Fueling the Church: Generosity, Direction, and Love
Summary
After nine months of journeying through 1 Corinthians, we arrive at the final chapter, reflecting on what it means to be a church that truly “fires on all cylinders.” The Corinthian church, much like many churches today, was enamored with outward appearances—flashy programs, impressive leaders, and a polished image. Yet, Paul’s letter exposes that what matters most is not the external shine, but what’s “under the hood”—the spiritual health, unity, and purpose of the church. The true measure of a church is not how it looks in the showroom, but how it moves people closer to Jesus in real life.
Paul’s closing words in chapter 16 call us to three essential practices. First, we are to “fill the tank” through generosity. Giving is not just a financial transaction; it is a spiritual discipline rooted in the resurrection of Christ. Because Jesus is alive and our future is secure, we are freed to give sacrificially, planning our generosity in proportion to how God has blessed us. This giving is not just for the needs within our own walls, but for the advancement of the gospel locally and globally, meeting urgent needs and supporting the mission of Christ.
Second, we are to “follow the owner’s manual.” Paul models an open-handed approach to life and ministry, making plans but always submitting them to the Lord’s will. He teaches us to be attentive to God’s leading, to seek wisdom in community, and to be watchful for doors of opportunity that God opens. Our plans must always be held loosely, with a readiness to move wherever God directs, trusting that His purposes are greater than our own.
Finally, once the tank is filled and the direction is set, we are called to “floor it”—to move forward with courage, love, and grace. Paul urges us to stand firm, act with strength, and let everything be done in love. The church is to be a place where love is tangible, where burdens are carried together, and where grace is the atmosphere we breathe. Our love for one another is to reflect the love Christ has shown us—unconditional, sacrificial, and forgiving. Only then will we be a church that not only looks good, but truly accomplishes the mission of moving people closer to Jesus.
Key Takeaways
- Generosity is the fuel for the church’s mission. True giving flows from a heart transformed by the resurrection, recognizing that everything we have is a gift from God. When we plan and prioritize our giving, we participate in God’s work, trusting that our investment in His kingdom is never in vain. [13:50]
- The resurrection of Jesus is not just a doctrine to affirm, but a reality that shapes every area of life—including our finances, our priorities, and our willingness to sacrifice for others. Our hope in eternity frees us to live generously and open-handedly in the present. [16:42]
- God’s direction for our lives and our church is discovered through humble dependence, prayer, and attentiveness to His Word. We are called to make wise plans, but always with the posture of “if the Lord permits,” seeking His will above our own and being ready to follow wherever He leads. [29:21]
- Love is the defining mark of a healthy church. We are called to love one another not according to how we have been loved by others, but according to how Christ has loved us—unconditionally and sacrificially. This kind of love requires humility, forgiveness, and a willingness to carry each other’s burdens. [38:07]
- Grace is the atmosphere in which the church thrives. The more deeply we understand God’s grace toward us, the more we will be moved to love, serve, and give. Grace transforms our relationships, our mission, and our witness to the world, making us a church that is both beautiful and effective in God’s hands. [34:27]
Youtube Chapters
[00:00] - Welcome
[01:10] - Reflecting on Our Journey Through 1 Corinthians
[03:45] - The Corinthian Church: Showroom vs. Street Performance
[05:18] - The Danger of Focusing on Externals
[09:18] - Filling the Tank: Generosity Fuels the Mission
[13:50] - Giving in Light of the Resurrection
[16:42] - Planned and Proportional Giving
[18:48] - Making Jesus First in Every Area
[20:55] - The Purpose of Giving: Advancing the Gospel
[25:17] - Following the Owner’s Manual: Open-Handed Living
[27:19] - Discerning God’s Direction and Opportunities
[30:45] - Seeking Wisdom and Community in Decision-Making
[32:40] - Trusting God’s Plans for the Future
[34:27] - Flooring It: Moving Forward with Love and Grace
[36:26] - The Depth of Christian Love
[38:07] - Living Out Grace and Becoming a Church on Mission
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide: Firing on All Cylinders (1 Corinthians 16)
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### Bible Reading
- 1 Corinthians 16:1-24
Paul’s final instructions to the Corinthian church, focusing on generosity, following God’s direction, and living out love and grace.
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### Observation Questions
1. According to Paul, what is the purpose of the collection he instructs the Corinthians to take up? Who is it for, and why is it needed? ([09:18])
2. What does Paul mean when he says giving should be “planned” and “in proportion” to how God has blessed each person? ([16:42])
3. In verses 5-9, how does Paul describe his plans to visit the Corinthians? What phrases show his attitude toward making plans? ([25:17])
4. What are the specific instructions Paul gives in verses 13-14 about how the church should act and treat one another? ([34:27])
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### Interpretation Questions
1. Why does Paul connect generosity and giving to the resurrection of Jesus? How does believing in the resurrection change the way someone might view their money and resources? ([13:50])
2. Paul repeatedly uses phrases like “if the Lord permits” and “when he has opportunity.” What does this reveal about how Christians should approach planning and decision-making? ([27:19])
3. Paul says, “Let all that you do be done in love.” What does it look like for a church to be defined by love, especially when people have differences or conflicts? ([36:26])
4. How does understanding God’s grace toward us affect the way we relate to others in the church and the way we serve? ([38:07])
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### Application Questions
1. Paul says that generosity is a spiritual discipline rooted in the resurrection. When you look at your own giving—of money, time, or talents—does it reflect trust in God’s promises for the future? What is one step you could take to make your giving more intentional or sacrificial? ([16:42])
2. The sermon challenged us to plan our giving and make Jesus “first” in our finances. If someone looked at your budget or spending, what would they say is most important to you? Is there a change you feel prompted to make? ([18:48])
3. Paul models an open-handed approach to life, always seeking God’s will above his own plans. Is there an area of your life where you are holding on tightly to your own plans? What would it look like to say, “if the Lord permits” in that area? ([29:21])
4. The church is called to be “watchful” for opportunities God is opening. Can you think of a recent opportunity—big or small—where you sensed God might be leading you? How did you respond? ([29:21])
5. Paul urges the church to “stand firm,” “be strong,” and “let all that you do be done in love.” Is there a relationship or situation in your life right now where it’s hard to act in love? What would it look like to love that person as Christ has loved you? ([36:26])
6. The sermon described grace as the “atmosphere” in which the church thrives. How deeply do you feel you understand God’s grace toward you? How does that understanding (or lack of it) affect the way you treat others in the church? ([38:07])
7. The Corinthian church was focused on looking good “in the showroom” but struggled “under the hood.” Are there areas in your spiritual life or in our church where we might be more concerned with appearances than with true spiritual health? What practical steps can we take to address what’s “under the hood”? ([05:18])
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Closing Prayer Suggestion:
Ask God to help your group be a church that is generous, open-handed, courageous, loving, and full of grace—moving people closer to Jesus in real life.
Devotional
Day 1: Generosity Fuels the Mission of the Church
True generosity is not just a suggestion but a command for every believer, rooted in the reality of Christ’s resurrection and the eternal hope we have in Him. When we give, we are not simply supporting programs or buildings, but we are investing in the advancement of the gospel and the care of those in need, both near and far. Paul reminds us that our giving should be personal, planned, and proportional to how God has blessed us, reflecting our gratitude for all He has done. As we fill the tank of the church with our resources, we trust that our labor in the Lord is never in vain and that God will use our gifts to move His mission forward. [13:50]
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: In what specific way can you plan and prioritize your giving this week so that your generosity reflects your trust in God’s provision and your commitment to His mission?
Day 2: Let God Set the Direction
Following God’s will means holding our plans with open hands, seeking His guidance in every decision, and being attentive to the doors He opens or closes. Paul models this by expressing his desires with humility—“if the Lord permits”—and by being watchful for opportunities God provides, rather than forcing his own agenda. As believers, we are called to consult God’s Word, dedicate ourselves to prayer, and seek wise counsel, allowing God to set the direction for our lives and our church. This posture of surrender ensures that we are not just pursuing what looks good to us, but what is truly pleasing to the Lord. [29:21]
1 Corinthians 16:5-9 (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."
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you need to pause and ask, “Lord, does this look good to You?” before moving forward with your own plans?
Day 3: Love One Another Deeply
The defining mark of a church that is firing on all cylinders is a community where love is not just spoken but lived out in tangible ways—caring, encouraging, forgiving, and serving one another as Christ has loved us. Paul emphasizes that our love should not be limited by how others have treated us, but should reflect the sacrificial, unconditional love that Jesus has shown to us. This kind of love builds unity, heals wounds, and demonstrates to the world the reality of Christ among us. Let your actions today be motivated by a love that goes beyond convenience or comfort, reaching out to others with the heart of Christ. [38:07]
John 13:34-35 (ESV)
"A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another."
Reflection: Who is one person in your church family you can intentionally encourage or serve today, demonstrating Christ-like love in action?
Day 4: Embrace God’s Grace in All Things
Understanding and embracing the grace of Jesus Christ is foundational to every aspect of our Christian life—our love, our giving, our service, and our mission. The more we grasp the depth of God’s grace toward us, the more we are compelled to extend that grace to others, to give generously, to serve joyfully, and to share the gospel boldly. Grace reminds us that all we have and all we are is a gift, and it fuels a life of gratitude and purpose. Let the grace of the Lord Jesus be with you in every thought, word, and deed today. [38:50]
2 Corinthians 12:9 (ESV)
"But he said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.' Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me."
Reflection: How can you let God’s grace shape your response to a challenge or weakness you are facing right now?
Day 5: Move People Closer to Jesus
The true purpose of the church is not to impress with outward appearances or programs, but to move people from where they are to a closer relationship with Jesus. This means focusing on what’s “under the hood”—the spiritual health, unity, and mission of the church—rather than being distracted by externals. Every believer is called to play a part in this mission, using their gifts, resources, and love to help others take their next step toward Christ. Ask God to show you how you can be part of moving someone closer to Him today, making the church not just beautiful in the showroom, but effective on the streets. [06:53]
Philippians 1:6 (ESV)
"And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ."
Reflection: What is one practical step you can take today to help someone in your life move closer to Jesus?
Quotes
Jesus did not find his end in the tomb. We will not find our end in the tomb. And that means that there's something more to this life than just the 70, 80, or 90 years we have on this earth. There is eternity to be planning for and to be working towards. [00:10:33] (18 seconds)
I've got plans, but God's got to guide my steps. Friends, if there's anything I could teach you with regards to making decisions in life, it is simply that. Would you allow yourself to make plans, but allow God to lead your steps? [00:28:45] (17 seconds)
Would you make plans, good and wise plans, but say, Lord, you've got to be in it. Lord, you've got to be a part of it. When a decision comes before you, especially the bigger decisions of life, would you pause and ask the question, not does this look good to me, or does this look good on paper? It's good that it looks good to you. It's good that it looks good on paper. But to then ask the question, Lord, does it look good to you? [00:29:02] (29 seconds)
Find out where God is working and meet him there. And that's what we need to do. Where is God at work? And can we meet God there? Are we on the lookout for the opportunities that God wants to lay before us? [00:30:27] (15 seconds)
You may have good reason why you don't love that person, but notice Jesus doesn't say you love that person to the level that they have loved you. He says I want you to love that person to the level that I've loved you, that I've demonstrated towards you. [00:37:31] (20 seconds)
The more we understand grace, the more we'll love. The more we understand grace, the more we'll evangelize. The more we understand grace, the more we will give. The more we will serve because we will recognize how truly far we were from salvation and the great depths that King Jesus went to set us free. [00:38:53] (22 seconds)
A church that fires on all cylinders. A church that loves one another. A church that serves one another. A church that is seen as a church of great generosity and care for the community around it. Then and only then will we be a church that's not only beautiful in the showroom but will do and accomplish what Christ wanted it to do. And that is to move people far from him closer to him each and every day. [00:39:35] (26 seconds)
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