INDUCTIVE LESSON SIXTEEN 1 Corinthians 16

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1 Studies in 1 Corinthians and Ephesians INDUCTIVE LESSON SIXTEEN 1 Corinthians 16 Paul s Epilogue Do you have a junk drawer in your house or garage? The junk drawer holds all of those practical odds and ends that are absolutely necessary but really don t fit with the items in the other areas of your house. The other drawers or chapters of 1 Corinthians are filled with a variety of Paul s teachings: disunity in the church and the need for unity and servant hood in the first four chapters; immorality in the church in chapters 5 6; marriage in the church in chapter 7; liberty in the church in chapters 8 10; worship in the church including the roles of men and women, the Lord s Supper, and Spiritual Gifts in chapters 11 14; and the resurrection in chapter 15. We find that it is only after Paul has put the house in spiritual order and re-set its spiritual compass, that he will go on to give the church her marching orders in chapter 16. In giving the Corinthians detailed instructions regarding taking a collection, Paul actually gives an additional proof for the resurrection of Christ on Easter Sunday. He tells them to take their collection on the first day of the week; that is, Sunday. Sunday worship is also seen in Acts 20:7 and Revelation 1:10 (John refers to Sunday as the Lord s Day). The change from Sabbath to Sunday for the day of worship is further proof for the resurrection. From Paul s instructions regarding the collection in the first four verses, we see that our giving should be regular and systematic and the church needs to be transparent in their stewardship of the collection. The collection taken mostly from Gentile churches in Asia to help a mostly Jewish church in Jerusalem enlarges the concept of the Body of the Church. One Body with many diverse members reaching out to the unsaved is the central concept behind Harvest Christian Fellowship s outreach program, Harvest America. As Paul lays out his plans for future ministry we can glean two principles. First, discipleship requires both quantity and quality time to be effective. Secondly, man proposes but God disposes, meaning that we should prayerfully plan our future but acknowledge that ultimately the future belongs to God. In a similar passage James writes we should acknowledge that our plans come to pass only if God wills (James 4:13 15). The Latin phrase Deo volente means God wills or God permits and is often found as the abbreviation DV on the bottom of documents from the early church to the present. Before Paul gives some personal remarks and his final salutation, he gives five short but essential and very powerful imperatives for the Corinthians to live by in 1 Corinthians 16: First we are told to be alert or watchful. This same word is used by Peter to alert us to be watchful because our adversary, the devil, seeks to devour us. The word alert is also used by Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane when He asked His disciples to keep watch and pray. Spiros Zodhiates defines the original Greek word for alert as mindfulness of threatening danger which keeps one from slackening in the energy of faith or conduct. 1 Secondly, we are told to stand fast in the faith. Paul uses the same word to encourage the Thessalonians (2 1

2 Thessalonians 2:15), to stand firm and hold to the teachings given to them. After I went surfing with a biologist friend, he showed me that if we moved slowly enough, the flock of shore birds would not recognize us as potential predators. Sure enough twenty-five minutes and fifty yards later we were in the middle of the flock. Unfortunately for the Corinthians, they were not watchful or standing firm in their teaching and therefore discord, immorality, and disgrace had infiltrated their flock. Thirdly, we are told to be brave (in the NKJV) while the Greek reads act like men or play the man. This may be a call for courage on our part or a call to maturity in Christ. Recall in 1 Corinthians 14:20, Paul admonished the Corinthians to stop thinking like children. Fourth, we are told to be strong. Before you pull out the weights and the protein shake this refers to inner strength and is actually a passive tense of the verb. This means literally for us to be strengthened by the Holy Spirit. If you want to see these first four commands modeled look to Eleazar and Shammah, two of David s Mighty Men of Valor. We see in 2 Samuel 23:9 12 how they recognized the enemy and held their ground even when the rest of Israel s troops retreated. These warriors stood firm and fought until their hand froze to the sword and in both battles the Lord brought about a great victory. Likewise we are to be alert and watchful, standing firm in our faith while allowing the Holy Spirit to give us strength and the Lord will bring about a great victory in our life. It is when we follow the first four imperatives of Paul and cover it all with agape love (Paul s fifth imperative) that we can truly become modern-day mighty men of valor. 1 Spiros Zodhiates The Complete Word Study New Testament AMG Publishers Chattanooga, TN 1992 pg. 900 Prayer Start by praying over the passage and asking the Holy Spirit to give you wisdom in understanding it, and then read through the entire passage two or three times. Study Text / Worksheet Write down your observations, comments, or questions directly on the text as you go over it. 1 Corinthians 16: Now concerning the collection for the saints, as I have given orders to the churches of Galatia, so you must do also: 2 On the first day of the week let each one of you lay something aside, storing up as he may prosper, that there be no collections when I come. 3 And when I come, whomever you approve by your letters I will send to bear your gift to Jerusalem. 4 But if it is fitting that I go also, they will go with me. 5 Now I will come to you when I pass through Macedonia (for I am passing through Macedonia). 6 And it may be that I will remain, or even spend the winter with you, that you may send me on my journey, wherever I go. 7 For I do not wish to see you now on the way; but I hope to stay a while with you, if the Lord permits. 8 But I will tarry in Ephesus until Pentecost. 9 For a great and effective door has opened to me, and 2

3 there are many adversaries. 10 And if Timothy comes, see that he may be with you without fear; for he does the work of the Lord, as I also do. 11 Therefore let no one despise him. But send him on his journey in peace, that he may come to me; for I am waiting for him with the brethren. 12 Now concerning our brother Apollos, I strongly urged him to come to you with the brethren, but he was quite unwilling to come at this time; however, he will come when he has a convenient time. 13 Watch, stand fast in the faith, be brave, be strong. 14 Let all that you do be done with love. 15 I urge you, brethren--you know the household of Stephanas, that it is the firstfruits of Achaia, and that they have devoted themselves to the ministry of the saints-16 that you also submit to such, and to everyone who works and labors with us. 17 I am glad about the coming of Stephanas, Fortunatus, and Achaicus, for what was lacking on your part they supplied. 18 For they refreshed my spirit and yours. Therefore acknowledge such men. 19 The churches of Asia greet you. Aquila and Priscilla greet you heartily in the Lord, with the church that is in their house. 20 All the brethren greet you. Greet one another with a holy kiss. 21 The salutation with my own hand--paul's.22 If anyone does not love the Lord Jesus Christ, let him be accursed. O Lord, come! 23 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. 24 My love be with you all in Christ Jesus. Amen. (NKJV) Observation 1. My Observations: In the left column write down observations you make directly from the text. Inductive tips (things to look for): a) What are the promises? b) What are the commands? c) What are the sources of conflict? d) What are the cause/effect relationships? e) What are the repeated words and ideas? f) What do we know about who is speaking and who is receiving the message? g) What comparisons and contrasts can you identify and what do they illustrate? h) Do you have unanswered questions on part of the passage? (Share them with your group.) 2. Digging Deeper: In the right column write down any additional observations you can add from other sources such as: a) other scriptures that apply (cross references) b) dictionaries for specific words (English or Greek dictionary) c) Bible dictionaries for historical information d) commentaries. See the Tool Box at the end of the study for suggested sources. 1 Corinthians 16:1 4 (The Collection) 3

4 My Observations Digging Deeper 1 Corinthians 16:5 18 (Paul s Plans and Requests) 1 Corinthians 16:19 24 (Final Greetings) Interpretation Webster tells us that interpret means to explain the meaning or make understandable. What is the spiritual truth or lesson that God is trying to teach in this passage? Don t isolate the passage but read into it and read out of it. Look for commands, imperatives, promises, or warnings. What is God saying to those people at that time? You will share what God is saying to you in the next section. State the spiritual truth or lesson in a single sentence. Application 4

5 This is where you purpose to do what God has taught you in your time with Him. It is through applying the Word that God changes lives. Application does not happen by osmosis but by intent. God enlightens us with His Word, we apply what we ve learned with our wills, and the Holy Spirit empowers us to carry out these choices. The goal of all application is to glorify God by becoming more like Jesus. 2 Timothy 3:16 says, All scripture is inspired by God and is profitable for... Teaching: What did I learn? Reproof: Where do I fall short? Why do I fall short? Correction: What will I do about it? Training in righteousness: How can I make this principle a consistent part of my life? 1 Corinthians 16:1 4: Interpretation: Application: 1 Corinthians 16:5 18: Interpretation: Application: 1 Corinthians 16:19 24 Interpretation: Application: Take Away / Summary 5

6 If one of your friends at work or a neighbor were to ask you what you did last night, you would tell them you went to a Bible Study. The next question would likely be, What did you learn? We often summarize an entire athletic contest or a movie in a few brief sentences and easily convey the essence of the event. Now apply these same skills to give a summary of the passage in a sentence or two. Then, in an additional sentence or two describe what impact this passage will have on how you live. Memory Verse Watch, stand fast in the faith, be brave, be strong. 14 Let all that you do be done with love. 1 Corinthians 16:13 14 Key Words / Phrases Write out the definition of these key words. You can use a regular dictionary or go to one of the Greek sources listed in the Tool Box at the end of the study. You may also use a concordance to see where else and how the word is used in the Bible. Adversaries (1 Corinthians 16:9): Devoted (1 Corinthians 16:15): Tool Box 6

7 Step 1: The Bible. Read the passage in a couple of different versions. If you are having trouble understanding a passage, choose one of the versions lower in order on this list of translations. The translations listed at the top are the most accurate or literal while the ones towards the bottom are more readable. Word for Word Translations NASB New American Standard Version American-Bible-NASB/ AMP-Amplified Bible ESV- English Standard Version KJV King James Version Bible/ NKJV New King James Version Version-NKJV-Bible/ NIV New International Version Thought for Thought Translations NLT New Living Translation The Message Step 2: Study Tools. Use these to help you dig deeper. Background Information: 1) Unger s Bible Dictionary 2) Bible Dictionaries online at biblestudytools.com and blueletterbible.com Word Studies: 1) Zodhiates s The Complete Word Study New Testament 2) Vine s Complete Expository Dictionary 3) Strong s Dictionary of Bible Words 4) The two websites listed above Step 3: Commentaries. Do not use in place of studying God s Word directly, but they can give you additional insights. Listed by author: John MacArthur, H.A. Ironsides, J. Vernon McGee, F.F. Bruce, Charles Hodge, William Barclay (great for background and culture but be careful of his spiritual applications), Craig Blomberg (NIV Application Commentary), Alan Redpath, Leon Morris Step 4: For Further Study: If you found this study truly engaging or convicting and want to read further on the issues covered in the reading a suggested book is: The Royal Route To Heaven by Alan Redpath Calvary Chapel Publishing, Santa Ana California Mark Newton. All rights reserved. Express permission granted for use and reproduction by Harvest Christian Fellowship, Riverside, CA. Message Notes: 7

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