1ST CORINTHIANS 16 | "WHAT WOULD JESUS DO?"
Notes
Transcript
LAST WEEK
LAST WEEK
We finished chapter 15.
So much text
But a fun chapter to study
We took a look at the End Times Scenario
We looked at the Resurrection in detail.
Super interesting stuff
As always, the sermon audio, video, and notes are available in the app.
THIS WEEK
THIS WEEK
We will be looking at a few different subjects
How we are called to partner together as a Kingdom Church
Opposition vs Opportunity
Err’ing on the side of Grace
TURN WITH ME TO 1 COR 16
TURN WITH ME TO 1 COR 16
1 Now concerning the collection for the saints, as I have given orders to the churches of Galatia, so you must do also: 2 On the first day of the week let each one of you lay something aside, storing up as he may prosper, that there be no collections when I come. 3 And when I come, whomever you approve by your letters I will send to bear your gift to Jerusalem. 4 But if it is fitting that I go also, they will go with me.
5 Now I will come to you when I pass through Macedonia (for I am passing through Macedonia). 6 And it may be that I will remain, or even spend the winter with you, that you may send me on my journey, wherever I go. 7 For I do not wish to see you now on the way; but I hope to stay a while with you, if the Lord permits.
8 But I will tarry in Ephesus until Pentecost. 9 For a great and effective door has opened to me, and there are many adversaries.
10 And if Timothy comes, see that he may be with you without fear; for he does the work of the Lord, as I also do. 11 Therefore let no one despise him. But send him on his journey in peace, that he may come to me; for I am waiting for him with the brethren.
12 Now concerning our brother Apollos, I strongly urged him to come to you with the brethren, but he was quite unwilling to come at this time; however, he will come when he has a convenient time.
13 Watch, stand fast in the faith, be brave, be strong. 14 Let all that you do be done with love.
15 I urge you, brethren—you know the household of Stephanas, that it is the firstfruits of Achaia, and that they have devoted themselves to the ministry of the saints—16 that you also submit to such, and to everyone who works and labors with us.
17 I am glad about the coming of Stephanas, Fortunatus, and Achaicus, for what was lacking on your part they supplied. 18 For they refreshed my spirit and yours. Therefore acknowledge such men.
19 The churches of Asia greet you. Aquila and Priscilla greet you heartily in the Lord, with the church that is in their house. 20 All the brethren greet you. Greet one another with a holy kiss.
21 The salutation with my own hand—Paul’s.
22 If anyone does not love the Lord Jesus Christ, let him be accursed. O Lord, come!
23 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. 24 My love be with you all in Christ Jesus. Amen.
PRAY
1 Now concerning the collection for the saints, as I have given orders to the churches of Galatia, so you must do also: 2 On the first day of the week let each one of you lay something aside, storing up as he may prosper, that there be no collections when I come. 3 And when I come, whomever you approve by your letters I will send to bear your gift to Jerusalem. 4 But if it is fitting that I go also, they will go with me.
ONE OF THE WAYS THAT GOD USED PAUL WAS IN THE AREA OF FINANCIAL DISTRIBUTION
BUT FOR PAUL IT WASN’T JUST A WORD HE HAD RECEIVED FROM THE LORD
IT WAS SOMETHING THAT GOD HAD WORKED WITHIN HIM
LET’S TAKE A LOOK AT THE LIFE OF PAUL:
Paul didn’t fit in with the other disciples
Check out what happened when he got saved
15 But when it pleased God, who separated me from my mother’s womb and called me through His grace, 16 to reveal His Son in me, that I might preach Him among the Gentiles, I did not immediately confer with flesh and blood, 17 nor did I go up to Jerusalem to those who were apostles before me; but I went to Arabia, and returned again to Damascus.
Paul spent years under the ministry of the Holy Spirit
Correcting all of his misconceptions of the Messiah
Receiving a heart for the people he was called to
Paul was also different because he was Bi Vocational
He was a tent maker by trade
Instead of taking money from the church to support his lifestyle
Most of the time he asked the church to support other churches
Paul, had learned a valuable lesson about balance
Remember that verse about being able to do all things through Christ who strenghtens us?
The context behind it sometimes gets pushed to the wayside
Check it out:
11 Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content: 12 I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound. Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. 13 I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.
It was through life’s experiences that Paul learned his most valuable lessons
It was through following Jesus in the abundance and the lack that Paul found balance.
Many times, we believe that God is with us in the prospering, but he is absent in the poverty
Many other’s believe he is only present in poverty, and could never be present among the riches
But if our theology serves us right, He is present in all things
He is what we call Omni Present. Everywhere at once.
Honestly, this truth should awaken us as we wild out
You know those silly little bracelets that say WWJD?
Man, they are such a powerful tool
What would Jesus do in this pandemic?
What would he do in the midst of civil unrest?
I believe the Gospels show us clearly what He would do.
He would stick to what he was called to do
For Jesus, it was all about accomplishing what His Father had instructed him to do.
34 Jesus said to them, “My food is to do the will of Him who sent Me, and to finish His work.
5 The blind see and the lame walk; the lepers are cleansed and the deaf hear; the dead are raised up and the poor have the gospel preached to them. 6 And blessed is he who is not offended because of Me.”
THE REALITY OF JESUS’ PRESENCE IN PAUL’S LIFE FUELED HIS MINISTRY
AS PAUL WALKED WITH JESUS, HE FELT LIKE HE COULD DO IT ALL THROUGH CHRIST WHO STRENGTHENED HIM
PAUL FELT LIKE HE COULD OVERCOME EVERY ECONOMIC CHALLENGE BECAUSE CHRIST WAS STRENGTHENING HIM
PAUL SAUGHT TO CARRY THIS FRAMEWORK INTO THE CHURCH
SO HE ENCOURAGES THEM
On the first day of the week, when you all come together,
Take a tithe
Lay something aside
Storing up as one may prosper
Why?
So that when Paul arrives, the sum of that money would be enough for the other churches.
Paul knew that if they waited for him to come, the amount collected would be less, and the needs of the other churches would not be met.
Not only is Paul teaching them a new rhythm.
He is defining practice and faithfulness.
He is discipleing the Corinthians in their worldview
Teaching them that it is not just about their needs, but about the needs of the Kingdom
Yes, the needs of the local church are important
But we must also be participating in the growth of the Church worldwide
This is why we as a church partner with missionaries all over the world.
This is why we invest in people
Church, it is important for you to know
That when you give
You are not just sowing locally, but internationally
The fruit that comes from those investments will be rewarded to you in Heaven.
ONE THING IS FOR SURE
PAUL WAS PREPARING THE CORINTHIANS CHURCH FOR HIS COMING
5 Now I will come to you when I pass through Macedonia (for I am passing through Macedonia). 6 And it may be that I will remain, or even spend the winter with you, that you may send me on my journey, wherever I go. 7 For I do not wish to see you now on the way; but I hope to stay a while with you, if the Lord permits.
8 But I will tarry in Ephesus until Pentecost. 9 For a great and effective door has opened to me, and there are many adversaries.
10 And if Timothy comes, see that he may be with you without fear; for he does the work of the Lord, as I also do. 11 Therefore let no one despise him. But send him on his journey in peace, that he may come to me; for I am waiting for him with the brethren.
12 Now concerning our brother Apollos, I strongly urged him to come to you with the brethren, but he was quite unwilling to come at this time; however, he will come when he has a convenient time.
THIS LAST CHAPTER SHOWS PAUL’S UTMOST CONCERN FOR THIS CHURCH
NOT ONLY WAS HE PREPARING TO GO THERE
HE WANTED TO STAY A WHILE
SO HE LAYS OUT HIS PLAN FOR GETTING THERE
FROM EPHESUS HE WOULD GO TO MACEDONIA AND THEN UNTO CORINTH
AS HE IS EXPLAINING THIS TO THE CORINTHIANS,
HE SAYS SOMETHING RADICAL
HE SAYS, IM GOING TO WAIT IN EPHESUS UNTIL PENTECOST
WHY?
For a Great and effective door has opened to me, and there are many adversaries.
FRIENDS THIS IS THE NORM
Any time there is a great opportunity to see the Gospel advance, there will be great opposition
There will be many adversaries
With great opposition, comes the opportunity to represent Christ.
It is up to us if we:
In the midst of great opportunity
We cant miss the smaller opportunities
We cant compromise our identity in Christ
HOW WE CAN REMAIN FAITHFUL IS BY STAYING THE COURSE AND ADHERING TO PAULS FINAL EXHORTATION
13 Watch, stand fast in the faith, be brave, be strong. 14 Let all that you do be done with love.
15 I urge you, brethren—you know the household of Stephanas, that it is the firstfruits of Achaia, and that they have devoted themselves to the ministry of the saints—16 that you also submit to such, and to everyone who works and labors with us.
17 I am glad about the coming of Stephanas, Fortunatus, and Achaicus, for what was lacking on your part they supplied. 18 For they refreshed my spirit and yours. Therefore acknowledge such men.
19 The churches of Asia greet you. Aquila and Priscilla greet you heartily in the Lord, with the church that is in their house. 20 All the brethren greet you. Greet one another with a holy kiss.
21 The salutation with my own hand—Paul’s.
22 If anyone does not love the Lord Jesus Christ, let him be accursed. O Lord, come!
23 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.
HEY SAYS:
WATCH
BE AWAKE
BE ALERT
STAND FAST IN THE FAITH
CONTINUE IN TH FAITH
STAY GROUNDED
BE BRAVE
ACT COURAGEOUS
THIS ALSO HAS A VERY MANLY TONE TO IT
BE STRONG
STRENGTHEN
PREVAIL AGAINST THE ENEMY
LET ALL THAT YOU DO BE DONE WITH LOVE!
FRIENDS, THIS IS PROBABLY THE GREATEST ENCOURAGEMENT FOR US TODAY
EVERYTHING YOU DO
ALL THAT YOU DO
BE DONE IN LOVE
CHECK OUT VERSE 22
22 If anyone does not love the Lord Jesus Christ, let him be accursed. O Lord, come!
This is hard
But this is truth
Paul, after sharing the Gospel and Kingdom principles to all of Corinth
Presents an invitation
But he also closes with a warning
If someone doesn’t love Jesus, let him be acursed
Literally: Let them be condemned by God
Let the Lord sort them out.
Lord Come!