June 7, 2015
Evening Service

We come to the end of Paul’s first letter to the church at Corinth.  He has addressed many issues that needed to be set straight.  In chapter 14:37, he said this:

1Co 14:37 If anyone thinks to be a prophet, or a spiritual one, let him recognize the things I write to you, that they are a commandment of the Lord.

·         As Paul wrote, under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, it is as if God Himself were speaking to the church (us).

·         I doubt Paul had any idea that the letters he was writing would later become the major part of the New Testament portion of our Bible.  That is a lesson for us as well.  A willing heart and God is all it takes for great things to happen.

 

Throughout the letter, as Paul dealt with a variety of problems and the solutions to them, the undertone of it all was that “love never fails.”  Chapter 13 is known as the “Love” chapter of the Bible.  After explaining all the spiritual gifts and their use for the church he turned to the key of their success which is using them in love.  Without love our faith and works are worthless.    Proverbs 10:12 says “Love covers all sins.”

 

As we finished chapter 15 this morning, it is obvious why some feel this is one of the greatest chapters in our Bible.  First it spells out plain and simple the gospel message and it finishes powerfully with the fact that “We win!”  The victory is ours “through our Lord Jesus Christ.”  With that thought of certain victory on our mind, he closed the chapter with a powerful challenge for each of us has to take personally.

 

1Co 15:58  So that, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not without fruit in the Lord.

·         Don’t stop, quit or even slow down!  Stay busy in the work you are doing for the Lord, knowing that what you do is never in vain!  It takes strong encouragement like that from time to time to keep us going!

 

Paul begins the final chapter with another principle for the weekly church service as we talked about in chapter 14 as he wrote; “Let all things be done decently and in order.”  (14:26)

 

1Co 16:1-4 And concerning the collection for the saints, as I charged the churches of Galatia, so also you do.  (2)  On the first of the week let each of you lay something aside, storing up whatever he is prospered, so that there may be no collections when I come.  (3)  And when I come, whomever you shall approve by your letters, I will send them to bring your gift to Jerusalem.  (4)  And if it is suitable for me to go also, they shall go with me.

·         Here he explains some principles for giving.  First it is to be a weekly giving on the first day of the week. 

·         Second it is for everyone to do as he addresses it “Each one.”

·         Thirdly it is to be predetermined amounts given from the amount you have been prospered.  No hard rule, just follow your heart.

·         Finally, he wanted this special collection to be done before he arrived so it would not become a spectacle, but “decently and in order.”

o    I believe our decision not to pass the plate in front of all who enter our fellowship follows that principle.  That is one of those details that is not spelled out for us, but allows us to use our own judgement and trust the Holy Spirit to guide us correctly.

·         He now explains his future plans.

 

1Co 16:5-9  But I will come to you when I pass through Macedonia; for I am going through Macedonia.  (6)  And it may be that I will stay with you, and even spend the winter with you, so that you may send me on my journey wherever I go.  (7)  For I do not desire to see you now in passage, but I am hoping to stay some time with you, if the Lord permits.  (8)  But I will stay in Ephesus until Pentecost.  (9)  For a great and effective door has opened to me, and there are many adversaries.

·         Paul hopes spend the winter at Corinth, but is now in Ephesus working on an opportunity for ministry that has some opposition. Notice his attitude in this; “I will stay in Ephesus.”  He seems to take the adversity as a challenge to be overcome (hurdle) rather than a roadblock that stops him.

·         How do we handle opposition?  Do we just quit and give up or do we cry and whine at how hard we have it?  We need to just take it in stride and expect to be opposed as we work for the Lord.  He will provide what we need to succeed.

·         Paul now exhorts the way for his fellow ministers to be treated with the honor they deserve.

 

 1Co 16:10-12  But if Timothy comes, see that he is with you without fear, for he works the work of the Lord, even as I do.  (11)  Therefore let not any despise him, but set him forward in peace, so that he may come to me; for I am waiting for him with the brothers.  (12)  As regards our brother Apollos, I greatly desired him to come to you with the brethren, but he was quite unwilling to come at this time; however, he will come when he has a convenient time.

·         Notice the slight disagreement between Paul and Apollos, yet they worked through it.  They are all working for the same cause, the kingdom of God.

·         Paul now challenges us all with powerful charge.  I have this posted at work and it is the theme for our men’s group meetings.

 

1Co 16:13-14 Watch! Stand fast in the faith! Be men! Be strong!  (14)  Let all that you do be done in love.

 

NLT: Be on guard.  Stand true to what you believe.  Be courageous.  Be strong.  And everything you do must be done in love.

 

 

 

·         We are being told to not let our guard down and relax.  We must know what we believe and be courageous enough to make choices in accordance with that.  It takes a large amount of bravery and courage to be a true follower of Jesus.  C.S. Lewis says “it is a call to come and die.”  It is like he is speaking to us as Christian soldiers encouraging us to stand and fight, yet what is the first rule of engagement?  Verse 14 summarizes this whole letter; “everything you do must be done in love.”

·         There is no place for judgment or hatred in our walk with the Lord; it is love that is to be our guide.  Remember without love, we are nothing and all we do without love will come to nothing.

·         Paul now closes his letter with acknowledging some of those who helped him along the way.

 

1Co 16:15-18  But I exhort you, brothers. You know the house of Stephanas, that it is the first fruit of Achaia, and they appointed themselves to ministry to the saints.  (16)  See that you also submit to such ones, and to everyone working and laboring with me.  (17)  I am glad at the coming of Stephanas and Fortunatus and Achaicus; for these supplied your lack.  (18)  For they have refreshed my spirit and yours; then acknowledge such ones.

·         Isn’t that a great compliment to pay to someone?  You have refreshed my spirit.  Who has refreshed yours?  Let them know it works both ways.

·         Whose have you refreshed?  Always keep your eyes open for those who are in need of a kind word or deed done in love.  It can be as invigorating as a cold glass of water on a hot day.

 

1Co 16:19-23  The churches of Asia greet you. Aquila and Priscilla greet you heartily in the Lord, with the church that is in their house.  (20)  All the brothers greet you. Greet one another with a holy kiss.  (21)  The salutation of Paul with my own hand.  (22)  If anyone does not love the Lord Jesus Christ, let him be accursed. O Lord come!  (23)  May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with you.

 

Paul, throughout the letter, encourages the church to do all things in love.  As we have journeyed, through this study together it is very evident that Paul loves the people of Corinth a great deal.  Love never fails!

 

Lord, may we always be on guard, standing faithful in what we believe, courageous, brave, strong and full of love.