Defending the Call

We have passed the halfway mark in 1 Corinthians, and Paul has been answering some very challenging questions from the believers in Corinth. The answers Paul has given have now caused some push-back from some of the Corinthian Christians concerning Paul's authority and their perception that he was taking away some of their freedoms. As Paul defends his calling, we see a truth that is present throughout the entire Bible and used mightily throughout history.

"From the moment of salvation," writes Henry T. Blackaby in his book Called and Accountable, "there comes over the new believer a deep sense of being on mission with the Lord in their world."

Paul's calling was a personal, face-to-face conversation with Jesus, and Paul willingly gave up his personal rights to win people to Christ. We all are called to walk worthy of the calling, with all humility, gentleness, and patience, accepting one another in love, diligently keeping the unity of the Spirit with the peace that binds us (Ephesians 4). — Pastor Don