Do Everything In Love

1 Corinthians 16:1-24 NIU UBF
Key verse 16:13-14 3/21/10

“Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be men of courage; be strong.
Do everything in love."

Chapter 16 is the epilogue of Paul's first letter to the Corinthians. Do you know how long we have been studying 1 Corinthians? Since September 9th (2009) of last year. We have learned a lot of how to solve many problems in life and ministry through the Gospel of Jesus. In this last chapter, Paul deals with several matters. He instructs the church about the collection for God's people (1-4). Not too popular a topic nowadays. He shares with them his future travel plans like any true friend and father would (4-8). He tells them to respect coworkers and leaders (9-12; 15-18). He exhorts them to faith and love (13-14). And finally, Paul shares greetings (19-24). There are many things to learn here. May God open your hearts to all that Paul wants to review in this epilogue and hold onto one point.

Part I: Prepare Your Gift For God's People (1-4)


First, the issue of offering. We don’t like to think about offering to God because we think that we are very poor in the present tough economy and we are in some special circumstance. We may be poor, granted, but we are not nearly as poor as these Corinthians were and Paul does not loosen up on his expectations on them. Look at verse 1a. "Now about the collection for God's people...." The word "collection," that is "logia" in Greek, appears only here in the Bible. It refers to collecting money for an offering. Sometimes preachers talk about money first, at the beginning of their message. And it may be of first importance…in order to keep up with building expenditures, salaries and programs. However, Paul mentions this collection last, at the end of his letter. He wanted to put the gospel at the forefront of all he did.

Let’s get back to this issue of offering. According to verse 1b, the Galatian churches would also participate. Verse 3b clarifies that it was to be sent to Jerusalem. No doubt, this refers to the collection Paul was taking up from the Gentile churches, mentioned in Romans 15:25-27. The believers in Jerusalem were in need, perhaps because of persecution (Ac 8:1) or widespread famine (Ac 11:28). Paul saw this as an opportunity for the Gentile Christians to express their love towards their Jewish brothers, and to acknowledge their spiritual debt by giving a material offering. It was not just a relief offering. It held a spiritual meaning serving to unite both Jew and Gentile in Christ. They were not just giving money, but making a spiritual relationship with Jerusalem believers, by the help of Paul (4). Here we learn that material giving is part of worship, and sharing with fellow believers, in their time, of need brings spiritual unity to the body of Christ. We thank God for all who have participated in the Christmas offering in helping to build the Bethesda Clinic in Uganda. There is another opportunity to offer at the upcoming Easter Conference. The offering is going to Haiti relief. Let's give as an act of worship to God, and for the blessing of our dear brothers and sisters in Christ in Haiti.
As an apostle of Christ Jesus, Paul gave spiritual direction about giving--not just to the Corinthians, but to other churches as well. In verse 1b, Paul said, "Do what I told the Galatian churches to do." In verse 2, Paul explained specifically what they should do: "On the first day of the week, each one of you should set aside a sum of money in keeping with his income, saving it up, so that when I come no collections will have to be made." The first day of the week was Sunday, the Lord's day. This is the day of Christian worship. The offering was to be presented as part of their worship of God. It was not just a relief offering for other people. It was an offering to God. We must view all of our offerings in this way. This is a great segue into some principles of offering.

Why should we offer to God? First, because God is the owner of all things. In Psalm 50:11,12 the Lord says, "I know every bird in the mountains, and the creatures of the field are mine. If I were hungry I would not tell you, for the world is mine, and all that is in it." The world belongs to God. As Jesus taught in the parable of the tenants, God is the owner and we are the tenants and stewards (Mk 12:2). To have a right relationship with God we must offer fruit to God. Second, God commanded his people to make a tithe offering in the Old Testament (Nu 18). According to Malachi, the tithe belongs to God. It is not ours. To withhold our tithe is tantamount to robbing God (Mal 3:8). Third, God promises to bless those who offer tithes to him. Malachi 3:10b says, "Test me in this, and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that you will not have room enough for it." There are many who testify that God keeps his promise. When Abraham won a great victory over his enemies, he offered a tithe to God through his servant, Melchizedek (Gen 14:20). When Jacob made a covenant with God, he promised to give back a tenth of all God gave him (Gen 28:22). These ancestors of faith were abundantly blessed by God. In American history, John D. Rockefeller was faithful in giving a tithe to God throughout his lifetime. He confessed that his great success was God's blessing on tithing. One poor widow, who offered to God all she had to live on, was commended by Jesus (Mk 12:43-44). She teaches how to give our hearts to God, and how to give by faith. I can testify this same teaching with my own family. Ever since our family’s conception, Julie has been faithful to help us to tithe our gross income. We have been abundantly blessed by God in every way, even today in this tough economy. This kind of giving pleases God.

Giving to God should be first on our minds. Verse 2 says, "On the first day of every week...." It should take priority in one's budget planning, and should be done regularly, not just once in a while. Furthermore, "each one" should offer. It is not enough that one's father offers to God, "each one" must offer to God. I want my kids to learn this principle and so I require them to offer personally. We should "set aside a sum of money," preparing in advance--not shuffling through our pockets at the last minute as the offering basket comes around. Here is an example of one who prepares before hand. At a time after the Korean War, there was one Korean lady who would put one scoop of rice in a bag before cooking for the family. Then she would take the bag to the church for Sunday and offer the rice at church. If we just took time to prepare and make offerings in advance then it would not feel like such a burden to us In verse 3, this offering is called a "gift." Here, the Greek word for gift is "charis," which also means "grace." Christian giving should be willing and joyful, with a deep sense of God's grace. It should not be legalistic. Since Christ died for us, to forgive our sins and give us eternal life, we owe everything, even our very lives, to Christ. When we offer materially, it should be with a sense of gratitude and worship. (And there is another matter. Let’s face the facts…if you ever want to have any authority or clout in any church you must be a faithful giver.)
The Church should raise up faithful stewards of God’s money. Look at verse 3. "Then, when I arrive, I will give letters of introduction to the men you approve and send them with your gift to Jerusalem." The Corinthians should choose faithful representatives to take the offering to Jerusalem (1 Cor 4:2). It is a high calling to be treasurer of a church or ministry. Such people must have a very high degree of integrity and live before God always.

Part II: Paul's Plans, And Requests Regarding Coworkers (5-12; 15-18)

Verses 5-7 explain Paul's travel plans. He would go through Macedonia, visiting churches, and then continue on to Corinth (5). Paul hoped he could "stay awhile, or even spend the winter" (6). He did not want to "make only a passing visit...[but] to spend time with [them]" (7). As we have studied, there were many problems in Corinth. Some pastors would have avoided the Corinthians, saying "Hello," as they passed by quickly, or sending superficial e-mails, not wanting to deal with their issues. However, Paul was a true shepherd. In their time of need, he wanted to be with them and spend time with them counseling them and praying for them and with them and studying the Bible with them. He was ready to bear misunderstanding and pain to share fellowship. Paul also respected them. In verse 6, Paul said, "...so that you can help me on my journey...." Paul knew they were spiritually immature. But he treated them as valuable coworkers who could participate meaningfully in world mission. Still, Paul concluded, "...if the Lord permits" (7). Ultimately, Paul submitted his plans to the Lord's guidance.

In keeping with these principles, Paul decided to stay in Ephesus. Why? He said in verse 9. "...because a great door for effective work has opened to me, and there are many who oppose me." As we learn in Acts 19, when Paul visited Ephesus, he found a handful of disciples already there. However, there was something strange about them. They never expressed any spiritual joy. When they sang a hymn, it sounded like a funeral. So Paul asked, "Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed?" They said, "No, we did not even hear that there is a Holy Spirit." (Acts 19:2) So Paul shared the good news with them and baptized them in the name of the Lord Jesus. Then they received the Holy Spirit and began to speak in tongues and prophesy. (Acts 19:6) Suddenly, they all became excited about Jesus and the gospel and eagerly shared the word of God. They became promising Bible messengers! Paul began to have Bible discussions with them daily in the lecture hall of Tyrannus. (Acts 19:9) Within two years, all the Jews and Greeks in the province of Asia heard the word of the Lord (Ac 19:10). There was a great work of repentance and many burned their sorcery scrolls publicly to renounce their evil deeds. One whole region of the world was being liberated from the devil's power.

God was working powerfully and so the hindrance of Satan was to be expected. Paul suffered harm and his life was in danger. It was costly for Paul to remain in Ephesus. Moreover, Paul's heart ached to visit Corinth. However, Paul made a clear decision to stay in Ephesus, following the work of the Holy Spirit. This is what made Paul so useful in the work of God. When we follow the work of the Holy Spirit, we can be used greatly by God. However, one who ignores the leading of the Holy Spirit becomes useless. They may even hinder the work of God unknowingly. Where are there evangelical doors being opened up today? There are open doors in Latin America and China. There are miraculous things going in those regions. Some say there are 90-100 million house churches in China. It is impossible for man to evangelize in such large numbers. God is definitely working. In Brazil one church was filled in 6 months. In America a medium sized door is being opened. I pray that through this Easter conference the moving of the Holy Spirit may be reveal clearly, in each of our personal lives and ministries and especially in our co-working relationship with DuPage UBF.

Though Paul could not visit Corinth at exactly that time, he did what he could. Paul sent Timothy by way of Macedonia (Ac 19:22). Timothy, Paul's spiritual son, had learned his gospel faith and lifestyle. As 1 Corinthians 4:17 says, Paul wanted Timothy to share this faith and lifestyle with the Corinthians. However, Timothy was different than Paul. Paul was a strong, charismatic leader. Timothy was timid. (2 Tim 1:6,7) Paul worried that in the volatile Corinthian church, members would intimidate Timothy and make him fearful. Rude people would disrespect young Timothy. So Paul warned the Corinthians, "...see to it that he has nothing to fear while he is with you, for he is carrying on the work of the Lord, just as I am" (10). Let’s face it…disrespectful people create an atmosphere of cynicism and hostility in a church. They can not be blessed. When the Corinthians respected Timothy, as they did Paul, God would bless them. Let's respect God's servants from our hearts.

Look at verse 12. Paul wanted to send Apollos to Corinth as well. Paul valued Apollos as a coworker and called him "our brother." Paul declared his trust in Apollos and supported his ministry in Corinth, even though there had been a division problem. It was Apollos who was reluctant to go to Corinth.

In verses 15-18, Paul mentions some of the Corinthian leaders. The household of Stephanus was noteworthy because they were the first converts in Achaia and devoted themselves to the service of the saints. Together with Fortunatus and Achaicus they worked hard behind the scenes for reconciliation and unity. As they brought the news of Corinth to Paul, and Paul's words of instruction to Corinth, it required humility, much prayer and a constant spiritual struggle. Then through them, everyone was refreshed. Paul recognized their leadership and urged the Corinthians "to submit to such as these and to everyone who joins in the work, and labors at it" (16). In this part, we learn Paul's secret of following the work of the Holy Spirit and of coworking with others. Many think that Paul was fruitful because he was a kind of spiritual superman. But this is not true. Paul was fruitful because he followed the work of the Holy Spirit and coworked with many servants of God. Let's learn how to be fruitful through Paul's example, especially in co working with servants of God from Chicago, DuPage and Triton UBF and the DeKalb Christian church.

Part III: Stand Firm In The Faith (13-14; 19-24)

In the midst of giving practical instructions, Paul paused in verses 13-14 to share one last exhortation with the Corinthians. These words summarize the essential point of Paul's letter. Let's read verses 13-14. "Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be men of courage; be strong. Do everything in love." Here we find five words of exhortation.

First, "Be on your guard." This is a warning against the devil's work. Paul knew that our struggle is not against people, but against the devil (Eph 6:12). The devil prowls around like a roaring lion, trying to drag people away from God to be his prisoner. No mere human being can defeat the devil. Jesus warned his disciples to watch and pray not to fall into temptation (Mk 14:38). When we pray, Almighty God gives us victory over the devil.

Second, "...stand firm in the faith...." Christian faith stands on the fact that “Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures...[and] that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures..." (15:3,4). Christ saves those who believe in him from all the consequences of sin. Christ gives us eternal life and an inheritance in the kingdom of God. Christ will raise our bodies from the dead and give us glorious resurrection bodies. God gives us everything in Christ. Yet sometimes, Satan whispers, "Faith is useless. Take it easy and spend the rest of your days enjoying fun and relaxing. You only live once." If we lose our faith, we lose everything. We must stand firm in the faith. Then God gives us his Holy Spirit, joy and peace, and eternal victory.

Third, "...be men of courage...." Men and women must be courageous. People of faith must be courageous like warriors. The courage mentioned here comes from faith. It is the courage to boldly offer our lives for the work of God. Many are working hard and sacrificing much to serve the Easter Conference and the upcoming Midwest - Missouri valley regional conferences. Their labor in the Lord is not in vain. It will be richly rewarded by God. Let's be people of courage and live sacrificial lives of faith, picking up our own crosses. God will indeed bless us when we do.

Fourth, "...be strong." We should not be weak. With a weak mind we cannot overcome difficulties to serve God in this world. So we must be strong. How can we be strong? Shall we work out regularly by lifting weights and jogging? Sure. Why not? But this is not enough. We must be strong in the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ (2 Ti 2:1). When we repent of our sins and receive the grace of forgiveness, we can be really strong--strong enough to bear God's mission.

Fifth, "Do everything in love." The love of Christ should be in our hearts at all times as our motive and life source. Whatever we do, we should do it in love, joyfully, with gratitude. We must do everything in love: Bible study, music, drama, serving guests, and so on. Then we can be happy and make others happy, too. God will be pleased, and our community will be healthy and strong.

In verses 19-24 Paul gives some final greetings from churches in the province of Asia, from Aquila and Priscilla and their house church, and from all the brothers. Paul said, "Greet one another with a holy kiss." It was customary for Greek people of the time to greet others of the same gender with a hug and kiss. Paul wanted to redeem this custom and use it to encourage the affection of Christ in the Christian community. This is not necessarily something we should take literally today. I am not good at this anyway. When ever I try to give a “Mediterranean style” kiss to my Italian friend I end up kissing his ear lobe. Look at verse 22. Paul is not expressing personal anger at those who do not love the Lord. He is explaining that only Christ can save us from curse. Without Christ, everyone is subject to the Lord's righteous judgment and subject to the curse of the fall. (Gen ) Then Paul cried, "Come, O Lord!" He longed for Jesus' coming in power and glory. Finally Paul says, "The grace of the Lord Jesus be with you. My love to all of you in Christ Jesus. Amen." Though Paul had said many things to them in his letter, some of which were hard to digest, he ends with the grace of Christ, and love. The grace of Christ is greater than all our sin. The love of God unites us in the body of Christ, even though we have many weaknesses and problems.

As we finish the study of 1 Corinthians, let's pray that we may do everything in love.