August 18, 2024

REPEATING HISTORY: THE IMPORTANCE OF CONSISTENCY

August 18, 2024

Pastor Jonathan Falwell

 

Paul’s first letter to the Corinthian church has covered everything about their holdovers of a sinful, boastful, lifestyle (carried over from their days before salvation), as they allow the immorality of the city to permeate the church. From chapter one to eleven Paul speaks of them cleansing their church of all habits that denigrate the name of Jesus. In chapters twelve through fifteen he tells them how to live faithfully, focused on bringing glory to God. In chapter sixteen, as he closes, he gives them instructions on the things that are most important as they live the Christian life. All of these are as important to today’s church as they were two thousand years ago, as we see the world outside entering our church.

 

Focal Passages: 1 Corinthians 16.

 

The Importance of Generosity                                                                                                                  

Generosity in Giving:                                                                                                                                                                                   

Read 1 Cor. 16:1-4. Why was Paul so concerned that the Corinthians would be generous with their giving? What is the commandment in Matt. 28:19-20 that Jesus gives to all believers, through all the ages? Can that passage be done without Christians supporting mission efforts? What is the purpose of reaching others?

  • Where does everything we have come from? Read Mal. 3:7-9. Why is God concerned that we are not stingy with what we have? Why should it be something that is “planned” and be done on the first day of the week? Why is it not limited to wealthy brethren? Who is supposed to be generous?
  • What did Paul mean when he writes for Christians to “store up as he may prosper”?
  • Read 1 Tim. 6:17-19, Matt. 19:23-25 and Mal. 3:10. How do these three passages illustrate the New Testament plan of giving in 1 Cor. 16:1-4?

Generosity in going:

  • Read 1 Cor. 16:5-8. Where did Paul desire to go in the coming months? Did he leave himself an “out” if God asked something else of him?
  • When you plan something—whether for God in ministry, or for yourself for work or fun—how open are you to a change of schedule? What makes some people react in anger when their plans are thwarted by others, or sickness, or ‘happenstance’? If this is you, list some steps you can take to be open to God changing your plans?
  • How can we be sensitive to what God wants, rather than having our own way?

The Importance of Discernment:                                                                                                                       

Open eyes in ministry:

  • Read 1 Cor. 16:9-12. Paul desperately wanted to see the Corinthians, whom he loved, but what held him back? What is the phrase we often use if our plans are not able to be carried through (Matt. 8:2a)?
  • In verses 10-11, what instructions did Paul give concerning Timothy? Read 1 Tim. 4:12. What apparently had happened prior to this time? How did Paul want the Corinthians to treat Timothy, and how anxious was Paul that he come to him?
  • Read Acts 18:25-27. What kind of a man was Apollos? If, in verse 12, Apollos feels the time was not right, does it seem he is being sensitive to God’s leading in his life?

Open eyes in partnership:

  • Read 1 Cor. 16:13-18. What five commands should we strive to be or do in vv. 13-14? What are we to watch for? Why is danger always present (1 Pet. 5:8)? Can you think of some examples we must be watchful of? How do we stand fast in the faith?

Read Eph. 4:14 and Jas. 1:6-8. How do these passages illustrate us standing fast?

  • How are we to be brave or strong? What weakens us? What frightens us, as Christians? What will show that we are acting with courage?

The Importance of Family:

  • Read vv. 19-24. When we become a Christian, who is our family? Why is it so important that if we have a falling out, we to handle it as God instructs?
  • In verse 22, how are we to act, regardless of the opposition? Why is revenge wrong?

ACTION POINTS:

  • Live generously: We all have an abundance of “stuff.” Share it. Be Selfless!
  • Seek direction: Spend time daily in God’s Word—nothing else will satisfy.
  • Seek others: There are unsaved people all around us. Tell them your story. Love them.

Close:

For the elderly who are saved, this world, although frightening, is not completely overwhelming because we know God will never desert us, nor take us beyond what we can bear. However, we are concerned for the children and grandchildren who are being brought into the world now, as we fear they will see catastrophic events. Only if they are instilled with the Word of God to stand fast when opposition comes, to be brave, strong, and love the unlovely, the unloved, and the family of God, will they be able to face the trials that will come. Teach them how faithful, loving, true, and strong our God is, pointing it out at every opportunity, always keeping in mind that you reflect God in their eyes.

By Sandy Day

August 18, 2024

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