Problems Plaguing a Local Church, Part 31
In our message, BEING STEADFAST, IMMOVABLE… (1 Cor. 16:1-12), we looked at additional questions the church had for Paul (1 Cor. 16:1, 12). The first one deals with stewardship. In view of our certain future of being glorified and reigning with the Lord (1 Cor. 15:51-52, 58), we are called to also excel in the grace of giving (Rom. 12:1-2; 2 Cor. 9:6-8, etc.).
While this question from Corinth to Paul (i.e. “Now concerning”) specifically applied to a special offering (for destitute brothers and sisters in Jerusalem), we do have certain principles for New Testament giving in the Bible here, which is to be based on grace… “all grace” flowing out of the goodness of God (1 Cor. 16:1-4; 2 Cor. 9:8-9; Rom. 5:8, etc.). Such giving, when done with a right heart attitude is “not in vain” because the Lord will reward it in His kingdom (1 Cor. 3:13-14; 15:58; Gal. 6:9-10; Eph. 5:18, etc.).
We also see in this passage of Scripture Christians are to make future plans in faith but also trust that God is sovereign and works for our good in all things- even when our “plans” do not work out the way we would have liked (1 Cor. 16:5-7; Prov. 3:5-6; Rom. 8:28; James 4:15, etc.). Paul chose to stay in Ephesus because he had an open door for advancing the gospel as evidenced by the strong opposition he faced (1 Cor. 16:8-9; Eph. 6:10-18, etc.), but this also resulted in him missing the opportunity to spend the time he had hope with the Corinthian church (2 Cor. 1:15-16, etc.).
In the meantime, Paul sent Timothy to help (1 Cor. 16:10-11), and when the church asked about the possibility of Apollos coming (i.e. “Now concerning”), Paul shared he had “strongly urged” him to do so but Apollos, like Paul, felt led of the Lord to not come at that time (1 Cor. 16:12). *For more information on this message in God’s Word, please view SBFC’s January 19th sermon above.