Since it is the Thanksgiving season, we should mention that thankfulness is a key component to the worship and service of God. This key also opens the door to a joyful, gracious unity among the worshippers and servants of God (Psalm 100; Colossians 3:12-17).

Our Scripture reading (I Corinthians 1:1-24) gives us priorities for staying between ditches, while on our Spiritual journey. This week we will concentrate on what is between the ditches. Next week we will look at the ditches.

A word on Biblical and Church history: If you look carefully at what is happening today, you will have plenty of examples of what has previously happened already. Worldly thinking, fleshly behavior patterns and doctrines of demons basically haven’t changed (Ecclesiastes 1:9-10). That’s why the Bible remains relevant all these millennia. Thank God for the Corinthian church and all their problems! From them we can learn about ourselves and this generation.

In I Corinthians 1:10 we are instructed to “...Speak the same thing...”; to “...Be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment (understanding).” It is vain to expect complete uniformity among all Christians, but we must ever strive towards real unity. That means that we will continue to search the Scriptures and our hearts to establish the true values and the mission for which we are put on this earth. With love, patience and humility we should build each other up in the faith, remembering to keep the important things always our priority (Ephesians 4:1-6, 11-15). With false teaching and counterfeit Christians abounding in the world, this is not easy (I John 2:13-29; 4:1 – 5:5).

Let’s now focus on three things that will keep us between ditches.

The Grace of God – I Corinthians 1:4 – The grace of God is given by Jesus Christ. See I Corinthians 1:1-9. Grace is the work of God in us; the gift of God to us. Notice, “I thank my God...” (vs. 4) and “God is faithful...” (vs. 9). He sanctifies us; calls us; gives us grace and peace; enriches us; confirms us. See Romans 5:1-2; 6:17; Philippians 1:6; I Thessalonians 5:23-24; II Timothy 1:9; Hebrews 13:9.

The Power of God – I Corinthians 1:18 – The power of God is manifested through the preaching of the cross of Jesus Christ. Many busy themselves seeking other manifestations of power, but the power of God to change people is the one we must keep as our priority. See I Corinthians 1:23-24; 2:1-5; 15:1-8; Romans 1:14-16; II Timothy 2:8-10, 24-26.

The Wisdom of God – I Corinthians 1:23-24 – The wisdom of God is gained through a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. His person and His ministry are our greatest treasure. See I Corinthians 1:19-24, 29-31; 2:9-16; Romans 8:28-39; 11:33 – 12:2; 16:25-27; Colossians 2:1-10.