“I always thank my God for you because of his grace given you in Christ Jesus. For in him you have been enriched in every way–with all kinds of speech and with all knowledge.” 1 Corinthians 1:4-5
Paul starts out this letter with thanksgiving to God for the grace given to the believers in Corinth. He points out that in Christ Jesus they have been enriched in every way with speech and knowledge. He is excited for the people.
Grace is often seen as unmerited favor. Salvation alone is only by God’s grace. No one deserves it and no one can earn it. This alone should be enough to make every believer shout for joy. Yet, God does not leave a believer with just salvation. He gives much more.
The two things that Paul points out is with the speech and knowledge. Speech is very important to communicate with other people. You have to know how to use the language correctly to clearly communicate the gospel message.
Think about how a 3-year-old child who is just learning to talk describes things. Often it takes a good imagination to understand what that child is saying. His speech is not developed enough to be able to clearly communicate.
Most adults believe they can communicate clearly. And to a point this is true. God, however, fills a person with His Holy Spirit and increases that ability to communicate even more.
In the same way every adult has some knowledge. With God’s Holy Spirit in a person that knowledge increases infinitely more. God can give knowledge that without Him it would be impossible to know. This can also help in communicating the gospel message more clearly to others. It will give the message that a person may need to hear at that point and time.
God did not have to give you any of this speech or knowledge. He has chosen to do so by His love and grace. You did not earn that right to have that knowledge.
Give thanks today for the speech and knowledge God has blessed you with and use it to build His kingdom. Others may have more or less, but you have what God has given you. You have absolutely what you need to do what God wants you to do for today.
I pray today that you will know the grace God has blessed you with; that you will know the speech and knowledge God has given you; that you will be led by His Holy Spirit to reach the lost; that you will tell everyone you meet about Jesus; and that you will thank God for His grace He has given you.
Hi Tom! This is very true. For years I worried about how to express my faith and it wasn’t until I realized the Spirit is in control once we accept Jesus as our savior. It is not our human “wisdom” but our wisdom through the Holy Spirit which speaks through us. What a blessing! My skewed thoughts become His clay for the Glory of His Kingdom- I am so very humbled by this realization and grace.
Thank you. I think everyone goes through this at least some or more in their life. I know I have.