March 25, 2022
Stewardship of Money, Opportunities, and People
1 Corinthians 16
Kristin Adair
Central Truth
We have responsibilities to steward our money, our opportunities in ministry, and our relationships in the Church in a way that glorifies God.
Key Verse | 1 Corinthians 16:2
On the first day of every week, each of you is to put something aside and store it up, as he may prosper . . . .
1 Corinthians 16
The Collection for the Saints
1 Now concerning 1 16:1 The expression Now concerning introduces a reply to a question in the Corinthians' letter; see 7:1; also verse 12 the collection for the saints: as I directed the churches of Galatia, so you also are to do. 2 On the first day of every week, each of you is to put something aside and store it up, as he may prosper, so that there will be no collecting when I come. 3 And when I arrive, I will send those whom you accredit by letter to carry your gift to Jerusalem. 4 If it seems advisable that I should go also, they will accompany me.
Plans for Travel
5 I will visit you after passing through Macedonia, for I intend to pass through Macedonia, 6 and perhaps I will stay with you or even spend the winter, so that you may help me on my journey, wherever I go. 7 For I do not want to see you now just in passing. I hope to spend some time with you, if the Lord permits. 8 But I will stay in Ephesus until Pentecost, 9 for a wide door for effective work has opened to me, and there are many adversaries.
10 When Timothy comes, see that you put him at ease among you, for he is doing the work of the Lord, as I am. 11 So let no one despise him. Help him on his way in peace, that he may return to me, for I am expecting him with the brothers.
Final Instructions
12 Now concerning our brother Apollos, I strongly urged him to visit you with the other brothers, but it was not at all his will 2 16:12 Or God's will for him to come now. He will come when he has opportunity.
13 Be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong. 14 Let all that you do be done in love.
15 Now I urge you, brothers 3 16:15 Or brothers and sisters; also verse 20 —you know that the household 4 16:15 Greek house of Stephanas were the first converts in Achaia, and that they have devoted themselves to the service of the saints— 16 be subject to such as these, and to every fellow worker and laborer. 17 I rejoice at the coming of Stephanas and Fortunatus and Achaicus, because they have made up for your absence, 18 for they refreshed my spirit as well as yours. Give recognition to such people.
Greetings
19 The churches of Asia send you greetings. Aquila and Prisca, together with the church in their house, send you hearty greetings in the Lord. 20 All the brothers send you greetings. Greet one another with a holy kiss.
21 I, Paul, write this greeting with my own hand. 22 If anyone has no love for the Lord, let him be accursed. Our Lord, come! 5 16:22 Greek Maranatha (a transliteration of Aramaic) 23 The grace of the Lord Jesus be with you. 24 My love be with you all in Christ Jesus. Amen.
Listen to the Podcast
Listen NowDive Deeper | 1 Corinthians 16
In 1 Corinthians 16, Paul was on his third missionary journey. He was gathering a relief offering for poor believers in Jerusalem. Paul not only preached the gospel, but also tried to assist those with physical and material needs who had suffered personal loss because of persecution (Hebrews 10:32-34) and famine (Acts 11:27-30).
As Christians, we are not just to care for other believers, but to fulfill our obligation out of love and commitment to Christ. This obligation is according to our financial ability, not beyond our financial capabilities (2 Corinthians 8:11-14). Giving is to be personal, individual, and proportionate.
Paul also taught that money was to be handled honestly. Ministries should be businesslike in their business affairs. Christian giving should be church-centered. It is Jesus' resurrection power that should motivate us to serve and to give.
Paul used his time carefully, informing the church at Corinth of his plans for future travel and ministry. His plans were dependent on God's providential leading. He planned to go to Macedonia for ministry, then to Corinth, and then to take the relief collection to Judea. As detailed in 2 Corinthians 1:15-16, various circumstances forced Paul to change his plans twice. As believers and part of the church family, we must not complain about obstacles. We must take advantage of the opportunities, leaving the results to the Lord.
Without people to invest in, opportunities and money are useless. Jesus invested three years in training the disciples for service so they could seize the opportunities He would present them. If we are prepared, God will always supply the opportunities and the money so His work will be accomplished. Paul invested in Timothy whom Paul had led to Christ, and Paul also encouraged Apollos to return to Corinth for more ministry (1 Corinthians 16:10-12). Stephanas and his household came to Christ in Achaia (the Roman name for southern Greece) and were baptized by Paul (1 Corinthians 1:16, 16:15). They were Paul's helpers and worked to meet the needs without being asked. The lives and ministries of Aquila and Prisca also intersected with Paul's (1 Corinthians 16:19-20). Paul met them in Corinth where they worked together serving God and helping Paul.
Discussion Questions
1. Is giving financially to your church or missions a priority in your life? Do you give willingly or out of obligation?
2. When obstacles come your way, do you tend to plow ahead in your own strength or seek and wait on God?
3. How or where are you serving in your church community? Have you brought your friends in to serving alongside you or mentored others to serve?