The Way - Day 078 (1 Corinthians 16)

Pastor Tom's Journal on Today's Reading:
1 Corinthians 16
Paul closes out this first letter to the church at Corinth by reminding them about participating in a financial offering which was being collected for the poor believers in Jerusalem who were experiencing a severe famine.  Offerings were also being collected by Paul from other churches such as Galatia and he wanted them to be involved in helping.  So Paul offered some instructions to them regarding giving, "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" (16:2).  Although Paul did not require a certain percentage from each individual, he did instruct them to collect it on the first day of the week (Sunday) and that everyone should participate.  This offering for the Jerusalem believers was very important to Paul and he even committed to take the offering to them personally, accompanied by a representative from the church at Corinth (16:3-4).

In 1 Corinthians 16:5-12, Paul details some of his own personal plans for future travel to Corinth (16:5-7), but until that time arrived, he would be staying in Ephesus where "a great and effective door had been opened" to preach the gospel, even though many were still opposing his ministry (16:8-9).  Paul also wrote that Timothy would soon be visiting Corinth and they were to warmly receive him (16:10-11).  In his final few words of the letter, Paul wrote that the Corinthian believers should watch (be alert), stand fast in the faith, be brave, be strong, and show love (16:13-14).  He reminded the church at Corinth of the family of Stephanas, some of the first believers in Corinth, who had been faithfully serving in the ministry (16:15).  This family was an example to the Corinthians and the people should give honor, respect, and submit to the leadership of this family who had shown great love and concern for the church (16:16-18).

Paul's desire for the church of Corinth was that they would, once again, become effective in their witness for Christ, and in order to do this they would need to set aside their differences and receive the truth in obedience.  He knew that this would be a painful process, but Paul was confident that they could walk in obedience to God's ways.  And "if anyone does not love the Lord Jesus Christ, let him be accursed [committed to discipline]" (16:22).  The church of Corinth needed to return to purity and allow their faith to mature.

Dear God, help me to walk in obedience to Your ways so that I might represent You in a godly manner.