A Valid Church Checklist

We're starting the book of 1 Corinthians, which contains much that is beneficial to us as a church and especially as a youth group. The content of this letter is very much needed today. The entirety of Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work. Some doctrines are more urgent, and for us, it's 1 Corinthians.

Paul's first letter to the Corinthians can be summarized this way: Grow up spiritually, come together in a unified body, value each other, live under the authority of the Lord in the gospel, and stop the chaos in your congregation.

There were huge issues in the Corinthian church: disorder, lack of submission to the authority of Jesus Christ, and spiritual immaturity. Paul says, "Get it together with the gospel of Jesus Christ." He launches into harsh realities to correct these issues—issues that could arise in any church or youth group.

No position we reach as Christians exempts us from the problems of the first-century church. We struggle with the same doctrinal and sin issues. These truths are revelations we need.

Diversity and division are major themes in this epistle, and unity is essential to the gospel. Many issues boil down to rebellion against authority, but the governing principle Paul gives is the gospel of Jesus Christ. He purchased you, died for you, forgave your sins, and has every right to demand from you. Our response is not obligation but privilege—to serve the Lord who saved, rescued, and redeemed us.

Throughout 1 Corinthians, we see minor issues made major and major issues ignored. We can't focus on secondary things or avoid big issues because they're uncomfortable. Paul addresses big sins and divisions.

Before diving into issues, Paul gives a statement of thanksgiving and confirms the validity of the Corinthian church. You're a valid church—a gathering of saints, an authentic community—despite the sin issues. Small issues cause people to leave churches today, but Paul never tells them to abandon ship. Instead, he says, "You're a real church. I'm thankful for the gospel and grace among you, but you have big problems to address with the gospel."

The validity of a church is never confirmed by the absence of sins or problems. It's confirmed by the profession of faith of a community gathered to hear God's Word, committed to that faith, and dealing with issues by the gospel.

A Checklist for an Authentic Church

Paul gives a testimony about the church at Corinth: This is a valid church. Here are specific things present in a valid church—our checklist for an authentic gathering of Christians. If we're missing checkpoints, we must shore them up. Whatever is present, we can strengthen and grow in.

1. Authenticity by Identity

Paul, called by the will of God to be an apostle of Christ Jesus, and our brother Sosthenes, 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.

Paul checks authenticity by their identity. He writes not only to Corinth but to all who call upon the name of the Lord. This is the idea of sainthood: saints connected with other saints worldwide. Sainthood is not super-spiritual perfection or a treasury of merit. It's simple—those who call upon the name of the Lord Jesus Christ.

To call upon the name of the Lord means addressing Christ and requesting his salvific involvement, his benefit and blessing in your life. A mark of a saint is consistently, regularly requesting Jesus' involvement—no matter the circumstance.

It's not just acknowledging him as Savior but desiring his ongoing daily involvement, that special relational interaction. You call upon him to make you holy, to conform you to his image, to save you from sin, to rid you of corruption and misery, enabling you to enjoy God's goodness.

Calling upon his name is also a term of endearment—with reverence, affection, attraction, admiration, exaltation. Jesus means something extraordinary to you; he is the greatest person in your life.

Further, it's recognizing him as authority, sovereign Lord. He has every right to demand from you. You respect, esteem, value, treasure, cherish him, and bow the knee, saying, "Do with me as you will."

2. Authenticity by God's Involvement

I give thanks to my God always for you because of the grace of God that was given you in Christ Jesus.

Paul's gratitude is based on God's grace in their community—a community that recognizes its need for God's personal involvement. God has already been involved, gathering with his people through his Word.

Sometimes we get stagnant, not seeing awesome things. Testimonies remind us of God's past involvement, especially in salvation. His continued involvement is sure. Christ died for you and rules over you—these prove God's involvement.

Spiritual maturity isn't about spectacular displays but incorporating love, value, and unity—considering others more important. That's the mark of a mature youth group: where people genuinely love, care, and want to be together.

3. Authenticity by Installation in Christ

In every way you were enriched in him in all speech and all knowledge.

They are enriched—made rich, wealthy, valuable—in Christ, not materially but with fellowship with God, the most joyful life possible. This is demonstrated in speech and knowledge.

Don't let people doubt you're a Christian because of what you say or what you reveal you know. What we consistently talk about—even behind closed doors, on social media—reveals our knowledge of Christ.

We should demonstrate knowledge of deep truths: the gospel, Trinity, justification, dual nature of Christ, resurrection. Speak in ways that glorify him. The gospel simplified: Christ died for sinners, was buried, rose on the third day. That's big news we should know and share.

4. Authenticity by Christ's Influence

Even as the testimony about Christ was confirmed among you.

The testimony of Christ—his mission to bring glory to God through salvation—is confirmed among them, despite their sins. How consistent is Christ's influence in our lives? We confirm it not just by gathering but by individual lifestyles proving his reality.

Does your life make even an atheist question if God is real because it's so radically different? Does our congregation prove Christ's morality, his mission to seek and save the lost, creating devoted people with newness of life? Even in flawed Corinth, Christ's testimony was confirmed. It can be in ours.

5. Authenticity by God's Faithfulness

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.

Before harsh rebukes, Paul emphasizes God's faithfulness. Jesus sustains you to the end, guiltless. God called you into fellowship with his Son. Though rebuked, know God is faithful—he will correct the problems.

Closing Considerations

Valid churches aren't measured by lack of problems. Every church has issues. We're valid by the unchanging gospel. If leadership preaches a different gospel, leave and warn others.

Though Paul will be harsh, he's thankful for God's grace. No matter the problems, focus on the gospel's beauty uniting us.

There's always time to emphasize God's sovereignty in salvation: Jesus sustains us, presents us guiltless. God works in our lives to complete our salvation.