Being Set Apart From This World - 1 Corinthians 1:1-9

Sometimes, it is difficult to be different. God calls us as Christians to not be a part of this world and indulge in fleshly desires. We live in a fallen world and are to be an example of Christ to those around us. We are to live above reproach and not cause others to stumble. God calls us to love one another and live unified as brothers and sisters in Christ. 

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1 Corinthians 1:1-9
¹ Paul, called by the will of God to be an apostle of Christ Jesus, and our brother Sosthenes,
² To the church of God that is in Corinth, to those sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints together with all those who in every place call upon the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, both their Lord and ours:
³ Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
⁴ I give thanks to my God always for you because of the grace of God that was given you in Christ Jesus, ⁵ that in every way you were enriched in him in all speech and all knowledge— ⁶ even as the testimony about Christ was confirmed among you— ⁷ so that you are not lacking in any gift, as you wait for the revealing of our Lord Jesus Christ, ⁸ who will sustain you to the end, guiltless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. ⁹ God is faithful, by whom you were called into the fellowship of his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.
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Paul writes a letter to the church, or the assembly of Christians, of Corinth because there is division and a need to address the division and immorality within the church. Corinth was a wealthy city of commerce, but it was plagued with fleshly influence and desires. They were known for their partying attitude, but Paul opens his letter in his typical fashion of positively addressing the recipients. Despite knowing what is happening in the church, he is positive and encouraging. He reminds them that they are sanctified and set apart in Christ and called saints because of this. We are not to be living and a way that is identical to this world, but we are to be set apart for the purpose of Christ. Before getting into the issues at hand, Paul wants the readers to be reminded why we are here in Christ. We also are called saints in Jesus Christ, despite being sinners and imperfect.

God enriched us, and it is our duty to seek the full understanding of Him and use His words to flow through us. God provides us with individual gifts meant for His purpose and for advancing the kingdom of God. Paul is thankful for the work that God has done within the Corinthians, despite being divisive sinners. He understands that we are all sinners and don’t deserve the grace of God, but God willingly pours out His love and grace to all. Therefore, God can save and use anyone, even the outcasts and the worst of sinners. Paul knows that the testimony of Christ was confirmed in them, and he also understands the conflict between the church and the wicked influence of the city. Paul understands that the Corinthians are blessed with great oratory skills, and he points out that they are blessed with gifts from God. But it is God who will sustain us until the end and not our own doing. 

Therefore, we are to be reminded that God has given all of us gifts, but we are to use them for the glory of the Lord. We live in a wicked world today, but we must be careful not to let the world influence us and our hearts. God calls us to be set apart from the world and abide in Christ our Lord. Ultimately, we are to present ourselves as blameless, but this only occurs if we die to ourselves every day and submit faithfully to Christ. It is in Christ alone that we are saved from our sins.