Monthly Archive for February, 2003

1 Corinthians 16:19-24

Published on February 21, 2003 in 1 Corinthians. 0 Comments
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1 Corinthians 16:19 The churches of Asia greet you. Aquila and Priscilla greet you heartily in the Lord, with the church that is in their house. 20 All the brethren greet you. Greet one another with a holy kiss.

21 The salutation with my own hand—Paul’s.

22 If anyone does not love the Lord Jesus Christ, let him be accursed. O Lord, come!

23 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. 24 My love be with you all in Christ Jesus. Amen.


First Corinthians now concludes with a string of standard greetings and benedictions.

19 The churches of Asia greet you.

Paul wrote First Corinthians from Ephesus in the Roman province of Asia. Evidently a number of churches sprang up, during Paul’s time in the capital city of Ephesus, in the outer regions from that city. Some of these churches are listed in Revelation 2 and 3.

Aquila and Priscilla greet you heartily in the Lord,

The husband and wife Aquila and Priscilla were former Jews who became Christians and developed into a mighty ministry team. They moved to Corinth from Rome because of persecution from Claudius (Ac 18:2), where Paul met them. Paul stayed at their house in Corinth for a year and a half (Ac 18:1-3). Then they moved to Ephesus with Paul, settling in the city where they had a church in their house (Ac 18:2, 18-21, 26). Greetings from Aquila and Priscilla were more personal, since they were part of the church in Corinth. Aquila and Priscilla influenced Apollos and corrected his view of dispensations (Ac 18:24-26). “In the Lord” refers to all that they have together in Christ.

with the church that is in their house.

Of the six times the names Aquila and Priscilla occur in the New Testament, Priscilla’s name appears first four times. She was a dominant figure in the first-century church. She and her husband worked beautifully together as a team, especially by opening their home in the area of hospitality (Ro 16:3-5). Paul took them to Ephesus with him to help him plant a church in that city. They were involved in ministry wherever they went. Paul sent greetings to Priscilla and Aquila in his last epistle of 2 Timothy (4:19).

20 All the brethren greet you.

Paul relays greetings from all the churches at Ephesus and surrounding cities.

Greet one another with a holy kiss.

The “holy kiss” was customary among churches. The church introduced the custom of men kissing men and women kissing women in the second century after criticism of erotic behavior from non-Christians. This kiss was a discernible symbol of love among believers. This encouragement to kiss each other must have been quite a challenge to a group of people who were fighting each other.

21 The salutation with my own hand—Paul’s.

Paul customarily used an amanuensis (a scribe) to write down his letters but sometimes added a personal greeting with his own hand at the end of the letter. He dictated the letter up to this point.

22 If anyone does not love the Lord Jesus Christ,

The word for “love” here is not the normal word agape (love without reciprocity) but the word philew (love based on reciprocity). The later term is more relational and carries the idea of affection.

let him be accursed.

“Accursed” (anathema) means devoted to destruction. The idea in this verse probably is exclusion from fellowship in the local church.

O Lord, come!

The word here is the Aramaic term “Maranatha,” which means “Lord, come.” This is a prayer for the coming of Christ back to earth. Maranatha was a watchword for the coming of Christ.

23 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.

Paul wished the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ to come on the Corinthian church. First Corinthians begins and ends with grace. Grace emphasizes what God does for the believer, so Christians are totally dependent on God.

24 My love be with you all in Christ Jesus.

After rebuking the Corinthian church throughout the epistle, Paul expressed his personal love for the Corinthian church. This is the only letter of Paul that ends with expressing love to his readers. Love does not require a believer to speak in dulcet tones. There are times when parents must speak in stern terms if they love their children.

Amen.

“Amen” means so be it, I believe it.


PRINCIPLE: Biblical love transcends human conflict.


APPLICATION: Biblical love does not require Christians to speak in dulcet, saccharine, sentimental tones. Love in God’s Word is not sentiment but the capacity to do what is best for others regardless of their reciprocity. There is a place for reciprocity, but it is not the heart of Christian love.

1 Corinthians 16:15-18

Published on February 20, 2003 in 1 Corinthians. 0 Comments
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1 Corinthians 16:15 I urge you, brethren—you know the household of Stephanas, that it is the firstfruits of Achaia, and that they have devoted themselves to the ministry of the saints— 16 that you also submit to such, and to everyone who works and labors with us. 17 I am glad about the coming of Stephanas, Fortunatus, and Achaicus, for what was lacking on your part they supplied. 18 For they refreshed my spirit and yours. Therefore acknowledge such men.


15 I urge you, brethren—

First Corinthians is the sharpest epistle that Paul wrote except for Galatians. After saying some harsh things, Paul always appeals to the Corinthians as “brethren.” This is an appeal to their members of the family of God. Paul appeals using the term “brethren” 28 times in this book. Appeal to identity is important for all Christian living. In this case, Paul urges them to submit to authority.

you know the household of Stephanas, that it is the firstfruits of Achaia,

Stephanas’ family was the first full family of converts in the southern province of Achaia (1:16) where Corinth was located. This family help lead the church at Corinth. “Firstfruits” indicates first converts. This term referred to the first part of the harvest.

and that they have devoted themselves to the ministry of the saints—

“Devoted” carries the ideas of to assign, appoint, set in order. This intense Greek word indicated that the household of Stephanas seriously assigned themselves to the service of the saints. The word “ministry” means service. The ministry of the household of Stephanas was to the saints.

Ro 15:25 But now I am going to Jerusalem to minister to the saints.

2 Co 8:4 imploring us with much urgency that we would receive the gift and the fellowship of the ministering to the saints.

He 6:10 For God is not unjust to forget your work and labor of love which you have shown toward His name, in that you have ministered to the saints, and do minister.

16 that you also submit to such,

Submission to authority is at the core of Christianity. Without authority there is no leadership and no accomplishment.

1 Th 5:12 And we urge you, brethren, to recognize those who labor among you, and are over you in the Lord and admonish you, 13 and to esteem them very highly in love for their work’s sake. Be at peace among yourselves.

and to everyone who works and labors with us.

The Corinthian church had problems with submission to authority, so they needed to recognize the authority of the household of Stephanas. “Labors” is work to the point of exhaustion. There is no place for shirkers, observers, or spectators.

17 I am glad about the coming of Stephanas, Fortunatus, and Achaicus, for what was lacking on your part they supplied.

Stephanas, Fortunatus, and Achaicus plus two others from Corinth carried the questions of the Corinthian church to Paul in Ephesus. They filled any deficiency that the Corinthian church had.

Ph 2:30 because for the work of Christ he came close to death, not regarding his life, to supply what was lacking in your service toward me.

18 For they refreshed my spirit and yours.

These men committed themselves to encouraging Paul. All leaders need encouragement, even the mighty apostle Paul. The word “refreshed” is the same word Jesus used in “Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest” (Mt 11:28). The word literally means to pause up. The basis of their fellowship was what they had in Christ. Paul’s friends gave the harried apostle rest. He was no machine, for he needed ministry from others. They took a burden off him and also refreshed the Corinthian church. It was their ministry to do so.

2 Co 7:6 Nevertheless God, who comforts the downcast, comforted us by the coming of Titus,

2 Ti 1:16 The Lord grant mercy to the household of Onesiphorus, for he often refreshed me, and was not ashamed of my chain; 17 but when he arrived in Rome, he sought me out very zealously and found me. 18 The Lord grant to him that he may find mercy from the Lord in that Day—and you know very well how many ways he ministered to me at Ephesus.

Therefore acknowledge such men.

This group from Corinth blessed Paul, so he urged the church to acknowledge these men with respect. Christian ministry requires respect to be effective. Spiritual leaders must exercise impartiality in dealing with problems.


PRINCIPLE: Submission to authority is essential for a healthy church.


APPLICATION: Those who sit and soak in church are for the most part those who criticize. Those busy in God’s service have little time to criticize. As it takes many parts to keep an automobile moving, so it takes many people doing their ministry to keep the churches moving. Many serve the Lord without fanfare or ceremony. They are the heart of ministry.

Service also requires submission to authority. If there is no authority, there is bedlam in the church and no effective ministry.

He 13:7 Remember those who rule over you, who have spoken the word of God to you, whose faith follow, considering the outcome of their conduct.

17 Obey those who rule over you, and be submissive, for they watch out for your souls, as those who must give account. Let them do so with joy and not with grief, for that would be unprofitable for you.

1 Corinthians 16:14

Published on February 19, 2003 in 1 Corinthians. 0 Comments
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1 Corinthians 16:14 Let all that you do be done with love.


14 Let all that you do be done with love.

The fifth and last command is to do everything with love. Love for fellow Christians is at the foundation of Christianity. It will preempt infighting and schism among believers.


PRINCIPLE: Love must be the controlling principle in the midst of problems.


APPLICATION: Christians love because God shed His love abroad in our hearts; Romans 5: 5 “Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us.” It is something that we did not pray about or develop on our own. It was something the Holy Spirit did at the point of salvation.

1 Pe 1:22 Since you have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit in sincere love of the brethren, love one another fervently with a pure heart,

1 Pe 4:8 And above all things have fervent love for one another, for “love will cover a multitude of sins.”

1 Corinthians 16:13c

Published on February 18, 2003 in 1 Corinthians. 0 Comments
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1 Corinthians 16:13 Watch, stand fast in the faith, be brave, be strong.


be brave,

The third command of this section is to “be brave.” Christianity is a manly belief. It requires courage and bravery. The Corinthians were to act like men. This is masculine Christianity. The Corinthians were not acting like men but like babes (1 Co 3:1).

be strong.

The fourth command is to “be strong.” Strength here is spiritual maturity. The usage of this term often meant spiritual growth. The passive voice (the subject receives the action) indicates that this is something God does to us – brings us to spiritual strength and maturity.

Ep 6:10 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. 11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.


PRINCIPLE: Christianity is masculine in nature.


APPLICATION: We can chart the level of maturity of a child by the toys he takes interest in. These can range from a rattle to a computer. If a thirteen-year-old teen is still interested in a rattle, then we know something is wrong. The standard is wrong for a teen. Yet, many Christians saved for many years still operate like spiritual babes. Spiritual immaturity is the curse of the church.

Christianity is masculine in nature. We live in a day of feminine Christianity where songs, priorities, and style mainly appeal to women. No wonder men do not want to go to church! Where are the songs like “A mighty fortress is our God?” Christianity is not saccharine, sweet, and sentimental. God designed it for men to conquer for Christ.

1 Kg 2:2 “I go the way of all the earth; be strong, therefore, and prove yourself a man.”

1 Co 14:20 Brethren, do not be children in understanding; however, in malice be babes, but in understanding be mature.

1 Corinthians 16:13b

Published on February 17, 2003 in 1 Corinthians. 0 Comments
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1 Corinthians 16:13 Watch, stand fast in the faith, be brave, be strong.


stand fast

It is not enough to “watch” but the church should also “stand fast in the faith.”  This is the second of five commands in this section. A hot-and-cold spiritual life is spiritual instability. Paul previously challenged the Corinthians to “stand in the gospel” (15:1,2). Christians are not to stand on any thing less than the gospel.

in the faith,

The word “faith” has the definite article prefacing it, giving it the meaning of the content of faith. The issue is about what we believe. “The faith” is the contents of the Word of God. This faith is the faith of doctrinal content, the faith of truth, not trust. Some Christians of the first century were “carried about by every wind of doctrine” (Ep 4:14). There are many strains of doctrinal distortion today among evangelicals. Whenever we inject human viewpoint into the Word of God, we weaken the faith.

Co 2:6 As you therefore have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him, 7 rooted and built up in Him and established in the faith, as you have been taught, abounding in it with thanksgiving.

Ju 3 Beloved, while I was very diligent to write to you concerning our common salvation, I found it necessary to write to you exhorting you to contend earnestly for the faith which was once for all delivered to the saints.


PRINCIPLE: Believers need to take a stand spiritually.


APPLICATION: We must know who we believe, what we believe, and even why we believe. The Christians life is not based on fairy tales, fiction, or feelings but upon a well-grounded faith. “By faith you stand” (2 Co 1:24). We believe what we believe because God said it in His Word. Many Christians today have very little spiritual stability. The latest Christian fad tosses them to and fro by every wind of doctrine, by every fancy of man, by every theological drift. It is the mentality of “if it sounds good, go for it.” It is utter superficiality.

1 Ti 1:12 For this reason I also suffer these things; nevertheless I am not ashamed, for I know whom I have believed and am persuaded that He is able to keep what I have committed to Him until that Day.

Once Christ captivates a Christian, He captures his heart and mind, and God’s Word molds his life. This is narrow-mindedness, but it is biblically-based Christianity. There is nothing as broad as God but there is nothing as exclusive as God. There is only “one God,” not many gods. That is why the Bible places such emphasis on the oneness of God. Mutually exclusive truth brings stability to the Christian life.

Ep 6:11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. 12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. 13 Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. 14 Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness,

Ph 1:27 Only let your conduct be worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or am absent, I may hear of your affairs, that you stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel,

Ph 4:1 Therefore, my beloved and longed-for brethren, my joy and crown, so stand fast in the Lord, beloved.

Co 4:12 Epaphras, who is one of you, a bondservant of Christ, greets you, always laboring fervently for you in prayers, that you may stand perfect and complete in all the will of God.

1 Pe 5:12 By Silvanus, our faithful brother as I consider him, I have written to you briefly, exhorting and testifying that this is the true grace of God in which you stand.

If Christians do not develop an appetite for the Bible, they cannot develop into spiritually mature believers. Christians cannot live on spoonfuls of the Word; they need daily doses of spiritual vitamins and minerals. The soul needs food just as the body needs food.

1 Corinthians 16:13a

Published on February 16, 2003 in 1 Corinthians. 0 Comments
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1 Corinthians 16:13 Watch, stand fast in the faith, be brave, be strong.


The next few verses give five final, machine-gun, rapid-fire exhortations – five divine directives. These terse, crisp, clear commands set forth what God expects of the believer operating in the local church.

13 Watch,

The first command is to “watch.” The New Testament uses this word 22 times, which translates as awake, be vigilant, watch. Paul warned the Corinthian church about internal problems throughout this epistle. They needed to guard themselves from this. Spiritual stupor is a serious problem. This world is rife with spiritual danger, so be alert. Avail yourself of anything that is necessary to advance and strengthen your Christian life. When the Christian lets his guard down, he puts himself in spiritual jeopardy.


PRINCIPLE: Christians are to stay on guard spiritually.


APPLICATION: God’s commands are not good advice. They are not optional. God’s imperatives are not like a cafeteria where we can pick or choose what we want. All five commands are incumbent upon the believer.

It does not take much for a believer to grow cold and eventually develop spiritual rigor mortis. There is little desire to fellowship with God’s people, read the Bible, or present ourselves to God in prayer.

Mt 26:41 Watch and pray, lest you enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.”

Ro 13:11 And do this, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep; for now our salvation is nearer than when we first believed.

1 Co 15:34 Awake to righteousness, and do not sin; for some do not have the knowledge of God. I speak this to your shame.

Ep 5:14 Therefore He says: “Awake, you who sleep, Arise from the dead, And Christ will give you light.”

1 Pe 5:8 Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.

1 Corinthians 16:10-12

Published on February 15, 2003 in 1 Corinthians. 0 Comments
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1 Corinthians 16:10 And if Timothy comes, see that he may be with you without fear; for he does the work of the Lord, as I also do. 11 Therefore let no one despise him. But send him on his journey in peace, that he may come to me; for I am waiting for him with the brethren. 12 Now concerning our brother Apollos, I strongly urged him to come to you with the brethren, but he was quite unwilling to come at this time; however, he will come when he has a convenient time.


10 And if Timothy comes,

Paul sent Timothy to Corinth (1 Co 4:17). He calls Timothy “my beloved son,” so Paul led Timothy to Christ; Timothy was his son in the faith. He became the vest-pocket edition of the apostle Paul. Timothy, Titus, and Erastus may have carried First Corinthians to Corinth from Ephesus (Ac 19:22). Paul wrote two letters to Timothy as a pastor (1 & 2 Timothy) toward the end of Paul’s life.

see that he may be with you without fear;

The Corinthian church was an ornery church and Timothy was something of a tentative soul. This may have been due to his youth (1 Ti 4:12). Timothy was yet much younger at this point than when Paul wrote his last epistles of First and Second Timothy, in which Paul described him as a “youth.” Timothy may just have been timid and not confident about his leadership. Paul challenges the Corinthian church to take it easy on Paul’s emissary Timothy and not to intimidate him, for those in the Corinthian church were fighting and suing each other. The fear of man undermines leadership. Paul warned Timothy about the spirit of fear in Second Timothy,

2 Ti 1:7 For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.

Pr 29:25 The fear of man brings a snare,

But whoever trusts in the Lord shall be safe.

for he does the work of the Lord,

The reason the Corinthians were to respect Timothy was that “he does the work of the Lord.” Paul says in effect, “Respect his ministry.” The phrase “work of the Lord” occurred in 15:58 “Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.” God has an assignment for every believer in His work. All we can do is do what we can with what we have. Timothy was a co-worker with Paul and was not afraid of work.

Ro 16:21 Timothy, my fellow worker, and Lucius, Jason, and Sosipater, my countrymen, greet you.

as I also do.

Timothy was the vest-pocket edition of the mighty apostle Paul. He was in the same ministry as Paul. Paul says in effect, “If you give him the opportunity, he will do the same ministry as I do.”

11 Therefore let no one despise him.

The Corinthian church may have been tempted to disrespect Timothy for his youth, “He is just a squirt. What does he know?” They were not to let anyone else despise him either.

But send him on his journey in peace, that he may come to me;

Note that not only does Paul suggest that the Corinthian church respect Timothy, but he also suggests that they support him financially.

for I am waiting for him with the brethren.

Paul anticipates Timothy coming back to him with other associates such as Titus and Erastus to be briefed about the situation at Corinth.

12 Now concerning our brother Apollos,

Evidently the Corinthian church asked about the possibility of the gifted Alexandrian, Apollos, coming back to Corinth. Remember that some Corinthians split over Apollos, Paul, and Peter. Some thought Apollos superior to Paul and Peter. Apollos was eloquent, an orator, a spell-binder. He was also “mighty in the Scriptures” (Ac 18:24).

I strongly urged him to come to you with the brethren, but he was quite unwilling to come at this time;

Each person must answer to the Lord on a personal basis. Paul had no authority over Apollos to tell him when and where to go.

Ro 14:12 So then each of us shall give account of himself to God.

however, he will come when he has a convenient time.

Paul’s relation to Apollos (one of the three leaders the Corinthian church divided over) was positive and they did not view each other as rivals. Paul accepted Apollos’ rejection of his suggestion to go to Corinth. Paul did not claim to have the will of God for Apollos. Paul established the church at Corinth and Apollos followed Paul as pastor there. Paul said that he and Apollos were co-laborers in ministry (1 Co 3:9). Paul was not jealous of Apollos’ giftedness, for he “strongly urged” Apollos to come to Corinth. 

Ac 18:24 Now a certain Jew named Apollos, born at Alexandria, an eloquent man and mighty in the Scriptures, came to Ephesus.


PRINCIPLE: Cooperation is essential for effective ministry


APPLICATION: It is imperative among leaders of the cause of Christ to have a strong sense of cooperation. There is no place for personal rivalry or undercutting each other’s ministry. Competition in ministry filled with envy is a problem today. It is one thing to be goal oriented and vision oriented, but it is another to be people oriented. Are we as leaders concerned about our associates?

1 Corinthians 16:5-9

Published on February 14, 2003 in 1 Corinthians. 0 Comments
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1 Corinthians 16:5 Now I will come to you when I pass through Macedonia (for I am passing through Macedonia). 6 And it may be that I will remain, or even spend the winter with you, that you may send me on my journey, wherever I go. 7 For I do not wish to see you now on the way; but I hope to stay a while with you, if the Lord permits. 8 But I will tarry in Ephesus until Pentecost. 9 For a great and effective door has opened to me, and there are many adversaries.


Paul sets forth his travel plans and itinerary in verses 5-12.

5 Now I will come to you when I pass through Macedonia (for I am passing through Macedonia).

Paul planned to head to the province of Macedonia across the Aegean Sea to the Greek Macedonian province from Ephesus. Macedonia was north of Corinth. He planned to head south to Corinth after that visit. However, he changed his plan and went directly to Corinth from Ephesus (2 Co 2:1; 12-14; 13:1-2).

Paul had a vision, goals, and a plan for ministry. He had to change his strategy but he had a strategy to change. A visionary expects God to work but he does not presume how He is going to work.

6 And it may be that I will remain, or even spend the winter with you,

Paul needed to spend protracted time in Corinth because of problems in the church. He was not able to do this until the year after (A.D. 57-58) he anticipated being there (A.D. 56-57).

that you may send me on my journey,

This phrase may mean that the Corinthians will financially support Paul on his journey.

wherever I go.

This phrase indicates uncertainty. Christians should always leave open God’s change of direction for their lives. This requires that we trust God for His indefinite path. Note that the words “may” and “wherever” indicate Paul’s flexibility in following God’s will. This is not a matter of fickleness or indecisiveness but of the reality of changing circumstances.

2 Co 1:17 Therefore, when I was planning this, did I do it lightly? Or the things I plan, do I plan according to the flesh, that with me there should be Yes, Yes, and No, No?

Pr 16:9 A man’s heart plans his way,

But the Lord directs his steps.

7 For I do not wish to see you now on the way;

Paul changed his mind about visiting the Corinthians because of winter conditions and because it made no sense to pay the Corinthians a brief visit, due to their significant problems.

but I hope to stay a while with you,

Paul did not know with absolute certainty the protracted will of God. He made plans tentatively, leaving open a change in direction God might desire. Everything depends on the will of God, so Christians need to be open and flexible to God’s change of plans for their lives.

if the Lord permits.

The “if” is conditional, implying that Paul did not presently know for sure what God’s will was.

8 But I will tarry in Ephesus until Pentecost.

Pentecost was in late May or early June. Paul probably wrote this epistle in the spring in Ephesus. The sea lanes across the Aegean were closed due to winter conditions. Pentecost was about the time when the Aegean Sea began to settle down from the winter storms.

9 For a great and effective door has opened to me,

The “door” is a metaphor for opportunity. “Has opened” is literally stands open. The word “effective” denotes the wide scope of the open door; Paul’s ministry had great results. It was a great opportunity for effective work. Paul went where there was positive volition toward the gospel.

Paul remained in Ephesus for three years because of this opportunity to preach the Word, which was the second reason for staying in Ephesus. Ephesus was the second greatest city in the Roman world.

and there are many adversaries.

An adversary actively opposes the gospel. In Ephesus, there were “many” adversaries. These adversaries did not daunt Paul’s seizing the opportunity at Ephesus. Adversaries from the Temple of Diana (sexual temptation), Jewish synagogues, the authority of Rome, and the occult all opposed the apostle. There were adversaries to the gospel but none of them panicked him.

Paul began to preach in the synagogue immediately upon his arrival in Ephesus. He was expelled from the synagogue, so he taught daily for two years in the Hall of Tyrannous. His ministry cut into the idol-making business of Demetrius and so interrupted the economy of the city, precipitating a riot. They hauled him into court where the town clerk defended him. Ephesus became a great center of Christianity in the years to follow.

2 Co 1:8 For we do not want you to be ignorant, brethren, of our trouble which came to us in Asia: that we were burdened beyond measure, above strength, so that we despaired even of life. 9 Yes, we had the sentence of death in ourselves, that we should not trust in ourselves but in God who raises the dead, 10 who delivered us from so great a death, and does deliver us; in whom we trust that He will still deliver us,


PRINCIPLE: God expects us to put priority on plans for ministry.


APPLICATION: People who have an inner direction of priorities are far more effective in accomplishing goals in their lives. Some live by emotion and compulsion, with very little direction to their lives. We often see what we choose to see, but we need to see the reality of opposition and adversaries and yet move militantly toward a greater vision.

God will not open more doors if we do not enter into the doors we have at hand. We must enter the doors God presently opens. Great opportunities come from seizing on opportunities at hand.

Ac 14:27 Now when they had come and gathered the church together, they reported all that God had done with them, and that He had opened the door of faith to the Gentiles.

2 Co 2:12 Furthermore, when I came to Troas to preach Christ’s gospel, and a door was opened to me by the Lord,

Co 4:3 meanwhile praying also for us, that God would open to us a door for the word, to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am also in chains,

Re 3:7 “And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write, ‘These things says He who is holy, He who is true, “He who has the key of David, He who opens and no one shuts, and shuts and no one opens”

1 Corinthians 16:1-4

Published on February 13, 2003 in 1 Corinthians. 0 Comments
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1Now concerning the collection for the saints, as I have given orders to the churches of Galatia, so you must do also: 2On the first day of the week let each one of you lay something aside, storing up as he may prosper, that there be no collections when I come. 3And when I come, whomever you approve by your letters I will send to bear your gift to Jerusalem. 4But if it is fitting that I go also, they will go with me.

The first four verses deal with arrangements for the collection for the poor in Jerusalem.
 
1Now concerning the collection
 
The words “now concerning” indicates a major change of subject from the resurrection to giving to the ministry of Christ (7:1, 25; 8:1; 12:1; 16:12; cf. 8:4). The Corinthians may have asked about giving and this chapter is Paul’s answer.
 
for the saints,
 
Note that almost all collections for the poor are for “saints” in the Bible. There is very little challenge in God’s Word to give to the poor without Christ.
 
as I have given orders to the churches of Galatia, so you must do also:
 
Leaders of the church in Jerusalem challenged Paul and Barnabas to remember poor Christians (Ac 11:27-30; Ga 2:10). There is no account of Paul challenging the Galatia churches to give to the Jerusalem church but he went through Galatia on his way to Ephesus where he wrote First Corinthians (Ac 18:23). Paul is writing from Ephesus. There is common responsibility for churches to give to the body of Christ. Giving was a universal practice in the first century.
 
2On the first day of the week
 
The first day of the week (Sunday) was the traditional day of worship for the early church. There is no command to worship on Sunday. Giving was a regular part of worship on Sunday (Ac 20:7). Jews worshiped on Saturday (the Sabbath). Sunday was the day Jesus rose from the dead. Giving is to be systematic on a weekly basis. The principle here is the principle of regular giving.
 
let each one of you
 
Giving is an individual responsibility. None is exempt from giving, even those with limited funds. God will assess each of us very individually at the Judgment Seat of Christ. No one can do our giving for us. Giving is a personal between us and God. Note the words “each one” in 2 Co 9:7:
 
2 Co 9:7So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver.
 
Ro 14:12So then each of us shall give account of himself to God.
 
2 Co 5:10For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive the things done in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad.
 
lay something aside,
 
Note the word “something.” Paul did not say how much the Corinthian believer was to give but that he was to give. The amount was at the discretion of each believer. Planning is necessary for excellent biblical giving. We need set a certain amount of funds as our objective in giving. This again is systematic giving.
 
storing up
 
We must pace our giving. It is easy to treat our giving as an afterthought. If we put priority on giving we will reserve amounts for a future giving point. We get the words “storing up” are from the Greek word thesaurizw or thesaurus, a treasury of words. Christians are to have a treasury storehouse, a repository of financial gifts to the Lord.
 
as he may prosper,
 
The phrase “as he may proper” indicates how much to give. God blesses us financially differently. We are to give according to how much He allows us to earn. We give in proportion to our earnings. There is no indication of giving 10% because that is not the standard of New Testament giving. Five percent may be a sacrifice for a widow with limited funds. The principle of prosperity is to give according to the standard of how God gives to us. God does not give a standard of percentage in New Testament giving. Each believer is to give from his heart (2 Co 9:6,7). This is the principle of proportionate giving according to a willing mind.
 
2 Co 8:12For if there is first a willing mind, it is accepted according to what one has, and not according to what he does not have.
 
that there be no collections when I come.
 
Paul did not want the Corinthians to decide how much to give when he came because that might put extrinsic pressure on their giving. He wanted them to give from intrinsic motivation. No one should give from compulsion (2 Co 9:7). Many Christians give from manipulation or emotion. Paul did not want them to give based on the force of his personality.
 
The tithe was an income tax system in the Old Testament. There were three tithes, two tithes per year for two years and on the third year there was an additional tithe or 10% making it 30% for that year. The tithes for the third year were for the poor. Tithes are always in the plural, not the singular. If you want to give tithes, make sure you give at least 23 1/3 % of your income over a three year period! In addition to this you are to give “offerings.” Israelites gave both tithes and offerings. All this was done for the national entity Israel. A national entity needs an income tax system so that was the purpose of the tithe. The New Testament does not command tithes for the church. The idea for the church is an offering of proportional giving or as God has blessed the believer financially. There is no percentage in this system of giving.
 
3And when I come, whomever you approve by your letters I will send to bear your gift to Jerusalem.
 
Paul asked each contributing church to send representatives to carry gifts to the Jerusalem church and ensure the arrival of the gift. Jerusalem experienced a famine and unbelievers excluded Jerusalem Christians from working in the economy. There must have been a substantial amount of money collected for a number of men to carry the funds to Jerusalem. Paul concerned himself with financial integrity. All his handling of money was scrupulously aboveboard. In Second Corinthians Paul gives more extensive directions about giving (2 Co 8,9). In Second Corinthians 9:5 he indicated that giving should be made on the basis of the right motivation, not grudgingly.
 
4But if it is fitting that I go also, they will go with me.
 
Paul left open the possibility that he would go with the representatives carrying the gift to Jerusalem. Later, Paul did eventually decide to go (Ac 20:16,22; 21:17; 24:117; Ro 15:25-26). Many warned Paul not to go back to Jerusalem but he eventually decided to go anyway. They arrested him when he was there and put him in jail for two years and ultimately shipped him to Rome for a trial by the Roman government. He was a man of courage.
 
PRINCIPLE: Christians are to give out of principle based on how they are financially blessed proportionally by God.
 
APPLICATION: Some people tithe to improve their business or get a girl. The idea is that if you put in your 10% then God will what you want—God is a glorified slot machine. Many Christians today respond to emotional appeals rather than to a set of priorities or principles. Many charlatans financially dupe evangelicals today making appeals based on something other than biblical principles.
 
God wants us to give proportionately according to how He gives to us. Has God blessed you abundantly financially? Give abundantly. The amount we give is not the issue but the motivation or heart.

1 Corinthians 15:58

Published on February 12, 2003 in 1 Corinthians. 0 Comments
Read Introduction to 1 Corinthians

1 Corinthians 15:58 Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.


58 Therefore,

Paul mentioned in verse 57 that God gives victory not only over the guilt of sin but also over the power of sin. We turn now from doctrine to directive. The doctrine of the resurrection of Christ impels us to action.

 my beloved brethren,

The resurrection has great effect on believers. The phrase “my beloved brethren” is particularly affectionate. Paul uses this phrase only here and in Philippians 4:1. He uses just the word “brethren” 28 times in First Corinthians but here he calls them “beloved brethren.” It must have been difficult for Paul to call that carnal crowd at Corinth “beloved.” They were carnal because they carped about their situation and were critical of each other. We have an obligation to love the born-again crowd around us. We do not have to agree with them or back their policies, but we must love them.

be steadfast,

Paul asks the Corinthian church to do three things: (1) be steadfast, (2) be immovable, and (3) always abound in the work of the Lord.

The word “be” is become; they were to become something that they were not previously – stable. Christians can be stable in faith because of the resurrection. We can be confident in what we know about the resurrection. “Steadfast” refers to being seated and thus settled; it is a fixed purpose of heart against error. The skeptical attitude of the city of Corinth against bodily resurrection should not shake Christians in Corinth.

Co 1:23 if indeed you continue in the faith, grounded and steadfast, and are not moved away from the hope of the gospel which you heard, which was preached to every creature under heaven, of which I, Paul, became a minister.

immovable,

“Immovable” is another term of stability. No denial of the resurrection should move Christians from the reality of the resurrection in light of the overwhelming argument of chapter 15. The word “immovable” carries more force than “steadfast,” giving the idea of being well situated in the will of God. An immovable believer adheres to essential doctrines of the faith; he is not fickle.

always abounding in the work of the Lord,

The resurrection motivates believers to do the work of the Lord. The word “abounding” means overflowing. People who come to grips with the resurrection do more than is required in serving the Lord. There is no waning of this service by the word “always.” We need to distinguish between the work “of” the Lord and work “for” the Lord. The work “of” the Lord is the work God gives us to do. Work that does not conform to His will is not His work. People may have sincere motives but not be doing His work.

Note the comparison between this verse and verse 10:

1 Co 15:10 But by the grace of God I am what I am, and His grace toward me was not in vain; but I labored more abundantly than they all, yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me.

knowing

The resurrection is not something we guess or hope about; it is something we know.

that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.

“Labor” is toil to the point of weariness. No labor that we do for the Lord is in vain because of the reality of the resurrection. The word “vain” means futile, so ministry is not futile because of the resurrection. Our labor is “in the Lord.” This phrase “in the Lord” is very emphatic in the Greek. Everything the believer does is in the will of the Lord. Notice how Paul describes Timothy in the next chapter.

1 Co 16:10 And if Timothy comes, see that he may be with you without fear; for he does the work of the Lord, as I also do.

Ph 2:25 Yet I considered it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus, my brother, fellow worker, and fellow soldier, but your messenger and the one who ministered to my need;

30 because for the work of Christ he came close to death, not regarding his life, to supply what was lacking in your service toward me.


PRINCIPLE: Fixedness is a catalyst to ministry.


APPLICATION: Confidence in the resurrection moves us to stability and service. It is amazing that many Christians give so little service in the light of what they have in the resurrection. No one says that Christian ministry is easy or that it is a rosy bed of ease. It is difficult and subject to criticism. It is not play; it’s work. Ministry is labor to the point of toil. Are you discouraged in ministry? Are you about to give up? Are you ready to change from a spiritual farmer to a religious dude rancher? There are two kinds of people in ministry: (1) those willing to minister, and (2) those willing to let others minister. The church today stands in dire need for workers, yet there is little passion for ministry because most people have lost their sense of conviction. No excuse will be an adequate rationalization before God at the Judgment Seat of Christ.

1 Co 3:13 each one’s work will become clear; for the Day (the Judgment Seat of Christ) will declare it, because it will be revealed by fire; and the fire will test each one’s work, of what sort it is.

Re 22:12 “And behold, I am coming quickly, and My reward is with Me, to give to every one according to his work.

Some people always change their minds about things, but there is a place for settled conviction.

Ep 4:14 that we should no longer be children, tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, in the cunning craftiness of deceitful plotting,

2 Ti 1:12 For this reason I also suffer these things; nevertheless I am not ashamed, for I know whom I have believed and am persuaded that He is able to keep what I have committed to Him until that Day. 13 Hold fast the pattern of sound words which you have heard from me, in faith and love which are in Christ Jesus.