Maranatha!

It’s hard to conclude a letter, especially one of this length. Imagine Paul and the fellow writing this letter as he dictates it—Paul, being guided by the Holy Spirit, working through the many complex issues in Corinth, his scribe trying to jot it all down without the help of a computer or a stenotype. This is ink and quill and parchment work, and that, I have to imagine, is quite difficult. This is a good-sized letter by the time it’s all said and done (in my Bible, it’s 12-pages, front and back, small font, double columned). It takes about an hour to read in one sitting. That’s a long letter.

Now imagine trying to wrap it all up in a few short sentences. It’d be really hard to do, but Paul does it masterfully.

Paul, guided and gifted by God to write this letter to the Corinthians, is writing:

1 Corinthians 1:2 NIV

2 To the church of God in Corinth, to those sanctified in Christ Jesus and called to be his holy people, together with all those everywhere who call on the name of our Lord Jesus Christ—their Lord and ours:

This letter is addressed to and is written for the Lord’s people—there and then, and here and now.

This letter is, no doubt, directed to the 1st century church situated in that large, busy city of Corinth—we have to read and understand it as it would make sense to them. We can’t divorce this letter from its context or its setting.

But we must remember that this letter is meant for us as well—for all those everywhere who call on the name of our Lord Jesus Christ—it’s meant for the Church international and Church interdependent.

At least five Roman provinces are mentioned in 1 Corinthians 16: Galatia (verse 1), Judea (verse 3), Macedonia (verse 5), Achaia (verse 15), and Asia (verse 19)—very different cultures and conditions; European and Eastern, Jew and Arab, Greek and Roman, urban and rural.

The Church of Christ has, by the power of the gospel, spread into all these areas and to all these different people. And this is just the 1st century after Christ! Think now of how far the gospel of Jesus Christ has spread, and think about how many places around the world small parts of His church have sprouted up.

We are an international people. The church is not beholden to one country, to one people, to one race, to one language—and praise the Lord it’s not! If this was good news for only one group of people, it’d be pretty poor ‘good news’, indeed.

The Church is international; we are spread out, far and wide. This reality should lead us to thanksgiving. And also to prayer, for we know there are a parts of the world the gospel has not been preached and many peoples who have not heard.

We are international, and we are interdependent.

We need one another, desperately. We need the witness and example of persecuted Christians to encourage us and teach us and to help us grow in our faith. And Christians around the world have need of our vast resources and certainly our prayers.

>Paul closing remarks, the Spirit-led instruction and godly examples in this chapter are directly applicable to us, here and now (no surprise, is it?).

In light of everything that has led up to this point in the letter, we are meant to be a community who lives in light of the event that changed the world (the resurrection of Jesus Christ). Knowing all that He has done for us, this is our only fitting response: to give and work and serve until He returns.

If you have your Bible (and I hope you do), please turn with me to 1 Corinthians, the last chapter, Chapter 16. Please keep your Bibles opened in front of you as we work our way through this chapter together.

1 Corinthians 16:1–4 NIV

1 Now about the collection for the Lord’s people: Do what I told the Galatian churches to do. 2 On the first day of every week, each one of you should set aside a sum of money in keeping with your income, saving it up, so that when I come no collections will have to be made. 3 Then, when I arrive, I will give letters of introduction to the men you approve and send them with your gift to Jerusalem. 4 If it seems advisable for me to go also, they will accompany me.

Keep on Giving to the Lord,

The church in Jerusalem was facing a severe famine, this prophesied famine which spread over the entire Roman world.

This famine would have hit the region of Judea especially hard because it wasn’t a very wealthy area, especially right around Jerusalem where the first church (the mother-church) was.

In every church Paul was responsible for, he stressed the opportunity, the privilege, the responsibility they had to meet the needs of the saints—their fellow believers—in Jerusalem.

There really is no better way to cement a relationship than to support, financially and prayerfully, another person or group of people. Think about the impact this would have on the tense relationship between Jewish Christians and Gentile Christians.

Paul is urging the Corinthians to adopt the habit of setting aside a regular amount each week, on the first day of every week.

This shows that disciplined giving is meant to be a part of the regular worshipping life of the church (and that it has been part since its inception). This isn’t something someone came up with recently; this is God’s idea.

The amount of money to be set aside is determined by each individual Christian (each one of you) and set aside.

The Corinthians were to consider how they’d been blessed and in what manner they should give.

Planned, systematic giving is what Paul is calling for. And this money would be handled scrupulously and eventually distributed in Jerusalem.

All of this begs the question: is this meant just for the Corinthians, or is there something here for us?

It’s a good question. The principles apply for certain. Don’t we honor this teaching every week? Every week we pass the offering plates and give of our tithes and offerings. Every week, we do this on the first day of the week (we gather on Sundays because we’re resurrection people). Every week, we give in accordance with our income.

Paul’s message is “Keep on giving to the Lord.”

We can’t decide that we’re done giving back that small portion of what He’s blessed us with. We don’t get to hoard it or spend it or do with it whatever we please. We give because it belongs to Him.

I was raised to tithe on the money I made and even the money I was given. My parents were really good to teach us and to model this for us. It was a foregone conclusion, giving. It’s just something you did, because you were supposed to, and because the Lord had been so good, why would you not want to give?

Over the last year, Meghann and I made the decision to increase our giving, to step-out in faith and give. It’s incredible: we don’t miss that money, and, in fact, somehow, we’re better off financially than we were when we gave less. I can point to several people in this congregation who have told me the same.

“Keep on giving to the Lord.”

I don’t have to tell you this. The members of this church know well what it is to give to the Lord. Like Paul would say to the Corinthians in his second letter, you have outdone yourselves:

2 Corinthians 8:3–4 NIV

3 For I testify that they gave as much as they were able, and even beyond their ability. Entirely on their own, 4 they urgently pleaded with us for the privilege of sharing in this service to the Lord’s people.

Because of your generosity, we were able to give large financial gifts to our church-supported missionaries, over and above what we give each month. Because of your generosity, each month we give away somewhere close to 25% of all offerings given. It’s absolutely astounding.

I’m not just patting you on the back, though I am patting you on the back. I’m saying “Well, done. And keep on.” Keep it up. There’s no stopping or slowing down, there’s no retiring or aging-out. You don’t get a pass because you’ve done it for a while.

This is something we are called to do—to give to the Lord in order to help His people—until the Lord returns.

Keep on giving to the Lord.

1 Corinthians 16:5–14 NIV

5 After I go through Macedonia, I will come to you—for I will be going through Macedonia. 6 Perhaps I will stay with you for a while, or even spend the winter, so that you can help me on my journey, wherever I go. 7 For I do not want to see you now and make only a passing visit; I hope to spend some time with you, if the Lord permits. 8 But I will stay on at Ephesus until Pentecost, 9 because a great door for effective work has opened to me, and there are many who oppose me. 10 When Timothy comes, see to it that he has nothing to fear while he is with you, for he is carrying on the work of the Lord, just as I am. 11 No one, then, should treat him with contempt. Send him on his way in peace so that he may return to me. I am expecting him along with the brothers. 12 Now about our brother Apollos: I strongly urged him to go to you with the brothers. He was quite unwilling to go now, but he will go when he has the opportunity. 13 Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong. 14 Do everything in love.

Keep on Working for the Lord,

Paul is making some travel plans, if the Lord wills. If the Lord is willing, Paul hopes to stay with his Corinthian friends for a while.

But Paul tells his buddies in Corinth that he’s going to stay on working in Ephesus.

Why? Two reasons:

a great door for effective work has opened for him

there are many there who oppose him.

That last reason seems to me—cowardly as I am—a good reason to leave, not to stay. That there are many who oppose [Paul] would be ample reason for most people to pack their bags and skedaddle.

Paul knows that working for the Lord will often result in opposition. And he’s determined; determined to keep on working for the Lord, no matter the opposition.

This takes guts. This takes courage. This takes faith.

The Church faces opportunities and opposition both.

Think about all the opportunities before us. The building where Rich Hill Christian Church gathers is strategically placed in the heart of Rich Hill, on a busy intersection, a perfect location for lemonade stands and gospel witness.

We have all these opportunities to work for the Lord, to share His Good News, to love our neighbors and to tell others about Him.

As we pursue the opportunities, we will, no doubt, face some opposition along the way. And yet, we know that we are in good company and we believe that the presence of opposition doesn’t mean we’ve moved out of the will of God. Sometimes opposition means we’re smack-dab in the middle of God’s will.

Opposition isn’t bad. It’s shrinking back from opposition that’s bad.

Timothy, Paul’s friend and mentee, is on his way to the Corinthians, carrying on the work of the Lord, just as [Paul is].

I love that phrase: carrying on the work of the Lord.

Sometimes that’s what it is. Sometimes, it’s a slog, a push, a struggle. Sometimes, all you can do is carry on. But that’s enough.

“Keep on working for the Lord.”

No matter the opposition. No matter the obstacles. No matter the offense of the gospel. Keep carrying on.

This isn’t just for a select few. This isn’t merely the pastor’s calling or the elders’ task. This is the task for the Lord’s people, to work for Him, and to keep at it—stubbornly, persistently, faithfully.

I know how hard this is; I’ve been there. I know the obstacles and the opposition we face with our message about Jesus Christ. People don’t like to hear the basic message of Christianity—that they are sinners in need a Savior and that Jesus Christ is the Way, the Truth, and the Life. But we, like Timothy must carry on [with] the work of the Lord.

To our great task, Paul adds these reminders in verses 13 and 14 to bolster the Corinthians against the inevitable opposition:

1 Corinthians 16:13–14 NIV

13 Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong. 14 Do everything in love.

Keep on working for the Lord.

This, church, is addressed to you. You: keep on working for the Lord. Pick a task, whatever your hand finds to do, and do it well for Him. Again, you don’t age-out; you don’t get to say, “Well, I’ve put in my time; time for someone else.”

You don’t get to slough it off on someone else or for some other time. You have been commissioned by your Lord and Savior, your Master and Redeemer. He has told you what you are to be about:

Matthew 28:19–20 NIV

19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

Keep on working for the Lord.

1 Corinthians 16:15–18 NIV

15 You know that the household of Stephanas were the first converts in Achaia, and they have devoted themselves to the service of the Lord’s people. I urge you, brothers and sisters, 16 to submit to such people and to everyone who joins in the work and labors at it. 17 I was glad when Stephanas, Fortunatus and Achaicus arrived, because they have supplied what was lacking from you. 18 For they refreshed my spirit and yours also. Such men deserve recognition.

Keep on Serving the Lord’s People,

In keeping with Paul’s understanding of the Church as an international people, he names a handful of names for us, people we don’t know much or anything about really.

Stephanas, Fortunatus, and Achaicus, plus several members of their households.

These unknown folk are, to me, a great picture of the church. I just love these guys: Stephanas, Fortunatus, and Achaicus we’re told have devoted themselves to the service of the Lord’s people.

Stephanas’ extended family had seen the importance of simply being available, with the gift of hospitality, to wait on the needs of the saints.

So they devoted themselves, disciplined themselves, dedicated themselves to serving others.

As these men began to meet the needs of their fellow Christians, people began to recognize in them the marks of true Christian leadership. And, just like that, they serve as examples to us these many years down the road.

What a profoundly simple act: serving the Lord’s people. This doesn’t depend on education or qualification, degrees, or natural charisma. What it takes is obedience to the Lord, willing hands, an open door, and love for one another.

They have devoted themselves to the service of the Lord’s people. Jesus taught the same truth:

Matthew 20:26 NIV

26 Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant,

Greatness in God’s Kingdom is measured by service. Jesus Himself came, not to be served, but to serve.

Imagine at the end of your days, your family and friends being able to say (and perhaps even write on your headstone: “She was devoted to the service of the Lord’s people” or “He was devoted to the service of the Lord’s people.”

Oh, that my life would warrant that for an epitaph...

Keep on serving the Lord’s people.

Paul concludes:

1 Corinthians 16:19–24 NIV

19 The churches in the province of Asia send you greetings. Aquila and Priscilla greet you warmly in the Lord, and so does the church that meets at their house. 20 All the brothers and sisters here send you greetings. Greet one another with a holy kiss. 21 I, Paul, write this greeting in my own hand. 22 If anyone does not love the Lord, let that person be cursed! Come, Lord! 23 The grace of the Lord Jesus be with you. 24 My love to all of you in Christ Jesus. Amen.

Until the Lord Returns!

In Paul’s concluding sentences, he passes along greetings from various churches all over Asia Minor (present day Turkey). All the brothers and sisters in Ephesus sent their greetings, too.

Paul has apparently spoken of the Corinthians often enough, prayed for the Corinthians with the other churches, used the Corinthians as an example or as a cautionary tale to the degree that all these churches know who they are.

Paul then takes the quill in his own hand and finishes the rest of the letter himself.

The centrality of Christ is made clear in each of the final three verses.

In verse 22, we see that one’s attitude toward the Lord is of ultimate significance. The fundamental demand upon the Christian community (remember, this is the group to whom this letter is addressed)—the fundamental demand upon the Christian community is to love the Lord.

If there is no love for the Lord, there is only curse.

And, as the last two words of verse 22 make clear, the expectation of Paul and of all Christians from the early church on is the return of Jesus.

Paul gives a transliteration of the Aramaic words Marana tha, which reflects the worship of the early church in Palestine. This was their prayer: “Maranatha!”

The desire of the church in all times is the return of Christ. It is the moment when Jesus will judge the living and the dead and set the world to rights, inaugurating His forever Kingdom. “Maranatha!”

We long for Jesus to return, ever more as we live in this dark and chaotic world. We long for Jesus to return, more and more as the Day draws close. We long for Jesus to return to set the world at rights, to do away with sin and Satan once and for all.

Until this Day comes, or until He takes us to be with Him, we keep on giving, keep on working, keep on serving.

And until this Day comes, Paul wants them to lean on presence of Jesus’ grace (v. 23) and to remember Paul’s love for them (v. 24).

>There’s so much, I’m sure, that Paul could have said in conclusion. I can think of a handful things I probably would have gone over again, but the Holy Spirit led Paul to touch on these truths here in 1 Corinthians 16.

With an eye, and a prayer (“Maranatha!”) to Jesus’s return, Paul wants the Corinthians and us to keep on giving to the Lord, keep on working for the Lord, and to keep on serving the Lord’s people until the Lord comes back.

We can do these very things, church! And we’re supposed to!

These are a clear and substantive call to action. These three we can all give our lives to, as we wait for the coming of our King.

Give and Work and Serve Until Jesus returns

Maranatha! Come, Lord Jesus! Come quickly!