The Challenge To Care

The Challenge to Care

1 Corinthians 16:1-14

Introduction

In the concluding chapters of his first letter to the Corinthians, Paul has called us to answer the challenge to Serve, to Love, to Believe, and now to Care. It’s easy to see how the Corinthian church could struggle with caring about anyone but themselves. With the kinds of problems they experienced, most of them were the result of being self-centered and self-concerned. Paul ends his letter by calling them to care for others instead of being so focused on themselves. In verse 14 he returns to his major theme, “Let all that you do be done in love.” That should be our major theme as well. Not always easy, nor always the most natural reaction, but it is the most godly

choice.

One way Paul is going to encourage this is by getting to the root of their greatest interest - and often ours - he wants them to join in concern for others by donating funds. This always gets our attention - and it should. Jesus talked a lot about money and James told us that the love of money is the root of all evil. As we study this passage try to keep in mind that it is not all about fundraising - it is about applying the principle of love to our hearts and our bank accounts.

1 Corinthians 16:1-4, ESV

Now concerning the collection for the saints: as I directed the churches of Galatia, so you also are to do. On the first day of every week, each of you is to put something aside and store it up, as he may prosper, so that there will be no collecting when I come. And when I arrive, I will send those whom you accredit by letter to carry your gift to Jerusalem. If it seems advisable that I should go also, they will accompany me.

In this passage I see five ways that your contribution is an expression of care and love:

1. Love and Compassion for Those in Need

Paul writes about a collection. This is an action of unity and love - we do it together! We can accomplish more together than any one of us could do on our own. “Themes such as mutuality, hospitality, reciprocity of love and generosity run through the epistle.” (Johnson)

It is a collection for the saints. In particular for some of the poor saints at Jerusalem. In Acts 11:27 we read of an expected famine and of the intention of the churches to gather money for the brethren in Judea and Jerusalem … It appears that the church at Jerusalem was very poor so that even the Macedonian churches, which were not rich themselves, had to collect money for Jerusalem. (Grosheide) Hays: “One of the most important functions of this closing chapter is to remind the Corinthians that their church belongs to a wider network of communities… and that their life in Christ necessarily involves them in a mission that links them with the wider world.” Here Paul is urging a Gentile congregation to support a Jewish Christian community - this act of love and care will override ingrained prejudices - a powerful way to show unity and care.

When we offer our contribution to the church, we are expressing love and compassion for those in need both locally and internationally.

2. Gratitude for God’s Provision

Given the first day of every week. The collection is a part of a weekly gathering for Christians. The collection is an action of love that is directed by God and empowered by God’s provision!

We give from the abundance of God’s provision. We cannot give what we do not have. Whatever we have comes from God and we are grateful. James 1:17 “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights.…” Whatever you give, it comes first from the Lord!

GRACE Giving: Giving Regularly as Christ Enables! (Hayford)

3. Care for the Church

Put something aside and store it up. The Jews had the requirement of a tithe and were used to setting aside part of their income for God. They grew up with tithes and offerings of various kinds. This is a new practice for the Gentiles, so Paul is specific. By giving consistently, the congregation stands ready to help and bless those in need - as well as cover the expenses. Forsythe: What a great example of this you were during the covid shutdown days. And when we needed to pay off a large debt. Your practice of generosity is a great example!

The entire church can participate in the contribution. Johnson: “Everyone, young and old, wealthy and poor, slave

and free, Jew and Gentile, male and female, educated and illiterate, can have a part.”