SCRIPTURE: 1 CORINTHIANS 16
BIBLE VERSES:
“Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong. Do everything in love.” (1 Corinthians 16:13-14)
“If anyone does not love the Lord, let that person be cursed! Come, Lord” (1 Corinthians 16:22)
THE COLLECTION FOR GOD’S PEOPLE (vs. 1-4)
Paul was taking up offering from the church of Corinth to help the needy believers in Judea. Giving should be voluntary and in proportion to God’s blessings.
PERSONAL REQUESTS (vs. 5-18)
Paul mentioned God”s worker such as Timothy, Apollos, who needed encouragement, prayers and support. He complimented the household of Stephanas, the first convert in Achaia, who had devoted themselves to the service of the saints. He gave recognition to Stephanas, Fortunatus and Achaicus who had supplied the needs of church family.
FINAL GREETINGS (vs. 19-24)
Paul sent his final greetings from the churches in the province of Asia. He specifically mentioned Aquila and Priscilla who greeted them warmly in the Lord. He closes with this: “The grace of the Lord Jesus be with you. My love to all of you in Christ Jesus,. Amen” (vs. 23-24)
THOUGHTS:
A. Paul gave instructions concerning offering:
- Offerings is to be given to the church weekly. Paul mentioned ” on the last day of every week, each week, set aside a sum of money” (v. 2a)
- Offering is for the rich and the poor alike – Paul mentioned that poor saints in Macedonia gave liberally out of their poverty
- Offering proportionate – Tithe was to be made in keeping with his income (v. 2b)
- Offering must be properly handled – Paul wanted to bring the gift with someone accompanying him. (v. 8-3). the church must handle the funds with financial system of receipts and records. It must be carefully and prayerfully disbursed.
B. The household of Stephanas gave us a good example of how they treated the Lord’s servant. The church must receive the Lord’s servant with love and care. There should be no comparison among fellow workers. Instead, we must love and appreciate the faithful laborers. Fellow God’s servant must have good relationship with each other so that the church can be strengthened.