1 Corinthians 16 - The Church’s Call to Gospel Love and Action

Happy Father’s Day!

Thank you Rcco. Yes, as he mentioned he will be working on staff as our social media manager and helping out with our graphics and basically just doing whatever I need him to. It’s in the fine print. Jesse is 20 years old and he is actively apart of our college group which meets at 6:30pm on Friday nights.

I have loved seeing the college group grow and thrive in the summer which makes sense because we have a lot of those who are visiting for the break or at an internship over at the lab. I love college group and although I’m no longer apart of it, being apart of the college group was such an important moment in my life.

It was the first time where I had to truly start pastoring those around me. I didn’t call it then, was just caring for them and encouraging them with scripture. but i remember our family pastor at the time when I was telling him about a conversation i had with someone and I was telling him what they shared and my response and I remember him asking, Have you ever thought about being a pastor? And at the time since I was only 21 years old, I said It’s fun to look back and reflect.

I remember this one retreat in particular though that was a huge moment in something that many of us confessed our sins to one another and it was the epitome of what you call a mountain top experience. We were in the mountains, we were all crying and hugging and worshipping, it was a beautiful moment. It was memorable and I know God used that for good.

But when I got back from that retreat, after a while, I kind of just went back to the status quo. The sin I confessed I went back to and the mountain top experience faded. We had so many good theological talks, worshipful moments in music, messages about God’s word, and at that moment it felt like nothing could stop us.

But here’s the thing about those mountaintop moments—they’re not meant to be the end of the story. They’re meaningful, yes. God uses them, absolutely. But the real test of faith is how we live when we come down from the mountain.

Harry preached last week on one of the most passionate chapters in all of 1 Corinthians 15. Where aul passionately defends the resurrection of Jesus and explains its centrality to the Christian faith—without it, our faith is in vain. He explains the nature of the resurrection body and how Christ's resurrection guarantees our own future resurrection. The chapter ends with a victorious declaration that death has been defeated, urging believers to stand firm and give themselves fully to God’s work. their labor is not in vain

And After all of that the theology, correction, and encouragement Paul gives in this letter—after talking about spiritual gifts, love, the resurrection—he ends with very practical instructions.

Because the gospel isn’t just for those mountain top experiences or great Sunday sermons, it’s about worshiping God daily in obedience through the valleys, mundane, the waiting, and everything in between.

Today Trinity Church we come to 1 Corinthians 16 where we will close out our series on 1 Corinthians. Let’s pray.

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

1 Corinthians 16:1–4 ESV

1 Now concerning the collection for the saints: as I directed the churches of Galatia, so you also are to do. 2 On the first day of every week, each of you is to put something aside and store it up, as he may prosper, so that there will be no collecting when I come. 3 And when I arrive, I will send those whom you accredit by letter to carry your gift to Jerusalem. 4 If it seems advisable that I should go also, they will accompany me.

We learn a lot from these four verses about the early church.

1. They gather on the first day of the week.

Paul’s instruction in 1 Corinthians 16:1–2 is more than a suggestion for private saving at home. He is writing to the church as a gathered body, and the phrase “on the first day of every week” indicates a corporate, recurring practice. The first day of the week is Sunday, the day Christ rose from the dead (Luke 24:1), which the early church came to call “the Lord’s Day” (Revelation 1:10). This passage implies that the Corinthians regularly gathered as a church on Sundays, and that this financial offering was part of their shared worship and fellowship.

2. Give as God Has Prospered You

When we ask for tithes and offerings, we often mention what the word “tithe” means: a tenth of your income. There’s been debate about whether tithing applies today in the New Testament context, or if it’s about profit or total income. For more on this, our Chair Elder, Rocco Musumeche, has a detailed video on our Church YouTube page. While there are valid discussions about the specifics of tithing, what is crucial is to trust God with your resources and worship Him with your life, which absolutely includes your finances.

Here, Paul instructs the Corinthians to set aside something "as he may prosper" — meaning give generously in proportion to what God has provided. This isn’t about giving until it hurts; it’s about giving in accordance with your resources. Paul is making the point that everyone plays a role, and even a small amount can have a great impact when given together as a unified church.

The offering, after all, isn’t just an act of worship; it’s an act of support for the Jerusalem church, which was in poverty (Acts 11:27–30). Though the Corinthian church seemed more financially well-off, their generosity would help meet the needs of those in the Jerusalem church.

3. Designating the Right People for the Task

Paul encourages the Corinthians to choose trustworthy representatives to deliver the offering to Jerusalem (v. 3). This emphasis on trustworthiness and accountability is key. In the modern church, this role mirrors that of trustees or financial stewards who are entrusted with overseeing the financial health and integrity of the church.

Although they may not need to travel and deliver the collection to the place like Paul, they are responsible for overseeing financial decisions to ensure that the church's resources are used in a way that aligns with biblical principles, furthering the mission of the church. Their role is to ensure transparency, stewardship, and trust in managing resources.

In the same way Paul insists that the Corinthians designate faithful men for the task, churches today should careful process in place to help the financial integrity and accountability of their finances. This safeguards the church from mismanagement and ensures that the funds collected are used for the advancement of God’s kingdom and to meet the needs of the body of Christ.

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

1 Corinthians 16:5–12 ESV

5 I will visit you after passing through Macedonia, for I intend to pass through Macedonia, 6 and perhaps I will stay with you or even spend the winter, so that you may help me on my journey, wherever I go. 7 For I do not want to see you now just in passing. I hope to spend some time with you, if the Lord permits. 8 But I will stay in Ephesus until Pentecost, 9 for a wide door for effective work has opened to me, and there are many adversaries. 10 When Timothy comes, see that you put him at ease among you, for he is doing the work of the Lord, as I am. 11 So let no one despise him. Help him on his way in peace, that he may return to me, for I am expecting him with the brothers. 12 Now concerning our brother Apollos, I strongly urged him to visit you with the other brothers, but it was not at all his will to come now. He will come when he has opportunity.

In verses 5–9 and 12, we see an important theme—being submissive to God’s plan and will.

Paul expresses a strong desire to be with this church. I love this! He’s not just the guy who writes a tough letter and says “figure it out.” He wants to be present with them, not just in passing, but to spend meaningful time with them (v.7). This shows his care, and yet, he also says, “if the Lord permits.” Paul is humble—he’s willing to submit his personal desire to God’s direction. He sees a “wide door for effective work” open in Ephesus, even though there are many adversaries (v.9). But that doesn’t drive him away; it shows he’s paying attention to where God is moving.

Often times we have it in reverse, I want to do this, God permit it versus I want to do this, if the Lord permits.

Then in verse 12, we get another look at how submission and trust work among church leaders. Paul says he strongly urged Apollos to visit Corinth, but Apollos didn’t think it was the right time. Paul doesn’t fight that. He respects it. There’s mutual trust and freedom here. We don’t know the exact reason Apollos didn’t want to go, but we do know from earlier in the letter (1:12) that people in Corinth had been dividing over leaders—“I follow Paul,” “I follow Apollos,” etc. Maybe Apollos thought it would be best to wait until those tensions cooled. Regardless, there’s no drama here—just wise, Spirit-led cooperation.

And I think it’s important to point out: if Paul had a problem with Apollos, we’d know it. Paul’s not shy! But this shows us that even among strong leaders, it’s okay to wait, pray, and discern the right timing. Apollos trusted Paul, and Paul trusted Apollos. I actually really appreciate this statement even though it seems like a little detail, but Paul did clash with some leaders and I don’t see that here. It’s a beautiful picture of gospel-centered leadership—submitted to God and respectful of one another.

So we see a call to submit to God’s work and be patient in His timing. How many of you are really good with patience? How many of you like being patient? How many of you enjoy suffering?

Patience means long-suffering. There are going to be moments where God is going to have you wait and trust in his timing in the way Paul is going to stay in Ephesus instead of visiting the Corinthians. Sometimes you are going to have to submit to God’s work and workers and trust those in leadership.

I want to move you back now to another element of submitting to God’s woekrs and that is in verse 10 and 11, let me read:

1 Corinthians 16:10–11 ESV

10 When Timothy comes, see that you put him at ease among you, for he is doing the work of the Lord, as I am. 11 So let no one despise him. Help him on his way in peace, that he may return to me, for I am expecting him with the brothers.

Paul already had his own issues with this church respecting his apostleship and his leadership, now I’m sure he’s already thinking: “if they treat me like this, how are they going to treat timothy who is younger and less experienced?” There needs to be a sense of submission and not just letting Timothy do his thing, but several components:

To put him at ease - Timothy seems to be one that probably struggled with anxiety, at least from what we can gather in the letters Paul has written to timothy.

The Corinthians need to not despise him and help him (v11) - Sounds like Timothy was on his way to see Paul and they should do what they can to make sure this would be possible.

Timothy is doing the work of the Lord (v10) - so they should submit to it. But I also love seeing the spirit in action. The spirit is at work through Paul, Appoloss, and also Timothy. Church, God uses many people to have his will be done. Don’t think one person is better than the other or this person can be the only work of the Lord or this person can’t do work of the Lord, no all of us can and should because that is the power of the Holy Spirit, the helper, the advocate who is in us to help us to the work of the Lord.

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

1 Corinthians 16:13–14 ESV

13 Be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong. 14 Let all that you do be done in love.

What a great two verses for Father’s Day!

This part almost seems to stand alone and work if you just read it and apply it to your life. There is good wisdom in these two verses and are going to go into detail on what each of these commands entail. But it’s not by itself and it’s on top of the first 12 verses.

Where we’ve seen Paul call the church to collective unity through generosity—a visible act of worship done together for the good of others and to help the church in Jerusalem. They will do this on the first day of the week and give within their means. We’ve also seen a call to submit to God’s work and workers—And the way to do this:

1 Corinthians 16:13–14 ESV

13 Be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong. 14 Let all that you do be done in love.

Be Watchful

When I think of the word watchful, I think of a guard walking along the wall to make sure no intruders will invade the city. Grēgoreō – a verb meaning “to be watchful,” “to stay awake,” “to be alert,” or “to be vigilant.”

In 1776, during the the Battle of Trenton, soldiers are resting, celebrating, and assuming their enemy is doing the same. The Hessian troops stationed in Trenton, New Jersey, were seasoned fighters—mercenaries hired by the British. But after months of relative calm and with the harshness of winter setting in, they had let their guard down and of course, it was Christmas night.

Meanwhile, across the icy Delaware River, General George Washington was preparing a daring move. Despite freezing weather and nearly impassable conditions, he led a weary, underfed, and outnumbered army across the river at night. They marched silently in the snow, determined to reach Trenton by morning.

Just after dawn of the day after Christmas, they struck. The Hessians were completely unprepared. Caught sleeping—both literally and figuratively—they were overwhelmed. In less than an hour, the entire garrison was defeated, nearly 900 prisoners were taken and only a few soldiers died in battle.

There are two sides here:

One, we have George Washington staying alert, paying attention, and being vigilant. He was watchful and by doing so, changed the tide in the Revolutionary War.

The second, we have the mercaries, the Hessian troops not being watchful, not staying awake both literally and figuratively, and look at what happened. They should have easily won. The continental army was weak, underfed, and outnumbered. If they had only paid attention, it could have been a slaughter. However, they were not watchful and lost.

Church, we must be watchful. We are in a war. Not against other humans though like in war, but against satan and his demons:

Ephesians 6:12 ESV

12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.

Are you sleeping? Are you alert? Are you being watchful?

Stay awake Church. How you may ask? Well Paul has written several other letters and a great place to go to is Ephesians Chapter 6, but he gives us more here.

Stand Firm in the Faith

Again, in a similar way, we have another two words that can be a military term. When challenges come your way, do you abandon your post, or do you stand firm. And Paul though is getting more than just standing still but what are you doing to stand firm? NT Wright states:

"Paul’s call to stand firm is not just to withstand challenges but to actively pursue the truth of the gospel, ensuring that the integrity of Christ’s message remains intact in our lives and in the church. It involves the ongoing struggle for holiness and fidelity to the teachings of Christ." — N.T. Wright, Paul and the Faithfulness of God

Standing firm in the faith is to stand firm in the teachings and doctrines of Christianity. Knowing the entire letter of 1 Corinthians should make this even stand out more so. Think of how many teachings they have abaonded or disobeyed. Even from these past 12 verses, we see this collective element to it all. This isn’t just an individual command which is true, but one for all of us as a Church to abide by. Withstand the hardships of this life but to be united and to pursue the gospel in knowledge and in action.

Be Brave and Strong

The three words, act like men, simply mean to be brave. Being a Christian is really easy, right? When you believe that Jesus Christ is your Lord and savrior, and follow Him, it’s all just rainbows and sunshines, everything goes your way, and life just get’s more simple. Right? In fact, it’s quite the opposite. Being a Christian is a sure thing to have your life get more difficult but Paul says here to be brave. The way to truly be brave by the way is to not do things when things are easy, but can you do what you need to when it’s hard.

This takes a strengthm a strength that is not from your weak flesh, but a strength from the Holy Spirit. One who gives you new desires, a spirit that has made you alive from death.

Done in Love

Pastor David did an excellent job reminding us of this truth: without love, it is meaningless. You can be watchful, you can stand firm, you can be brave, and you can be strong—but all of it can be for nothing if love is not at the center. If you want more depth on that, I highly recommend going back and listening to that sermon on our YouTube page.

Here in 1 Corinthians 16, we see a similar kind of love, but Paul frames it in a way that’s almost governing. The context points us to love as something that should define how we function as a church, as a kingdom-minded community.

What’s become clearer to me as I’ve read this passage again and again is the importance of belonging to a body. Yes, Christians should pursue Christ personally—but we are also called to draw closer to each other. This is why we say at Trinity: Belong to Family. It’s our second vision statement for a reason.

1 Corinthians 16:14 ESV

14 Let all that you do be done in love.

Be watchful, guard one another, fight for each other, let it be done in love

Stand firm in the faith and not in yourself. Don’t let pride ruin relationship and create divisions. Let it be done in love.

Act like men, be brave in the face of trials and tribulation and stand your ground. Find strengh in Christ but also in how Christ uses one another to build one another. Be brave and strong in love.

This Church of Corinth must be one. It’s not a competition or following different leaders, it’s doing everything in love and as a team.

The same is true for us Trinity Church. We’re not lone warriors—we belong to a family, and everything we do must flow from love for God and one another.

The King of the Kingdom

All of this—being watchful, standing firm, being brave and strong, doing everything in love—it only makes sense when we remember whose kingdom we belong to.

We are not building our own kingdoms. We are part of the kingdom of Christ, and He is the King who has already conquered.

Jesus didn’t just model these commands—He fulfilled them perfectly. And He did all of it in love, laying down His life for His people on the cross.

And because He rose again, Jesus now reigns as King of kings and Lord of lords (Revelation 19:16).

His resurrection is the declaration that a new kingdom has begun—a kingdom not marked by pride, power, or politics, but by righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit (Romans 14:17).

And Paul says in a different letter Paul says in Colossians 1:13–14 

Colossians 1:13–14 ESV

13 He has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son, 14 in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.

So when Paul gives these final commands in 1 Corinthians 16, they are kingdom commands. And we obey not out of fear, but because we’ve been loved first and have been saved . Remember this is the good news, the kingdom of God at hand.

Mark 1:15 ESV

15 and saying, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel.”

We belong to a kingdom that cannot be shaken, we belong under a king who cannot be defeated.

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

1 Corinthians 16:15–24 ESV

15 Now I urge you, brothers—you know that the household of Stephanas were the first converts in Achaia, and that they have devoted themselves to the service of the saints— 16 be subject to such as these, and to every fellow worker and laborer. 17 I rejoice at the coming of Stephanas and Fortunatus and Achaicus, because they have made up for your absence, 18 for they refreshed my spirit as well as yours. Give recognition to such people. 19 The churches of Asia send you greetings. Aquila and Prisca, together with the church in their house, send you hearty greetings in the Lord. 20 All the brothers send you greetings. Greet one another with a holy kiss. 21 I, Paul, write this greeting with my own hand. 22 If anyone has no love for the Lord, let him be accursed. Our Lord, come! 23 The grace of the Lord Jesus be with you. 24 My love be with you all in Christ Jesus. Amen.

Paul ends this letter the way he often does—by naming specific people and offering personal greetings. In a way, it’s kind of like how we might end a long email today: “Tell so-and-so I said hi.” But in Paul’s world, where communication was rare and meant a lot more than letters in this day.

He starts by highlighting Stephanas, Fortunatus, and Achaicus. These three had likely come from Corinth to visit Paul (v.17), and he says they “refreshed his spirit.” That’s important—Paul had a strained relationship with the Corinthian church at times, but these men honored him and treated him with the kind of respect and care the church as a whole hadn’t always shown.

He says the church should recognize them, not just because of their encouragement, but because Stephanas’s household had been the first converts in Achaia and had devoted themselves to serving the saints (v.15). Though newer believers, they had matured in gospel service and leadership.

Next, Paul sends greetings from Aquila and Prisca (Priscilla)—a faithful couple we meet in Acts (Acts 18:1–3, 18–19, 24–26; Romans 16:3). They were instrumental in helping start the Corinthian church during Paul’s time in Corinth (Acts 18).

Paul then sends love and greetings from all the churches in Asia and encourages them to greet one another warmly.

Finally, in verse 21,

1 Corinthians 16:21 ESV

21 I, Paul, write this greeting with my own hand.

he adds, “I, Paul, write this greeting with my own hand.” That tells us a scribe likely wrote most of the letter, but Paul wanted to add his own personal signature here.

So before I close with the last few verses, I do want to mention that this entire letter was written to believers. Paul is speaking to Christians—albeit messy, immature, often divided, and spiritually distracted Christians. And in that, we can see ourselves. This letter has been a mirror for the church, showing us what happens when we let pride go unchecked, when we divide over personalities, when we turn a blind eye to sin, or get caught up in our own preferences. It’s been convicting and challenging, but also full of grace. Paul has consistently called them back to Christ, back to the gospel, back to love.

But Paul’s closing words though are a warning:

1 Corinthians 16:22 ESV

22 If anyone has no love for the Lord, let him be accursed. Our Lord, come!

Paul spent 15 chapters pleading with a church to live like people who truly love the Lord. Not just people who say they believe, but people whose lives reflect it. Paul is reminding us of the urgency and the seriousness of our response to Jesus.

Paul is calling us to examine: Do we truly love the Lord? Does our love show in our generosity, our submission to God’s timing, our honor toward leaders, our unity, our holiness? If not, let this be a moment of repentance and return. I’m not saying you will lose your salvation, but true believers live a life of repentance and confession, and to progress into holiness.

But for the non-believers, this is a sobering warning. Paul says, “Our Lord, come!”—and He will. Jesus is coming back. And the question isn’t just whether you’ve been a good person, or gone to church. The question is: Do you love Him? Have you trusted Him? There is judgement when we die but Jesus has conquered the grave and offers eternal life. So if you’re hearing this and you’ve never truly surrendered to Christ, don’t ignore it. The warning is here because grace is still available. But the time is now.

Paul finishes with words of grace (v.23) and personal love (v.24).

1 Corinthians 16:24 ESV

24 My love be with you all in Christ Jesus. Amen.