AVAAT
A VERSE AT A TIME
TOPIC: CHOSEN BY GOD
TEXT: 1 CORINTHIANS 1: 1-9
KEY VERSE: God is faithful. He is the one who has chosen you to share life with his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. 1 CORINTHIANS 1:9(ERV)
Understanding your identity and mission is crucial as it ignites the drive to excel in all your endeavours. Just as employers assign roles and responsibilities to their employees, this clarity aids in comprehending one’s new identity and the organization’s expectations. Similarly, God doesn’t expect us to choose our path; instead, he has a unique path assigned to each of us, which we must strive to conquer.
Therefore then, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses [who have borne testimony to the Truth], let us strip off and throw aside every encumbrance (unnecessary weight) and that sin which so readily (deftly and cleverly) clings to and entangles us, and let us run with patient endurance and steady and active persistence the appointed course of the race that is set before us, Hebrews 12:1(AMPC)
Every individual has a unique calling determined by God. The scriptures are filled with the stories of faith heroes; their journeys were diverse, but they all walked in faith. In this generation, God has chosen us for various acts of faith. Understanding how faith enables us to access the resources needed to function and excel in our unique calling is crucial.
Greetings from Paul. I was chosen to be an apostle of Christ Jesus. God chose me because that is what he wanted. Greetings also from Sosthenes, our brother in Christ. 1 Corinthians 1: 1(ERV)
We have been chosen first to be God’s holy people because of our faith in Jesus. It is a profound privilege to share in Jesus’ death and sacrifice, which gives us access to share his life. God treated us with undeserved grace by giving Christ Jesus to us, qualifying us to access the benefits of the Zoe life of God: life in the spirit.
God is faithful. He is the one who has chosen you to share life with his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. 1 Corinthians 1:9
When you share life with Jesus, you receive his strength, wisdom, and authority. This authority, available in his name, equips you to accomplish the tasks and roles assigned to you in life and ministry.
You did not choose me. I chose you and sent you out to produce fruit, the kind of fruit that will last. Then my Father will give you whatever you ask for in my name. John 15:26(CEV)
I am the vine, and you are the branches. If you stay joined to me, and I stay joined to you, then you will produce lots of fruit. But you cannot do anything without me. John 15:5(CEV)
God is faithful (reliable, trustworthy, and therefore ever true to His promise, and He can be depended on); by Him, you were called into companionship and participation with His Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. 1 Corinthians 1:9(AMPC)
God has chosen us to live with Jesus as our companion, going everywhere with him and making him part of all we do. We don’t need to fear an uncertain future or enemy threats, knowing we are not alone in the race.
God has a plan for this season of your life that requires the power that Jesus gives for you to succeed. Relying on our partnership with Jesus through prayer and obedience, we will accomplish much more than we can dream or ask for.
Now to Him Who, by (in consequence of) the [action of His] power that is at work within us, is able to [carry out His purpose and] do superabundantly, far over and above all that we [dare] ask or think [infinitely beyond our highest prayers, desires, thoughts, hopes, or dreams] Ephesians 3:20(AMPC)
Reflection Questions
1. How can you strengthen your relationship with Jesus and accomplish more?
2. Which Bible verse brings you hope for the future?
3. Does this message resonate with you?
4. How does it feel to be chosen?
Photo by Gift Habeshaw on Unsplash
It feels awesome to be chosen by my Lord! I bow in humble adoration of my Lord. In fact, I’m all teary as I type this, amazed by His love for me. I’m grateful that God made me a part of His family; it’s the greatest privilege for me, and my highest achievement.
Just yesterday, a Pakistani friend I led to Jesus last year, sent me a message that he’s reverted to Islam (since his family were all Muslims). 😥
It’s saddening BUT I can only trust that God is working out something for him. I marvelled at his ignorance of Jesus’ very words in John.
I’m grateful that Jesus helps me to shine His light in me, trusting that many will come to the saving knowledge of Christ Jesus as they relate with me on a daily basis. THIS, for me, is my sole purpose of living.
Thank you for what you do, Pastor Ada. God bless you and your team greatly. You are highly appreciated.
We don’t know the value of the salvation we have received , until we see how hard it is for others to find it.
Be encouraged to know that your testimony will continue to bring many to the Lord.
When I think of a branch separated from a tree, “without me, you can do nothing” is a big statement. No fruiting, no output of value, essentially no life.
The image is scary. But so many Christians are living without fruit, no value and spiritually lifeless!