Embracing Generosity and Growth in Community Mission

Devotional

Day 1: Generosity Is a Heart Issue, Not Just a Benchmark

True generosity is not about meeting a quota or percentage, but about a heart that overflows with care for others and recognizes that all we have belongs to God. Paul commends the Corinthians for their willingness to give, not out of compulsion or legalism, but as a natural response to God’s blessings in their lives. He encourages intentional, purposeful, and proportional giving, reminding us that generosity is a reflection of our values and priorities. Whether we have much or little, God calls us to start where we are, to give as we are able, and to let our giving be an act of worship and love for our brothers and sisters in Christ. [24:53]

1 Corinthians 16:1-4 (ESV)
Now concerning the collection for the saints: as I directed the churches of Galatia, so you also are to do. 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. And when I arrive, I will send those whom you accredit by letter to carry your gift to Jerusalem. If it seems advisable that I should go also, they will accompany me.

Reflection: If you looked at your calendar and bank statement today, what would they reveal about what you value most and where your heart is invested?

Day 2: Graciousness in Mission—Supporting the Broader Work of God

A healthy church recognizes that its mission extends beyond its own walls and is willing to be gracious and flexible for the sake of God’s greater work. Paul urges the Corinthians to be patient and supportive as he and others pursue ministry opportunities elsewhere, even when it means personal inconvenience or delay. This graciousness is shown in how we support missionaries, welcome visiting ministers, and prioritize the needs of the wider church family. Sometimes, this means sacrificing our own preferences so that the gospel can advance in other places, trusting that God’s timing and purposes are bigger than our own. [27:26]

1 Corinthians 16:5-12 (ESV)
I will visit you after passing through Macedonia, for I intend to pass through Macedonia, and perhaps I will stay with you or even spend the winter, so that you may help me on my journey, wherever I go. For I do not want to see you now just in passing. I hope to spend some time with you, if the Lord permits. But I will stay in Ephesus until Pentecost, for a wide door for effective work has opened to me, and there are many adversaries. When Timothy comes, see that you put him at ease among you, for he is doing the work of the Lord, as I am. 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. Now concerning our brother Apollos, I strongly urged him to visit you with the other brothers, but it was not at all his will to come now. He will come when he has opportunity.

Reflection: Is there a ministry, missionary, or church need outside your immediate circle that you can support or pray for this week, even if it means letting go of your own preferences?

Day 3: Grounded in Ministry—Standing Firm in Faith and Love

Paul calls the church to be vigilant, strong, and unwavering in their faith, urging them to act with courage and to let everything be done in love. This grounding is essential for a church to be effective in its mission and generous in its giving. Spiritual maturity is marked by steadfastness in doctrine and practice, resisting the shifting tides of culture and false teaching. When a church is grounded, it becomes a place of stability and sanctuary for others, able to support and bless both its own members and the wider body of Christ. [33:34]

1 Corinthians 16:13-14 (ESV)
Be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong. Let all that you do be done in love.

Reflection: What is one area of your faith or ministry where you need to stand firmer or act more courageously this week, and how can you do it in love?

Day 4: Faithful Models—Recognizing and Following Everyday Examples

God blesses the church with faithful, often unsung, individuals whose consistent service and devotion refresh and inspire others. Paul points to the household of Stephanas and others as examples to be recognized and emulated, reminding us that spiritual leadership is not about titles or recognition, but about humble, steadfast service. These faithful models are a gift to the church, and we are called to honor them, learn from them, and let their example spur us on to greater faithfulness in our own walk with Christ. [39:39]

1 Corinthians 16:15-18 (ESV)
Now I urge you, brothers—you know that the household of Stephanas were the first converts in Achaia, and that they have devoted themselves to the service of the saints—be subject to such as these, and to every fellow worker and laborer. I rejoice at the coming of Stephanas and Fortunatus and Achaicus, because they have made up for your absence, for they refreshed my spirit as well as yours. Give recognition to such people.

Reflection: Who is someone in your church or faith community whose quiet faithfulness has blessed you? Can you thank or encourage them today?

Day 5: Continual Growth—Never Arriving, Always Leaning on Grace

The journey of Christian maturity is ongoing; we never fully arrive this side of heaven, but are called to keep growing, learning, and leaning on God’s grace. Paul’s closing words remind us that, like the Corinthians, we are a work in progress, called to persevere, to maintain spiritual “tune-ups,” and to rely not on our own strength but on the Lord’s. This posture of continual growth keeps us humble, dependent, and open to the transforming work of God in our lives and in our church. [41:27]

Philippians 3:12-14 (ESV)
Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own. Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.

Reflection: In what area of your spiritual life do you sense God calling you to keep growing, and what is one step you can take this week to lean more fully on His grace?

Sermon Summary

As we look ahead to the Mission’s garage sale, we’re reminded of the unique opportunity God has given us to serve and connect with thousands in our community. This event is more than just a fundraiser—it’s a chance for us to display the love of Christ in practical ways, to be generous, hospitable, and prayerful as we interact with so many who may never have set foot in our church before. Whether you’re able to serve, donate, or simply pray, every one of us can play a part in making this outreach a reflection of Christ’s heart for people.

Turning to 1 Corinthians 16, we come to the end of a long journey through Paul’s letter to a church that was, frankly, a mess. Yet, Paul doesn’t close with condemnation or despair. Instead, he offers hope and practical instruction for a church that still has a mission and a future. He reminds us that even in the midst of dysfunction, God’s people are called to keep moving forward—“all systems go.” There’s still work to be done, and there are still ways for us to grow and serve together.

Paul highlights several key systems that need to be “firing on all cylinders” for a church to be healthy and effective. First, generosity: giving is not about hitting a benchmark or fulfilling a quota, but about a heart that recognizes everything we have belongs to God. Our giving should be purposeful, planned, personal, and proportional—reflecting both our gratitude and our trust in God’s provision. Second, graciousness in mission: we are part of something bigger than ourselves, and sometimes that means sacrificing our own preferences for the sake of the broader work God is doing. We’re called to be patient, supportive, and hospitable, recognizing that the mission extends beyond our own walls.

Third, we must be grounded in our ministry—standing firm in faith, being watchful, and letting everything we do be done in love. This is the foundation that allows us to be generous and gracious. Fourth, we are blessed with faithful models in our midst—ordinary people whose quiet faithfulness is a gift to the church. We’re called to recognize, honor, and imitate these examples as we continue to grow together.

Finally, Paul’s closing words remind us that perfection isn’t the goal—growth is. We will never “arrive” this side of heaven, but we are called to keep pressing on, leaning on God’s grace, and striving to be a church that truly fires on all cylinders for the sake of Christ and His kingdom.

Key Takeaways

1. Generosity is a Heart Issue, Not a Benchmark True generosity isn’t about meeting a percentage or a quota; it’s about the posture of our hearts before God. Paul doesn’t prescribe a fixed amount but calls each person to give as they are able, recognizing that all we have is from God. The real question is not “How much must I give?” but “How much of what God has given me am I willing to invest in others?” Our giving reflects our trust, our priorities, and our love for the body of Christ. [19:10]
2. Graciousness in Mission Means Sacrificing for the Bigger Picture Being part of the church means recognizing that God’s mission is larger than our own preferences or convenience. Sometimes, we are called to give up what is comfortable or familiar so that the broader work of the gospel can move forward. This graciousness is seen in our willingness to support, encourage, and even defer for the sake of others, trusting that God is at work in places and ways we may not see. [27:26]
3. Grounded Ministry Requires Watchfulness and Love Paul’s exhortation to “be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong,” is a call to spiritual maturity and resilience. But he immediately follows it with, “let all you do be done in love.” Strength and conviction must always be paired with love and humility. A church that is grounded in truth and love becomes a lighthouse in a world of shifting values and storms. [33:34]
4. Faithful Models Are God’s Gift to the Church Within every congregation, God raises up ordinary people whose consistent faithfulness quietly shapes the life of the church. These are not always the most visible or celebrated, but their example is invaluable. We are called to recognize, honor, and imitate such people, allowing their lives to inspire us toward deeper devotion and service. [39:39]
5. Growth, Not Perfection, Is the Mark of a Healthy Church Paul’s final encouragement is not to “arrive” but to keep growing. The Christian life is a continual process of maintenance, repentance, and renewal. We are invited to lean on God’s grace, to keep striving, and to see every challenge as an opportunity to become more like Christ—both as individuals and as a church family. [41:27]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[01:10] - The Mission’s Garage Sale: Outreach and Opportunity
[04:30] - Praying and Participating in Community Impact
[06:15] - Wrapping Up 1 Corinthians: Learning from Corinth’s Struggles
[09:00] - “All Systems Go”: Moving Forward Despite Imperfection
[11:20] - Generosity with Money: Purposeful and Planned Giving
[15:32] - Personal and Proportional Generosity
[19:10] - The Heart of Generosity: Beyond Legalism
[22:19] - Practical Steps Toward Generosity
[24:53] - Evaluating Our Priorities: Time, Money, and Heart
[27:26] - Graciousness in Mission: Supporting the Broader Church
[33:34] - Grounded Ministry: Watchfulness, Strength, and Love
[36:00] - Faithful Models: Recognizing Everyday Saints
[39:39] - The Gift of Faithful Examples
[41:27] - Growth Over Perfection: Continuing the Journey

Bible Study Guide

Observation Questions

In 1 Corinthians 16:1-4, what instructions does Paul give the church about their giving? What are the key words or phrases that describe how their giving should be done?
According to verses 5-12, what reasons does Paul give for not visiting Corinth right away? How does he describe his priorities and the broader mission?
In verses 13-14, Paul gives a series of commands. What are they, and how do they relate to each other?
Who are Stephanas, Fortunatus, and Achaicus, and what does Paul say about them in verses 15-18? What does he want the church to do in response to their example? [39:39]

Interpretation Questions

Why does Paul emphasize that generosity is a matter of the heart rather than a set percentage or quota? How does this challenge common ideas about giving in the church? [19:10]
What does it mean for a church to be “gracious in mission,” and why might this require sacrificing personal preferences or comfort? [27:26]
Paul tells the church to “be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong,” but also to “let all you do be done in love.” How do strength and love work together in a healthy church? [33:34]
Why does Paul highlight ordinary, faithful people like Stephanas and his household? What role do such people play in the life of a church? [39:39]

Application Questions

The sermon described the Mission’s garage sale as more than a fundraiser—it’s an opportunity to show Christ’s love to thousands in our community. If you’re able to serve, donate, or pray, what is one specific way you can participate this year? If you’ve served before, what did you notice about the impact on guests and volunteers? [01:10]
Paul says our giving should be purposeful, planned, personal, and proportional. Take a look at your own giving—does it reflect these qualities? Is there an area (purpose, planning, personal involvement, or proportionality) where you feel challenged to grow? [15:32]
The sermon suggested that generosity is best measured not by how much we give, but by how much we keep for ourselves. How does this idea make you feel? Is there something you’re holding onto that God might be inviting you to share? [19:10]
Being gracious in mission sometimes means giving up our own preferences for the sake of the bigger picture. Can you think of a time when you had to defer your own desires for the good of the church or God’s mission? Was it difficult? What helped you do it? [27:26]
Paul calls us to be “watchful” and “stand firm in the faith.” Are there areas in your spiritual life or in our church where you feel we need to be more alert or grounded? What practical steps could you take to grow in spiritual maturity and resilience? [33:34]
The sermon encouraged us to recognize and honor “faithful models” in our midst. Who is someone in our church whose quiet faithfulness has impacted you? How could you encourage or thank them this week? [39:39]
Paul’s closing words remind us that growth, not perfection, is the goal. Is there an area in your life or in our church where you see progress, even if it’s not perfect? How can you celebrate that growth and keep moving forward? [41:27]

Sermon Clips

Be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong, and let all you do be done in love. Now, I'm always the sucker for a good, like, coach pep talk. Have you guys ever seen those, like, you know, in Miracle, or one of my favorites is in Remember the Titans, where he's like, they will not cross the line of scrimmage. I'm like, let's go! Like, this is great. And I kind of picture, like, that's what Paul is doing here. Like, hey, listen, be watchful. Stand firm in the faith. Act like men. Be strong, right? Let everything that you be doing be done in love. [00:33:46] (38 seconds) Edit Clip

At some point, can we rise to the church to be a rock with a lighthouse on it that says, hey, here's the truth. And that we can weather those crashing waves, not in our own strength, but in the grace of God. That we can be a support to those around us. That we can be a place of sanctuary for those who may be struggling. [00:36:35] (21 seconds) Edit Clip

Anyone who fits this model, they know they're not doing it for the accolades. They're not doing it for the gratitude. They're not doing it for the recognition. They know that's not what it's about. But these are the kind of people that Paul is saying is a gift to the church. They're a blessing. God's gracious gift of putting mature disciples in the midst to say, hey, look at them. [00:40:01] (25 seconds) Edit Clip

Are you someone who's generous with money? Are you gracious in mission? Are you grounded in the ministry that God has called you to? Are you someone who is gifted as a faithful model to those around you? And are you continually striving to grow in the Christian maturedness? Not arriving, but leaning on the grace of God. Leaning on His strength day in and day out. Not banking on your wits. Not banking on your wisdom. Not banking on your strength. But banking on the Lord. [00:41:40] (37 seconds) Edit Clip

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