And Finally…

Here we are - we have reached the end of Paul’s first letter to the church at Corinth.

Paul has addressed many topics - unity in the church, sexual immorality, lawsuits among believers, questions about marriage, celibacy, freedom in Christ, Christian conduct, Spiritual gifts and their use to edify the body of Christ, the Lord’s supper and the reality and promise of the resurrection.

Today we conclude with Paul’s final words to the church…

1 Corinthians 16:1–24 CSB

1 Now about the collection for the saints: Do the same as I instructed the Galatian churches. 2 On the first day of the week, each of you is to set something aside and save in keeping with how he is prospering, so that no collections will need to be made when I come. 3 When I arrive, I will send with letters those you recommend to carry your gift to Jerusalem. 4 If it is suitable for me to go as well, they will travel with me. 5 I will come to you after I pass through Macedonia—for I will be traveling through Macedonia—6 and perhaps I will remain with you or even spend the winter, so that you may send me on my way wherever I go. 7 I don’t want to see you now just in passing, since I hope to spend some time with you, if the Lord allows. 8 But I will stay in Ephesus until Pentecost, 9 because a wide door for effective ministry has opened for me—yet many oppose me. 10 If Timothy comes, see that he has nothing to fear while with you, because he is doing the Lord’s work, just as I am. 11 So let no one look down on him. Send him on his way in peace so that he can come to me, because I am expecting him with the brothers. 12 Now about our brother Apollos: I strongly urged him to come to you with the brothers, but he was not at all willing to come now. However, he will come when he has an opportunity. 13 Be alert, stand firm in the faith, be courageous, be strong. 14 Do everything in love. 15 Brothers and sisters, you know the household of Stephanas: They are the firstfruits of Achaia and have devoted themselves to serving the saints. I urge you 16 also to submit to such people, and to everyone who works and labors with them. 17 I am delighted to have Stephanas, Fortunatus, and Achaicus present, because these men have made up for your absence. 18 For they have refreshed my spirit and yours. Therefore recognize such people. 19 The churches of Asia send you greetings. Aquila and Priscilla send you greetings warmly in the Lord, along with the church that meets in their home. 20 All the brothers and sisters send you greetings. Greet one another with a holy kiss. 21 This greeting is in my own hand—Paul. 22 If anyone does not love the Lord, a curse be on him. Our Lord, come! 23 The grace of the Lord Jesus be with you. 24 My love be with all of you in Christ Jesus.

Set aside your gift for the ministry.

The early church would collect and send a gift or a collection to the church in Jerusalem.

We do not have a central “head” church but the principle is the same.

On the first day of the week or the first day after the Sabbath an offering is to be set aside.

Today there are 2 thoughts on giving - one is that we are to tithe, a tithe is to be 10% of your first fruits, this means 10% from your gross pay before Uncle Sam take his chunk and before you pay any bills, give 10% of it to God. The second part of this would be times offering or giving above the tithe.

The second thought is that the tithe is Old Testament and that God is more concerned with the attitude and willingness of the giver.

Here is what I know - there is no evidence of Jesus resending the tithe only that He said that the giver should do so willingly and out of joy and gratitude for all that He has done for us.

It is also vital for us to give for the ministry of the church - as much as we would like to not have to deal with money it is the way of the world.

Look for the open ministry opportunity.

Paul said he had an open door for ministry.

God opens doors of opportunity for us to minister to others right where we are.

We need to keep our eyes open for those opportunities.

Be prepared, there will be opposition.

There will be opposition to ministry.

Most will come from the world but some opposition will come from fellow believers.

Stand firm in the faith guarding against false teaching.

It will be difficult at times but we must stand firm to what we believe.

You need to know the truth so you can distinguish the false from the truth.

Be bold in your faith but temper it with love.

We should never hesitate to speak our faith.

Truth will not be easy to hear but it goes down better when covered in love.

Prayerfully anticipate the return of the Lord.

Come Lord Jesus, come!!