Excelling in Giving, Following, and Unifying Together
Summary
In today's gathering, we reflected on the final chapter of 1 Corinthians, drawing parallels between Paul's closing instructions to the Corinthian church and the practical guidance we need in our own church community. As we conclude our series on 1 Corinthians, we are reminded of the importance of excelling in three key areas: giving, following, and unifying.
Firstly, we must excel in giving. Paul emphasizes the importance of intentional and selfless giving, urging the Corinthians to contribute to the relief effort for the church in Jerusalem. This act of generosity was not just a local responsibility but a collective effort across the Christian community. It serves as a reminder that our giving should be intentional, planned, and prioritized, reflecting our commitment to the work of the ministry and the needs of others.
Secondly, we must excel in following. Paul outlines his travel plans and highlights the importance of supporting and receiving godly leaders. He encourages the Corinthians to support leaders like Timothy and Apollos, emphasizing the need for unity and cooperation in the church. This teaches us the value of supporting our spiritual leaders and being open to the guidance they provide, recognizing the opportunities for ministry that God places before us.
Lastly, we must excel in unifying. Paul calls for unity in doctrine, love, service, and fellowship. He stresses the importance of standing firm in our faith, acting in love, serving one another, and fostering genuine fellowship. Unity is not about uniformity but about being aligned in our mission and purpose, focused on Christ as our common foundation.
As we move forward, let us embrace these instructions, striving to be a church that gives generously, follows faithfully, and unifies in love and purpose. May we continue to grow in our faith and knowledge of Jesus, supporting one another and advancing the kingdom of God.
Key Takeaways:
- Intentional Giving: Giving should be a deliberate and prioritized act, reflecting our commitment to the ministry and the needs of others. It is not about spontaneity but about planning and setting aside resources to support the work of God. This intentionality shows that we place God first in our lives, rather than offering Him our leftovers. [35:36]
- Supporting Leaders: We are called to support and receive our spiritual leaders with love and respect. This involves recognizing the opportunities for ministry and being open to the guidance and leadership that God places in our lives. Supporting our leaders is an act of worship and service to God. [42:41]
- Unity in Doctrine and Love: Standing firm in our faith and acting in love are essential for church unity. We must hold fast to the truth of Scripture and ensure that all our actions are rooted in love. This balance of truth and love is crucial for a healthy and unified church community. [53:14]
- Service and Fellowship: Being addicted to serving others and fostering genuine fellowship are vital aspects of church life. We should be eager to serve and support one another, creating a community that is refreshing and encouraging. This unity in service and fellowship strengthens the church and advances the kingdom of God. [55:21]
- Focus on Christ: True unity is achieved when we are all focused on Christ. By aligning ourselves with Jesus, we naturally align with one another, creating a strong and unified church. Our relationship with God is the foundation for our relationships with each other, ensuring that we are all working towards the same mission. [58:46]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [26:37] - The Story Behind "It Is Well"
- [27:41] - Instructions on Giving
- [28:32] - Paul's Travel Plans
- [30:06] - Prayer for Guidance
- [31:01] - Final Instructions to Corinth
- [32:06] - Review of 1 Corinthians
- [33:34] - Excelling in Giving
- [35:36] - Intentional and Selfless Giving
- [38:17] - Prioritizing God's Work
- [39:36] - Sacrificial Giving
- [40:44] - Excelling in Following
- [42:41] - Supporting Godly Leaders
- [45:10] - Receiving Leaders Graciously
- [46:43] - Avoiding Division
- [47:58] - Patience in Leadership
- [50:27] - Excelling in Unifying
- [51:55] - Unity in Doctrine
- [53:14] - Unity in Love
- [54:29] - Unity in Service
- [55:21] - Addicted to Ministry
- [56:40] - Unity in Fellowship
- [58:46] - Focus on Christ
- [59:38] - Paul's Closing Words
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
1 Corinthians 16:1-24
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Observation Questions:
1. What specific instructions does Paul give regarding the collection for the saints in Jerusalem? How does he suggest the Corinthians prepare for this collection? [27:41]
2. How does Paul describe his travel plans, and what does this reveal about his relationship with the Corinthian church? [28:32]
3. What are the four areas of unity that Paul emphasizes in his final instructions to the Corinthians? [51:55]
4. How does Paul instruct the Corinthians to treat Timothy, and what might this suggest about Timothy's role and character? [45:10]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. Why does Paul emphasize intentional and selfless giving, and how does this reflect the broader mission of the church? [35:36]
2. In what ways does Paul encourage the Corinthians to support and receive their spiritual leaders, and why is this important for church unity? [42:41]
3. How does Paul’s call for unity in doctrine, love, service, and fellowship challenge the Corinthians' previous behaviors and divisions? [53:14]
4. What does Paul mean when he says that unity is not about uniformity but about being aligned in mission and purpose? How does this apply to the church today? [58:46]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on your current approach to giving. How can you make your giving more intentional and prioritized, reflecting your commitment to the ministry and the needs of others? [35:36]
2. Consider the spiritual leaders in your life. How can you better support and receive them with love and respect? What practical steps can you take to show your appreciation and support? [42:41]
3. Think about a time when you experienced division within a church or community. How did it affect your faith and relationships? What steps can you take to promote unity in your current church community? [53:14]
4. Identify one area in your life where you can foster genuine fellowship and service. How can you become more "addicted" to serving others and creating a refreshing community? [55:21]
5. Reflect on your focus on Christ. Are there distractions in your life that prevent you from aligning with Jesus and, consequently, with others in your church? How can you minimize these distractions this week? [58:46]
6. How can you ensure that your actions and words are rooted in love, especially when dealing with disagreements or conflicts within the church? [53:14]
7. Consider the opportunities for ministry in your sphere of influence. Is there someone you can reach out to this week to share the gospel or offer support? What might be holding you back, and how can you overcome it? [42:41]
Devotional
Day 1: Intentional Giving Reflects Our Commitment
Intentional giving is a deliberate act that reflects our commitment to God's work and the needs of others. It is not about spontaneous generosity but about planning and setting aside resources to support the ministry. This approach to giving shows that we prioritize God in our lives, offering Him our best rather than our leftovers. Paul urged the Corinthians to contribute to the relief effort for the church in Jerusalem, emphasizing that this act of generosity was a collective responsibility across the Christian community. By being intentional in our giving, we align ourselves with God's mission and demonstrate our dedication to advancing His kingdom. [35:36]
"Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver." (2 Corinthians 9:7, ESV)
Reflection: Consider your current approach to giving. How can you plan and prioritize your resources to reflect a deeper commitment to God's work and the needs of others today?
Day 2: Supporting Leaders as an Act of Worship
Supporting and receiving spiritual leaders with love and respect is an essential aspect of church life. Paul highlighted the importance of supporting leaders like Timothy and Apollos, emphasizing unity and cooperation within the church. This support is not just about following orders but recognizing the opportunities for ministry and being open to the guidance that God places in our lives. By supporting our leaders, we engage in an act of worship and service to God, acknowledging the roles they play in guiding us spiritually. [42:41]
"Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they are keeping watch over your souls, as those who will have to give an account. Let them do this with joy and not with groaning, for that would be of no advantage to you." (Hebrews 13:17, ESV)
Reflection: Think of a spiritual leader in your life. How can you actively support and encourage them in their ministry this week?
Day 3: Unity in Doctrine and Love
Unity in the church is achieved by standing firm in our faith and acting in love. Paul calls for unity in doctrine, love, service, and fellowship, stressing that unity is not about uniformity but about being aligned in mission and purpose. Holding fast to the truth of Scripture and ensuring that all actions are rooted in love is crucial for a healthy and unified church community. This balance of truth and love strengthens the church and fosters genuine fellowship among believers. [53:14]
"Only let your manner of life be worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or am absent, I may hear of you that you are standing firm in one spirit, with one mind striving side by side for the faith of the gospel." (Philippians 1:27, ESV)
Reflection: Reflect on your interactions within the church. How can you contribute to unity by balancing truth and love in your relationships with others?
Day 4: Service and Fellowship Strengthen the Church
Being eager to serve others and fostering genuine fellowship are vital aspects of church life. Paul emphasizes the importance of serving one another and creating a community that is refreshing and encouraging. This unity in service and fellowship not only strengthens the church but also advances the kingdom of God. By being "addicted to ministry," we demonstrate our commitment to serving others and building a supportive and loving church community. [55:21]
"For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another." (Galatians 5:13, ESV)
Reflection: Identify one way you can serve someone in your church community this week. How can you foster genuine fellowship through this act of service?
Day 5: Focusing on Christ for True Unity
True unity in the church is achieved when all members focus on Christ. By aligning ourselves with Jesus, we naturally align with one another, creating a strong and unified church. Our relationship with God serves as the foundation for our relationships with each other, ensuring that we are all working towards the same mission. Paul reminds us that unity is not about uniformity but about being aligned in our mission and purpose, with Christ as our common foundation. [58:46]
"That they may all be one, just as you, Father, are in me, and I in you, that they also may be in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me." (John 17:21, ESV)
Reflection: Reflect on your personal relationship with Christ. How can focusing more on Jesus help you align with others in your church community to achieve true unity?
Quotes
We must excel at giving. Verse number one, Paul says, now concerning the collection for the saints, as I have given orders to the churches of Galatia, so you must do also. [00:33:34] (13 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
We as Christians are commanded to give to the work of the ministry, to give to those in need, to give to the furtherance of the gospel. [00:35:36] (8 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
The fact that you are intentional about your giving and setting aside something every single time you get a paycheck or every time God blesses you with something shows that you are prioritizing the work of the ministry and the kingdom of God. [00:38:17] (14 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
We are all about the same mission. We are all wanting the gospel to go forth throughout the world. We are all giving for the relief effort in Jerusalem. We are all hoping that the kingdom of God advances. [00:51:55] (13 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
We stand firm in unity on doctrine, but Paul also says to remain unified in love. [00:53:14] (7 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
Without love, we are nothing, church. We stand firm in unity in our doctrine. We stand unified in love, but we also stand unified in service. [00:54:29] (11 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
Unity in doctrine, unity in love, unity in service, and unity in fellowship. [00:59:38] (9 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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