We have been given the fullness of the deity in Christ Jesus, however until we have a realisation that this is the truth of the gospel we will never operate and walk as we have been called.
The apostle Paul understood this. Anyone who has read 1 Corinthians will be able to tell you that Paul spends a lot of the letter rebuking the church for various wrong mindsets and actions. Divisions have crept into the church, arguments are outbreaking, sexual immorality is springing up and people are turning to other idols.
However, what I love about this letter to the church in Corinth is how he greets the church themselves.
“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, both their Lord and ours…” - 1 Corinthians 2
Although these believers are dipping themselves into unrighteous things Paul still opens his letter by calling them the church of God and reminding them that they are sanctified in Christ Jesus. Paul is here deciding to focus on their position and not their condition. He understands that when these followers have the realisation of who they are in Christ their condition will change as an outcome.
Sometimes it’s as simple as the eyes of our hearts being flooded with light to change the state of our condition. Sharing in the book of Ephesians, Paul knew that if he revealed the churches position; that they are seated with Jesus Christ in heavenly places and that the same power that wrought Christ from the grave lives in them, their condition would change causing them to be more like the Father.
When identities are established, behaviours change. Whilst a lot of the time, when the behaviour remains the only focus, both remain the same.
