Grace at the Start: Remembering Who We Are in Christ 

1 Corinthians 1:1-9 

Starting something new always brings a mix of excitement and uncertainty. Whether it’s a new school year, a new job, or just a new challenge, one thing is constant: who we are in Christ doesn’t change. Paul begins 1 Corinthians by reminding believers of their identity, not based on their performance, abilities, or circumstances, but on God’s grace. 

This 5-day devotional is designed to help you reflect on Paul’s words in 1 Corinthians 1:1–9 and set your heart on what truly matters—who you are in Christ and what that means for your life. Each day is short, simple, and practical—just enough to get you thinking, praying, and preparing for our class discussion. 

So, grab your Bible, take a deep breath, and let’s dive in. God has something for you this week. 

Day 1: You’re Called by God 

Scripture: 

“Paul, called by the will of God to be an apostle of Christ Jesus, and our brother Sosthenes” (1 Corinthians 1:1, ESV). 

Think About It: 

Paul wasn’t a self-made man. He didn’t climb his way up the ranks to become an apostle. He wasn’t voted into the position or chosen because of his skills. God called him—end of story. 

And guess what? That calling isn’t just for apostles, preachers, or “super Christians.” It’s for you too. You are not an accident. You didn’t just show up in God’s story randomly. Before you were even born, He had a plan for your life. He called you to know Him, follow Him, and reflect Him in the world. 

But here’s the thing: sometimes we doubt that calling. We think, “I’m not good enough. I mess up too much. God can’t really use me.” If you’ve ever felt that way, remember this: God’s call is not based on your performance—it’s based on His grace. 

So today, stop wondering if you’re “qualified” and start trusting the One who called you in the first place. 

Pray It: 

Lord, thank You for calling me to be Yours. Help me trust Your plans for my life, even when I don’t understand them. Remind me that my identity is found in You, not in my abilities or mistakes. 

Do It: 

Take a moment today to think about one way God has guided your life—even if it was something small. Maybe it was a conversation, a moment where He helped you, or an opportunity you didn’t expect. Thank Him for it. 

Day 2: You Belong to God’s Family 

Scripture: 

“To the church of God that is in Corinth, to those sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints together with all those who in every place call upon the name of our Lord Jesus Christ” (1 Corinthians 1:2, ESV). 

Think About It: 

Being a Christian isn’t a solo act. You’re not meant to walk this journey alone. You are part of a family—a really big one. 

Paul reminds the Corinthians that they are called together with all believers everywhere. That means that whether you’re sitting in church, at school, or scrolling through social media, you’re connected to something bigger than yourself. 

But let’s be real: church family isn’t always easy. People can be difficult. Personalities clash. Friendships get messy. That’s why unity isn’t just automatic—it’s something we have to work at. 

The good news? God designed us to need each other. So instead of pulling away when relationships get hard, we’re called to lean in, forgive, encourage, and build each other up. 

Pray It: 

Father, thank You for making me part of Your family. Help me to love others in the church and work toward unity, even when it’s not easy. Give me patience, kindness, and the wisdom to build others up. 

Do It: 

Reach out to someone at church you don’t normally talk to. Maybe it’s a new student in class, someone sitting alone, or just a friend you haven’t connected with in a while. Ask how they’re doing and remind them they’re part of the family too. 

Day 3: God’s Grace is at Work in You 

Scripture: 

“I give thanks to my God always for you because of the grace of God that was given you in Christ Jesus” (1 Corinthians 1:4, ESV). 

Think About It: 

Paul started his letter by thanking God for the Corinthians. But if you know anything about this church, you know they weren’t exactly perfect. They argued. They were immature. They messed up—a lot. 

Yet Paul didn’t start by calling them out. He started by recognizing God’s grace in them. 

It’s easy to focus on what’s wrong—in yourself and in others. But God sees the bigger picture. He’s working in you even when you don’t feel it. His grace isn’t just a one-time thing from the past—it’s active, shaping you every day. 

Pray It: 

Lord, thank You for the grace You’ve poured into my life. Help me to see Your work in me and in others with fresh eyes. Teach me to be patient as I grow and to encourage others as they grow too. 

Do It: 

Write down one thing you’re thankful for about yourself and one thing you’re thankful for about someone else. It could be a character trait, a strength, or even just something God is growing in you. 

Day 4: Your Gifts Are for God’s Glory 

Scripture: 

“That in every way you were enriched in him in all speech and all knowledge—even as the testimony about Christ was confirmed among you” (1 Corinthians 1:5–6, ESV). 

Think About It: 

God has given you gifts. Yes, you! 

Maybe you’re great at teaching. Maybe you’re a good listener. Maybe you’re creative or athletic or have a heart for serving others. Whatever it is, those gifts weren’t meant to be wasted. 

When you use what God has given you, you point people to Jesus. 

The challenge? It’s easy to use our gifts for ourselves. We want attention, recognition, or success. But God gives us talents so that we can glorify Him and help others. 

Pray It: 

Father, thank You for the gifts You’ve given me. Show me how to use them to make a difference for You. Help me not to use them for selfish reasons but to bless others. 

Do It: 

Think of one way you can use your gifts this week—whether it’s helping someone, volunteering at church, or encouraging a friend—and then go do it. 

Day 5: God’s Got You Covered 

Scripture: 

“Who will sustain you to the end, guiltless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is faithful, by whom you were called into the fellowship of his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord” (1 Corinthians 1:8–9, ESV). 

Think About It: 

Life is unpredictable. Some days are great. Others? Not so much. 

But here’s the truth: God’s got you. He’s not just here for the easy moments. He sustains you through the struggles, the failures, and the doubts. He’s faithful—even when you’re not. So stop carrying everything on your own. Lean on Him. Trust His strength. 

Pray It: 

Lord, thank You for Your faithfulness. Help me to trust You more and to rest in Your promise to sustain me. 

Do It: 

Write down a few ways God has been faithful to you in the past. Let it remind you that He will be faithful in the future too. 

You’re Ready for Class! 

This week, you’ve had time to reflect on God’s grace, your place in His family, and how He equips you for the life He’s called you to live. Come to class ready to share what you’ve learned and how it’s challenged or encouraged you.