Paul's final words

21 But that you also may know about my circumstances, how I am doing, Tychicus, the beloved brother and faithful minister in the Lord, will make everything known to you. 22 I have sent him to you for this very purpose, so that you may know about us, and that he may comfort your hearts.

Ephesians 6:23–24 NASB95

23 Peace be to the brethren, and love with faith, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. 24 Grace be with all those who love our Lord Jesus Christ with incorruptible love.

to the church at Philippi

Philippians 4:20–21 NASB95

20 Now to our God and Father be the glory forever and ever. Amen. 21 Greet every saint in Christ Jesus. The brethren who are with me greet you.

Philippians 4:22–23 NASB95

22 All the saints greet you, especially those of Caesar’s household. 23 The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.

and the church at Colossi

Colossians 4:15–16 NASB95

15 Greet the brethren who are in Laodicea and also Nympha and the church that is in her house. 16 When this letter is read among you, have it also read in the church of the Laodiceans; and you, for your part read my letter that is coming from Laodicea.

Colossians 4:17–18 NASB95

17 Say to Archippus, “Take heed to the ministry which you have received in the Lord, that you may fulfill it.” 18 I, Paul, write this greeting with my own hand. Remember my imprisonment. Grace be with you.

Final words, final thoughts, we never know when those are going to be oftentimes so don’t leave things unsaid. Paul gives some sage advice in his final words concerning money, opportunities and people and that is what we are looking at this morning

We are so blessed for the Corinthian church who wrote to Paul with questions that they did. There was one last question they had about a special collection. Paul addresses that as well as stewardship in several areas as he closes off the letter. This writing in the past, regarding issues then, can be very helpful for us today. So may we start with their question about special collection and what we are can learn from it today.

Stewardship of money

One of the resources that the church has is money. There was word going around that there was help needed in Jerusalem and a collection was being made for them, so the church inquired of Paul.

1 Corinthians 16:1–2 NASB95

1 Now concerning the collection for the saints, as I directed the churches of Galatia, so do you also. 2 On the first day of every week each one of you is to put aside and save, as he may prosper, so that no collections be made when I come.

1 Corinthians 16:3–4 NASB95

3 When I arrive, whomever you may approve, I will send them with letters to carry your gift to Jerusalem; 4 and if it is fitting for me to go also, they will go with me.

What do you see, what do you notice, what sticks out to you?

Gleaning from the scripture

Question: Who is the collection being collected for (v.1)?

For the saints (we just don’t know what saints yet)

Question: When is the collection to be made, and why according to (v.2)?

First day of the week, so that there would be no collection made when he comes.

Question: Who is the collection (gift) going to be carried to (v.3)?

To Jerusalem (now we know who the saints are).

(Transition) so we know the facts now let’s discuss stewardship, for them and for us today.

One of the things Paul did during his 3rd missionary trip was to collect “relief offering” for the saints in Jerusalem. This was what could be considered a two-fold purpose.

To help unite the body (Jewish Christians; Gentile Christians)

Expand on this, the division

Fulfilling Jerusalem’s instructions to Paul previously (Gal2:10; also used Rom15:25-27)

In the Jerusalem Counsel instructions were given to remember the poor.

Galatians 2:10 NASB95

10 They only asked us to remember the poor—the very thing I also was eager to do.

It was good for them to remember those who spiritually blessed them by blessing them materially in time of need.

Romans 15:25–26 NASB95

25 but now, I am going to Jerusalem serving the saints. 26 For Macedonia and Achaia have been pleased to make a contribution for the poor among the saints in Jerusalem.

Romans 15:27 NASB95

27 Yes, they were pleased to do so, and they are indebted to them. For if the Gentiles have shared in their spiritual things, they are indebted to minister to them also in material things.

Paul already told the churches in Galatia the same thing, now the church at Corinth wants to get involved too since they felt indebted to the saints in Jerusalem so this special collection had some instructions given.

The when: 1st day of the week

The why: this is when they met

The how: as they prospered, saved up/stored up.

Paul did not want to be the carrier of the gift, it was their gift so wanted their people to take it to Jerusalem, he was willing to travel with them if possible.

Warren Wiersbe said this

“Even though this was a special missionary offering, from Paul’s instructions we can learn some basic principles that relate to Christian stewardship.”

Christian stewardship concerning collection:

Giving is an act of worship (1Cor16:2; Php4:18)

Each person was to purpose, to decide, to set aside.

This is a part of our spiritual sacrifice presented to the Lord

Philippians 4:18 NASB95

18 But I have received everything in full and have an abundance; I am amply supplied, having received from Epaphroditus what you have sent, a fragrant aroma, an acceptable sacrifice, well-pleasing to God.

Giving should be systematic (1Cor16:2)

giving should be on the first day of each week. Set aside your offering and then bring it on first day of the week.

Think about this just for a minute if the church today, meaning the members were systematic in their giving as they were in the rest of their finances the work of the Lord would continue unhindered.

Do we give God our first fruit or our leftovers? Do we give purposed because of what He has done for. us?

Giving should be personal

In (v.2) it says “each one of you” - so each one of us is to give. It is not about amount, it is about heart, as you were prospered.

Paul encouraged all of the church to share in the blessings that were going to go to Jerusalem.

Application: we should be intentional, we should personal, we should be generous to help in the needs of others. That is a function of the church for the ministry of the saints and when can others.

Giving should be proportionate (1Cor16:2; 2Cor8-9)

Jew’s were accustomed to a tithe, a tithe of everything (10%) and there is nothing in the N.T. about an amount at all. It should again be purposed, and should be proportionate to what you have been increased with. As the Lord increases we should increase.

I once read “when your outgo exceeds your income, then your upkeep is your downfall.”

Giving is a christian grace (2Cor8-9) goes into that more. an open heart filled with God’s grace cannot maintain a closed hand.

Monies given need to be handled properly (1Cor16:3-4; 2Cor8:16-24)

Paul noted that the churches were to appoint delegates to carry the special offering to Jerusalem, just as the church today entrusts certain people to handle the finances

Paul did not want to take on that responsibility for did not want any opportunity for his adversaries to say he stole or did it all for the money.

In general Christian giving is church centered and are budgeted, allocated for different works within the ministry to the saints and community

Stewardship of opportunities

Paul gave a great warning to the church (Eph5:15-16) and in our passage here this comes into play making the most out of opportunities.

First let me give the Ephesians passage

Ephesians 5:15–16 NASB95

15 Therefore be careful how you walk, not as unwise men but as wise, 16 making the most of your time, because the days are evil.

The days are evil, I don’t think that is a surprise to you at all, is it? So, knowing that may we see what additional words Paul has for the Corinthians

1 Corinthians 16:5–6 NASB95

5 But I will come to you after I go through Macedonia, for I am going through Macedonia; 6 and perhaps I will stay with you, or even spend the winter, so that you may send me on my way wherever I may go.

1 Corinthians 16:7–8 NASB95

7 For I do not wish to see you now just in passing; for I hope to remain with you for some time, if the Lord permits. 8 But I will remain in Ephesus until Pentecost;

1 Corinthians 16:9 NASB95

9 for a wide door for effective service has opened to me, and there are many adversaries.

What do you see, what do you notice, what sticks out to you?

Gleaning from the scripture:

Question: what was Paul’s intentions about travelling to Corinth (vv.5-7)?

Will come to them after Macadonia, maybe stay winter

Question: where was Paul then, and why was he going to stay there until Pentecost (vv.8-9)?

Paul was in Ephesus, he was going to stay there because of wide (open) door for effective service

Points to ponder regarding opportunities:

Paul made plans, conveyed plans, committed to the Lord regarding plans (1Cor16:5-7; Jm4:13-17)

James 4:13–14 NASB95

13 Come now, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go to such and such a city, and spend a year there and engage in business and make a profit.” 14 Yet you do not know what your life will be like tomorrow. You are just a vapor that appears for a little while and then vanishes away.

James 4:15–16 NASB95

15 Instead, you ought to say, “If the Lord wills, we will live and also do this or that.” 16 But as it is, you boast in your arrogance; all such boasting is evil.

James 4:17 NASB95

17 Therefore, to one who knows the right thing to do and does not do it, to him it is sin.

The right thing to do is to commit your plans to the Lord! Do we do that? How do we do that? I know they are subjective questions, but hey, things to think about and ponder.

It was always Paul’s intention to go to Corinth and help them

1 Corinthians 11:34 NASB95

34 If anyone is hungry, let him eat at home, so that you will not come together for judgment. The remaining matters I will arrange when I come.

He planned to come and spend the winter with them, since between November and February he could not sail, it would be perfect opportunity to stay, minister and help set things in order.

Paul’s plan’s did not work out the way he wanted them too, but did how God wanted them too (see 2Cor1:15-16; 2Cor2:12-13; 2Cor7:5ff) and you will see the plans changed several times. So what can we learn from these circumstances, situations we have seen thus far?

A Christian should:

Use common sense

We need to use common sense , engage in prayer, engage our mind and study the situation, seek God and His will.

God gave us a mind and expects us to use it! But not rely solely on our own understanding (Pro3:5-6)

Know our decisions may not always be God’s will

There maybe times that we make promises we cannot keep or plans we cannot fulfill because they are not God’s will.

Paul suffered consequences because of that and some though he was deceitful (2Cor1:12-2:13)

So be willing to make a decision, step out in the decision not fearing if making a mistake, God can correct a mistake. It is better to step forward than not to step at all.

Also, use common sense coupled with prayer and not make impulsive decisions and rush ahead without seeking the Lords will.

Be looking for opportunities and seizing those opportunities

Paul saw the open door at Ephesus and seized it to minister there. Using his common sense it was better to minister to the unsaved there then to pamper the saved in Corinth.

Here is a ancient Roman proverb:

“While we stop and think, we often miss our opportunity. Once we know what to do, we must do it and not delay.”

(Transition): Stewardship of opportunity is important to us personally but also to us collectively as the church. May we be people who constantly ask “What opportunities is God giving me/us today?” Commit our plans to the Lord and let Him work out the results! Now that leads to the last section and I want to just briefly mention that stewardship of money and opportunity are important but people are needed too, Paul knew that and recognized some as he closed out the letter.

Stewardship of people

Paul shares some instructions and some thanks, recognition, for people who shared in ministry work with him.

1 Corinthians 16:10–11 NASB95

10 Now if Timothy comes, see that he is with you without cause to be afraid, for he is doing the Lord’s work, as I also am. 11 So let no one despise him. But send him on his way in peace, so that he may come to me; for I expect him with the brethren.

1 Corinthians 16:12–13 NASB95

12 But concerning Apollos our brother, I encouraged him greatly to come to you with the brethren; and it was not at all his desire to come now, but he will come when he has opportunity. 13 Be on the alert, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong.

1 Corinthians 16:14–15 NASB95

14 Let all that you do be done in love. 15 Now I urge you, brethren (you know the household of Stephanas, that they were the first fruits of Achaia, and that they have devoted themselves for ministry to the saints),

1 Corinthians 16:16–17 NASB95

16 that you also be in subjection to such men and to everyone who helps in the work and labors. 17 I rejoice over the coming of Stephanas and Fortunatus and Achaicus, because they have supplied what was lacking on your part.

1 Corinthians 16:18–19 NASB95

18 For they have refreshed my spirit and yours. Therefore acknowledge such men. 19 The churches of Asia greet you. Aquila and Prisca greet you heartily in the Lord, with the church that is in their house.

1 Corinthians 16:20–21 NASB95

20 All the brethren greet you. Greet one another with a holy kiss. 21 The greeting is in my own hand—Paul.

1 Corinthians 16:21–22 NASB95

21 The greeting is in my own hand—Paul. 22 If anyone does not love the Lord, he is to be accursed. Maranatha.

1 Corinthians 16:23–24 NASB95

23 The grace of the Lord Jesus be with you. 24 My love be with you all in Christ Jesus. Amen.

Instructions:

Receive Timothy and send him on his way(vv.10-11)

Timothy Paul’s young protege

Be on alert, stand firm, act like men and be strong, and do it all in love (vv.13-14)

Be on the alert, means watch out, be attentive, be vigilant for the enemy is always at hand

Stand firm in your faith, having it tried and true, shored up, anchored

Act like men! Grow up, be united!

Be strong in your faith, in your actions, don’t be swayed by the ways of the world .

Know and be in subject to workers, laborers (vv.15-19)

Laborers like Apollos (v.12) - expand briefly

Stephanas and his household (v.15) - first converts in Achaia

Fortunatus and Achaicus s God’s messengers to bring what Paul was lacking. (v.17)

Aquila and Prisca (v.18)

(Maranatha picture inserted here)

In closing out the letter Paul says if someone does not love the Lord he is to be accursed, meaning under a curse, doomed to evil or misery, ill-fated. - not Paul’s desire but it was a fact for the Lord was coming (Maranatha: come Lord) and closes with His love for them.