Tag: 1st Corinthians 16
On Your Guard!
Scripture reading for July 27th: 1st Corinthians 16
Key scriptures for over-comers: 1st Corinthians 16:13-16 “Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be men of courage; be strong. Do everything in love. You know that the household of Stephanas were the first converts in Achaia, and they devoted themselves to the service of the saints. I urge you, brothers, to submit to such as these and to everyone who joins in the work, and labors at it.”
Because of the pressures of life in a hostile world, the pull of the flesh, and the wiles of Satan, believers must maintain a watchful and yet positive mode of faith in living for Jesus and fulfilling His mission. Courage is the strength to live positively and aggressively for Christ in spite of opposition. Paul encouraged the church to live in this manner and do all in love! He then uses a specific household, that of Stephanas, as examples of those devoted to serving the saints and doing the work of the church.
Observations for over-comers: Watchfulness with strength, courage, and love is the simple instruction for victorious living in the last days. We work at blessing the Lord’s people and workers and watch for His return! “David also said to Solomon his son, “Be strong and courageous and do the work. Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord God, my God, is with you. He will not fail you or forsake you until all the work for the service of the temple of the Lord is finished.” (1st Chronicles 28:20)
Open door for effective work!
Scripture reading for July 28th: 1st Corinthians 16
“On the first day of every 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.” (1st Corinthians 16:2) As Paul concluded his letter to this church he loved, he directed them in their manner of giving to help him in his ministry. Paul asked them to set aside some money each Sunday and save it up for when he came. This was to be in proportion to their income. God did not want all they had, only what they could cheerfully give. That way, no pressure would be felt from Paul for an offering when he was there. We should give purposefully, not out of emotion or pressure.
Paul planned on visiting this church and wanted to stay for a while when he could come. But for the present time, he felt the Lord’s direction to stay in Ephesus. “But I will stay in Ephesus until Pentecost, because a great door for effective work has opened to me, and there are many who oppose me.” (1st Corinthians 16:8-9) God opens doors for his ministers. But this does not mean that there is no opposition! In fact, opposition may be greatest where there are open doors!
Paul also stated that it was a door for ‘effective’ work. Acts 18 describes how Paul was opposed by the Jews after testifying that Jesus was the Christ in the synagogue. He shook his clothes out and went to the house of Justice where the ruler of the synagogue, Crispus, came and believed resulting in salvation to his entire household! The opposition did not keep Paul from effective ministry as the Holy Spirit worked through the Gospel to draw families to Christ!