of the universe. No single stroke of color stands alone but rather beautifully blends in to a bigger picture of His making. You are personally made by Him and known by Him. He has a unique purpose and calling for your life. The key is to humble yourself and let Him do all of the work of transformation as only He can.
“For consider your calling, brothers: not many of you were wise according to worldly standards, not many were powerful, not many were of noble birth. But God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise; God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong; God chose what is low and despised in the world, even things that are not, to bring to nothing things that are, so that no human being might boast in the presence of God.”
1 Corinthians 1:26-29
You can adorn yourself with the garments of His righteousness. Put aside your desire for self recognition or importance. Focus on being used by God. Others should see Christ in your life and His love should shine in all that you do.
“And because of him you are in Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God, righteousness and sanctification and redemption, so that, as it is written, "Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord."”
1 Corinthians 1:30-31