Rob's Expository Sermon Preparation | 1 Corinthians 16

Introduction:

· Why did this church take 5 strangers in, and allow us to sleep in their home?

· The answer to that question is found in this text: 3 mini-sermons: What is the common thread?

HERE’S THE FIRST MINI-SERMON:

I) The Christian Church Practices Generosity (vv. 1-4)

A. A Pressing Need for Generosity

i. Historical Context: A famine that threatened the church

1. Agabus predicts a severe famine (Acts 11:27-28)

Acts 11:27–28 ESV

Now in these days prophets came down from Jerusalem to Antioch. And one of them named Agabus stood up and foretold by the Spirit that there would be a great famine over all the world (this took place in the days of Claudius).

2. This famine took place while Claudius was emperor, scattering believers

ii. A counter-cultural response:

1. The world: “Be tight with your money, and free with your sexuality…”

2. Atheism [I.e. the Christian faith!] has been specially advanced through the loving service rendered to strangers, and through their care for the burial of the dead. It is a scandal that there is not a single Jew who is a beggar, and that the godless Galileans care not only for their own poor but for ours as well; while those who belong to us look in vain for the help that we should render them.”

3. Why? Christians identified themselves with the poor, just as Jesus did!

B. Practical Principles for Generosity

i. Wisdom defines our Giving

1. Giving was to be disciplined: Before Paul comes, on the first day (vs. 2)

2. Giving was to be Intentional: Not leftovers but first-fruits (vs. 2)

3. Giving was to be transparent: People who were trusted…(vv. 3-4)

ii. The gospel motivates our Giving

1. BUT: How much? Tithe? Gross/net? Include retirement?

2. The NT principle of giving: cheerful generosity in response to Christ

THAT’S MINI-SERMON NUMBER ONE. HERE’S THE SECOND THING PAUL IS DOING – HE’S MAKING TRAVEL ARRANGMENTS.

II) The Christian Chruch Shares a Common Mission

A. The Mission Sets the Agenda

i. Competing Priorities: (vv. 5-9)

1. Paul’s desire to visit is trumped by an opportunity for ministry

2. The First converts devoted themselves to the work of the Lord (vs. 15)

ii. It’s the Mission, Stupid!:

1. The greatest priority for Paul (ministry) & lay people: the mission of Jesus

2. Which “kingdom” is your life about? (Sports? Money? Etc.)

3. How do you mange time? Spend money? Set priorities?

B. The Church Partners In That Mission

i. The Church Community: Timothy, Apollos Stephanas, Fortanuts, Achaicus…

1. Each of these people are sent (or not!)

2. Paul relies on them as much as they rely on Paul (vs. 6)

i. The Church is not an Island but a Network

1. Why are we a part of a denomination? Why do we build a relationship with Pastor Gerson, in Bolivia? Send 5 people to spend Spring break?

2. NOT to do, accomplish…BUT, to encourage, partner in ministry

SO: SERMON #1: THE CHURCH EXCELS AT GENEROSITY; SERMON #2: THE CHURCH IS DEFINED BY MISSION. HERE COMES SERMON #3.

III) The Christian Church Loves Like Family (vv. 19-24)

A. So Long, Farewell: Greetings among Family

i. Paul closes with “greetings” for brothers (and sisters)

1. Households are named, brothers and sisters --

2. There is an affection, a new relationship among believers

ii. Paul urges “holy kisses” (VS. 20)

1. Kissing was a sign of unity among people, particularly a divided church!

2. Why do we “greet one another” with handshakes? Because we don’t kiss!

B. The Gospel of Grace Creates A New Family

i. The world is rootless, lonely, longing for belonging

1. EXAMPLE: Walking and seeing people who don’t make eye contact

2. See beneath the surface of our tumultuous, angry, world!

ii. The Church creates new belonging!

1. In Jesus, we are a new community, a new family!

THREE MINI SERMONS: THE CHURCH EXCELS IN GENEROSITY; THE CHURCH IS SHAPED BY MISSION; THE CHURCH IS A NEW COMMUNITY.

Conclusion

The common thread?