Doing the Lord's Work the Lord's Way

A building must be constructed according to the architect’s plans and the required building codes. Before it can be used, it must pass inspection to see that the codes were followed. The church’s work for the Lord is done in the same way. To truly be His work, what we do must be done according to His plan and code, revealed in Scripture, and must continually be subject to the divine supervision and inspection of the Holy Spirit.

does not explicitly teach or exhort, except for the advice about receiving Timothy (v. 11). It is more in the form of explanation. Yet we can learn a great deal from these eight verses. The things Paul speaks about here have to do with the work of the Lord, in which all Christians should be deeply involved (15:58).

In Paul gives five final imperatives, five last commands, to the Corinthians. They are to be alert, firm, mature, strong, and loving. These commands are, in many ways, the positive side of what in earlier chapters the apostle had told the Corinthians not to be. Each command can serve as a point of departure for reviewing the epistle.

In many ways, verses 15–24 flow out of and illustrate the command of verse 14: “Let all that you do be done in love.” Paul’s closing words are not simply niceties that Paul threw in at the end of his letter as a matter of custom or courtesy. As much as any part of Scripture they are part of God’s Word and are given to us for a divine purpose. Paul is talking about the all-pervasive love that should mark the fellowship of the church in every locale and every age.

MacArthur, John F.. 1 Corinthians (p. 118). Thomas Nelson. Kindle Edition.

MacArthur, John F.. 1 Corinthians (p. 118). Thomas Nelson. Kindle Edition.

1) If you were writing an epistle to a select group of out-of-town loved ones, friends, and co-workers, what names would likely appear in that letter?

2) If you decided to pass on a few short words of general, spiritual exhortation to your kids, what concise counsel would you give?

MacArthur, John F.. 1 Corinthians (p. 117). Thomas Nelson. Kindle Edition.

3) What are the keys to working effectively with others?

MacArthur, John F.. 1 Corinthians (p. 117). Thomas Nelson. Kindle Edition.

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1 Corinthians 16:5–24 CSB

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.