May 9, 2015
Today’s reading from Encounter with God

Practical Loose Ends

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Opening Prayer

Holy One, I am reminded again that You are God and I am not. Help me to get over myself. I offer my praise to You.

Read 1 CORINTHIANS 16:1-24

[1] Now about the collection for the Lord’s people: Do what I told the Galatian churches to do. [2] On the first day of every week, each one of you should set aside a sum of money in keeping with your income, saving it up, so that when I come no collections will have to be made. [3] Then, when I arrive, I will give letters of introduction to the men you approve and send them with your gift to Jerusalem. [4] If it seems advisable for me to go also, they will accompany me. [5] After I go through Macedonia, I will come to you-for I will be going through Macedonia. [6] Perhaps I will stay with you for a while, or even spend the winter, so that you can help me on my journey, wherever I go. [7] For I do not want to see you now and make only a passing visit; I hope to spend some time with you, if the Lord permits. [8] But I will stay on at Ephesus until Pentecost, [9] because a great door for effective work has opened to me, and there are many who oppose me. [10] When Timothy comes, see to it that he has nothing to fear while he is with you, for he is carrying on the work of the Lord, just as I am. [11] No one, then, should treat him with contempt. Send him on his way in peace so that he may return to me. I am expecting him along with the brothers. [12] Now about our brother Apollos: I strongly urged him to go to you with the brothers. He was quite unwilling to go now, but he will go when he has the opportunity. [13] Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong. [14] Do everything in love. [15] You know that the household of Stephanas were the first converts in Achaia, and they have devoted themselves to the service of the Lord’s people. I urge you, brothers and sisters, [16] to submit to such people and to everyone who joins in the work and labors at it. [17] I was glad when Stephanas, Fortunatus and Achaicus arrived, because they have supplied what was lacking from you. [18] For they refreshed my spirit and yours also. Such men deserve recognition. [19] The churches in the province of Asia send you greetings. Aquila and Priscilla greet you warmly in the Lord, and so does the church that meets at their house. [20] All the brothers and sisters here send you greetings. Greet one another with a holy kiss. [21] I, Paul, write this greeting in my own hand. [22] If anyone does not love the Lord, let that person be cursed! Come, Lord! [23] The grace of the Lord Jesus be with you. [24] My love to all of you in Christ Jesus. Amen.

Scripture taken from the THE HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION, NIV Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

Reflect

Paul ends most of his letters by referring to the “grace of the Lord Jesus” (26). Reflect on what it means for you to have received Christ’s grace.

In this chapter we have Paul dealing with practical loose ends. These are important, as they demonstrate Paul’s heart for the Christian community both locally in Corinth and in the wider church.

He begins with instructions for the “collection for the Lord’s people” (1). This was extremely important to Paul (cf. 2 Cor. 8 and 9) as an indication that the Christian family crossed ethnic divides, particularly that between Jew and Gentile, and as a sign of unity between them (Eph. 2:14). Paul provides instructions for giving (2), and two things are worthy of note: Sunday has already become a special focus for the Christians, and Paul does not specify an amount (i.e., 10 percent); rather, the gift is to be in relation to their income. Paul instructs that “each” should give, with the implication that those earning more should give more as a percentage of their income. What lessons do those of us living in more affluent societies need to learn here? It might not be comfortable, but according to Paul’s instructions, are we giving enough?

Paul then gives details of his plans for travel (5-9), where it is clear that, for Paul, quantity and quality of time matter, because training in discipleship takes both. These verses also remind us that the church faces, and will always face, both great opportunities and great opposition (9). We then see Paul’s pastoral heart as he lists his concerns and his thanks for various individuals who have shared in his ministry. For whom do you have concerns? Who has refreshed your spirit (18)? Let’s pray for, and give thanks for, these people.

Apply

Whose spirit can you refresh? Write a note (or e-mail) of encouragement or appreciation.

Closing prayer

Father God, it is an immense privilege to belong to the Body of Christ. I thank You for the love and support I have experienced on my faith journey.

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