JULY 1 THOUGHTS

 

 

2 To the church of God in Corinth, to those sanctified in Christ Jesus and called to be his holy people, together with all those everywhere who call on the name of our Lord Jesus Christ—their Lord and ours:

 

     Paul then identifies who he is writing too.  He calls them the church of God.  They are God’s people and God’s church.  They have been sanctified, set apart for holy purpose.  They are pilgrims passing through not settlers.  The world is not their home.  He tells them that are set apart to be holy people.  They have a divine purpose and mission.  They are to do the will of their Father.  They are not just residents of Corinth but citizens of heaven. 

     Paul then reminds them that they are not just the church in Corinth but that they belong to a larger family found through the then known world.  They have called on the name of the Lord Jesus Christ.  Paul uses this phrase, “The Lord Jesus Christ,” to show Christ’s deity, authority, power, and dominion.  This also identifies His Messiahship and divinity.  Jesus Christ is more than just a man he is God in human form.  Paul lastly reminds his readers that Jesus Christ is their Lord and ours.  He is on equal footing with his readers.  Jesus Christ is Lord of all.