1Co.12-1

We’ve made it. We’re in the final chapter of 1 Corinthians. We’ve followed Paul’s words to the fledgling church in Corinth. He’s had to correct a lot of self-centered behavior. He’s advocated for an others-centered life that chooses sacrifice over selfishness, and service over self-advancement. 

It’s been a tough journey. Paul hasn’t left many stones unturned. He’s addressed every issue in the church from sexual immorality to leadership battles to food choice. While much of 1 Corinthians feels like a drag through the mud, Paul isn’t going to leave the Corinthians there. He ends with a strong glimmer of hope. 

Chapter 16 shows how living selflessly affects a wide variety of people. When we put other Christians first, it inspires them to do the same—and that’s exactly what we see in this chapter. The people Paul has invested in are now giving themselves to Jesus, His mission, and His people. Paul invites the Corinthians—and us—to do the same.

Though this letter has been full of criticism and harsh rebuke, there’s still a way forward. The Corinthians aren’t stuck. They can turn away from selfishness and toward the life that Paul talked about throughout his letter.

And the same is true for us. We aren’t stuck. We have a way forward.

Settle in for a few minutes and read through 1 Corinthians 16. Then in your own words, write a couple of sentences summarizing how this chapter ends the book on a hopeful note.

1 Now regarding your question about the money being collected for God’s people in Jerusalem. You should follow the same procedure I gave to the churches in Galatia. 2 On the first day of each week, you should each put aside a portion of the money you have earned. Don’t wait until I get there and then try to collect it all at once. 3 When I come, I will write letters of recommendation for the messengers you choose to deliver your gift to Jerusalem. 4 And if it seems appropriate for me to go along, they can travel with me.

5 I am coming to visit you after I have been to Macedonia, for I am planning to travel through Macedonia. 6 Perhaps I will stay awhile with you, possibly all winter, and then you can send me on my way to my next destination. 7 This time I don’t want to make just a short visit and then go right on. I want to come and stay awhile, if the Lord will let me. 8 In the meantime, I will be staying here at Ephesus until the Festival of Pentecost. 9 There is a wide-open door for a great work here, although many oppose me.

10 When Timothy comes, don’t intimidate him. He is doing the Lord’s work, just as I am. 11 Don’t let anyone treat him with contempt. Send him on his way with your blessing when he returns to me. I expect him to come with the other believers.

12 Now about our brother Apollos—I urged him to visit you with the other believers, but he was not willing to go right now. He will see you later when he has the opportunity.

13 Be on guard. Stand firm in the faith. Be courageous. Be strong. 14 And do everything with love.

15 You know that Stephanas and his household were the first of the harvest of believers in Greece, and they are spending their lives in service to God’s people. I urge you, dear brothers and sisters, 16 to submit to them and others like them who serve with such devotion. 17 I am very glad that Stephanas, Fortunatus, and Achaicus have come here. They have been providing the help you weren’t here to give me. 18 They have been a wonderful encouragement to me, as they have been to you. You must show your appreciation to all who serve so well.

19 The churches here in the province of Asia send greetings in the Lord, as do Aquila and Priscilla and all the others who gather in their home for church meetings. 20 All the brothers and sisters here send greetings to you. Greet each other with a sacred kiss.

21 Here is my greeting in my own handwriting—Paul.

22 If anyone does not love the Lord, that person is cursed. Our Lord, come!

23 May the grace of the Lord Jesus be with you.

24 My love to all of you in Christ Jesus.

1 Corinthians 16 (NLT)

While the ending of 1 Corinthians might seem like a simple list of names and greetings, Paul’s words point to a deep truth about what it means to live an others-centered life. By greeting people and advising the Corinthians to do the same, Paul shows the impact the risky life can have on other people.

Living selflessly means we give up our finances for other people. It means we organize our time around serving other Christians. It means extending hospitality to Christians. It ultimately unifies us. It causes us to stand firm. It brings growth to the whole church.

It is important to put other people first. Paul always looked to the people he ministered to instead of himself. We can do the same.

As we move forward into our last week in 1 Corinthians, spend some time talking to God.

Write out a short prayer asking God to show you how you can invest in one other believer you know.

Pray for that person by name. Write down your prayer.

Pray for him or her throughout your day and pray the Spirit would show you one way to love that person this week.

When you’re done, share with the group briefly whether or not you have the one other believer God wants you to invest in or not, then ask the group to hold you accountable in what you would do to love that person this week.

Text your response to the above prompting questions to your group and/or share it as a comment below