1 Corinthians 16 - Structure and Notes

1. How has the author organized this passage? Please a) show the structure in sections with verse references and b) explain what strategies you used to see this structure. c) What is the emphasis revealed by the structure?

Verses 1-4: Store Something aside on the first day of the week as in his means.

Verses 5-9: Paul is going to travel through Macedonia if God wills. However, it seems as if God wants him to stay.

Verses 10-12: Comfort Timothy as he arrives. Paul wishes Apollos would have joined him.

Verse 13-14: This seems like the main point as he closes out the letter. Be watchful, don’t stray from God’s word, be brave, be strong in the Lord. Most importantly, everything you do, do it in love.

Verse 15-19: Be kind and welcoming to the household of Stephanas as they were one of the first Christians in Archaia. They also seemed to refresh Paul’s spirit as the Church of Corinth was struggling.

Verses 19-21: Farewell and greetings: Let all love the Lord and one another.

2. How does the context inform the meaning of this passage? Please consider: a) the literary context (passages before and after the passage), b) the historical context (circumstances of the author’s audience), c) the cultural context (details relevant to life as it was lived in this place at this time), and d) the biblical context (citations/allusions or historical connections to other books that the author is making). Please list only those that are relevant to the meaning of the passage.

Literary Context: This is the conclusion of the letter and follows the theology of the importance of Jesus Christ being a man who has been raised from the dead. Otherwise our Faith is in vain. He gives them hope, and now has practical matters for them.

Historical Context: The Church of Corinth is wealthy and gifted. They are going to now set aside what they have by their means. This was to unify the church. Romans 15:25-27.

Cultural Context: Stephanas must have held great social influence because whne they were converted, great change surround them. Timothy must have been one who feared often.

Biblical Context: Joshua 1:9 is similar to what Paul says in verse 13-14. Collection was a way of the rich helping the poor. Same way with communion.

3. What is the main point the author is arguing to his audience (in one short sentence)?

The church is called to live out the gospel together — in love, unity, and mutual support.

4. How does this passage connect to the gospel of Jesus Christ? What part of the gospel is in view?

The gospel creates a people who live in Christlike love, united in purpose, generous in spirit, and steadfast in faith — not just as individuals, but as a community formed by Jesus.

5. What is the main point you will argue to your audience (in one short sentence)?

It is one thing to know the Scriptures and understand theology; it is another to let that knowledge transform us and be lived out in love.

Support for this:

Unity through generosity – Paul calls the church to join in the collection for the saints (vv. 1–4), showing how theology (God’s concern for His people) leads to action (sacrificial giving).

Submission to God’s will – Paul models dependence on God even when facing opposition or when others' decisions differ from his own (vv. 8, 12).

Support and peace among believers – Paul urges the Corinthians to welcome and support Timothy (vv. 10–11), showing that love includes hospitality and care.

Spiritual alertness – Believers must stay watchful and courageous, ready for spiritual opposition (v. 13).

Christlike love – Everything must be done in love (v. 14), and not loving the Lord leads to judgment (v. 22).

Gospel unity – Paul ends by highlighting the mutual love and partnership among churches and believers (vv. 15–24, Ephesians 4).

6. What applications will you make? Consider both Christians and non-Christians.

For Christians:

Pursuing unity in the church: Honor and support other believers, like the household of Stephanas (vv. 15–18). Work together in humility and mutual love, knowing the church is one body in Christ.

Expecting spiritual warfare and standing firm: Be alert and courageous (v. 13). Don’t be surprised by opposition or spiritual struggle. Stand strong in your faith and don’t give in to discouragement or division.

Submitting to the Lord’s will in every season: Like Paul, be flexible and faithful—whether staying, going, waiting, or acting—trusting that God’s will is better than your plans (vv. 7–9, 12).

For Non-Christians:

See the love of Christ displayed in His people: The love, unity, and faithfulness seen in the church is a reflection of Jesus’ love for you. This passage shows that faith isn’t just belief—it’s a transformed life rooted in God’s love (vv. 14, 22).

Consider the seriousness of knowing and loving Jesus: Paul warns that those who do not love the Lord are separated from Him (v. 22). The gospel invites you to receive His love and be made new through faith in Him.

7. What is your sermon title and your preaching outline?

Sermon Title: The Church’s Call to Gospel Love and Actions

Outline

Intro: A 30,000 Feet View of 1 Corinthians - Ben Rector Song - Reflection of some major themes and rebukes. - Context of 1 Corinthians Literary, Historical, and Cultural, Bibilcal

The Call to Unity through Generosity (Verses 1-4)

The Call to Submit to God’s Work and Workers (Verses 5-12)

The Call to Stand in Truth and Love (Verses 13-14)

The Call to Faithful, Loving Fellowship (15-24)

The Call to Live in Love (Verses 1-24)

Conclusion: A 30,000 Feet View of Your Life - This letter is written to believers. We know Paul is writing to Christians. Of course, immature ones who need a lot of help and we are no different, much of this letter is a sobering reminder of how sin operates and at the very least, where it can and often leads to.

- However, for the non-believer, this is a sobering reminder to look at the big picture and ask yourself, where does this life lead to? Death. Where will you go?

Pastor Paul Notes

Verse 3 - Collection for the saints would happen on the first day of every week. This seems to imply they did gather on the first day of the week. Sabbath is still on the 7th day, Saturday. Jesus fulfilled the Sabbath. We can do this every day.

Verse 4 - Prosper - God wants you to give based upon your means. This does not always mean money. Give with your life.

Verse 8 - He is writing this letter in Ephesus. God has opened a door and there are many enemies here. Many of these people need Jesus. Trouble is part of the calling. Run contrary to the world.

Verse 10 - Maybe Timothy was a bit of a worrier

Verse 12 - Apollos was supposed to join Timothy but he was not willing.

Verse 13 - Expect is similar to be watchful. Ephesians 6:10. Be strong in the Lord.

Verse 14 - A whole chapter on this in 1 Corinthians 13!

Verses 15-18 - Seems as they were more of a comfort to Paul than the Church of COrinthi themselves. “Made up for your absence”