Introduction:
A. If you were Paul, how would you close this letter you had written to the Corinthian church?
1. As we have seen, it was a troubled and struggling church.
2. There were doctrinal problems and glaring moral failures.
3. And even though it appears that this was Paul’s second attempt to address the problems via letter, there had been precious little – if any- evidence of progress.
B. Might you be tempted to close the letter with scoldings and ringing threats?
1. Would you set a time limit for the correction of the problems?
2. Or would you simply close on a note of terse formality and allow them to draw the conclusion that you were growing impatient with their worldly attitudes and ungodly behavior?
C. Well, regardless of how you or I might close such a letter, here is how Paul closed:
1. He encouraged them in a good work that he knew they were helping with.
2. He expressed his desire to see them soon.
3. And he sent warm greetings from his beloved brethren.
D. As we spend a few minutes with the final chapter of this letter, I want us to step back and take in some of the lessons in basic discipleship that surface in this chapter.
I. Discipleship and Giving
A. Having just concluded an extended discussion of the resurrection, Paul makes an immediate transition to the subject of a collection for the needy saints in Jerusalem.
1. Paul again used the same formula he has employed as he has addressed each of the questions the Corinthians had asked him.
2. The previous questions have been about marriage, meat sacrificed to idols, spiritual gifts, and the resurrection of the body.
3. Now he addresses their last question which has to do with a collection of funds for some unfortunate brethren in Judea.
4. So, verse 1 in the NIV reads, “Now about the collection for God’s people.”
B. The book of Acts mentions a famine which came over the Roman Empire during the reign of Claudius, A.D. 41-54 (Acts 11:28)
1. The full force of the famine hit around A.D. 45, but it is apparent that some were still suffering from its effects almost a decade later.
2. The instructions about to be given to the Corinthians were the same Paul had already given to the churches of Galatia.
3. Over the centuries, the guidelines for this contribution have been taken as the basic pattern for the way Christians should give to the work of the church both in times of crisis and for the routine accomplishments of the church’s ongoing mission.
4. Before we look specifically at the instructions, let’s note a few things…
C. Did you notice that Paul did not hesitate to talk about money.
1. In fact, the Bible, from its earliest chapters all the way through, is quite specific about the danger of money and the importance of putting God first in our use of it.
2. Certainly, religion and money is a dangerous mixture.
3. Nothing can be more negative in the exploitation of people than certain forms of religious fundraising.
4. But at the same time, nothing can be more positive for our personal lives and positive in doing the work of God than financial giving.
5. Let me say it frankly, many or most preachers are scared or worried about bringing up the subject of money.
6. They fear that people will think they are just trying to raise the church budget or raise their salaries.
7. But the truth of the matter is that the Bible talks so much about it that it is hard to avoid the subject.
8. And so, here we are, cruising through 1 Corinthians, and what do we run into? Instructions about giving.
D. The cover of Time magazine a couple of years ago (9/18/06), showed the front end of a Rolls-Royce with a cross as its hood emblem and the bold words, “DOES GOD WANT YOU TO BE RICH?”
1. The article said that some megachurches say “Yes.” While others call it heresy.
2. It is true that some preachers make false promises in their efforts to raise funds – they appeal to human greed – “Give so that you will get even more!”
3. Those kinds of methods and messages truly make me sick.
4. But there are wonderful promises that God has given us related to giving and properly handling our finances.
5. The point is not to give or to tithe in order to somehow hit the lottery jackpot.
6. The reason for our giving should not be focused on how much we can get from God.
7. The primary reasons for giving should include our love for God and our desire to support the growth of His kingdom, and we should couple those with our thankfulness for God’s blessing and our desire to obey His commands.
8. Surely those attitudes will result in all kinds of blessings from God.
E. So, what principles can we learn from Paul’s instructions about this special collection in 1 Cor. 16?
1. First, we learn that our giving should be regular and consistent.
a. Paul said, We are to do it “on the first day of every week.” So it should be regular and thoughtfully planned.
2. Second, we learn that our giving should include every person.
a. Paul said, “Each one of you should set aside a sum of money.”
b. Not just the wealthy, or the leaders, or just the adults.
3. Third, we learn that our giving should be proportionate
a. Paul said that our giving should be “in keeping with his income.”
b. My giving should not be in proportion to your income or giving, or based on some specific amount, but in keeping with my income.
c. We should give in proportion to how much we have received.
d. That’s why giving a percentage is the best way to determine our giving– and I believe that the percentage of 10% is a good biblical model to start with.
4. Fourth, we learn that our contributions should be handled appropriately.
a. Paul took important measures to ensure that the money contributed was handled properly.
b. So we notice that he was going to allow the Corinthians to choose a suitable representative from among them to accompany the money on its trip to Jerusalem.
c. This would allow each participating congregation to see that the money was used properly and to avoid any suspicion of wrongdoing among those collecting and handling the money.
d. Here at Wetzel Road we are striving to handle all contributed monies appropriately.
e. We have two deacons who lead us in creating a budget and who monitor the use of contributions against that budget.
f. Our secretary, Sharon Terry does the bill paying in the office, and so we don’t have any one person who is solely responsible for the entire process.
F. The stewardship of our money and our giving are very important aspects of our discipleship.
II. Discipleship, Plans and People.
A. As we move on from Paul’s discussion of giving, we observe some more general principles of discipleship.
B. First, We notice that discipleship involves making ministry goals and plans.
1. In verses 5, and 8, Paul let’s the Corinthians know something of his plans.
2. He wants to come and see them after he passes through Macedonia, but for now he is planning on staying at Ephesus until Pentecost.
3. But even though Paul was making plans, he knew that all his plans would only come to fruition “if the Lord permits.” (vs. 7)
4. As disciples, we know that God always has the last say, and we put our lives in His hands.
5. But as we respond to God’s unfolding will, we should continue to make plans and adjust them accordingly.
6. I would encourage each of us to be developing plans for personal growth – plans for what we want to be reading and studying from God’s Word and from Christian authors.
7. We need to regularly be considering how to best serve the Lord with our time and talents.
8. We need to plan what ministry efforts should we be involved in and what should be our goal in those ministries.
C. Second, We notice that discipleship involves getting personally involved with ministry and people for an extended period of time.
1. We might want instant success and instant progress, but most of the time these things take time.
2. Helping people change takes a lot of patience and a long time. We have to be ready to hang in there for the long haul.
3. Most ministries take a long time to develop and so we have to be ready to endure.
4. We notice that Paul says that he wanted to stay at Corinth for a while, perhaps the entire winter.
5. He said in verse 7, “I do not want to see you now and make only a passing visit; I hope to spend some time with you.”
6. I want to encourage each of us to ask God to show us whom we can personally get involved with evangelistically or as a mentor, and really invest in those people for the long haul.
7. When I think of that kind of ministry, I don’t think of planting seeds of an annual flower that will sprout and grow to maturity in a matter of weeks, but I think of planting the seeds of a great oak tree that takes years to grow to maturity and then can last for a hundred years or more.
D. Third, We notice that discipleship flourishes in the context of challenge and difficulty.
1. We like to think that ministry grows best when there are no difficulties or challenges, but the opposite us usually true.
2. In verse 8, Paul wrote, “But I will stay on at Ephesus until Pentecost, because a great door for effective work has opened to me, and there are many who oppose me.”
3. I think that Satan only causes trouble and opposition when God’s work is progressing effectively.
4. So rather than bemoaning our challenges and difficulties, let’s learn from them, overcome them, and watch God use them for good.
E. Fourth, We notice that discipleship is strengthened through mutual support and equal respect.
1. Paul encouraged them to welcome Timothy and help him along in his ministry. (vs. 10-11)
2. Paul encouraged them to recognize and appreciate the devoted service of others, and to submit to those who are serving and leading well. (vs. 15, 16)
3. Good disciples strive to cooperate.
F. Fifth, We notice that discipleship must allow room for disagreement and individualism.
1. This is interesting to me, look at verse 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.”
2. Notice how clearly Paul states what he wanted Apollos to do, and Apollos’ unwillingness to do it.
3. Why didn’t Apollos want to go to Corinth at that time? We don’t know.
4. Perhaps he was very busy elsewhere in an effective work. Perhaps he wanted to avoid fueling the personal loyalties some were promoting in Corinth – “I am of Apollos.”.
5. But what we learn is none of us is the boss – not even the apostle Paul.
6. He even allowed room for Apollos to disagree with him about what was best to do at Corinth, so we have to give each other that kind of room as well.
7. I might think that a certain direction or approach would be best, but you might think otherwise – we both might be right in our own way or time.
G. Sixth, We notice that discipleship takes constant effort.
1. In verses 13 and 14, Paul rattles off five staccato commands.
2. The first is “Be On Your Guard.” – We are spiritually at war. Our enemy is always attacking, so we have to stay alert.
3. The second quick command is “Stand firm in the Faith” – We must take our position on the truth of Jesus and not give up any ground.
4. Third – “Be Men of Courage” – it appears that the “men” here is not to be emphasized as “male” but as “age or maturity.” A disciple is to be noted for signs of maturity in Christ. We must not act as children, but as adults.
5. Fourth – “Be Strong” – this has to do with internal strength – the Corinthians were being threatened by spiritual weakness and sickness – that needed to change.
6. Finally – “Do Everything in Love” – Everything we do must be filtered by and motivated by love. The Corinthians really struggled to understand that, let’s be sure we don’t make the same mistake.
H. Seventh – We notice that discipleship is lived in community.
1. In this short chapter, Paul mentions at least 10 different individuals, or churches.
2. He praises some up as good examples.
3. He sends greetings to and from others.
4. All are to be greeted with a holy kiss – disciples are to be known for their affection for one another in the body of Christ.
5. If Paul were writing today with our customs, he more likely would have said, “Greet one another with a hearty handshake or a holy hug.”
6. Let’s show each other that we love each other, not just with a polite greeting, but with an
on-going demonstration of practical love.
Conclusion:
A. More certainly could be said about these verses, but let’s close by noticing Paul’s final statements.
B. Surprisingly, Paul declares a curse on anyone who does not love the Lord (vs. 22).
1. That may have been a subtle warning for any at Corinth who would not accept the corrections of this letter.
2. It is a terribly serious thing to have it concluded of us that we do not love the Lord.
3. That is not a judgment I want made about me! How about you?
C. Immediately following the curse, Paul gives a watchword.
1. The NIV translates it, “Come, O Lord.”
2. Depending on the way the word is divided it is something like a prayer or greeting which must have been common among the earliest Christians.
3. It is an Aramaic word which has been transliterated into Greek – Maranatha.
4. Divided one way it means “Our Lord has come” which would be a greeting or statement of faith.
5. Divided the other way it means “Our Lord, Come” which would be our prayer and hope.
D. Next Paul gives a blessing of God’s grace – “The grace of the Lord Jesus be with you.”
1. Something both they and we continually need!
E. Then, as you would expect, he says that he loves them – “My love to all of you in Christ Jesus.”
F. In spite of all their problems – Paul still loved them!
1. The church at Corinth was worth caring about, praying for, correcting and building up.
2. In reality, the Lord doesn’t have any perfect Christians or perfect churches, does He?
3. So let’s not be discouraged. Let’s not give up on ourselves or each other. God’s not finished with us yet!
4. We are imperfect people in imperfect churches who serve a perfect Savior and Lord.
5. Our hope lies not with ourselves – but in Him! Amen!
Prayer:
“Oh God – show us the most excellent way, and help us to walk in that way…”
