Why is it important to recognize the church as "saints" in Corinth? A Name Chosen by God “Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, and Timothy our brother, To the church of God in Corinth, together with all the saints throughout Achaia.” (2 Corinthians 1:1) • Paul does not invent the title; he relays God’s verdict. • “Saints” (Greek: hagioi) literally means “holy ones,” those set apart for God. • The label precedes any correction Paul will give; identity comes before instruction. What “Saints” Means • Set apart positionally—believers are transferred “from the domain of darkness into the kingdom of His beloved Son” (Colossians 1:13). • Cleansed by Christ’s blood—“you were washed…you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus” (1 Corinthians 6:11). • United to Christ—“in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near” (Ephesians 2:13). • Indwelt by the Spirit—“you are God’s temple and…the Spirit of God dwells in you” (1 Corinthians 3:16). Why Being Called Saints Matters 1. Reaffirms God’s Authority • What God calls true cannot be reduced by human opinion (Numbers 23:19). 2. Grounds Our Assurance • Holiness is a gift before it becomes a lifestyle (Ephesians 2:8-10). 3. Fuels Holy Living • Identity shapes conduct: “As He who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do” (1 Peter 1:15). 4. Promotes Unity • The same title embraces believers in Corinth and “all the saints throughout Achaia,” dissolving regional or cultural divides (Galatians 3:28). 5. Corrects Our Vision • Even a troubled church (1 Corinthians 3:1-3) is viewed through Christ’s righteousness, inviting patience and hope (Philippians 1:6). Living Out the Name • Pursue purity—“let us cleanse ourselves from everything that defiles” (2 Corinthians 7:1). • Practice love—“Carry one another’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ” (Galatians 6:2). • Guard doctrine—“contend earnestly for the faith once for all entrusted to the saints” (Jude 3). • Serve gladly—spiritual gifts are given “for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry” (Ephesians 4:12). • Endure suffering—“the prayers of the saints” rise like incense before God (Revelation 8:4); He notices every trial. Encouragement for Our Churches Today • God still addresses gatherings of imperfect believers as saints; His declaration overrides our deficiencies. • Seeing one another as saints fosters respect, accountability, and grace. • Every correction we give or receive must rest on this unshakable foundation: in Christ, we are already holy ones, called to live out what we truly are. |
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