Grace Comes With Expectations

1st Corinthians

April 12, 2026

Summary

John Mark begins a new series in First Corinthians, challenging the congregation to understand grace not as unconditional tolerance, but as God's gift that comes with expectations and a calling. He explains that when we receive God's grace through the gospel, we are immediately sanctified and called to be saints - not extraordinary people, but ordinary Christians who accept both God's gifts and His call to holiness. The church is described as a collection of saints who are always 'on duty,' living as holy people in ordinary life. Paul's letter to the Corinthians demonstrates that grace creates a relationship with God that includes expectations for unity, mission, and living out our holy calling together as the body of Christ.

JMT emphasizes that being sanctified is not something we wait for, but something we already are in Christ. As saints, we are called to deep relational unity that is never assumed, gifted (where we serve one another with our spiritual gifts), and mission-oriented (focused on reaching the world). This challenges the common understanding of grace as having 'no strings attached' and instead presents it as a gift that transforms us to live like Jesus in the world.

Intro Prayer

Heavenly Father, we come before You with grateful hearts, thankful for Your grace and the calling You have placed upon our lives. As we gather together to study Your Word, we ask that You would open our hearts and minds to receive what You want to teach us today. Help us to set aside our preconceived notions and be willing to see Your truth with fresh eyes. Lord, we pray that You would speak to each person here according to their need, and that we would be receptive to the work You want to do in us and through us. Guide our discussion and help us to encourage one another as we grow in understanding of what it means to be Your saints. In Jesus' name we pray, Amen.

Ice Breaker

What is one gift you received that came with instructions or expectations for how to use it properly?

Key Verses

  1. 1 Corinthians 1:2 King James Version (KJV)
  2. 1 Corinthians 1:7-8 King James Version (KJV)
  3. 1 Corinthians 1:9 King James Version (KJV)
  4. 1 Corinthians 1:10 King James Version (KJV)
  5. Joel 2:32 King James Version (KJV)
  6. Romans 10:13 King James Version (KJV)

Questions

  1. How does understanding grace as 'God gives and God expects' change your perspective on your relationship with Him?
  2. What does it mean to you personally that you are already sanctified and called to be a saint, rather than waiting to become holy?
  3. What are some practical ways our church can pursue the 'deep relational, never assumed, gifted, mission-oriented unity' that Paul calls for?
  4. How does knowing that we are the 'holy space' wherever we go impact how you interact with others throughout the week?
  5. What spiritual gifts has God given you that He expects you to use for the benefit of others in the church?
  6. How can we better embrace our church's values of authentic family, biblical practices, compassionate reach, and spirit empowerment in our daily lives?

Life Application

This week, identify one specific way you can live out your calling as a saint in your ordinary daily life. Whether it's in your workplace, neighborhood, or family relationships, choose one area where you will intentionally represent Christ's holiness and love. Additionally, reach out to someone in your church family to build a deeper relationship, recognizing that unity requires intentional effort and cannot be assumed.


Key Takeaways

  1. Grace is not unconditional tolerance but God's gift that comes with expectations and a calling to holiness
  2. We are already sanctified in Christ and called to be saints - ordinary Christians who accept both God's gifts and His call
  3. As believers, we are 'always on duty' as holy people, carrying God's presence wherever we go
  4. The church is called to deep relational unity that is gifted, mission-oriented, and never assumed
  5. God's faithfulness empowers us to live blamelessly until Christ's return through fellowship with Jesus

Ending Prayer

Lord Jesus, thank You for the grace You have given us and for calling us to be Your saints. Help us to embrace both the gifts and the expectations that come with following You. Transform our understanding of what it means to live as holy people in this world. Give us the courage to step into the calling You have placed on our lives, and help us to pursue unity with our brothers and sisters in Christ. May we never be content to live on empty, but always seek to be filled with Your Spirit so that we can overflow with Your love to others. Empower us to be the church You have called us to be, both individually and collectively. In Your precious name we pray, Amen.