REPEATING HISTORY: THE IMPORTANCE OF CONSISTENCY

Pastor Jonathan Falwell 

Today, we come to the final chapter of the first letter to the church at Corinth. Here, Paul uses his words as a final reminder of what is truly important. His encouragement is to remain faithful and focused on their following of Christ. 

1. The importance of generosity 

A. Generosity in giving 

1 Cor. 16:1-4 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. 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.

• Paul encourages the church to be generous in their giving so the church is able to minister to and reach others
• He lays out a clear statement of the New Testament plan of giving[1]
  • Required – (you must do also – vs 1)
  • Planned – (on the first day of the week – vs 2a)
  • Universal – (let each one of you – vs 2b)
  • Proportionate – (storing up as he may prosper – vs 2c)
  • Generous – (that there be no collections when I come – vs 2d)

B. Generosity in going

Vss 5-8 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.

• Paul indicates he will “pass through Macedonia” in order to visit other churches such as Philippi and Thessalonica before coming to Corinth

  

• Paul had plans, but more importantly, he had sensitivity to going where God leads

2. The importance of discernment

A. Open eyes in ministry

Vss 9-12 For a great and effective door has opened to me, and there are many adversaries. 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.

• As he remains in Ephesus, he is walking through the door the Lord opened for ministry
• He encourages the church to receive Timothy no matter their personal thoughts towards him

B. Open eyes in partnership

Vss 13-18 Watch, stand fast in the faith, be brave, be strong. 14 Let all that you do be done with love. 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.

• Paul’s encouragement in verses 13-14 is a universal call to action for every church

3. The importance of family

Vss 9-24 The churches of A sia 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 bewith you. 24 My love be with you all in Christ Jesus. Amen.

• The family is the body of Christ
• Verse 22 is a call to faithfulness regardless of the opposition

Action points:

1. Live generously

a. Stuff

b, Self

2, Seek direction

3. Seek others

[1] Adapted from David Jones, Every Good Thing, Lexham Press, 2016.