1 Corinthians 1:4-9 - Homiletics

Exemplary gratitude and precious confidence.

"I thank my God always on your behalf," etc. Here we have two blessed states of mind—

I. EXEMPLARY GRATITUDE . "I thank my God always on your behalf." The gratitude here was:

1. Unselfish. "On your behalf." It is right and well to praise God for what he has done for us, but it is a higher and nobler thing to praise him for what he has done for others. No man rightly appreciates a blessing who does not desire others to participate in it. The sublimity of a landscape is more than doubly enjoyed when one or more stand by your side to share your admiration.

2. For spiritual good. "For the grace of God."

3. An habitual state of mind. "I thank my God always." It was not an occasional sentiment; it was a settled attitude of heart.

II. PRECIOUS CONFIDENCE . The apostle seems to have had confidence in three things in relation to Christ.

1. In his perfecting character. "Who shall also confirm you unto the end." So perfecting it that it shall be "blameless." All moral imperfections removed.

2. In his appearing again. "In the day of our Lord Jesus Christ." The day—when he will appear. This day is the day of days for humanity.

3. In his granting them companionship. "Unto the fellowship of his Son Jesus Christ our Lord." "Where I am there ye shall be also." Unshaken confidence in these things, how precious!