What is the meaning of 1 Corinthians 1:4?

I always thank my God

• Paul begins with a posture of gratitude, modeling what 1 Thessalonians 5:18 commands: “give thanks in every circumstance.”

• The possessive “my God” reveals a personal, covenant relationship (Psalm 18:2). This God is not distant; He is intimately involved with His people.

• Thanksgiving rises naturally when we recall that “every good and perfect gift is from above” (James 1:17).

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for you

• Paul’s thanks is directed to God but prompted by the believers themselves, echoing Philippians 1:3: “I thank my God every time I remember you.”

• Even imperfect Christians like the Corinthians are causes for gratitude because they are God’s workmanship (Ephesians 2:10).

• 2 Thessalonians 1:3 shows the same pattern—Paul thanks God as faith and love grow in His people. Their existence and progress prove God’s faithfulness.

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because of the grace

• Grace (charis) is unearned favor; it undergirds all spiritual life (Ephesians 2:8-9).

• Titus 2:11 reminds us that “the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all men.” Paul’s thanksgiving is rooted in this redemptive gift.

• Grace is not merely pardon but empowering presence (2 Corinthians 12:9: “My grace is sufficient for you”).

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He has given

• God is the active Giver; salvation is initiated and completed by Him (John 3:16; Romans 8:32).

• The perfect-tense idea highlights a completed act with ongoing results—believers stand permanently in grace (Romans 5:2).

• James 1:17 again underscores that every spiritual blessing proceeds from the Father of lights.

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you in Christ Jesus

• All blessings come “in Christ,” our new sphere of life (2 Corinthians 5:17).

• Union with Christ secures every spiritual benefit: election, redemption, inheritance (Ephesians 1:3-7).

• Romans 8:1 affirms, “There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus,” displaying the security attached to this union.

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summary

Paul’s single sentence overflows with gratitude because God’s grace has permanently altered the Corinthians’ standing “in Christ Jesus.” The apostle’s example urges us to thank our personal, giving God for fellow believers, confident that His grace continues to work powerfully in them and in us.