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First Corinthians 16 

Don Ruhl • Savage Street, Grants Pass, Oregon • June 12, In the year of our Lord Christ, 2019 

  1. 16.1–2 | The Collection

    1 Now concerning the collection for the saints, as I have given orders to the churches of Galatia, so you must do also: 2 On 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.
    1. For whom was this collection? 
      1. Can we do other things with the collection? 
      2. Can we support workers of the gospel? 
        1. See Galatians 6.6. 
        2. Remember 1Co 9.1–14 
    2. Was this an option? 
      1. Why would a Christian not want to give? 
      2. Was this collection just for the Corinthian Church to do? 
    3. Upon what day of the week were they to give? 
      1. They gave on the first day of the week, which is our Sunday. 
      2. The sense is “every” week, as the NASB, NIV, and ESV have. 
      3. Every person is to give. 
    4. Who does the storing up? 
      1. The church does. 
      2. We give every week for the church to store up. 
        1. We know this to be true because Paul wanted this done every week so that they would not have to take up a collection when he arrived. 
        2. It will have already been taken. 
    5. How do we determine what to give? 
  2. 16.3–5 | Taking the Gift to Jerusalem

    3 And when I come, whomever you approve by your letters I will send to bear your gift to Jerusalem. 4 But if it is fitting that I go also, they will go with me. 5 Now I will come to you when I pass through Macedonia (for I am passing through Macedonia).
    1. Why would Paul bring up that they provide someone to bear the gift? 
      1. Undoubtedly, he wanted them to know that this was not for him. 
      2. This kept everything above board. 
      3. It kept him clear of false accusations. 
    2. Notice that he was willing to go also. 
      1. Why might that be necessary? 
      2. That brother who carried the gift, just might Paul along because it would open doors in Jerusalem. 
    3. Here Paul began to reveal his plans. 
  3. 16.6–9 | Making Plans

    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.
    1. Notice that they would receive him and send him on his way, if that was the way that things worked out. 
    2. Upon what were Paul’s travels conditioned? 
      1. We can plan, but we have to remind ourselves of who runs things. 
      2. James 4.13–17 
  4. 16.10–11 | Backing Preachers

    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.
    1. What did Paul want the Corinthians to insure for Timothy? 
      1. It must have been that the potential for Timothy to fear existed. 
        1. Acts 18.12 
        2. Acts 18.9 
      2. Paul had said that he would send Timothy – 4.17. 
      3. Timothy had already preached there: 
        1. Acts 18.5 
        2. 2 Corinthians 1.19 
    2. Why would anyone at Corinth despise Timothy? 
      1. They knew him. 
      2. However, they may have used his youth against him – 1 Timothy 4.12. 
    3. Once they had received him, what were they to do? 
  5. 16.12 | A Time to Go, and a Time to Stay Away

    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.
    1. Apollos had a relationship with the congregation: 
      1. Acts 19.1 
      2. 1 Corinthians 1.12 
      3. 1 Corinthians 3.4–6, 22 
      4. 1 Corinthians 4.6 
    2. What do you think of Apollos rejecting Paul’s advice? 
  6. 16.13–14 | Live the Christian Life

    13 Watch, stand fast in the faith, be brave, be strong. 14 Let all that you do be done with love.
    1. These are final instructions, summing up the life of a Christian. 
    2. Most translations have “act like men,” or something similar rather than “be brave.” 
    3. Why should all that we do be done with love? 
      1. Remember chapter 13. 
  7. VII.16.15–16 | Submit to Those Who Minister to the Saints

    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.
    1. What had the first converts of Achaia devoted themselves to? 
    2. Why would converts do such a thing? 
    3. How should the rest of the body of Christ interact with such people? 
  8. VIII.16.17–18 | Acknowledge Spirit Refreshers

    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.
    1. They must have delivered something to Paul from the Corinthians. 
    2. What did that do for Paul and for the Corinthians? 
    3. What was the church to do for such men? 
      1. How do we acknowledge such workers? 
  9. 16.19–20 | Greet One Another

    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.
    1. Why are greetings important? 
    2. What kind of greeting should we give to one another? 
  10. 16.21 | Authentic Letter

    21 The salutation with my own hand—Paul’s.
    1. Why did Paul do this? 
    2. He dictated his letters, but he needed to sign them to authenticate them. 
  11. 16.22–23 | It Is about Jesus

    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.
    1. Why is someone accursed who does not love the Lord Jesus Christ? 
    2. Should we desire for the Lord to return? 
    3. What greater thing can you desire upon your brother or sister than the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ? 
  12. XII.16.24 | Love in Christ

    24 My love be with you all in Christ Jesus. Amen.
    1. Do we need to hear from one another that we love one another?